Active Packaging is Smart Packaging
The global active packaging market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 6.62% to attain a market size of US$31.924 billion by the end of 2026. This market was worth US$20.386 billion in the year-end 2019. One of the prime reasons driving the growth in this market is its capability of increasing the shelf-life of the product stored inside the package. Active packaging is also considered as smart or intelligent packaging and widely used by numerous industries. It is a packaging system that is developed and coordinated to ensure maintenance and improvement of health and nutrition property, organoleptic properties, and the quality of food packed.
The innovation was a resulted of surging demand for easy-to-cook but fresh semi-prepared food products which saves cooking time. Moreover, hectic lifestyle and level-up standard of livings has originated demand for ready-to-eat and healthy food products having fewer treatments or chemical interference and have a long shelf-life. Active Packaging ensures food limited chemical interaction by increasing the shelf-life using its advanced technology.
Types and Advantage of Active Packaging
There are several types of active packaging based on the system it is used for. With the help of active elements, which are placed in the package, to deliver several operations. These elements are either small packets, envelop or label that are incorporated through extrusion, printing, or lamination, decreasing consumer worry of finding additional objects in the package. Active packaging with temperature systems enables food to be heated or cooled within the package, before serving. Vsteam bags are one such example of active packaging with a temperature control feature. The bag can be directly transferred into the refrigerator or microwave and cool or heat the content by decreasing or increasing the inside temperature. Active packaging having absorption and elimination property has the capability to absorb and eliminate unwanted substances, excess moisture, and taste and smells. The advantage of these packaging includes extended shelf-life without chemical interference. They also facilitate a reduction in food wastage and are biodegradable.
Based on packaging technology, the active packaging market is separated as oxygen scavengers, moisture controllers, antimicrobial agents, UV blocking, and others. UV blocking active packaging technology is predicted to grow at a measurable rate during the forecasted period because of its capability of absorbing excess oils and fats from the stored food, reducing the risk of them oxidizing when exposed to atmospheric temperature or light. It also prevents oxidation of vitamins and colors, being highly efficient at protection at the microbiological level.
Fast-Pacing, Hectic Lifestyle Is Boosting the Disposable Income, Increasing the Demand for Active Packaging For a Better Product Experience
Based on the end-user industry, the global active packaging market is segmented into food, beverage, pharmaceutical and healthcare, electronic application, consumer care, and others. The food and beverage segment of the market is expected to outstand other segments and grow at an exponential rate during the forecasted period. The prime reasons resulting in such immense growth is the rising adoption of active packaging owing to surging demand due to fast-pacing, hectic lifestyle adoption which has significantly increased consumers disposable income and escalating demand for ready-to-eat food and beverages and semi-cooked food products. The food and beverage ecosystem today are far more completed than it was a decade ago. In the past, a straight chain of distribution carried food and beverages from processors to consumers. However, today’s food supply chain is much more complex, involving more agents. Furthermore, with rising internet and technology adoption along with new channels of business, today’s customer is both, the supplier/ restaurant, and the end product consumer. These complex chains require batter packaging so as to ensure healthier food delivery to the final users, significantly surging the usage of active packaging. Since active packaging involves minimal usage of chemicals and stores the food using gases, the food remains fresh and healthy.
Food Supply Chain in Past
Food Supply Chain Today
The Pharmaceutical sector is expected to grow at a considerable rate during the time frame. Rising chronic diseases and adoption of advance packaging method is driving the market growth. Consumers today prefer the sole package of pills, then glass bottles, as they are convenient to carry and helps in keeping a track record of medicine intake. The consumer care fragment will grow at a significant rate with surging use of consumer care products such as face masks, eye masks, feet mask, and others. The global skincare market is booming, with an increasing preference for organic products without chemical interference. Manufacturers in the industry are employing active packaging technology to supply 100% organic products to their consumers. Active Packaging also facilitates a longer life of these organic products. hence the skincare market has significantly increased the market size.
The Asia Pacific Market Is Expected to Grow at the Fastest Growth Rate While the North American Region Will Dominate the Market
Based on Geography, the market for active packaging is segmented into the North American region, South American region, European region, the Middle East and African region, and the Asia Pacific region. The North American region is predicted to dominate the market during the forecasted period owing to the high consumption of ready-to-eat or semi-prepared food and beverages. The pharmaceutical and personal care segment will also boost the market growth. The Asia Pacific market is eyed to grow at the fastest rate during the predicted period. The prime reasons are growing disposable income along with the adoption of package food. The personal and consumer care sector will contribute to significant growth. China is one of the biggest consumers of personal care products. Customers prefer organic products, such as CBD skincare products, over chemical products, increasing the employment of active packaging. Moreover, the booming consumer electronic manufacturing sector creates a huge market potential for active packaging.
Coronavirus Pandemic Insights
The analysis report offered also consist detailed study regarding the effect of the coronavirus pandemic in the packaging industry, noting crucial effects on the active packaging market. The pandemic and lockdown had a severe impact on the active packaging business de to disturbed supply chain and physical shut down, along with travel restrictions.
