Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays Market Global Report 2026

The paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.13 billion in 2025 to $1.2 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising demand for sustainable food packaging solutions, increasing consumption of ready to eat meals, growing adoption of modified atmosphere packaging in meat and seafood applications, expansion of organized retail and supermarket chains, advancements in barrier coating technologies.

The paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.56 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in biodegradable packaging innovations, rising demand for smart and active packaging solutions, growing adoption of recyclable coated paper trays in food service, expansion of e commerce grocery and fresh food delivery services, stricter government regulations on single use plastic packaging. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of recyclable and compostable MAP tray solutions, rising demand for high barrier paper-based packaging for shelf life extension, growing use of bio-based coatings and moisture resistant liners in food packaging, expansion of lightweight molded fiber trays for fresh food applications, increasing preference for plastic reduction in retail food packaging.

The increasing shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly packaging is anticipated to drive the growth of the paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays market going forward. Sustainable and eco-friendly packaging refers to the utilization of recyclable, biodegradable, or renewable materials that help minimize environmental impact and reduce packaging waste. Sustainable and eco-friendly packaging is rising due to growing environmental awareness among consumers. Paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly packaging by providing recyclable, fiber-based alternatives to plastic trays, aligning with environmental sustainability objectives and regulatory standards while ensuring effective food preservation. For instance, in January 2025, according to the Shorr Packaging Corp., a US-based distributor of packaging materials and equipment, as per Shorr’s 2025 Sustainable Packaging Consumer Report, based on a survey of 2,016 U. S. consumers, the impact is significant. More than half (54%) of respondents reported that they intentionally chose products with sustainable packaging in the past six months. Additionally, 90% stated they are more likely to purchase from brands or retailers that use eco-friendly packaging. Therefore, the increasing shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly packaging is driving the growth of the paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays market.

Key operating in the Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays market are focusing on developing sustainable material blends, such as fiber-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays, to reduce plastic dependency while maintaining barrier performance, recyclability, and extended shelf life for perishable food products. Fiber-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays are sustainable packaging solutions made primarily from paperboard or molded fiber, designed to replace conventional plastic trays. For example, in June 2025, Coveris GmbH, a UK-based packaging manufacturer, launched a new board-based MAP tray solution to significantly reduce plastic usage while ensuring recyclability and maintaining the required barrier performance and shelf life for fresh meat, fish, and poultry products. The solution enables up to a 90% reduction in plastic content by replacing conventional rigid plastic structures with a fiber-based board design. It maintains full recyclability within existing paper waste streams while preserving barrier performance and shelf life, making it suitable for fresh meat, fish, and poultry applications without compromising product protection.

In January 2025, International Paper Company, a US-based producer of sustainable fiber-based packaging and paper products, acquired DS Smith Plc for an undisclosed sum. With this acquisition, International Paper Company intends to extend its global presence in sustainable packaging solutions, reinforce its footprint across Europe, and improve its capabilities in fiber-based circular packaging innovations. DS Smith Plc is a UK-based manufacturing firm specializing in sustainable fiber-based packaging.

Major companies operating in the paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (map) trays market are Amcor plc, Smurfit Westrock plc, Stora Enso Oyj, Mondi plc, Huhtamäki Oyj, Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG, Coveris Holdings S. A., Graphic Packaging International LLC, Footprint International Holdco Inc., Brødrene Hartmann A/S, CKF Inc., Solidus Solutions Holding B. V., Colpac Limited, Cirkla Inc., Gruppo Mondini S. p. A., Thermo Fibre Inc., Caspak Products Ltd.

Europe was the largest region in the paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays market consists of sales of fresh meat, poultry products, seafood, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.