The global platic based meat packaging market was valued at $9.9 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach $14.4 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2025 to 2034.
Raw meat requires packaging that maintains low temperatures and restricts oxygen to prevent microbial growth. Cooked or ready-to-eat meat products need packaging that ensures sterility and maintains flavor over a longer duration. Processed meats, including sausages and deli meats, often use vacuum sealing or shrink-wrap methods to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness. In each case, the packaging material and technology must align with the meat's storage, transportation, and retail conditions.
The plastic based meat packaging market is segmented into product type, material type, meat type, and region. On the basis of product type, the market is divided into trays, clamshells, bags & pouches, and others. On the basis of material type, the meat packaging market is categorized into polyethylene (PE), PET, recycled PET (rPET), polypropylene (PP), and others. On the basis of meat type, the meat packaging market is classified into pork, chicken, beef, and others. By region, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
However, the high cost of advanced packaging technologies is expected to hamper the growth of plastic based meat packaging market. Packaging technologies such as Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP), and smart packaging solutions have significantly improved the safety, shelf life, and appeal of meat products, their high cost remains a major barrier for small-scale or local meat processors. These sophisticated systems often require substantial upfront investment in specialized machinery, materials, and staff training, making them less accessible to businesses with limited financial resources. For instance, technologies such as MAP and VSP involve the use of high-tech sealing equipment and specialized gas mixtures or films that are more expensive than conventional packaging materials. Additionally, smart packaging such as sensors for temperature monitoring or freshness indicators requires integration with digital platforms and supply chain monitoring tools, which increases both the cost and the need for advanced technological infrastructure. For smaller processors operating on thin margins, these expenses are prohibitive, pushing them to stick with traditional, less effective packaging methods.
On the basis of product type, trays are the fastest growing segment in the market representing the CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. The adoption of tray packaging has also been influenced by changing consumer preferences and retail trends. Consumers increasingly demand convenience, portion control, and clear labeling all of which are facilitated by tray packaging. Additionally, sustainability is becoming a key concern, leading to the development of recyclable or compostable tray options to reduce environmental impact. Innovations such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and active packaging are also integrated into tray systems to prolong freshness and reduce food waste. The EU has imposed strict environmental and food safety regulations, driving the adoption of MAP. Manufacturers are turning to MAP as a natural method to extend shelf-life while maintaining food quality, aligning with the EU’s push towards sustainable packaging solutions.
On the basis of type, acrylic dominated the meat packaging market, representing the CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. Acrylic-based meat packagings, offer excellent durability, weather resistance, and ease of application. These coatings are designed to form a protective barrier that reduces thermal conductivity, making them highly effective in industrial, commercial, and residential applications. In February 2022, Synthos launched SYNEXIL AW90CX, a bio-based acrylic dispersion for wood coatings. Approximately 45% of its key raw materials are derived from renewable sources, aligning with ASTM D6866-20 standards for bio-based content.
On the basis of material type, recycled PET (rPET) is the fastest growing segment in the meat packaging market. In meat packaging, rPET is primarily used in rigid thermoformed trays and containers that hold fresh, processed, or frozen meat. These trays often include a layer of virgin PET or polyethylene on the food-contact surface to comply with safety regulations, while the outer layers are made of rPET. This multilayer structure ensures hygiene and product integrity while maximizing the use of recycled materials. The transparency of rPET also allows for appealing product presentation, which is essential in retail settings.
On the basis of region, Asia-Pacific is the most lucrative region in the market. Meat packaging in Asia-Pacific countries has seen significant growth over recent years, driven by rising meat consumption, urbanization, and increased demand for convenience foods. Countries like China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia are leading the region’s meat production and consumption trends. As consumer preferences shift toward hygienically packaged and ready-to-cook meat products, the packaging industry is evolving rapidly. China, being the largest consumer and producer of meat in the region, especially pork and poultry, has a highly developed meat packaging infrastructure. The government has been encouraging modernization in meat processing to ensure food safety, spurring demand for advanced packaging solutions.
Introduction
Plastic based meat packaging refers to the process of enclosing and protecting meat products for storage, distribution, sale, and end-use consumption. This packaging involves a range of technologies, materials, and methods designed to preserve the freshness, flavor, safety, and visual appeal of meat while preventing contamination and spoilage. From vacuum sealing to modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), the primary objective of meat packaging is to extend shelf life, maintain quality, and provide essential information to consumers and retailers. The practice includes packaging raw, cooked, cured, frozen, and processed meat products in a variety of formats.Raw meat requires packaging that maintains low temperatures and restricts oxygen to prevent microbial growth. Cooked or ready-to-eat meat products need packaging that ensures sterility and maintains flavor over a longer duration. Processed meats, including sausages and deli meats, often use vacuum sealing or shrink-wrap methods to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness. In each case, the packaging material and technology must align with the meat's storage, transportation, and retail conditions.
The plastic based meat packaging market is segmented into product type, material type, meat type, and region. On the basis of product type, the market is divided into trays, clamshells, bags & pouches, and others. On the basis of material type, the meat packaging market is categorized into polyethylene (PE), PET, recycled PET (rPET), polypropylene (PP), and others. On the basis of meat type, the meat packaging market is classified into pork, chicken, beef, and others. By region, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
Market Dynamics
Increase in demand for packaged meat is expected to drive the growth of meat packaging market. Ready-to-cook meats, such as marinated chicken breasts, pre-seasoned kebabs, or portioned cuts, offer consumers the ease of preparing meals quickly, often with minimal culinary skills. Similarly, ready-to-eat options such as cold cuts, deli meats, and cooked sausages provide on-the-go solutions for meals and snacks. Both segments rely heavily on advanced packaging to maintain freshness, prevent contamination, and extend shelf life, making packaging a critical part of the product offering. This growing demand is particularly evident in urban markets and among younger demographics who prioritize speed and convenience. The trend is also fueled by the expansion of supermarkets, hypermarkets, and e-commerce platforms, which offer a wide range of packaged meat products that are easily accessible and often competitively priced. In addition, global exposure to different cuisines has encouraged experimentation with new types of packaged meats, further diversifying the market.However, the high cost of advanced packaging technologies is expected to hamper the growth of plastic based meat packaging market. Packaging technologies such as Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP), and smart packaging solutions have significantly improved the safety, shelf life, and appeal of meat products, their high cost remains a major barrier for small-scale or local meat processors. These sophisticated systems often require substantial upfront investment in specialized machinery, materials, and staff training, making them less accessible to businesses with limited financial resources. For instance, technologies such as MAP and VSP involve the use of high-tech sealing equipment and specialized gas mixtures or films that are more expensive than conventional packaging materials. Additionally, smart packaging such as sensors for temperature monitoring or freshness indicators requires integration with digital platforms and supply chain monitoring tools, which increases both the cost and the need for advanced technological infrastructure. For smaller processors operating on thin margins, these expenses are prohibitive, pushing them to stick with traditional, less effective packaging methods.
Segments Overview
The plastic based meat packaging market is segmented into product type, material type, meat type, and region. On the basis of product type, the market is divided into trays, clamshells, bags & pouches, and others. On the basis of material type, the meat packaging market is categorized into polyethylene (PE), PET, recycled PET (rPET), polypropylene (PP), and others. On the basis of meat type, the meat packaging market is classified into pork, chicken, beef, and others. By region, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.On the basis of product type, trays are the fastest growing segment in the market representing the CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. The adoption of tray packaging has also been influenced by changing consumer preferences and retail trends. Consumers increasingly demand convenience, portion control, and clear labeling all of which are facilitated by tray packaging. Additionally, sustainability is becoming a key concern, leading to the development of recyclable or compostable tray options to reduce environmental impact. Innovations such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and active packaging are also integrated into tray systems to prolong freshness and reduce food waste. The EU has imposed strict environmental and food safety regulations, driving the adoption of MAP. Manufacturers are turning to MAP as a natural method to extend shelf-life while maintaining food quality, aligning with the EU’s push towards sustainable packaging solutions.
On the basis of type, acrylic dominated the meat packaging market, representing the CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. Acrylic-based meat packagings, offer excellent durability, weather resistance, and ease of application. These coatings are designed to form a protective barrier that reduces thermal conductivity, making them highly effective in industrial, commercial, and residential applications. In February 2022, Synthos launched SYNEXIL AW90CX, a bio-based acrylic dispersion for wood coatings. Approximately 45% of its key raw materials are derived from renewable sources, aligning with ASTM D6866-20 standards for bio-based content.
On the basis of material type, recycled PET (rPET) is the fastest growing segment in the meat packaging market. In meat packaging, rPET is primarily used in rigid thermoformed trays and containers that hold fresh, processed, or frozen meat. These trays often include a layer of virgin PET or polyethylene on the food-contact surface to comply with safety regulations, while the outer layers are made of rPET. This multilayer structure ensures hygiene and product integrity while maximizing the use of recycled materials. The transparency of rPET also allows for appealing product presentation, which is essential in retail settings.
On the basis of region, Asia-Pacific is the most lucrative region in the market. Meat packaging in Asia-Pacific countries has seen significant growth over recent years, driven by rising meat consumption, urbanization, and increased demand for convenience foods. Countries like China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia are leading the region’s meat production and consumption trends. As consumer preferences shift toward hygienically packaged and ready-to-cook meat products, the packaging industry is evolving rapidly. China, being the largest consumer and producer of meat in the region, especially pork and poultry, has a highly developed meat packaging infrastructure. The government has been encouraging modernization in meat processing to ensure food safety, spurring demand for advanced packaging solutions.
Competitive Analysis
The key players operating in the plastic based meat packaging market include Amcor plc, Mondi, Berry Global Inc., Sealed Air Corporation, Winpak Ltd, Coveris, Bolloré Group, Sealpac International bv, Smurfit Kappa, and ULMA GROUP.Key Benefits For Stakeholders
- This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the meat packaging market analysis from 2024 to 2034 to identify the prevailing plastic based meat packaging market opportunities.
- The market research is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities.
- Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network.
- In-depth analysis of the plastic based meat packaging market segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities.
- Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market.
- Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players.
- The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global plastic based meat packaging market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies.
Additional benefits you will get with this purchase are:
- 5 additional Company Profile of client Choice pre- or Post-purchase, as a free update.
- Free Upcoming Version on the Purchase of Enterprise User License.
- 16 analyst hours of support* (post-purchase, if you find additional data requirements upon review of the report, you may receive support amounting to 16 analyst hours to solve questions, and post-sale queries)
- 15% Free Customization* (in case the scope or segment of the report does not match your requirements, 15% is equivalent to 3 working days of free work, applicable once)
- Free data Pack on the Enterprise User License. (Excel version of the report)
- Free Updated report if the report is 6-12 months old or older.
- 24-hour priority response*
- Free Industry updates and white papers.
Possible Customization with this report (with additional cost and timeline, please talk to the sales executive to know more)
- Manufacturing Capacity
- Installed Base analysis
- Upcoming/New Entrant by Regions
- Technology Trend Analysis
- New Product Development/ Product Matrix of Key Players
- Regulatory Guidelines
- Additional company profiles with specific to client's interest
- Additional country or region analysis- market size and forecast
- Key player details (including location, contact details, supplier/vendor network etc. in excel format)
- List of customers/consumers/raw material suppliers- value chain analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Volume Market Size and Forecast
Key Market Segments
By Material Type
- Polyethylene (PE)
- PET
- Recycled PET (rPET)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Others
By Product Type
- Trays
- Clamshells
- Bags and Pouches
- Others
By Meat Type
- Chicken
- Beef
- Pork
- Others
By Region
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- Russia
- Germany
- France
- UK
- Spain
- Italy
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- LAMEA
- Brazil
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- Rest of LAMEA
Key Market Players
- Sealed Air Corporation
- Winpak Ltd.
- Smurfit Kappa Group
- Mondi
- ULMA GROUP
- Berry Global Inc.
- COVERIS
- Bollore Group
- Amcor PLC
- Sealpac International bv
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 2: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CHAPTER 3: MARKET OVERVIEW
CHAPTER 4: PLASTIC BASED MEAT PACKAGING MARKET, BY PRODUCT TYPE
CHAPTER 5: PLASTIC BASED MEAT PACKAGING MARKET, BY MATERIAL TYPE
CHAPTER 6: PLASTIC BASED MEAT PACKAGING MARKET, BY MEAT TYPE
CHAPTER 7: PLASTIC BASED MEAT PACKAGING MARKET, BY REGION
CHAPTER 8: COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
CHAPTER 9: COMPANY PROFILES
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
Companies Mentioned
- Sealed Air Corporation
- Winpak Ltd.
- Smurfit Kappa Group
- Mondi
- ULMA GROUP
- Berry Global Inc.
- COVERIS
- Bollore Group
- Amcor PLC
- Sealpac International bv
Methodology
The analyst offers exhaustive research and analysis based on a wide variety of factual inputs, which largely include interviews with industry participants, reliable statistics, and regional intelligence. The in-house industry experts play an instrumental role in designing analytic tools and models, tailored to the requirements of a particular industry segment. The primary research efforts include reaching out participants through mail, tele-conversations, referrals, professional networks, and face-to-face interactions.
They are also in professional corporate relations with various companies that allow them greater flexibility for reaching out to industry participants and commentators for interviews and discussions.
They also refer to a broad array of industry sources for their secondary research, which typically include; however, not limited to:
- Company SEC filings, annual reports, company websites, broker & financial reports, and investor presentations for competitive scenario and shape of the industry
- Scientific and technical writings for product information and related preemptions
- Regional government and statistical databases for macro analysis
- Authentic news articles and other related releases for market evaluation
- Internal and external proprietary databases, key market indicators, and relevant press releases for market estimates and forecast
Furthermore, the accuracy of the data will be analyzed and validated by conducting additional primaries with various industry experts and KOLs. They also provide robust post-sales support to clients.
LOADING...
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 437 |
| Published | April 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2024 - 2034 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 9.9 billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 14.4 billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 3.9% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
| No. of Companies Mentioned | 10 |
