PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1908196
PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1908196
The global food packaging market size was estimated at USD 421.60 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 598.98 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2026 to 2033. The surge in online grocery shopping, meal kit subscriptions, and food delivery services has fueled the demand for durable and temperature-controlled food packaging solutions.
Additionally, the growth in urban populations and the middle-class segment worldwide has led to an increase in the consumption of processed and packaged food, driving the growth of the food packaging industry. Growing urbanization and changing lifestyles have significantly transformed food packaging demands in the emerging countries across the world. As more people live in cities with busy schedules, there is an increasing need for convenient, on-the-go packaging solutions. For example, portion-controlled snack packs, microwaveable containers, and ready-to-eat meal packaging have seen substantial growth in recent times.
Sustainability has emerged as a crucial driver, with consumers and regulations driving the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. This has led to innovations in biodegradable materials, reduced plastic usage, and the development of recyclable packaging designs. For instance, in November 2024, Greif, a U.S.-based packaging company, introduced a Coated Recycled Paperboard (CRB) specifically designed for the food industry, marking a significant advancement in sustainable packaging solutions. This new product is notable for its recycled and recyclable properties, aligning with the company's commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles. Additionally, the rise of plant-based materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and mushroom-based packaging, demonstrates the industry's shift toward greater environmental responsibility.
Food safety and preservation requirements continue to drive technological advancements in packaging. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and active packaging technologies help extend shelf life while maintaining food quality and freshness. Smart packaging with indicators for freshness, temperature, and tampering has gained traction.
Furthermore, e-commerce growth has revolutionized food packaging requirements, especially accelerated by recent global events. This has led to innovative designs that focus on durability during shipping, temperature control, and the unboxing experience. Amazon's frustration-free packaging program has influenced many food manufacturers to redesign their packaging for online retail. Additionally, the rise of meal kit services, such as HelloFresh, has created demand for specialized packaging solutions that ensure the delivery of fresh ingredients while minimizing environmental impact through portion control and the use of recyclable materials.
Global Food Packaging Market Report Segmentation
This report forecasts revenue growth at a global level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global food packaging market report based on type, material, application, packaging type, food type, and region: