The packaging testing services market size is estimated to be worth USD 20.2 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach a value of USD 33.5 billion by 2034. Sales are projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2034. The revenue generated by packaging testing services in 2023 was USD 19.2 billion.
Physical packaging testing services are widely used to assess the quality of packaging materials from various end-use industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, personal care, and cosmetics. Physical testing is leading the testing type segment in the packaging testing services market with a market share of 39.9% in 2024.
This is because physical testing gives immediate insights into packaging strength, durability, and performance under various conditions that are crucial for product protection during transit.
Packaging Testing Services Industry Forecast
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2023 | USD 19.2 billion |
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 20.2 billion |
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 33.5 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 5.2% |
Several industries find major applications for packaging testing services, among them, the food and beverage industry has the highest applications. The food & beverages industry is expected to gain more than 17% of the total market share in the assessment period. This is due to the demand for testing the packaging of food that is not harmful, and the packaging does not have any physicochemical or microbiological effect on the food products.
With several materials used in the manufacturing of packaging products, plastics are likely to dominate the market in the upcoming years. The most important reason underlying this cause is to ensure that no hazardous substances leak from the plastic, and to test the recyclability and biodegradability of plastic and its impact on nature.
The packaging testing services market is poised for profitable growth during the forecast period. It is projected to create an incremental opportunity of USD 14.3 billion and is predicted to rise 1.7 times the current value through 2034.
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The table below presents the expected CAGR for the global packaging testing services market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 5.1% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 5.3% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 5.0% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 5.4% (2024 to 2034) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2033, the business is expected to surge at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 5.3% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 5.0% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 5.4% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 10 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market saw an increase of 10 BPS.
Elevating Consumer Safety through Advanced Food Packaging Testing
The rapid rise in consumer concern for food safety has significantly increased the demand for expanded food packaging testing services. According to the United Nations, it has been reported that 600 million foodborne illnesses occur annually, resulting in a heightened need to determine the authenticity and quality of food packaging.
Contamination can occur anywhere along the supply chain, and ruptured packaging poses significant health risks, making testing in high demand.
Regulatory agencies are compelling such providers to adhere to rigorous testing protocols by considering or mandating stringent testing protocols that will prevent such risks. This heightened need is not only to avoid contamination but also to ensure that packaging materials do not react adversely with the food products, thereby maintaining the quality and shelf life of the products.
As consumers become increasingly aware of safety issues related to food, companies are compelled to conduct packaging testing to ensure no harm is caused to their brand reputation and subsequent legal exposure. Considering these factors, the market for packaging testing services is expected to undergo substantial growth, driven by the need to enhance safety measures, comply with regulations, and prioritize public health.
Improving E-Commerce Logistics with Packaging Testing Services
The global growth of e-commerce is positively impacting the packaging testing services market. As one of the high-growth opportunities in sales, e-commerce sales are expected to surge by 8.9% and reach USD 7.5 trillion by 2025, in accordance with the study from Ecommerce Tips. Companies are focusing on successful delivery of products to enhance customer satisfaction.
This has further increased the need for more robust testing of packages to ensure their quality and durability. In this competitive landscape, businesses are prioritizing new, innovative, sustainable, and effective packaging designs that meet regulatory standards while minimizing environmental impact.
To test the new packaging materials, packaging testing has emerged as an essential service aimed at validating the materials' suitability, ensuring protection during transit, and optimizing supply chain efficiency. As online shopping continues to drive high growth within this niche market, robust packaging testing will become an essential part of the e-commerce supply chain, ensuring product integrity and, in turn, fostering customer confidence, which will further fuel this market’s growth.
High Operational Costs Pose Barriers to Packaging Testing Services for Small Businesses
The high operational costs associated with packaging testing services may pose challenges for smaller companies considering investments in packaging testing services. Establishing testing facilities requires substantial investments in specialized equipment, laboratory space, and compliance with industry regulations. Additionally, the maintenance, calibration and training for employees also adds to some amount of finances.
Smaller firms generally operate on a limited financial budget, making it challenging to afford such expensive testing programs. They may also opt for third-party testing, which might prove inconvenient and costly in the long term.
This would limit their ability to ensure compliance and quality and from an innovation viewpoint would affect their competitiveness in the marketplace. High operational costs can therefore hinder the growth of packaging testing services, and this is particularly true for small business enterprises.
The global packaging testing services market experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% from 2019 to 2023. The market growth of packaging testing services was positive, reaching a value of USD 19.2 billion in 2023, up from USD 15.6 billion in 2019.
The demand for higher-quality packaging from various industries has presented significant growth prospects for the global packaging testing services market between 2024 and 2034.
In this market, plastics are expected to dominate with a 30.7% share over the forecast period, as constant pressure from consumers to reduce environmental impact through new materials, such as biodegradable and recycled content, is helping the market transition toward sustainable usage.
Physical packaging testing services are expected to maintain a high market share of 39.9% in 2024. This is due to the importance of physical packaging testing for industries where the highest emphasis lies on the safety and compliance of products like food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.
The 5.2% CAGR of the global packaging testing services is driven by stringent regulatory requirements and a growing e-commerce sector that presents logistical challenges, necessitating superior packaging solutions. These beneficial characteristics of packaging testing services are encouraging businesses to incorporate packaging testing services as a crucial factor in evaluating the validity of packaging.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders with a market revenue of above USD 350 million, capturing a significant market share of 15% to 20% in the global market. These market leaders are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio. These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base.
They provide a wide range of services, including recycling and manufacturing, utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards, and providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within Tier 1 include SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA, Eurofins Scientific SE, Intertek Group plc, Bureau Veritas, and TÜV Rheinland.
Tier 2 companies comprise mid-sized players with revenues of USD 30 to 350 million, having a presence in specific regions and a significant influence on the local market. These are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge.
These market players possess good technology and ensure regulatory compliance, but may lack advanced technology and a broad global reach. Prominent companies in tier 2 include Microbac Laboratories, Inc., EMSL Analytical, Inc., Nelson Laboratories, LLC, ALS Limited, and Smithers.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local level and serving niche markets, having revenue below USD 30 million. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment.
They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
The section below provides a future forecast for the packaging testing services market by country. Information on key countries in various parts of the globe, including North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia, the Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Russia and Belarus, the Balkans and Baltic Countries, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA), is provided.
Canada is expected to remain at the forefront in North America, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% through 2034. In East Asia, China is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% by 2034.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| USA | 2.9% |
| Germany | 2.8% |
| China | 5.5% |
| UK | 3.3% |
| Spain | 3.5% |
| India | 5.3% |
| Canada | 3.6% |
The packaging testing services industry in China is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% compared to other countries in the East Asian region by 2034.
Rising manufacturing industries in China, which account for 35% of global gross production according to the Center for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), are significantly driving the demand for packaging testing services. Manufacturers also increase their volumes of production to satisfy local and international.
The ability to ensure safety and durability through effective packaging, together with the growing tendencies of exports, necessitates strict compliance with regulatory standards. Growing production, therefore, pays more attention to proper quality assurance processes within manufacturing; hence, manufacturers begin to invest in testing services that assess materials, design, and performance.
Furthermore, consumers' growing awareness of sustainability and safety concerns raises demands on manufacturers to develop innovative packaging solutions, thereby propelling the packaging testing industry. Therefore, the rise in manufacturing industries in China is directly proportional to the increased use of these critical packaging testing services.
Pharmaceutical packaging guidelines in the USA are expected to create lucrative opportunities for the packaging testing services market. The country is expected to record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% during the evaluation period.
Strict regulations, as outlined in the CFR Title 21 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for pharmaceutical packaging emphasize the importance of ensuring product quality, effectiveness, and adherence to standards. Such strict regulations necessitate high standards for packaging materials and processes to ensure minimal contamination after the manufacturing process, as well as during the handling, storage, and movement of the products.
Hence, pharmaceutical firms prefer these drug packaging solutions to be validated through physical, chemical, and microbiological testing services. This is because these testing services help ensure that no flaws are present in the packaging solution and prove it to be compatible with any drug formulation, whilst at the same time protecting them from microbial hazards.
In light of increasing regulatory scrutiny, companies are stressing comprehensive testing to eliminate risks, avoid the cost of a recall, and ensure patient safety. Such developments not only strengthen product reliability but also act as a source of confidence for consumers in pharmaceutical products. Due to these guidelines and regulations, packaging testing services are expected to gain momentum in demand in the USA.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. In terms of testing type, physical is estimated to account for a share of 35.7% by 2034. By end use, the food & beverages segment is projected to dominate by holding a share of 17.1% by the end of 2034.
| Testing Type | Physical |
|---|---|
| Value CAGR (2034) | 3.9% |
Among multiple testing types, physical testing is expected to lead the packaging testing services market during the forecast period. Physical testing is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 3.9% and hold a 35.7% market share by the end of 2034.
Physical packaging test services are highly preferred since they ensure that products are safe and do not compromise their integrity, which is delivered to consumers. Due to the need to meet regulatory requirements and consumer expectations, effective packaging is crucial.
Physical testing tests the effectiveness of the usage of packaging materials as they come into contact with or exposure to, varied temperatures, impacts, or vibrations on transportation or storage. This testing will identify potential failures that could result in damage to the product, financial loss, or other safety hazards.
Moreover, physical testing provided the company with valuable information about its design and material, which gives companies an advantage in aligning packaging to achieve reduced costs and sustainability. With the advancement of technology in e-commerce, the need for robust packaging that can withstand the rigors of shipping has increased, underscoring the importance of physical testing.
It also protects the brand reputation as the products are ensured to arrive at their consumers in an optimal condition. All these factors —regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and customer satisfaction —combine to drive demand for physical packaging testing services, making it an important part of the product lifecycle.
| End Use | Food & Beverages |
|---|---|
| Value CAGR (2034) | 3.2% |
The food and beverages segment, among other end users such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care, and other industries, is estimated to lead the packaging testing services market with a CAGR of 3.2% until 2034.
Packaging testing services are among the most crucial steps in the food and beverage industry for several reasons. For instance, food safety would be guaranteed if it is ascertained that packaging materials do not leak hazardous substances into food products which is very important for human health as well as adherence to statutory compliance.
Packaging test services also measure the quality and capability of the packaging to maintain freshness and quality, preventing spoilage and further supporting shelf life. Besides, the package must undergo multiple transportation and storage processes under various conditions, including temperature fluctuations and physical shocks.
Testing helps identify weaknesses in the design, ensuring that products arrive intact and maintain their intended quality. Additionally, as a way of raising awareness to minimize the negative impact of packaging products on the environment, services for testing packaging ensure that the product tested is biodegradable and recyclable enabling brands to take responsible selections that attract more environmentally conscious consumers.
Packaging testing services are expected to have surging demand in the upcoming years due to the need for testing food and beverage packaging products rigorously to prove them safe, quality-friendly, and brand integrity-friendly.
Key players in the packaging testing services industry are developing and launching new products in the market. They are integrating with different firms and extending their geographical presence. A few of them are also collaborating and partnering with local brands and start-up companies to develop new products.
Key Developments in the Packaging Testing Services Market
The packaging testing services industry is projected to witness CAGR of 5.2% between 2024 and 2034.
The global packaging testing services industry stood at USD 19.2 billion in 2023.
Global packaging testing services industry is anticipated to reach USD 33.5 billion by 2034 end.
South Asia & Pacific is set to record a CAGR of 6.3% in assessment period.
Key players in packaging testing services market include SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA., Eurofins Scientific SE, Intertek Group plc, Bureau Veritas and TÜV Rheinland.
In terms of testing type, the packaging testing services market is divided into physical, chemical and microbiological.
The materials segment in packaging testing services market includes plastics, paper & paperboard, glass, wooden and others.
End users in packaging testing services market include food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, cosmetics and personal care, medical devices, chemicals & fertilizers, electric & electronics, automotive, industrial and others.
Key countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Russia & Belarus, Balkan & Baltic Countries, Middle East and Africa are covered.
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Packaging Testing Services Market
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