Active Packaging Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Packaging Technology (Oxygen Scavengers, Moisture Controllers, Antimicrobial Agents, UV Blocking, Others), By Application (Food, Beverages, Pharmaceuticals And Healthcare, Electronics Applications, Consumer Care, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2024 To 2029

The active packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.60% to reach a market size of US$65.388 billion in 2029 from US$41.814 billion in 2022. 

Active packaging is aimed at improving the performance of the package by infusing subsidiary constituents into the package (material or space). This emerging packaging system ensures that the food remains fresh and free from contamination and extends the shelf-life of the packaged food product.

Market Drivers

• The demand for packaging products that are both durable and environmentally sustainable is on the rise.

Conventional packaging serves the primary purpose of protecting food during transportation and storage in the supply chain, but it typically lacks interactive features that add value to the contents. However, advancements in science are changing this dynamic, enabling packaging to engage with food products. With the digitization of the supply chain, technology plays a crucial role, offering operational benefits that help businesses adapt to evolving market conditions.

Moreover, digitalization simplifies compliance with regulations and meets consumer demands for transparency. This shift is primarily driven by changing customer preferences for eco-friendly packaging solutions. For instance, the 2021 Global Buying Green Report revealed that 54% of consumers prioritize sustainable packaging when making purchasing decisions, particularly among those under the age of 44. An overwhelming 83% of respondents expressed willingness to pay a premium for products manufactured using sustainable practices.

In July 2021, Flipkart and Myntra collaborated with the nonprofit organization Canopy to adopt sustainable packaging solutions, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. By participating in Canopy's Pack4Good and CanopyStyle programs, the Flipkart group aims to enhance its sustainability efforts and promote the use of eco-friendly materials in packaging.

The North America will witness significant market growth

The active and intelligent packaging market in the United States has experienced notable growth in recent years due to favorable regulations, a growing focus on sustainability, and rising demand across various sectors, particularly in food and healthcare. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States, approximately 133 billion pounds of food, valued at USD 161 billion, is wasted annually in the country. Efforts to address this issue include diverting food to food banks, educational initiatives, and standardizing date labels on food packaging.

Furthermore, there is a growing interest in using active and intelligent packaging to reduce food waste in the United States. Government initiatives have played a significant role in promoting intelligent packaging, which not only helps reduce food waste and ensure food safety but also enables tracking the location and condition of food products. For instance, the US Department of Defense (DOD) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have advocated for the adoption of RFID technology for supply chain management and tracking products requiring active and intelligent packaging.

Similarly, Canada, the second-largest market in North America, shares many trends with the United States. Consumer preferences in Canada also lean towards healthier, minimally processed foods packaged efficiently to maintain safety and prolong shelf life.

Major Players

The major market players in the active packaging market are BASF SE, DuPont, Amcor Ltd., MicrobeGuard Corporation, Sealed Air Corporation, Dessicare Inc., Active Packaging, and Accutech Packaging. These companies are highly competitive and compete with each other on grounds of new product launches, agreeing to a partnership, or acquisition.

Market Developments

• In January 2024, ProAmpac, a leading company in flexible packaging and material science, introduced ProActive Intelligence Moisture Protect (MP-1000), a pioneering moisture-adsorbing technology that was patent-pending. This innovation eliminated the necessity for desiccant packets. The MP-1000 platforms utilized Aptar’s CSP Technologies’ 3-Phase Activ-Polymer™ platform technology to reduce moisture levels in the packaging headspace, catering to applications demanding precise moisture control. These applications included point-of-care diagnostic kits, live culture probiotics, and hygroscopic powdery food products.
• In December 2022, BASF SE, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, collaborated with StePac Ltd., based in Tefen, Israel, to develop a new era of sustainable packaging tailored for the fresh produce industry. By furnishing StePac with its Ultramid® CcycledTM, a polyamide 6 material chemically recycled by BASF, the company granted its partner increased flexibility to enhance contact-sensitive packaging formats to a higher level of sustainability within the framework of the circular economy.
• In February 2020, Aptar a leader in consumer dispensing, active packaging, and drug delivery solutions announced that it had acquired FusionPKG. FusionPKG is a leader in providing high-quality, prestige airless, and color cosmetics packaging. This acquisition will enable Aptar to grow Aptar’s Beauty + Home segment margins.
• In January 2020, Aptar CSP Technologies, a prominent figure in material science and active packaging solutions aimed at enhancing product protection, prolonging shelf life, and enhancing user satisfaction, unveiled a groundbreaking active packaging solution. This innovative technology represents the first-ever combination of oxygen scavenging and moisture adsorption functionalities. The solution harnesses the company's patented 3-phase Activ-Polymer™ platform integrated into its Activ-Film™ product configuration.
• BASF recently in the year 2020 completed the acquisition of Solvay’s polyamide business. This deal was made for €1.3 billion. This acquisition will enable BASF to improve its supply reliability. It will be able to provide its customers with even better engineering plastics solutions.
• The project SafetySenseO2 was initiated by AIMPLAS in January 2020 to create a printed sensor capable of recognizing the presence of oxygen in the packaging. The organization hopes it will be practical, to detect in-line defects in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in an economical and non-destructive way, as well as during storage and transportation. Also, the oxygen sensor can provide consumers with information about the safety and quality of food to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

The food industry is one of the largest end-user industries in the active packaging market. The advanced versions of active packaging materials release controlled quantities of ethanol into meat and bakery products that would help curb microbial growth in those food items. The choice of material used for active packaging depends on the type of food that is being preserved. For instance, in the case of cured meat, nuts and powdered milk reducing oxygen is beneficial. However, in the case of cheese, baked goods, and fresh and processed meat, carbon dioxide has a positive impact. It helps impart an antimicrobial effect to certain food items.

Segmentation

• By Packaging Technology
  • Oxygen Scavengers
  • Moisture Controllers
  • Antimicrobial Agents
  • UV Blocking
  • Others
• By Application
  • Food
  • Beverages
  • Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
  • Electronics Applications
  • Consumer Care
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • U.K
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • France
    • Netherlands
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Israel
    • South Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Others
  • Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • India
    • Others