Food Packaging Market Driven by Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Material Trends

Food Packaging Market Size and Forecast 2025 to 2034

The global food packaging market size was valued at USD 398.5 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 421.6 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 718.29 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 6.06% from 2025 to 2034

Food Packaging Market Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific dominated food packaging market with the largest market share of 38% in 2024.
• By material, the paper and paper-based material segment is expected to generate the major market share in 2024.
• By application, the bakery and confectionery products segment held the largest market share in 2024.
  

Asia Pacific Food Packaging Market Size and Growth 2025 to 2034

The Asia Pacific food packaging market size was valued at USD 152.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 282.22 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.36% from 2025 to 2034.

The Asia Pacific estimated to be the dominant market, followed by North America and Europe, accounting for around 38% of the total value share in the year 204. The market analyzed to be driven by rising per capital income, increasing population, and growing demand in emerging countries such as Japan, China, and India.

China is the largest consumer of packaged food because of its growing economy and large population base. The market in China expected to flourish at a prominent rate due to its intensifying middle-class population along with their rising purchasing power. Among other Asian countries, India is the fastest growing market in consequence of increasing usage of the products in retail chains.

The strategic initiatives adopted by key players, such as acquisitions, partnerships, and new product launches, are expected to drive the growth of food packaging market during the forecast period. For instance, In July 2025, INEOS Styrolution launched bio-attributed polystyrene for food packaging. INEOS Styrolution has successfully commercialized its 100% bio-attributed polystyrene, Styrolution PS 158K BC100. The new material is produced from 100% bio-attributed renewable feedstock, achieving a 172% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional polystyrene. Food trays made with Styrolution PS 158K BC100 are available on the shelves at a leading Japanese retail chain.

• For instance, in May 2025, Pepcom India, a Kolkata-based startup, announced the replacement of more than six million single-use plastic containers used for packaging with eco-friendly, paper-based alternatives. The transformation resulted in prevention of 200 tonnes of plastic waste from reaching Indian landfills. 

On the contrary, high rate of consumption of packaged food by consumers, thriving retail sector, as well as the presence of large number of manufacturers are the key factors projected to propel the demand for food packaging solutions in North America. Despite of high saturation level, Europe predicted to register a positive outlook over the analysis period. Single market policy within European countries allows free-trade that expected to encourage exports, consequently fuels the market growth.

•  For instance, in April 2025, Elopak, a Norwegian packaging company specializing in production of cartons for liquid food products like milk and juice, opened its first carton production plant in U.S.

Food Packaging Market Growth Factors

Rising demand for packaged food by consumers due to fast lifestyle along with changing eating habits expected to impact positively on the market. The product provides stable and extended shelf-life, safety, and high barrier properties, thereby propelling the market growth. Factors such as convenience along with use of high-performance material are further expected to aid towards the growth of the food packaging industry. Improved shelf-life along with increased efficiency in the prevention of content from contamination predicted to boost the growth of the market in the coming years. In addition, factors such as rising disposable income, increasing population, and shrinking households have also influenced positively on the market.

Moreover, the bargaining power of buyers projected to remain high during the analysis period. The industry is considered by the presence of large number of buyers that anticipated to fuel over the forecast period. Additionally, buyers seek for customized and innovative solutions for their products as well as exhibit high levels of price sensitivity together with frequent possibility for material substitution.

Besides this, the market analyzed to remain highly regulated with agencies such as the European Commission and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) imposing strict regulations pertaining use of food contact materials and food packaging types. Furthermore, the market trend is inclined toward more sustainable packing solutions that include thermoplastics and bio-based plastics that further poised to spur the market growth.

Food Packaging Market Trends

• Increased emphasis on using biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials for meeting sustainability initiatives reducing packaging waste.
• Utilizing smart packaging solutions like QR codes and RFID tags for enhancing traceability and engagement of customers through digital interactions.
• Adding tamper-evident packaging features like indicators and seals for ensuring product safety and integrity, thereby preventing unauthorized access, contamination or alteration.
• Advanced technologies like Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) for extending shelf life and preserving food product quality.
• Implementing transparent and concise labelling practices for effective communication of product information and ingredients.

Market Scope

Material Insights

The paper and paper-based material segment led the global food packaging market and accounted for a value share in 2024. Growth of this segment is attributed to high adoption rate of the product in a bid to substitute non-biodegradable packing solutions. Ease of printability, innovations in design, and sustainability provide paper packaging a competitive advantage over other materials such as plastic and metal packaging solutions.

According to an article published by the IBEF in March 2024, the paper packaging industry significantly contributes to the growth of India’s economy. India currently stands as the 15th largest paper manufacturer globally and comprises more than 600 paper mills, contributing significantly to the emerging economy. India's paper packaging industry is increasing its presence in export markets, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Export of paper, paperboard, and newsprint has increased almost 3 times from 532.7 thousand tonnes in 2010-11 to 1,560.2 thousand tonnes in 2023-24.

On the other side, plastic food packaging anticipated to witness considerable growth owing to increasing adoption by end users because of its low price. Further, increasing usage of plastic films in secondary food packaging expected to have a positive impact on the market. Superior properties provided by plastic packaging that include high moisture barrier and increased sealing capacity is presumed to boost the product demand over the coming years.

In January 2025, Cadbury launched 80% recycled plastic packaging. MondelÄ“z International is rolling out 80% certified recycled plastic packaging for Cadbury sharing bars sold in the British Isles. MondelÄ“z collaborated with Amcor and Jindal Films to develop the new packaging, which is recycle-ready and incorporates Amcor’s AmFiniti recycled plastic. The 80% recycled packaging positions the brand well in a regulatory environment that’s encouraging recycling and recycled content via rules like the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Application Insights

Bakery and confectionery products generally require high moisture barrier packaging so as to extend their shelf life. Flexible packaging is increasingly used for the bakery & confectionary application because of its advantages that include printability, lightweight, and cost-effectiveness over paper cartons and tins. Furthermore, attractive packing of confectionery products witnessed to boost the growth of the segment over the analysis period.

Increasing consumer inclination toward dairy products in smaller packs owing to shrinking households anticipated to augment the market growth. Further, adoption of attractive food packaging strategies by manufacturers is also intended to boost the growth of the segment. The rising demand for dairy products that include ice cream and yogurt considered to flourish the market growth for food packaging solutions in dairy products application.

Food Packaging Market Companies

• Berry Plastics Group
• Amcor Plc
• Sigma Plastics Group
• Sealed Air Corporation
• DS Smith PLC
• American Eagle Packaging
• Ball Corporation
• Crown Holdings, Inc.
• Huhtamaki Oyj.
• Ardagh Group

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, Kapag's innovative Changemaker concept uses Sappi's premium materials to create exceptional barrier packaging. This groundbreaking solution, developed by Kapag, combines Sappi's premium Algro Design paperboard or Fusion Topliner with AvantGuard functional barrier paper to deliver a 100% paper-based, mono-material, recyclable solution for food products that eliminates the need for plastic-based alternatives.
• In May 2025, Metsä Group and Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced a strategic collaboration to develop three-dimensional moulded fibre packaging solutions with lidding and liner for a variety of food applications. The collaboration aims to leverage both companies' expertise in innovative packaging technologies to create cycle-ready products that meet the growing demand for sustainable alternatives.
• In April 2025, Packaging film supplier SÜDPACK, food service company Werz, and BASF Gastronomie collaborated to utilize BASF’s polyamide Ultramid Cycled material for meat and sausage packaging in the hotel, restaurant, and catering sector.
• In May 2025, Hotpack, the UAE-based food packaging company, expanded its presence in North America with an investment of $100 million by inaugurating a manufacturing and distribution hub in New Jersey.
• In April 2025, Amcor, a globally leading developer and producer of responsible packaging solutions, collaborated with Riverside Natural Foods, a major certified organic snack producer for launching MadeGood Trail Mix bars. The bars are packed Amcor’s AmFiber, a paper-based packaging laminate manufactured with FSC-certified (C206475) fiber, offering curbside recyclability without compromising package performance.
• In October 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted a research funding to a team of researchers from the Michigan State University’s (MSU) School of Packaging for producing environmentally less-impacting packaging solutions as alternatives to non-biodegradable and single-use options. The grant was provided through EPA’s People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Program. 

Segments Covered in the Report

By Material

• Plastics
• Paper & Paper-based
• Glass
• Metal
• Others

By Type

• Semi-rigid
• Rigid
• Flexible

By Application

• Dairy Products
• Bakery & Confectionary
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Sauces & Dressings
• Meat, Poultry, & Seafood
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa