Meat Packaging Films Market Size Anticipated to Attain USD 7.98 Billion by 2032

The global meat packaging films market size is to reach an estimated USD 7.98 billion by 2032, growing at a 5.1% CAGR between 2023 and 2032.

Report Highlights: Important Revelations

• The market is expected to grow, reaching an estimated value of USD 7.98 billion by 2032.
• This expansion is at a consistent CAGR of 5.1% over the period from 2023 to 2032
• North America's meat packaging films market dynamics.
• Analysis of the meat packaging films market in Asia-Pacific.
• Emerging trends in polyethylene (pe) application for meat packaging films.
• Importance of packaging films in preserving beef.
• Advancing meat packaging films through modified atmosphere packaging (map).

Meat packaging films are essential in preserving the meat's general functional qualities as well as its colour, flavour, aroma, and nutritional value. Materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, and ethylene vinyl alcohol are commonly used to create these films. Meat packing wrap film plays the significant role in the preservation of the freshness and quality of meat products while also permitting storage and handling convenience. Its features like good anti-fog and a mechanical strength make it a proper fit for various processes like automatic and manual packaging. Packaging design in meat industries, in which there is a wide volume and a sharp competition, has an important role in differentiating products and brands.

Despite the magnitude of the meat industry and its inherent competitiveness, some firms fail to understand the importance of packaging design, and they believe that product quality is good enough. However, this viewpoint is not all-inclusive, since packaging is vital in branding and consumer perception. Therefore, the packaging of meat will be more and more highlighted by the fact that it is lightweight, visually more attractive and practical.

Many individuals in Generation Z are not fully aware of the connection between meat consumption and its impact on climate change, particularly in relation to meat packaging. Packaging design of meat products is an ever-changing field within which companies are always trying to find a balance between that which preserves the product and that which improves its marketing. This progress is characterized by a use of new materials, printing methods, and structural engineering in order to keep up with the changing behaviour of shoppers and retailers.

Manufacturing and packaging facilities, meat wrap films have uses in retail space including in supermarkets and deli counters. These films are specified taking into consideration standard sizes and thicknesses, offering solutions for particular perishable food applications. Due to their versatility, implementation becomes possible at all stages of meat manufacturing process, from slaughterhouses to grocery stores.

The purpose of meat packaging wrap film is not only functional but also a tactic in the industry that helps to construct brand identity, attract consumers and to maintain product quality. It is a manifestation of the adaptability of the meat industry and the ongoing process of companies oriented toward better competition and meeting consumers' demands.

For Instance,

• In September 2023, Adherex Group, a premium provider of high-performance adhesion technologies and specialty-engineered solutions, announced today the acquisition of Stretchtape Inc., a leading supplier of converted polyethylene and polypropylene films and custom printing solutions for BOPP packaging films.

Meat Packaging Films Market Trends

• Sustainability is one of the prime factors inning the meat packaging films market where the rising demand for ecofriendly packaging is evident. People and people exclude plastic waste and environmental impact as their driving factors.
• The meat package films are produced to keep meat products in high quality with the extension period of their shelf life during storing and transporting process.
• Enhanced atmosphere packaging (ESP) happens increasingly around the meat packaging films market as a mean of reducing shelf life of fresh meat products.
• Convenience attributes such as resealable features and consumer-friendly packaging formats are becoming more and more crucial for films made of meat packaging.

Dynamics of Meat Packaging Films Market in the North America

Unlock Infinite Advantages: Subscribe to Annual Membership

North America and especially, the United States take up the leading position in the growth of meat packaging films which are driven by the high consumption of meat products combined with constantly changing consumer preferences. According to the FAO of the United Nations, the US is among the leading meat-consuming countries in the world with an average consumption per person amounting to 224.6 pounds each year. Thus, a big chunk of the industry requires using packaging materials that inhibit the loss of quality and freshness.

Chicken, beef, pork, and turkey account for the demand for meat packaging films as they are the most commonly preferred meat by Americans. One of the major products is chicken which accounts for a significant share of the meat consumed in the country. Hence, a particular packaging film is required, which possesses specific features like anti-fog properties for visual and freshness maintenance.

Brazil and the USA are the top leading exporters of meat globally. Though meat consumption is dominant in the United States according to other North American countries like Canada and Mexico as well, this too plays a role in supply and demand regarding meat packaging films. These states have their own meat processing sectors and consumer markets, and thus, the market of meat packaging films shall also grow.

The consumption pattern of traditional meat, the changing tastes with regards to diet, and lifestyle decisions impacts the demand for customized packing solutions. With consumers more aware of food safety and sustainability, packaging materials that are environmentally friendly and ensure extended shelf life are getting more and more attention. The meat-eating preference of North America and the following changes in consumer tastes and regulations complement each other in fostering the expansion and development of the meat packaging film market.

For Instance,

• SupplyOne, Inc. one of the largest independent suppliers in the United States which announced on January 2025 about its acquisition of Crownhill Packaging, a North American packaging distributor.

Exploring the Meat Packaging Films Market in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is a prime growth area for the meat packaging films market because of its large population, the continuing urbanization, and increasing disposable incomes of people. Countries such as China, Japan, India and South Korea, which are now growing quickly economically and experiencing higher levels of urbanization, are seeing changes in their people's dietary patterns and food consumption habits.

China consumes large amount of beef or bovine meat. In China, the expanding middle class and urbanization have resulted in increased demand for processed meat products, thus, the need for innovative and effective meat packaging alternatives. One million metric tons in that were produced in that year by 11 countries in that region. As a result, poultry meat will account for almost half of the total meat consumption in Asia by the year 2031. On the other hand, India which is a country with relatively low consumption of the meat is now experiencing a rise in demand for packaged meat products due to change in lifestyles and dietary preferences thus contributing to the growth of the meat packaging films market.

Along with the growing concern of food safety and hygiene in the area, there is a trend for the packaging materials which enable keeping meat products fresh and of good quality. This observation is particularly visible in countries such as Japan and South Korea where people consider food safety and quality as paramount factors.

Retail infrastructure development in the form of supermarkets and hypermarkets, which also further drives the demand for meat packaging films because packaged meat products gain popularity among urban consumers seeking convenience and quality assurance. In fact, for the meat packaging films market in the Asia Pacific countries, there are large opportunities due to demographic, economic, and cultural factors.

For Instance,

• In May 2023, US agribusiness wonder Cargill said it is selling its poultry business in China to DCP capital, a private equity firm, thereby exiting a Chinese meat market which has become very tough, especially for foreign players.

Meat Packaging Films Market, DRO

Demand:

• The use of this advanced packaging materials makes it possible to extend the shelf life of meat products, so the product retailers can cut down food waste and optimize inventory management, and ultimately consumers can get more opportunities to shop these products.

Restraint:

• Regulatory compliance becomes a challenge as meat packaging materials, additives, and labelling requirements are all governed by governmental food safety regulations. Compliance with tight regulations for use of food contact materials: limits of migration, labels and documentation need to be subjected to extensive testing, certification and record keeping to ensure that they are actions for safety of consumers.

Opportunity:

• Innovations in packaging films, for instance bio-based polymers compostable films, and recyclable plastics provide great grounds for application of sustainable packaging solutions in the meat industry.

Trends Shaping the Use of Polyethylene (PE) in Meat Packaging Films

Polyethylene (PE) is a key feature of the meat packaging industry. It is cheap, easy-to-use and widely used. Such as LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) or LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) PE offers the widest possible range of materials designed to satisfy various packaging needs.

LDPE, which known to be for its flexibility and transparency, is widely applied in the meat packaging films where the product showing and visibility is critical. It’s a perfect choice for wrapping meats and deli products because of its pliability and ability to provide great moisture protection. HDPE has high tensile strength and puncture resistance as well and thus can be used for packaging heavier meats or those that have sharper edges, such as frozen goods and bone-in cuts.

LLDPE is a blend that unites the best properties of both LDPE and HDPE such as extra strength, flexibility, and punctuality. This is acceptable to a variety of meat packaging applications from vacuum packed clear films to stand-up pouches.

The PE films that are commonly used in the meat packaging industry offer an impenetrable shield to moisture, oxygen and microbial contaminants, preserving the quality and freshness of the meat while adding to the convenience of handling. Furthermore, low cost of PE ensures it as first selection for manufacturers who are looking for the best combination of production costs and packing efficiency. Through the Property of polyethylene materials, the meat packaging industry offers the combination of function, cost-effectiveness, and easy to use.

For Instance,

• In November 2023, Vopy Foods, the artisanal charcuterie producer cut the use of plastic in its packaging by more than 50%. The new Eco-Pack has a shelf life as the previous one, however, it does have a new material made of paper that, once separated from the thin liner, is compatible with curbside recycling.

Significance of Packaging Films in Beef Preservation

The global shares of various meat products reveal significant consumption patterns the beef has a 20%, pork has 34%, and mutton has 5%. Americans eat 57 pounds of beef on average per person each year. Nevertheless, the sustainable nature of beef is becoming better known to the public. According to studies, it is possible to solve the climate change problem with the beef consumption in the western countries decreasing by about 90%.

There is a debate on whether the demand for meat is sustainable or not based on its nutritive value as a top source of protein. While beef, particularly, presents certain difficulties due to its short lifespan of 3-5 days in refrigerating it. This is responsible for a huge amount of meat loss and waste, with the Food and Agriculture organization (FAO) estimating that a whopping 17-20% of meat that is globally produced is lost or wasted.

Demand for chicken meat promotes innovations in packaging for convenience and freshness. Because of its limited shelf life, beef needs sturdy packaging. Both have an effect on local packaging methods. To rectify this problem different package types have been created in order to minimize the wastage and to prolong the life time of meat products. There has been high demand for beef packaging films as a result of the alarm situation created by the short shelf life of beef together with the growing consumption levels. These movies not only play a critical part in keeping beef top-quality and fresh but also lower the number of beef wasted, thus improving the sustainability in the beef industry.

For Instance,

• In June 2023, Germany-based discount retailer Lidl has announced it amending the packaging range for its beef mince products list across the UK. The new packaging is vacuum-packed and recyclable.

Escalating Meat Packaging Films with Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a method common in the meat packaging industry to lengthen the aging of meat products by changing the mixture composition of the environment within the packaging. This method includes substituting the air in the package with a mixture of gases like nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen, which has been tuned to slow down microbial growth and obstruct microbial and oxidative processes.

The MAP gas composition composition is a key element that determines the mining of spoilage microorganisms and thereby controls the color and texture of the meat. For instance, reducing the amount of oxygen delays aerobic rancidity and maintains fresh meats' color, while elevating the level of carbon di oxide blocks the growth of aerobic bacteria.

MAP is one of the broadest meat packaging practices, which is used for fresh cuts, processed meats, and pre-cooked items. Extending the shelf life of perishable meats and reducing food waste are the main advantages of cryopreservation. Moreover, it can support the production of fresher and quality products that the modern consumer craves.

The global market for MAP in meat packaging is an extremely rapidly growing market and is being fueled by factors including the growth of demand for convenience foods, awareness of quality and safety food as well as the expansion of retail chains and supermarkets. Due to increasing demands of consumers for longer shelf life and easy to use meat products, the implementation of MAP technology is estimated to increase even further, providing MAP manufacturer and supplier of meat films with development opportunities.

For Instance,

• In March 2021, In Turkey, Sultan Et and SEALPAC collaborate to introduce modified environment packaging for fresh red meat.

Key Players and Competitive Dynamics in the Meat Packaging Films Market

The competitive landscape of the meat packaging films market is dominated by established industry giants such as Dow Chemical Company, Amcor Limited, Berry Plastics Group, Inc., Coveris Holdings SA, Bemis Company, Inc., Graphic Packaging Holding Company, Sealed Air Corporation, AEP Industries Inc., Charter NEX Films Inc., Taghleef Industries Group, Hilex Poly Co LLC, RKW SE, Wipak OY, DuPont Teijin Films, Jindal Poly Films Ltd., and Innovia Films Ltd. These giants compete with upstart direct-to-consumer firms that use digital platforms to gain market share. Key competitive characteristics include product innovation, sustainable practices, and the ability to respond to changing consumer tastes.

Dow Chemical Company focuses on innovation and technology to develop advanced packaging solutions that offer improved shelf life and sustainability. They prioritize research and development to stay ahead in the market.

For Instance,

• In September 2021, Dow and Bolloré have joined forces on a pilot project which enables the use of recycled content in new food-contact packaging applications which can in turn be recycled after use.

Amcor Limited known for its global presence and extensive portfolio of packaging solutions. They emphasize customer-centric strategies, providing tailored solutions to meet specific market needs and preferences.

For Instance,

• In May 2023, Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Moda Systems, a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art, automated protein packaging machines.

Berry Plastics Group, Inc Concentrates on diversification and expansion, acquiring complementary businesses to strengthen its position in the meat packaging films market. They aim to offer a comprehensive range of packaging options to cater to diverse customer requirements.

For Instance,

• In November 2023, Berry Global has launched an updated version of its Omni Xtra polyethylene clingfilm for fresh food applications.

Coveris Holdings SA, Inc. Strives for differentiation through product quality and performance. They focus on enhancing their manufacturing capabilities and operational efficiency to deliver high-quality packaging solutions that meet stringent industry standards.

For Instance,

• In November 2023, Austrian packaging company Coveris has developed and launched a new recyclable thermoforming film packaging solution, called MonoFlex Thermoform.

Meat Packaging Films Market Player

Meat packaging films leading market players are Dow Chemical Company, Amcor Limited, Berry Plastics Group, Inc., Bemis Company, Inc., Graphic Packaging Holding Company, Sealed Air Corporation, Coveris Holdings SA, AEP Industries Inc., Charter NEX Films Inc., Taghleef Industries Group, Hilex Poly Co LLC, RKW SE, Wipak OY, DuPont Teijin Films, Jindal Poly Films Ltd., and Innovia Films Ltd.

Market Segments

By Material

• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Films (BOPP)
• Evolutionary Operation (EVOP)
• Others

By Meat

• Beef
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Pork
• Lamb
• Veal
• Lean

By Packaging Technology

• Modified Atmosphere Packaging
• Vacuum Skin Packaging
• Thermoformed Packaging

By Region

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• LAMEA