Food Packaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Flexible, Rigid, Semi-rigid), By Material (Plastics, Paper & Paper-Based Materials), By Application, By Packaging Type, By Food Type, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Food Packaging Market Size & Trends

The global food packaging market size was valued at USD 400.29 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2025 to 2030. The surge in online grocery shopping, meal kit subscriptions, and food delivery services has fueled the demand for durable and temperature-controlled food packaging solutions. Additionally, the growth in urban populations and the middle-class segment worldwide has led to an increase in processed and packaged food consumption, thus driving the growth of the market.

Growing urbanization and changing lifestyles have significantly transformed food packaging demands in emerging countries across the world. As more people live in cities with busy schedules, there is an increasing need for convenient, on-the-go packaging solutions. For example, portion-controlled snack packs, microwaveable containers, and ready-to-eat meal packaging have seen substantial growth in recent times.

Sustainability has emerged as a crucial driver, with consumers and regulations pushing for eco-friendly packaging solutions. This has led to innovations in biodegradable materials, reduced plastic usage, and recyclable packaging designs. For instance, in November 2024, Greif, a U.S.-based packaging company, introduced a Coated Recycled Paperboard (CRB) specifically designed for the food industry, marking a significant advancement in sustainable packaging solutions. This new product is notable for its recycled and recyclable properties, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles. Also, the rise of plant-based materials such as polylactic acid (PLA) and mushroom-based packaging demonstrates the industry's shift toward environmental responsibility.

Food safety and preservation requirements continue to drive technological advancements in packaging. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and active packaging technologies help extend shelf life while maintaining food quality. Smart packaging with indicators for freshness, temperature, and tampering has gained traction.

Furthermore, e-commerce growth has revolutionized food packaging requirements, especially accelerated by recent global events. This has led to innovative designs focusing on durability during shipping, temperature control, and unboxing experiences. Amazon's frustration-free packaging program has influenced many food manufacturers to redesign their packaging for online retail. Additionally, the rise of meal kit services such as HelloFresh has created the demand for specialized packaging solutions that ensure fresh ingredient delivery while minimizing environmental impact through portion control and recyclable materials.

Type Insights

Based on type, the global market is segmented into rigid, flexible, and semi-rigid. The flexible segment recorded the largest market share of over 44.0% in 2024. This positive outlook is due to an increasing demand for lightweight, eco-friendly, and convenient packaging solutions in the food industry. Besides, flexible packaging’s adaptability and space efficiency make it ideal for consumer convenience and efficient transportation.  

Rigid type of packaging provides durability and excellent protection, making it suitable for preserving food freshness and preventing contamination. Its structural strength is ideal for products requiring long shelf lives, including canned goods, beverages, and condiments.

Material Insights

Based on material, the market is segmented into plastics, paper & paper-based materials, glass, metal, and others. The plastic segment accounted for the largest market share of over 39.0% in 2024. This positive outlook is due to its excellent flexibility, strength, and lightweight nature. They are widely used for packaging a variety of food products, from liquids to solids, as they provide excellent barrier properties that protect contents from contamination, moisture, and oxygen. Plastics can be easily molded into various shapes, making them suitable for flexible, rigid, and semi-rigid packaging formats.

Paper and paper-based materials are increasingly favored for food packaging due to their recyclability and eco-friendly appeal. Commonly used for dry food products, takeout containers, and bakery items, these materials are appreciated for their biodegradability and cost-effectiveness.

Glass is a high-barrier, chemically inert material widely used for packaging beverages, condiments, and preserved foods. Its non-porous surface preserves flavors, aromas, and freshness, making it suitable for long shelf-life products. The glass segment is primarily driven by consumer preference for premium and sustainable packaging options.

Packaging Type Insights

Based on packaging type, the market is segmented into cups, bottles, cans, pouches, trays, and others. The bottles segment recorded the largest market share of over 24.0% in 2024. The increasing demand for dairy-based beverages is driving the demand for bottles in the food packaging industry. Health trends promoting hydration and specialty drinks boost the bottle segment. Innovations in lightweight, eco-friendly bottle designs and the introduction of biodegradable options further support market growth. 

Cups in food packaging are favored for their portability, convenience, and suitability for single-serving sizes, which align well with on-the-go consumption trends. The popularity of ready-to-eat and grab-and-go food items is fueling the demand for cups, as they offer a practical, spill-proof option.

Pouches are flexible packaging solutions used for snacks, sauces, beverages, and pet foods. Their lightweight and customizable structure makes them highly versatile and easy to transport. Pouches can be resealable, stand-up, and made in various shapes, enhancing their appeal in the market.

Food Type Insights

Based on food type, the market is segmented into frozen food, chilled food, canned food, and shelf-stable food. The frozen food segment recorded the largest market share of over 29.0% in 2024. The growth of the frozen food packaging segment is primarily driven by rising demand for convenient meal solutions among busy urban populations. Advances in packaging technologies, such as vacuum-sealing and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), enhance preservation, which also appeals to health-conscious consumers who want preservative-free frozen foods.

Chilled food packaging is used for items that need refrigeration but not freezing, including dairy products, fresh meats, ready-to-eat salads, and deli products. Rising consumer demand for fresh, ready-to-eat, and minimally processed foods is a major driver for chilled food packaging.

Canned food packaging is used primarily for preserving shelf-stable products such as vegetables, fruits, soups, and fish. Metal cans, typically made of aluminum or tin, are common due to their ability to withstand high temperatures during sterilization, which ensures a long shelf life without refrigeration. Additionally, the sustainability of metal cans, which are recyclable, aligns with environmental concerns and strengthens their market position.

Application Insights

Based on application, the market is segmented into bakery & confectionery, dairy products, fruits & vegetables, meat & seafood, sauces & dressings, and others. The bakery & confectionery segment recorded the largest market share of over 27.0% in 2024. Bakery and confectionery packaging cater to products such as breads, pastries, cakes, chocolates, and candies. The demand for convenient, ready-to-eat bakery and confectionery items is rising due to busier lifestyles and increased urbanization.

Dairy product packaging includes milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and cream. This segment requires packaging that ensures product safety, freshness, and extended shelf life due to the perishable nature of dairy items. Aseptic, temperature-resistant packaging materials are commonly used to maintain product quality. Rising health consciousness and increasing dairy consumption globally boost demand in this segment. Advancements in cold chain logistics and innovations in sustainable packaging materials further support growth.

Region Insights

North America food packaging market is primarily driven by shifting consumer preferences and lifestyle changes. The region's increasing demand for convenient, on-the-go food options has led to innovations in single-serve packaging, resealable containers, and portable formats. Additionally, the region's strong economic position and high consumer spending power have enabled food manufacturers to invest in premium packaging solutions, such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for fresh produce and meats, which has become increasingly popular in upscale supermarket chains across the U.S. and Canada.

U.S. Food Packaging Market Trends

The food packaging market in the U.S. is primarily driven by its growing demand for convenience foods, single-serve portions, and on-the-go meals. The popularity of meal-kit services such as HelloFresh and Blue Apron has spurred innovation in portion-controlled, sustainable packaging solutions. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce food delivery during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of tamper-evident and temperature-controlled packaging solutions.

Asia Pacific Food Packaging Market Trends

The food packaging market in Asia Pacific dominated the global industry and accounted for the largest revenue share of over 40.0% in 2024. The Asia Pacific's dominance is primarily driven by its massive population base, rapidly growing middle class, and changing consumer lifestyles. Countries such as China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam are experiencing significant urbanization, leading to increased demand for convenient, packaged food products. For example, the rise of nuclear families and working professionals in cities such as Shanghai, Mumbai, and Jakarta boosted the demand for single-serve portions, ready-to-eat meals, and on-the-go food packaging solutions.

India food packaging market is growing due to the exponential growth of e-commerce and food delivery services have further accelerated the need for food packaging solutions. Companies such as Swiggy and Zomato have revolutionized food delivery in the country, creating a surge in demand for sustainable, leak-proof, and temperature-resistant packaging. Local manufacturers have responded by developing specialized packaging solutions, such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for fresh produce and multi-layer flexible packaging for traditional Indian snacks such as namkeen and bhujia. The success of food brands such as Haldiram's and Britannia has also contributed to the growth of food packaging market in the country.          

Europe Food Packaging Market Trends

The food packaging market in Europe is driven by a stringent regulatory framework and strong emphasis on sustainability. The European Union's packaging regulations, particularly the European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, have pushed manufacturers to develop innovative, eco-friendly food packaging solutions. For instance, in June 2024, Saica Group and Mondelez International partnered to launch a new paper-based packaging solution aimed at the confectionery, biscuit, and chocolate markets. This initiative is significant in the context of sustainability, as the new packaging is designed to be recyclable within the paper waste stream and is suitable for heat sealable packing processes.

The food packaging market in Germany is primarily driven by its robust manufacturing infrastructure and strong emphasis on sustainability. The country's packaging industry benefits from advanced technology adoption. Besides, the German market's strength is also attributed to strict regulatory standards and consumer preferences for high-quality, sustainable packaging.

Key Food Packaging Company Insights

The competitive environment of the food packaging market is shaped by rapid innovation, sustainability demands, and diverse consumer preferences. Major players, including Amcor plc, Berry Global Inc., and Sealed Air, constantly invest in new technologies, such as biodegradable materials and smart packaging, to cater to a growing demand for eco-friendly and functional solutions. Additionally, small and regional firms often emphasize unique, sustainable, or specialty packaging to differentiate themselves in the food packaging market. Increasing regulatory pressure for sustainable packaging materials, especially in Europe and North America, further intensifies competition.

• In October 2024, ProAmpac launched the RotiBag, an innovative packaging solution designed for hot-to-go food items, such as rotisserie chicken. This new offering integrates several advanced features aimed at enhancing usability and sustainability in the food retail sector. The packaging incorporates a fog-resistant window that minimizes condensation, ensuring optimal product visibility regardless of temperature. This feature helps maintain the aesthetic appeal of the food inside.

• In February 2024, Amcor plc partnered with Stonyfield Organic and Cheer Pack North America to introduce the first all-polyethylene (PE) spouted pouch. The pouch is engineered to provide high moisture and oxygen barrier properties, ensuring the freshness of the yogurt. It also features durable seals that maintain product integrity throughout its lifecycle.

Global Food Packaging Market Report Scope

Global Food Packaging Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global food packaging market report based on type, material, application, packaging type, food type, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Flexible

  • Rigid

  • Semi-rigid

• Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Plastics

  • Paper & Paper-Based Materials

  • Glass

  • Metal

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Bakery & Confectionery

  • Dairy Products

  • Fruits & Vegetables

  • Meat & Seafood

  • Sauces & Dressings

  • Others

• Packaging Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Cups

  • Bottles

  • Cans

  • Pouches

  • Trays

  • Others

• Food Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Frozen Food

  • Chilled Food

  • Canned Food

  • Shelf Stable Food

• Region Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • U.K.

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia