GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Food Packaging Industry Statistics

The food packaging industry is expected to see continued growth due to increasing demand for convenient and sustainable packaging solutions.

Highlights: Food Packaging Industry Statistics

  • The global food packaging market size was estimated at USD 303.26 billion in 2019.
  • The food packaging industry is expected to expand at 4.5% CAGR from 2020 to 2027.
  • The global active and intelligent packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 6% from 2020 to 2025.
  • North America holds the largest share of 30% in the global food packaging market.
  • The plastic segment dominated the food packaging market with a 39.2% share in 2019.
  • The rigid packaging segment accounted for the largest revenue share and is expected to witness a CAGR of 3.5% from 2020 to 2027.
  • The packaging industry consumes about 40%-50% of the total global production of plastic.
  • Beverage packaging is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.5%.
  • The Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth rate of 5.0% in the food packaging market from 2020 to 2027.
  • The flexible packaging segment is projected to witness a significant CAGR of 5.3% from 2020 to 2027.
  • About 70% of food packaging is discarded in landfills.
  • The largest segment in the food packaging industry is meat, poultry & seafood which took 28% of total market share in 2019.
  • In the USA, 1.9 million tons of food packaging was recycled in 2018.
  • Glass represents 6.8% of global food packaging materials.
  • The food packaging industry in India is expected to reach $73 billion by 2020.
  • Europe is projected to reach $124.6 Billion by 2026 in terms of food packaging.
  • Cardboard packaging makes up about 31% of all packaging waste in the UK.
  • Edible packaging is estimated to register a growth rate of 6.2% from 2021-2026.
  • 52% of people around the world make purchase decisions partially due to packaging that shows a brand making a positive social and environmental impact.
  • Bioplastics for packaging currently represent about 1% of the approximately 335 million metric tons of plastic produced annually.

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Table of Contents

In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of food packaging industry statistics. From market trends and consumer preferences to sustainability efforts and technological advancements, we will explore the data that shapes this critical sector of the food industry. Join us as we uncover key insights and trends that are driving innovation and growth in the food packaging industry.

The Latest Food Packaging Industry Statistics Explained

The global food packaging market size was estimated at USD 303.26 billion in 2019.

The statistic that the global food packaging market size was estimated at USD 303.26 billion in 2019 indicates the total value of sales in the food packaging industry worldwide for that specific year. This figure represents the aggregate value of all packaged food products sold around the globe in 2019. It serves as a key indicator of the scale and economic importance of the food packaging sector on a global scale, highlighting the significant market demand for packaging materials and solutions within the food industry. Additionally, this statistic can be used to analyze trends, forecast future growth, and understand the competitive landscape within the food packaging market.

The food packaging industry is expected to expand at 4.5% CAGR from 2020 to 2027.

The statistic indicates that the food packaging industry is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.5% between the years 2020 and 2027. This growth rate suggests a steady and consistent annual increase in the industry’s revenue or market size over the specified period. The expansion of the food packaging industry at a CAGR of 4.5% reflects a positive outlook for the market, driven by factors such as increasing demand for packaged food products, technological advancements in packaging materials and processes, as well as evolving consumer preferences towards convenience and sustainability. This growth projection can provide valuable insights for industry stakeholders, investors, and policymakers to plan and strategize for the future.

The global active and intelligent packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 6% from 2020 to 2025.

This statistic indicates the projected growth rate of the global active and intelligent packaging market over a five-year period from 2020 to 2025. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of nearly 6% suggests that the market is projected to expand steadily at an average annual rate of close to 6% during this period. This growth rate reflects an increasing demand for active and intelligent packaging solutions, such as packaging that can extend the shelf life of products, provide real-time information on product freshness, or enhance consumer engagement through interactive features. The forecasted CAGR serves as a metric to estimate the overall growth potential and attractiveness of the global active and intelligent packaging industry in the upcoming years.

North America holds the largest share of 30% in the global food packaging market.

The statistic “North America holds the largest share of 30% in the global food packaging market” indicates that out of all the regions around the world, North America has the highest market share in the food packaging industry at 30%. This means that North America accounts for a significant portion of the total market value for food packaging products worldwide. The region’s dominance in the market suggests that North American companies play a key role in producing, distributing, and consuming food packaging materials. This statistic highlights North America’s importance in the global food packaging sector and signifies the region’s strong presence and influence within the industry.

The plastic segment dominated the food packaging market with a 39.2% share in 2019.

The statistic indicates that the plastic segment had the largest market share in the food packaging industry in 2019, accounting for 39.2% of the total market. This suggests that plastic materials were the most widely used for packaging food products among all the different packaging types available. The dominance of the plastic segment could be attributed to various factors such as affordability, versatility, and convenience in packaging different types of food items. This statistic serves as an important insight for stakeholders in the food packaging industry, highlighting the significant role that plastic materials play in the market and emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and alternative packaging solutions to address environmental concerns associated with plastic usage.

The rigid packaging segment accounted for the largest revenue share and is expected to witness a CAGR of 3.5% from 2020 to 2027.

This statistic indicates that the rigid packaging segment is the highest revenue-generating sector within the packaging industry. The data suggests that this segment is projected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.5% from 2020 to 2027, implying a steady growth rate over the forecasted period. This growth could be attributed to various factors such as increasing consumer demand for durable and sustainable packaging materials, growth in e-commerce leading to higher demand for shipping and storage containers, and advancements in packaging technology. Overall, these insights highlight the importance and potential growth opportunities within the rigid packaging sector in the coming years.

The packaging industry consumes about 40%-50% of the total global production of plastic.

This statistic highlights the significant impact of the packaging industry on the global production and consumption of plastic. The fact that the packaging industry consumes approximately 40%-50% of the total global production of plastic underscores its substantial role in driving the demand for plastic materials. This consumption rate reflects the widespread use of plastic packaging in various sectors such as food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. It also draws attention to the environmental implications of plastic packaging waste, particularly in terms of plastic pollution and its contribution to the degradation of ecosystems. The statistic underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions and innovative strategies to reduce plastic packaging consumption and promote environmentally friendly alternatives in the industry.

Beverage packaging is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.5%.

The statistic “Beverage packaging is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.5%” indicates the projected rate of expansion in the beverage packaging industry over the coming year. This growth rate of 4.5% suggests that there is anticipated growth and development in the demand for beverage packaging solutions, likely driven by factors such as changing consumer preferences, increased consumption of beverages, and evolving trends in packaging technology. This statistic is a key indicator for industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, and investors, highlighting opportunities for business expansion, innovation, and market competitiveness within the beverage packaging sector.

The Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth rate of 5.0% in the food packaging market from 2020 to 2027.

The statistic indicates that the food packaging market in the Asia Pacific region is expected to experience a significant growth rate of 5.0% from 2020 to 2027. This suggests that there is a growing demand for food packaging solutions in the region, potentially driven by factors such as population growth, changing consumer preferences, increased urbanization, and the expanding food and beverage industry. The projected fast growth rate signifies opportunities for businesses operating in the food packaging sector to expand their operations in the Asia Pacific region and cater to the rising demands for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.

The flexible packaging segment is projected to witness a significant CAGR of 5.3% from 2020 to 2027.

The statement indicates that the flexible packaging industry is expected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2020 to 2027. This implies that the revenue generated from flexible packaging products is anticipated to increase by an average of 5.3% annually over the specified period. A CAGR of 5.3% signifies a strong growth trajectory for the industry, which suggests increasing demand for flexible packaging solutions driven by factors such as economic growth, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. This projection provides valuable insight for stakeholders in the flexible packaging sector to anticipate and capitalize on future market opportunities.

About 70% of food packaging is discarded in landfills.

The statistic “About 70% of food packaging is discarded in landfills” suggests that a substantial majority of food packaging materials end up being disposed of in landfill sites. This indicates a significant challenge in terms of waste management and environmental sustainability since landfill disposal can contribute to various negative impacts such as soil and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and limited available land for future use. There is a growing need for more environmentally-friendly packaging solutions and improved waste management strategies to reduce the environmental burden associated with food packaging waste. This statistic highlights the importance of addressing the lifecycle of food packaging materials to minimize their environmental footprint and promote a more sustainable approach to packaging and waste management practices.

The largest segment in the food packaging industry is meat, poultry & seafood which took 28% of total market share in 2019.

This statistic indicates that among all segments in the food packaging industry, the category of meat, poultry, and seafood accounted for the highest proportion of market share in 2019 at 28%. This suggests that there is a significant demand for packaging within this segment, likely driven by factors such as the perishable nature of these products and the need for effective protection and preservation during storage and transportation. Manufacturers and suppliers of packaging materials and solutions may find it beneficial to focus on catering to the specific needs of this particular segment to capitalize on the strong market demand and potentially expand their market presence within the food packaging industry.

In the USA, 1.9 million tons of food packaging was recycled in 2018.

In 2018, a total of 1.9 million tons of food packaging was recycled in the United States, representing a significant effort towards sustainability and waste reduction. This statistic highlights the growing awareness and practices aimed at reducing the environmental impact of packaging materials by diverting them from landfills and instead reusing or recycling them. The significant quantity of food packaging recycled in 2018 signifies a positive shift in consumer behavior, industry practices, and governmental policies towards more sustainable practices. It also underscores the potential for further advancements in recycling technologies and infrastructure to increase the recycling rates of food packaging materials in the future.

Glass represents 6.8% of global food packaging materials.

The statistic that glass represents 6.8% of global food packaging materials indicates that out of all the materials used to package food products worldwide, glass accounts for approximately 6.8% of the total. This suggests that glass is a significant player in the food packaging industry, although not the most predominant material overall. The percentage provides insight into the prevalence and importance of glass as a chosen packaging material for food products on a global scale, highlighting its popularity and widespread use in this context.

The food packaging industry in India is expected to reach $73 billion by 2020.

The statistic “The food packaging industry in India is expected to reach $73 billion by 2020” indicates the projected market value of food packaging services in India by the year 2020. This statistic suggests substantial growth and investment in the food packaging industry in India, reflecting increasing consumer demand for packaged food products. The $73 billion figure represents the estimated total revenue generated by the food packaging industry in India, highlighting the significant economic impact and opportunity within this sector. The projection also suggests a positive outlook for the industry, with potential for further expansion and innovation in response to evolving consumer preferences and market trends.

Europe is projected to reach $124.6 Billion by 2026 in terms of food packaging.

The statistic “Europe is projected to reach $124.6 billion by 2026 in terms of food packaging” refers to the estimated value of the food packaging market in Europe by the year 2026. This projection suggests significant growth in the industry over the next few years, indicating a strong market demand for food packaging products. The figure includes various types of food packaging materials and products such as containers, wraps, bags, and labels. Factors driving this growth may include increasing consumer trends towards convenience packaging, sustainability initiatives, and advancements in technology for improved packaging solutions. This statistic highlights the importance and potential opportunities within the food packaging sector in the European market.

Cardboard packaging makes up about 31% of all packaging waste in the UK.

The statistic that cardboard packaging makes up about 31% of all packaging waste in the UK indicates the significant contribution of cardboard materials to the country’s overall packaging waste stream. This statistic highlights the prevalence of cardboard packaging in various industries and households, underscoring the importance of sustainable waste management practices to address environmental concerns associated with excessive packaging waste. The statistic suggests a potential opportunity for businesses and policymakers to focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling cardboard packaging to minimize its environmental impact and promote a more sustainable approach to packaging materials in the UK.

Edible packaging is estimated to register a growth rate of 6.2% from 2021-2026.

The statistic “Edible packaging is estimated to register a growth rate of 6.2% from 2021-2026” indicates the projected increase in the adoption and utilization of edible packaging solutions within the specified timeframe. This growth rate suggests that the market for edible packaging is expected to expand by 6.2% annually over the next five years. This trend reflects a growing consumer interest in sustainable and eco-friendly packaging alternatives, as edible packaging offers the potential for reduced environmental impact compared to traditional packaging materials. The statistic implies that there is a significant market opportunity and increasing demand for edible packaging solutions in the coming years, driven by factors such as sustainability concerns, innovation in food packaging technologies, and changing consumer preferences.

52% of people around the world make purchase decisions partially due to packaging that shows a brand making a positive social and environmental impact.

The statistic of 52% of people around the world making purchase decisions partially due to packaging that shows a brand making a positive social and environmental impact indicates a significant influence of sustainability and corporate social responsibility on consumer behavior. This suggests that more than half of consumers are attracted to brands that demonstrate a commitment to social and environmental causes through their product packaging. Companies that effectively convey their efforts in sustainability and social responsibility through packaging design may have a competitive advantage in capturing consumer interest and loyalty. This statistic underscores the importance of aligning business practices with consumer values to meet the growing demand for environmentally and socially conscious products.

Bioplastics for packaging currently represent about 1% of the approximately 335 million metric tons of plastic produced annually.

This statistic indicates that bioplastics, which are a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics, make up a very small fraction of the total plastic production worldwide. Specifically, bioplastics used for packaging applications account for only 1% of the total 335 million metric tons of plastic produced each year. This suggests that despite the growing awareness and efforts to reduce plastic pollution and embrace sustainable materials, the adoption of bioplastics in the packaging industry is still relatively limited. However, the statistic also highlights the potential for significant growth and increased adoption of bioplastics in the future as more companies and consumers prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Conclusion

With the rapidly growing demand for convenient and sustainable packaging solutions in the food industry, it is evident that the food packaging industry will continue to expand and evolve in the coming years. Keeping up to date with the latest statistics and trends in this dynamic sector will be critical for businesses to stay competitive and meet the changing demands of consumers.

References

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How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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