Meat Packaging Market

Key Points Covered in Meat Packaging Market Survey

• Market estimates and forecast 2016-2031
• Key drivers and restraints impacting market growth
• Segment-wise, Country-wise, and Region-wise Analysis
• Competition Mapping and Benchmarking
• Brand share and Market Share Analysis
• Key Product Innovations and Regulatory Climate
• COVID-19 Impact on Meat Packaging Market and How to Navigate
• Recommendation on Key Winning Strategies

2016-2020 Meat Packaging Market Outlook Compared to 2021-2031 Forecast

Driven by increasing consumption of meat across the world, the meat packaging market will rise at 4.7% CAGR between 2021 and 2031 in comparison to the 2.9% CAGR registered during 2016-2020.

Flexible packaging formats are utilized for meat packaging. Consequently, plastic films play a significant role in meeting the needs for packaging meat products. Barrier films offer protection to meat products from dust, moisture, while preserving product freshness for extended durations. This also inhibits perishable foods from becoming stale. 

High-barrier films and associated packaging standards such as modified atmosphere pressure and vacuum equipped technology allow co-packers, retailers, and meat processors to prolong the shelf life of meat products by nearly 10 times.

Barrier films further enhance the visible presentation of meat products, which in turn draws customers’ attention, improving the overall sales prospects. 

Modified atmosphere packaging technology is anticipated to reinforce the demand for moisture-free meat packaging and is presumed to expand at a CAGR of 5.4% by 2031.

Globally, beef and poultry are broadly favored by customers and hence, beef and poultry is foreseen to generate a combined incremental opportunity of US$ 2,674 Mn by the forecast period.

Ready-to-eat meat has registered accelerated growth in emerging economies owing to a growing inclination for non-locally produced meat.

With speedy urbanization, diverse consumers from developing countries are turned towards packaged meat products due to time restraints. Consequently, it is an excellent possibility for global players to customize their product portfolio in order to expand and rethink their marketing tactics to tap into the meat packaging market.

Download a Comprehensive Report Snapshot

Will Meat Packaging Get More Sustainable with the Use of Bio-Based Materials?

Several companies have already chosen sustainable solutions for meat packaging. However, a few players continue supporting meticulous research and development to fulfil sustainability objectives.

With compression molding techniques, PLA (Polylactic Acid) composite films find application with copper-silver nano-particles and cinnamon essential oils in the polymer segment. This research-based technology inhibits bacteria and pathogenic deterioration of poultry products.

The shifting demand for the utilization of bio-based elements for meat packaging as an alternative to toxic plastic is creating new growth opportunities in the market. Stringent government regulations due to increasing environmental concerns have paved way for the producers of meat packaging, leading them towards innovation.

Therefore, materials such as (bio-based plastics) are anticipated to create an incremental opportunity of US$ 60.7 Mn by the end of 2031.

How will COVID-19 Impact Affect Meat Packaging Market Outlook?

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic had a notable impact on the growth of the global meat packaging market.

The outbreak of pandemic has resulted in an increased sales of processed food and beverages, as both business entities and consumers follow social distancing guidelines to restrict contact through online delivery options. This is forecasted to boost the demand for meat packaging in the short term.

Furthermore, increased demand for hygiene has pushed businesses to converge on using packaging materials that have protective attributes, which provide barriers to protect products from contaminants during transportation to ensure that minimal risk of viral transmission.

Country-wise Insights

How is the Meat Packaging Market Set to Fare in the U.S.?

North America is anticipated to emerge as one of the most attractive markets according to Future Market Insights through the forecast period. According to the study, the U.S. is foreseen to account for over 85% of the North America meat packaging market through 2031. 

In 2021, the US meat packaging market grew by 6.0% year on year, bucking initial skepticism about how the market would perform during a global pandemic. Across the whole of North America, total demand/sales of meat packaging reached US$ 1.3 Bn.

Revenues in the pork segment of the meat packaging market grew a robust 3.4% year over year in 2021. Demand for poultry increased 4.0% between 2020 and 2021.

According to the North American Meat Institute, poultry is consumed the most. Also, recently the U.S. exported approximately 6 million tons of poultry and pork collectively across the globe, making it a lucrative market for meat packaging manufacturers.

Why is Demand for Meat Packaging Activities Increasing in China?

Demand in the China market is anticipated to rise at nearly 6.2% CAGR over the next decade. China’s per capita consumption has been increasing at an annual rate of 6% which is backed by high consumption of poultry, pork, and other meat products. 

As per the report, China is recognized as a primary market, and it is foreseen to exhibit high demand for meat packaging through the forecast period, supported by a vast population base. 

Why is Innovation Key to Succeeding in Germany Meat Packaging Market?

Germany is home to a lucrative market for meat packaging automated lines with a high demand for quality and safety. By 2031, it is forecast to account for over 16% of meat packaging sales within Europe.

Companies in the country have a competitive edge as they have access to cutting edge research to address previously unmet challenges. Moreover, meat producers are steadily spending to expand their operations, which is resulting in improved prospects for the assessment period.

How are Government Initiatives Boosting Meat Packaging Sales in India?

In 2021, India will account for over 15% sales in South Asia. According to the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, India accounts for about 5% of the global egg production, including the largest population of milch animals in the world.

Indian buffalo meat is in high demand in the international market. The main markets for animal products and Indian buffalo meat are Malaysia, Vietnam Social Republic, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the Egypt Arab Republic. Buffalo meat ruled the exports with a contribution of almost 80% in total animal products exported from India.

Why are GCC Countries Projected to Hold Substantial Market Share?

By 2025, meat consumption is projected to grow faster in the Middle East and Africa according to the Economic Research Services.  The GCC countries are projected to hold a substantial market of meat packaging of about 20% by 2031, owing to high consumption of beef in the region.

Category-wise Insights

Why is Packaging for Poultry Products Displaying Sustained Growth?

Based on meat type, poultry including eggs, chickens, ducks, geese, and others is leading the category, accounting for nearly 35% of the market in 2021.

Poultry meat comprises unsaturated lipids, proteins, and B-complex vitamins which aids good health. Globally, the demand is driven by increasingly health-conscious consumer populations who prefer buying nutritional meat products. Therefore, poultry meat is expected to showcase a BPS change of +210 by the end of forecast period.

How is Fresh Meat Driving Demand for Packaging Services?

Fresh meat products gained significant traction in the market. This is due to the benefits of consuming fresh packaged meat over processed meat as processed meat has more fat and calories with lesser proteins because of heavily preservatives content.

Therefore, fresh meat is anticipated to dominate and account for more than 45% of the market by 2031.

Which Packaging Technology is Commonly Utilized for Meat Packaging?

The modified atmosphere packaging technology segment is estimated to hold the largest revenue share of more than 38% in 2021. As per the National Library of Medicine, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) improves shelf life significantly.

This technology is extensively preferred for meat packaging as it maintains the odor, color and palatability of the meat by using combinations of gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen in the product environment, which limits or reduces growth of spoilage and pathogenic microflora in meat.

Why Does Polyethylene Hold a High Share in Meat Packaging Market?

The polyethylene (PE) segment is expected to contribute maximum revenue share of more than 55% in the global meat packaging market through 2031.  Polyethylene provides excellent gloss characteristics which is suitable for transparent packaging added with durability.

Also, polyethylene has great barrier properties with enables printability for brand promotion as well and therefore, polyethylene is projected to have a BPS change of +360 by 2031.

Competitive Landscape

Companies operating in the meat packaging market are aiming at strategic collaborations and strategic partnerships with other manufacturers to expand their production capacities and expertise to address the demand of an expanding patient pool.

• In April 2021, Constantia Flexibles set up a new production site in Copenhangen to triple the capacity and grow further business in Scandavian market.
• On 10 July 2019, Faerch launched the next generation of leading MAPET® II packaging products for the protein sector made exclusively from 100% recycled and recyclable material.
• In September 2018, Bolloré introduced its products at All4Pack in Paris, which included a range of ultrathin shrink films, barrier film and recyclable and/or bio-sourced solutions for tray lidding and printed films. Manufacturers are also focusing on the expansion of manufacturing facilities globally to maintain their global presence.

Scope of Report

Key Questions Answered in the Report

• What is the current valuation of meat packaging market?

  The meat packaging market is expected to surpass a valuation of US$ 6,957.5 Mn by 2021.

• At what rate did the meat packaging market expand in the last 5 years?

  The meat packaging market exhibited steady YoY growth of 4.9% in the last five years from 2016 to 2020.

• What is the demand outlook for the meat packaging market?

  The meat packaging market will register a gradual rise in demand after a period of decelerating sales amid COVID-19 in 2020. As per FMI, the market will register a CAGR of 4.7% between 2021 and 2031.

• What are the key trends prevailing in the meat packaging market?

  Leading meat packaging manufacturers are making sustainable solutions available that will help industries to eliminate the toxicity in terms of health and environment. Also, there is a high focus on innovations in modified atmosphere technology forms in smart packaging for seafood.

• What are the key factors driving meat packaging sales?

  Adoption of transparent packaging solutions and growing meat consumption in emerging economies are important factors boosting meat packaging sales.

• What is the North America meat packaging market outlook?

  North America will remain the third-leading market for meat packaging, accounting for nearly 20% of sales in 2021, globally.

• What is the cumulative share of the top five companies in meat packaging market?

  The top five companies operating in the meat packaging market are Amcor Plc, Mondi Plc, Sealde Air Corp., Bollore Group and Berry Global, Inc. These companies covered nearly 15% to 20% of the overall market in 2021.

• At what rate will the meat packaging market grow in Europe?

  FMI has forecast the Europe meat packaging market to exhibit a CAGR of 3.5% between 2021 and 2031.

• Which are the top 5 countries exhibiting high demand for meat packaging?

  The U.S., China, India, Germany, and the GCC countries are among leading markets for meat packaging, exhibiting consistently high demand.

• At what rate will the Japan meat packaging market grow?

  As per FMI, the Japan meat packaging market is expected to rise at 5.5% CAGR between 2021 and 2031.

Meat Packaging Market by Category

By Material Type:

• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH)
• Polyamide (PA)
• Others

By Product Type:

• Fresh Meat
• Processed Meat
• Frozen Meat

By Meat Type:

• Beef
• Pork
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Others

By Packaging Technology:

• Modified Atmosphere
• Vacuum Skin
• Vacuum Thermoformed
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)