Food Packaging Market Size, Growth, and Trends 2025 to 2035

Food Packaging Market Size 2025 to 2035

The global food packaging market size reached at USD 424.34 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 449.80 billion in 2026 to reach nearly USD 759.93 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. Market growth is attributed to the increasing packaged food and processed food consumption.

Key Highlights

• By region, Asia Pacific dominated the market with the highest share of 30% in 2025, due to the driven by the rapidly growing middle class. 
• By region, North America expect significant growth in the market during the forecast period due to the increasing consumer trend toward lifestyle changes. 
• By type, the flexible segment dominated the market share in 2025 due to the increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. 
• By type, the rigid segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period attributed to the increasing demand for excellent and durable protection packaging solutions.  
• By material, the plastic segment generated the maximum market share of 40% in 2025 due to its lightweight and flexible packaging nature.
• By material, the paper and paper-based materials segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period driven by eco-friendly and recyclability appeal. 
• By packaging type, the bottles segment registered the maximum market share of 25% in 2025 due to the increasing demand for dairy-based drinks. 
• By packaging type, the cups segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period attributed to the increasing popularity of ready-to-eat food items. 
• By food type, the frozen food segment contributed the largest market share of 30% in 2025 due to the rising advancements in packaging solutions. 
• By food type, the chilled food segment is expected to grow fast during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for fresh processed foods. 
• By application, the bakery and confectionery segment captured the maximum market share of 28% in 2025 driven by increasing demand for confectionery and bakery items. 
• By application, the dairy products segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period due to the increasing dairy consumption.

Food Packaging Industry Coverage

Innovative Study for Food Packaging in 2025

• In June 2025, the director of the circular innovation hub at York University’s Faculty of Environment and Urban Change, Calvin Lakhan, produced a step-by-step guide for reusing systems' success in a recent study. According to his study, a novel system required to start with food stalls, since this is where the reuse occurs, is believed to be the highest. The future categories will be unveiled only after their specific barriers have been accurately addressed. (Source: Packaging Europe)

Market Landscape: Trends, Opportunities and What’s Next

The food packaging market plays an important role in preserving the shelf life, safety, and quality of food products. The market serves various functions, such as communication of necessary information, facilitation of transportation, and protection from contamination to consumers. The market encompasses a wide range of technologies and materials designed to address the requirements of the food market. The market is witnessing rapid growth due to factors such as increasing demand for convenience and fast food items, increasing demand for edible packaging solutions, increasing consumer demand and preference towards packaged food, and increasing use of intelligent packaging technologies.  

One of the major factors driving the food packaging market growth is the rising customization and personalization. Customized packaging solutions offer personalized messages, seasonal promotions, and limited editions. Brands are utilizing it as a tool for direct consumer storytelling and engagement, which drives market demand. In addition, rising packaging innovation in design is also driving market growth. The rising advancements in packaging technologies, such as freshness indicators, radio-frequency identification(RFID) tags, and quick response(QR) codes, offer updated information on the source and quality of products, which enhances tracking and visibility, which is further expected to drive the growth of the market.

Food Packaging Market Trends 

• Convenience and Portability: Single-serving containers, resealable bags, and individual packaging portions cater to busy lifestyles by simply providing effortless and quick meal options, contributed to propelling the market growth. 
• Preservation of freshness: Modified atmosphere, vacuum seals, and airtight packaging help to create an environment by maintaining its flavor and freshness for longer periods.  
• Waste reduction: The recyclable and biodegradable packaging options can help in reducing the environmental effect of packaging waste and are expected to drive the food packaging market growth.  
• Brand identity and marketing: Food packaging design plays an important role in consumer choice and brand recognition as attractive designs, colors, and logos help to create a visual identity that enhances purchasing decisions and is further expected to drive the growth of the market. 

Market Opportunity 

Rise of E-Commerce and Technological Advancements  

The rapidly growing e-commerce platform revolutionized the packaging industry, driving demand for sustainable and durable solutions that protect food items during transit while minimizing environmental effects. Food and beverages packaging leads to market share due to consumer preferences and increasing online orders, in terms of the global e-commerce packaging market. In addition, the rising technological advancements in packaging such as smart packaging allow real-time monitoring of product integrity and freshness, enhancing consumer satisfaction, cost savings, and efficiency. The growth of e-commerce has increased the adoption of technologies such as sensors, the Internet of Things(IoT), and AI in packaging. These advanced trends are expected to revolutionize the food packaging market in the coming years.

Market Challenge

Rising Cost Of Raw Materials Hamper Market Growth 

The rapidly changing technologies and high cost of raw materials may hinder market growth. The rising high material costs are causing inaccessibility to various new packaging companies and technologies based on traditional packaging, which is causing a negative impact on the environment and economy. In addition, the growing adoption of plastic food packaging is also hindering market growth because plastic packaging is made from synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene and polypropylene from natural resources, which may create pollution and restrain the food packaging market demand. 

Trade Analysis of the Food Packaging Market

• Globally, the top three exporters of food packaging are the United States, Vietnam, and China. The United States leads the world in food packaging exports with 25,762 shipments, followed by Vietnam with 24,274 shipments, and China in third place with 14,796 shipments.
• The leading importers of food packaging are Vietnam, the United States, and Switzerland. Vietnam tops the global list for food packaging imports with 22,925 shipments, followed by the United States with 19,753 shipments, and Switzerland taking the third position with 6,662 shipments.

Value Chain Analysis of the Food Packaging Market

Raw Material Procurement

• Raw material procurement in the food packaging market includes strategic sourcing of materials like plastics, paper, glass, or metals, focusing on quality, cost, supply continuity, and sustainability, requiring rigorous supplier selection and contract negotiation.
• Key players: ExxonMobil Chemical, SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation), WestRock Company and Ball Corporation

The food packaging manufacturing process involves defining needs, designing, and production, which includes printing, laminating layers, shaping, and labelling.

• Key players: Amcor, Berry Global, Smurfit Kappa, Mondi, Sealed Air, DS Smith

Distribution

• Products are shipped through a complex logistics network including storage, transport, and inventory management to retailers, food service providers, and ultimately, consumers.

Food Packaging Market Regional Insights 

Asia Pacific Dominated the Market in 2025

The market growth in the region is attributed to the increasing consumer preference towards convenient food packaging, growing sustainability issues, and rising innovations in food packaging, especially in terms of safety and packaging. China, Japan, India, and South Korea are the fastest growing countries in the region. Japan is fastest growing country, the highest per capita consumer of packaging materials, and emerging as a pioneer for food packaging in the region. In terms of strict hygiene standards, convenience, and freshness, Japanese food has cultivated an image for itself. Conventional plastic-based food packaging is crucial to maintaining the quality and longevity of food. There is widespread usage of traditional packaging materials such as bamboo, ceramics, earthenware, and wood, which helps to increase the demand for food packaging market in Japan. 

The Asia Pacific food packaging market size reached at USD 127.30 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 134.94 billion in 2026 to reach nearly USD 227.98 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

• In February 2025, GOOD NATURE MARKET in Japan launched madeleines made using materials that are widely discarded, such as upcycled cacao husks and thinned apples.

North America Expects Significant Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period

The market growth in the region is driven by increasing consumer shifts towards high quality packaged food, increasing awareness of a healthy lifestyle, and increasing demand for food packaging. The U.S. and Canada are the dominating countries driving the market growth. The U.S. is the significant country in the packaging industry driven by on-the-go and convenient food options. 

• For instance, in April 2024, a leader in flexible packaging solutions, American Packaging Corporation (APC) announced the launch of RE Designed for Recycle flexible packaging technology targeted at pet food products.

United States Food Packaging Market Trends

The food packaging market in the United States is a large, dynamic, and growing segment of the broader packaging industry driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological innovation, and sustainability trends. This growth is underpinned by several key factors: the rising demand for convenience and ready-to-eat foods, technological advances in packaging materials and methods (including smart packaging and extended-shelf-life solutions), and the rapid expansion of e-commerce and online food delivery, which require durable, safe, and reliable packaging.

Europe Food Packaging Market Trends

The increasing demand for convenience has significantly influenced the food packaging market in Europe. Convenient packaging is extensively used as it is transportable, extends shelf life, and is suitable for ready-to-eat food products. These include a wide variety of items such as desserts, snacks, frozen foods, and beverages. Such products typically require less preparation and are often served hot in ready-to-eat containers. The growing demand for prepared snacks, due to sedentary lifestyles, is expected to boost the demand for cooked food products, which will foster the growth of the industry.

Germany's food packaging market is a significant player on the global stage, fueled by several key factors such as a surge in e-commerce, an increasing preference for convenience foods and ready-to-eat meals, and a heightened focus on sustainability particularly in reducing and recycling packaging waste, as influenced by the German Packaging Act (VerpackG). Furthermore, EU funding programs support German businesses in innovating and expanding their international reach, creating favorable conditions for market growth.

Middle East and Africa Food Packaging Market Trends

In the Middle East and Africa, the food packaging market is primarily driven by rising consumer demand for convenience and extended shelf life. Increasing urbanization and a growing middle-class population are boosting the demand for packaged and processed foods, which, in turn, heightens the need for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Additionally, the increase in food exports and imports across the region emphasizes the necessity for advanced packaging that ensure product safety, freshness, and compliance with international standards.

The UAE food packaging sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rapid urbanization, changing consumer preferences, and a booming foodservice industry. The rising demand for convenience foods, along with a shift towards health-conscious and sustainable packaging solutions, presents substantial growth opportunities. Industry stakeholders are increasingly investing in innovative packaging formats that extend shelf life, improve product safety, and enhance aesthetic appeal, aligning with premiumization trends prevalent in the region.

Latin America Food Packaging Market Trends

In Latin America, the food packaging market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising consumer demand for convenience foods, technological innovations in packaging solutions, and the expanding retail and foodservice sectors. This market's evolution is influenced by global production trends, regional economic shifts, and regulatory changes aimed at sustainability and food safety.

Brazil's food packaging market is seeing a growth in the use of flexible packaging due to its affordability, portability, and adaptability. Flexible packaging for fresh produce, meat, and dairy products is gaining popularity because of the increasing demand for convenience, especially in urban areas. There is also a growing interest in eco-friendly packaging solutions, as consumers and companies are becoming more concerned about environmental impact. This shift towards biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable packaging is driven by increasing awareness of plastic waste and its contribution to pollution.

Food Packaging Market Segmental Insights 

Type Insights

The Flexible Segment Dominated the Food Packaging Market in 2025

The segment growth in the market is driven by increasing consumer preference towards efficient transportation and convenience and increasing demand for convenient, eco-friendly, and lightweight packaging solutions. Flexible food packaging makes thousands of products safer, enjoyable, and convenient for consumers. Flexible packaging adds marketability and value to non-food and food products, as this is one of the significant segments of the packaging industry.

The Rigid Segment is Expected to Grow Substantially During the Forecast Period

The segment growth in the food packaging market is driven by various benefits such as prevent contamination, preserve food freshness, excellent protection and provide durability. The structural strength of rigid packaging is ideal for products requiring a long shelf such as condiments, beverages, and canned goods. In addition, integration of smart packaging technologies, personalization and customization, sustainable rigid packaging, and advancements in printing techniques are significant trends driving segment growth.

Material Insights

The Plastic Segment Dominated the Food Packaging Market in 2025

The segment is experiencing rapid growth in the market due to factors such as increasing lightweight, strength, recyclable, and flexible nature. Plastic food packaging provides consumers and businesses with a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise functionality or quality. This is important for perishable food items such as dairy products, vegetables, and fruits, which are important for moisture-resistant properties.

• For instance, in January 2025, Mondelēz International launched 80% certified recycled plastic packaging for Cadbury. The equivalent of about 661 tons or 600 tons of post-consumer recycled plastic will be utilized to pack accurately 300 million sharing bars per year.

The Paper and Paper-Based Materials Segment is Expected to Grow Significantly During the Forecast Period

Paper and paper-based packaging are widely used for bakery items, takeout containers, and food products, which are enhanced for their cost-effectiveness and biodegradability. Paper and paper-based material is the largest and earliest used packaging form of food products such as bakery items, confectionary, dry powders, beverages, and milk and milk-based products. Paper and paper-based are most widely used in food packaging for protection and contamination of food products and encompass 31% of the global packaging market segment.  

• For instance, in November 2024, to support food retailers and processors meet consumer demand and reduce plastic usage for paper packaging, SEE launched a new paper-based bottom web CRYOVAC. This can enable a 77% plastic reduction in bottom web packaging made from 90% FSC-certified fibers.

Packaging Type Insights 

The Bottles Segment Dominated the Food Packaging Market in 2025

The segment growth in the market is attributed to the introduction of biodegradable options, rising innovations in eco-friendly and lightweight bottles, increasing demand for bottles in food packaging, and increasing demand for dairy-based drinks. In addition, convenience, sustainability and recycling innovations, product protection, extended shelf life, customizable and versatile, scalable and cost-effective are the major trends that further drive segment growth.

The Cups Segment is Expected to Grow Significantly During the Forecast Period

The growth of the segment is propelled by the increasing popularity of grab-and-go and ready-to-eat food products. Cups are known for their suitability, convenience, and portability for single serving sizes.  

• For instance, a global leader in sustainable food packaging solutions, Huhtamaki announced the launch of ProDairy, the recyclable single coated paper cups made for the dairy products like yogurt.

Food Type Insights 

The Frozen Food Segment Dominated the Food Packaging Market in 2025

The segment growth in the market is driven by increasing demand for convenient packaging solutions due to busy lifestyles and the ability to preserve freshness. Frozen food packaging is a necessary component in maintaining the nutritional value, flavor, and freshness of food. It is designed to meet the unique needs of frozen products.  

• For instance, in August 2024, a leader in innovative packaging solutions, Thinkink Packaging announced the launch of its new line of Custom Frozen Food Boxes. These boxes are designed to address the increasing demand for durable and sustainable packaging in the frozen food market.  

The Chilled Food Packaging Segment Expects Significant Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period

The segment growth in the food packaging market is attributed to the increasing consumer demand for minimally processed, ready-to-eat, and fresh foods. Chilled food packaging helps to maintain the temperature of food and keep the food fresh.

Application Insights 

The Bakery and Confectionery Segment Dominated the Food Packaging Market in 2025

The segment in the market is witnessing rapid growth due to increasing urbanization, increasing busy lifestyles, and increasing demand for ready-to-eat and convenient bakery and confectionery food products. For instance, Amcor industry achieved a carbon footprint reduction of up to 82% compared to traditional packaging solutions, up to 89% reduction in water consumption, and up to 77% reduction in non-renewable energy use, which further increases the segment demand. 

The Dairy Product Packaging Segment Expects the Fastest Growth During the Forecast Period

The segment growth in the market is propelled by factors such as rising innovations in sustainable packaging materials, increasing consumption of dairy products across the globe, and increasing awareness of health.  

• For instance, in December 2024, a leading direct-to-consumer dairy brand, Sid’s Farm launched its A2 Buffalo Milk in a new 1-litre aseptic packaging in Telangana. The aim behind this launch was to innovate this convenient packaging to meet the increasing demand for premium quality dairy products.

2025 Packaging Regulatory Updates from various Countries

• In January 2025, the Food Safety and Security Bill was passed to provide a legal foundation for regulating food contact articles to enable future bans on hazardous substances and allow authorities to order product recalls in Singapore. The country advanced its regulatory oversight for food-contact materials and packaging waste with two major developments. This regulation replaces the Sale of Food Act of 1973. According to this regulation, the new bill will go into effect between late 2025 and 2028. (Source: Food Packaging Forum)
• According to Chemical Watch reports, Thailand’s Ministry of Industry planned to “start regulating food contact paper as controlled goods by the end of this year.” With concerns of low-quality goods potentially containing vast levels of heavy metals and chemicals. Thailand boosted its focus on food contact materials associated with standards in recent years. In January 2025, Thailand applied a complete stop on importing plastic waste to curb pollution, according to a report from The Guardian. (Source: Food Packaging Forum)
• On July 24, 2025, the Ministry of Industry enacted Regulation No. 6 of 2025 came into force which was issued on January 24, 2025. These regulations mandate the novel Indonesian national standards (SNI) 8218:2024 for paper and cardboard primary food packaging, which was developed by the National Standardization Agency in 2024. The previous standard was developed in 2015. Regulation No.6 includes quality standards (ISO 9002) and the declaration of conformity needs. (Source: Food Packaging Forum) 

Recent Developments in the Food Packaging Market

Cirkla 

• Launched: In January 2025, Cirkla a major player in sustainable packaging launched the Modified Atmosphere Packaging(MAP) trays, which is made up of molded fiber. These trays are designed for frozen and meat food packaging and offer eco-friendly and high-performance alternatives.

Health Ministry 

• Initiatives: In April 2025, in the food industry, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhao inaugurated a national stakeholder consultation on sustainable food packaging. The aim behind this initiative is to shift towards alternatives that are biodegradable, recyclable, and sustainable.  

Food Packaging Market Leading Companies

• International Paper Company
• Mondi
• Smurfit Kappa Group
• Graphic Packaging International, LLC
• DS Smith
• Eastern Pak Limited
• WestRock Company
• Packaging Corporation of America
• Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
• Sonoco Products Company
• Amcor plc
• Clearwater Paper Corporation

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type 

• Flexible
• Rigid
• Semi-rigid
• By Material 
• Plastics
• Paper & Paper-Based Materials
• Glass
• Metal
• Others

By Packaging Type 

• Cups
• Bottles
• Cans
• Pouches
• Trays
• Others

By Food Type 

• Frozen Food
• Chilled Food
• Canned Food
• Shelf Stable Food

By Application 

• Bakery & Confectionery
• Dairy Products
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Meat & Seafood
• Sauces & Dressings
• Others

By Region 

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