Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Size, Share and Trends 2026 to 2035

Revenue, 2025

USD 21.26 Bn

Forecast Year, 2035

USD 42.66 Bn

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

7.21%

Report Coverage

Global

What is the Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Size?

The global modified atmosphere packaging market size is calculated at USD 21.26 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 22.82 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 42.66 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 7.21% from 2026 to 2035.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging Key Takeaways

• Europe dominated the modified atmosphere packaging market with the largest market share of 34% in 2025.
• North America is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the studied period.
• By material, the plastic material segment dominated the market in 2025.
• By material, the other material segment is expected to witness moderate growth over the forecast period.
• By product type, the films and liners segment contributed the highest market share of 52% in 2025.
• By product type, the trays segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
• By end use, the food segment led the global market in 2025.
• By end use, the healthcare segment is expected to experience the fastest growth over the projected period.

Market Overview

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a method to extend the shelf life of food products. The modified atmosphere packaging market is advantageous for delaying the primary state of food without manipulating the atmospheric temperature or exposing it to chemical substances, like dehydration, freezing, and others. MAP decreases the speed of the aging process of the product, safeguards a food from deterioration, and prolongs its shelf life. MAP trays, liners, and filters are being increasingly utilized in the food sector to strengthen the market share.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Modified Atmospheric Packaging Market

Artificial Intelligence is playing a significant role in changing the modified atmosphere packaging market. AI-driven algorithms enable accurate gas composition control, improving the efficiency of packaging in maintaining the quality and freshness of the food product. Furthermore, AI optimizes production lines, reduces human error, and decreases overall labor costs, which in turn leads to enhanced operational efficiency.

• In February 2025, SARO launched the Robotic Depalletization System, an AI-powered solution to enhance efficiency and safety in e-commerce fulfillment and warehousing operations. The system is integrated with OSARO SightWorks Perception Software, which empowers the robot to identify and handle packages of various sizes and materials, often stacked irregularly on mixed-case pallets.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Growth Factors

• The increasing shift towards convenient and easy-to-handle packaging solutions is expected to boost modified atmosphere packaging market growth soon.
• The ongoing introduction of novel sustainable materials like recycled paper and bio-degradable packaging can propel market growth shortly.
• Growth in the meat packaging industry will likely contribute to the market expansion further.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Increasing demand for longer shelf life

The products that are packaged in a protective manner spoil at a much lower rate than other products. In such cases, the modified atmosphere packaging market can substantially improve the shelf life and freshness of the food products. In addition, this type of packaging products keeps product quality for a longer period to ensure the best condition of the product when it reaches the customer. The latest trends, such as cutting trays for packaged foods, are becoming mainstream.

• In April 2025, Flexible packaging company ProAmpac collaborated with Sammi to launch a fiber-based modified atmosphere sandwich pack (MAP) created to extend shelf-life and minimize food spoilage costs. The ProAmpac RAP Sandwich Wedge incorporates a carton board structure with a thin transparent film liner meant to optimize product preservation and visibility.

Restraint

Use of alternative preservation methods

The increasing utilization of alternative preservation techniques due to high upfront cost costs associated with the MAP can hinder the modified atmosphere packaging market growth. The investment needed for gases, gas packaging machinery, and packaging material is very high. Moreover, the transport cost also rose because of the increased packaging volume, which shortly hampered market growth. In MAP packaging, bacteria can grow continuously in hotter temperatures.

Opportunity

Growing demand for ready-to-eat food items

There is a surge in demand for ready-to-eat food products in the modified atmosphere packaging market. The majority of the population in developing countries like China and India comprises a high number of adults and youngsters, which positively impacts the growing demand for convenient food products. Furthermore, the young population is the main target for ready-to-eat food manufacturing companies due to the convenience offered by these products.

• In June 2025, SEE announced the launch of three groundbreaking skin packaging top webs designed to set new standards in packaging efficiency and performance. The introduction of these high-performance, cost-effective solutions marks a major milestone in SEE's commitment to transforming the packaging industry.

Segment Insights

Material Insights

The plastic material segment dominated the modified atmosphere packaging market in 2024. The dominance of the segment can be attributed to the features offered by plastic over other packaging materials, such as excellent barrier properties to protect the food from oxygen, moisture, or other gases that can potentially lead to discoloration or spoilage of food products. Additionally, plastic is compatible with many food products and gases, preventing spoilage further. This material is also a key option for MAP because of its cost-effectiveness.

The other material segment is expected to witness moderate growth in the modified atmosphere packaging market over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be linked to the increasing environmental concerns and the latest sustainability trends. Also, the paperboard packaging is perceived as more environmentally friendly and natural as it carries a 'greener' image. Paperboard material also has a low carbon footprint.

Product Insights

The films and liners segment led the modified atmosphere packaging market in 2024. The dominance of the segment can be credited to the increasing use of films and liners in the packaging of ready-to-eat meals and food products. It is also important for prolonging the shelf life of food products. However, films and liners improve the appearance of processed and fresh food products and remain fog-free during refrigeration.

The trays segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the modified atmosphere packaging market over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be driven by the growing use of MAP trays in packaging, preserving, and prolonging the shelf life of seafood, meat, and other types of meals. Additionally, market players are increasingly investing and innovating in R&D to create enhanced MAP tray solutions. Advancements in technology are facilitating the development of cost-effective tray solutions.

• In March 2025, Aptar Food Protection was granted the North American license to manufacture and distribute the Halopack Tray system, created to enhance packaging sustainability for a wide variety of fresh, frozen food, reheatable, grab-and-go, and oven-able food applications.

End Use Insights

• In 2025, the food segment led the global modified atmosphere packaging market. The dominance of the segment is owing to the increasing consumption of seafood, meat, and ready-to-eat meals among the majority of the working population across the globe. The use of MAP for the packaging of food maintains its quality and freshness by keeping its taste, texture, and appearance, leading to further segment growth.
• In April 2025, Klockner Pentaplast (kp) released the first food packaging tray composed entirely of recycled tray material, utilizing its Tray2Tray closed-loop initiative to recover PET waste. Tray2Tray involves the recovery of used food trays, which are then recycled back into more food trays.

The healthcare segment is expected to experience the fastest growth in the modified atmosphere packaging market over the projected period. The growth of the segment is due to the rising use of MAP to keep the authentic quality of medical devices and pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, the MAP trays can be used to carry and preserve critical pharmaceutical formulations in a convenient and safe manner. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are also demanding this packaging solution for the convenience it offers.

Regional Insights

What is the Europe Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Size?

The Europe-modified atmosphere packaging market size was exhibited at USD 7.23 billion in 2025 and is projected to be worth around USD 14.77 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.40% from 2026 to 2035.

Europe dominated the modified atmosphere packaging market in 2025. The dominance of the region can be attributed to the rising investments in R&D activities by market players along with the surge in demand for packaged food products in the region. Furthermore, in Europe, the modified atmospheric conditions are ongoing trends in the storing and packaging of all sorts of food products. The surge in production and export of products like beef and pork aids market growth in the region.

North America is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the modified atmosphere packaging market over the studied period. The growth of the region can be linked to the increase in demand for frozen, packaged, and on-the-go food products in the country like the U.S. Moreover, the United States has a substantial amount of food waste because of inconvenient packaging along the supply chain. Which in turn results in the increasing adoption of these packaging solutions.

• In June 2025, A global manufacturer in flexible packaging and material science, ProAmpac, announced the launch of its innovative and new fiber-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) RAP Sandwich Wedge. The product is launched in the North American market, especially for sandwiches and wraps.

The accelerated expansion of the modified atmosphere packaging market is mainly stimulated by the growing middle-class populace and their increasing income levels in the Asia Pacific. Consumers in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam are more inclined towards new shopping channels and demand for food products that are more reliable in terms of freshness and quality. To cope with these changing consumer habits, food manufacturers are adopting new modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) techniques to better protect their products.

The escalating fresh food e-commerce in China has intensified the growth of China's demand for MAP. There is greater demand for atmosphere packaging that allows fresh produce, seafood, dairy, and other similar products to stay fresh and tasty for a longer period. Additionally, the Chinese government's actions to tackle food waste and to develop cold chain logistics are supporting the growth of MAP foods.

What are the Key Trends in the Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market in Latin America?

Latin America's growth is driven by the rising demand for fresh produce, dairy, meat, seafood, and bakery items with extended shelf life. There is also an increasing preference for packaged and ready-to-consume food, which is supporting market adoption. Packaging manufacturers are increasingly investing in advanced barrier films, biodegradable materials, and intelligent sensors in order to improve product quality.

Government regulations promoting food safety and rising demand from retail and foodservice sectors will further boost adoption.

Brazil Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Trends: The country's expanding middle-class population, coupled with a high demand for convenience foods, is leading to market growth. Over the coming years, the regional market is expected to have high growth potential, driven by increased consumer awareness of food safety and the need to reduce food waste.

How is the Middle East and Africa growing in the Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market?

The Middle East and Africa are expected to witness steady growth in the market. This growth is driven by increasing demand for packaged food products, influenced by changing consumer habits and urbanization. Additionally, the region's growing food processing industry is expected to boost the adoption of MAP solutions. Regulatory initiatives aimed at improving food safety standards are also gaining traction, contributing to market growth and creating favorable investment options.

Countries such as South Africa and the UAE are leading players in the market as there is an increasing focus on innovation and quality. As the region continues to develop, the region is likely to attract more investments and partnerships in the upcoming years.

Saudi Arabia Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Trends: The region's demand for MAP is driven by preserving fresh produce in hot climates. As the region experiences economic growth and changing dietary preferences, the demand is expected to rise, with an emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable packaging materials.

Value Chain Analysis of the Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market

• Material Sourcing:Raw material for this market centers around high-barrier packaging films, trays, and industrial gases. Core materials include PET, PP, PE, EVOH, and nylon, with suppliers focusing on food-grade certification.
  Key Players: Amcor, Sealed Air, Berry Global
• Manufacturing Process:The manufacturing process deals with film extrusion, lamination, thermoforming, and tray sealing, integrated with gas flushing or gas replacement systems. Quality control ensures seal integrity, leak detection, and shelf life validation.
  Key Players: Multivac, Tetra Pak, IMA Group
• Distribution Process:These solutions are deployed across fresh meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, bakery, fresh produce, and other ready-to-eat food segments. End users include food processors, meat packers, retailers, and private label manufacturers.
  Key Players: Tyson Foods, Danone, Nestle

Top 5 Packaging Companies in the U.S. by 2023 Revenue

Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Companies

• Amcor Plc. Linde AG
• Sealed Air Corporation
• Praxair Inc.
• Berry Global Inc.
• Multisorb Technologies Inc.
• Robert Reiser & Co. Inc.
• Air Products and Chemicals Inc.
• StePac Inc.
• Mondi Group.

Latest Announcement by Market Leaders

• In November 2024, Amcor plc and Berry Global Group, Inc. ("Berry") announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement, under which Amcor and Berry will combine in an all-stock transaction. The combination brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a global leader in consumer packaging solutions.
• In October 2024, Mondi announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire the German, Benelux, and UK corrugated converting and solid board operations of Schumacher Packaging. The recycled corrugated case material mill Cartiere Modesto Cardella near Lucca, Italy, and the Nyrsko site in the Czech Republic are not affected by the transaction.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Material

• Plastic
  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polyamide (PA)
  • Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH)
  • Others
• Others

By Product Type

• Films and Liners
• Trays
• Bags and Pouches
• Boxes and Containers
• Others

By End-Use

• Food
• Meat & Seafood
• Ready-to-eat meals
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Dairy Products
• Bakery & Confectionery
• Others
• Healthcare
• Others

By Geography

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