Smart Food Packaging Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and Outlook (2024-2031)

Global Smart Food Packaging Market is Segmented By Type (Active Packaging, Controlled Packaging, Aseptic Packaging, Intelligent Packaging, Biodegradable Packaging, Others), By Material (Metal, Glass, Paper & Paperboard, Plastic, Polymer Nanocomposites, Others), By Application (3 Dairy Products, Meat & Seafood, Bakery Products, Confectionary Products, Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030

Smart Food Packaging Market Size

The Global Smart Food Packaging Market reached US$ 35.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 38.6 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

The global smart food packaging market is majorly driven by increasing consumer demand for convenient and safe food products. Smart food packaging manufacturers are integrating trending technologies, such as RFID, QR codes and sensors, to provide real-time information on product quality, freshness and safety. 

Furthermore, consumer’s growing focus on food safety and traceability has fueled the adoption of smart packaging solutions. For instance, in December 2021, scientists from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in US introduced a groundbreaking biodegradable smart food packaging material. Made from zein, starch and naturally derived biopolymers, the packaging contains natural antimicrobial compounds like thyme oil and citric acid. When exposed to increased humidity or harmful bacteria, the packaging releases these compounds, which can effectively kill dangerous bacteria like E. Coli and Listeria. It extends the shelf life of fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables, by several days.

The smart food packaging market in the Asia-Pacific is expanding rapidly, driven by evolving consumer lifestyles. As per the South China Morning Post article, in China, the ready-meals industry generated 550 billion yuan in revenue in 2022, with projections of exceeding 1 trillion yuan in the coming years. The shift in consumer habits, including increased reliance on pre-prepared dishes, underscores the demand for innovative food packaging solutions that enhance convenience, food safety and sustainability.

Smart Food Packaging Market Scope

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Smart Food Packaging Market Dynamics

Convenience and Ready-to-Eat Food Demand

The globally smart packaging market is experiencing substantial growth, driven by growing convenience, increased consumer demand for ready-to-eat foods and technological advancements. According to DataM Intelligence, the global ready-to-eat food market was valued at US$ 172.5 million in 2022 and is expected to witness significant expansion, reaching US$ 258.7 million by 2030. 

The growth represents a robust CAGR during the forecast period from 2023 to 2030. The rising preference for on-the-go and easily accessible food options, coupled with the integration of smart packaging solutions that enhance product freshness, safety and convenience, is propelling the market's continued global expansion.

Innovations, Sustainability and Consumer Demands

Advancements and innovations are propelling the smart food packaging market. The developments include the integration of sensors and technologies that monitor product freshness, temperature and tampering. RFID and NFC tags enable tracking and traceability, enhancing food safety. Also, interactive packaging with QR codes and augmented reality enhances consumer engagement. Sustainability is a key driver, with eco-friendly materials and reduced waste in packaging design. The market is evolving to meet consumer demands for convenience, transparency and sustainability in food packaging.

For instance, researchers from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) are developing nanosensor technology for detecting foodborne bacteria in food packaging. The SMART research team received an Intra-CREATE grant from the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore, aiming to create biodegradable, multifunctional food packaging capable of real-time detection and prevention of foodborne pathogens.

High Costs

The high cost is a significant constraint impacting the smart food packaging market. The development and integration of advanced technologies, such as sensors, RFID and QR codes, can significantly increase production expenses. Smart packaging solutions often require expensive materials and components to ensure their effectiveness, raising manufacturing costs. 

Furthermore, the implementation of quality control measures to maintain accuracy and reliability adds to the overall cost. The cost factors may lead to higher prices for smart packaging solutions, making them less accessible to some consumers and businesses. The affordability gap hinders mass adoption, limiting market growth. Balancing innovation with cost-effectiveness is essential for the smart food packaging market to expand and reach a broader customer base.

Smart Food Packaging Market Segment Analysis

The global smart food packaging market is segmented based on type, material, application and region.

Active Packaging Dominates the Smart Food Packaging Market

Active packaging holds the largest share in smart food packaging, as it provides the ability to extend the shelf life of food products. By incorporating nanotechnology and biomaterials, active food packaging can control microbial growth, moisture and oxidation, ensuring food freshness and safety. Active food packaging is a promising technology in the food industry, offering benefits like extended shelf life, improved product quality and enhanced consumer satisfaction while minimizing waste and environmental impact.

In November 2021, COEXPAN, through INNOTECH, introduced a range of food packaging solutions, including their COEXSHIELD antibacterial monomaterial trays designed for fresh food applications. The innovative trays incorporated antibacterial features to enhance food packaging's presentation and offer smart and active functions to reduce food waste, extend shelf life and improve sustainability. By replacing complex laminates with high-barrier nanomaterials containing safe additives for food contact, the COEXSHIELD products extended shelf life from 7 to 12 days, depending on initial hygiene and food safety conditions.

Smart Food Packaging Market Geographical Share

Asia-Pacific Leads the Smart Food Packaging Market with China and India's Population Growth

Asia-Pacific dominates the smart food packaging market with the immense growth in economic significance of countries like China and India. As the world's second-largest economy, China holds a major role in shaping global trade and food consumption patterns. As per the Government of Canada report, in 2020, China stood as the second-largest importer of processed and packaged agri-food and seafood products, with an impressive value of US$75.8 billion. 

Furthermore, as per the Invest India report, India is experiencing significant expansion in its food processing industry, with the market estimated to reach US$535 billion by 2025 at a compound annual growth rate of 15.2%. Rising consumer spending and growing urbanization in Tier-II and Tier-III cities contribute to the increasing adoption of smart food packaging solutions.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of the smart food packaging market. The crisis increased demand for food retail and e-commerce, driving the need for innovative packaging solutions. Flexible packaging played a crucial role by providing lightweight, durable and hygienic options, making it easier to transport products to smaller towns and rural areas. 

The pandemic heightened awareness of the importance of packaged products for food safety. The shift in consumer behavior, coupled with flexible packaging's potential for eco-friendliness and sustainability, has led to impressive growth. Packaging technologies, such as barrier nano-coating, have reduced material usage and improved barrier properties. Recyclable and biodegradable packaging solutions are becoming more prevalent, fostering sustainability efforts and enhancing consumer experiences with attractive, innovative designs.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The Russia-Ukraine war has significantly impacted the smart food packaging market, leading to disruptions in the supply chain, rising production costs and heightened uncertainty. It conflict has disrupted the sourcing of essential raw materials, including plastics, metals and paper, causing delays and shortages. Increasing energy and commodity prices, linked to the war, have driven up production costs, affecting the affordability of smart packaging solutions. 

Companies in the industry are faced with uncertainty regarding the stability of their supply chains, leading to potential delays in product development and manufacturing. Sanctions and trade restrictions further complicate the global supply chain. The long-term effects on the smart food packaging market remain uncertain, but adaptation to changing supply dynamics and alternative sourcing options may be necessary.

By Type

• Active Packaging 
• Controlled Packaging
• Aseptic Packaging
• Intelligent Packaging
• Biodegradable Packaging
• Others

By Material

• Metal
• Glass
• Paper & Paperboard
• Plastic
• Polymer Nanocomposites
• Others

By Application

• Dairy Products
• Meat & Seafood
• Bakery Products 
• Confectionary Products
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In June, 2023, Senoptica Technologies, an Irish deep-tech packaging sensor technology company, has developed a sensor for monitoring the condition of perishable food products. It patented sensor is designed to be printed directly onto the inside of food packaging using food-safe ink. It measures the oxygen level inside modified atmosphere food packs in real-time.
• In November 2021, Tetra Pak Group introduced a "universal" connected packaging experience, the Tetra Pak Group Iberia connected experience, allowing various brands to engage directly with customers through their smart packaging. Accessible via QR codes on Tetra Pak Group packaging, this web-based app is customizable by brands and products. It tracks real-time interactions, providing data on product flavor scans, engagement times, locations, scan rates, visitor numbers, return visits and social media shares, including GDPR-compliant personal data.
• In May 2023, D&W Fine Pack LLC, a food packaging solutions company, launched the Earth Smart® packaging line. The collection aims to combine sustainability with consumer convenience. Earth Smart products integrate various features to reduce their environmental impact, including recycled content, bio-based materials, compostability, recyclability, reduced environmental impact and the absence of intentionally added PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

Smart Food Packaging Market Companies

The major global players in the market include Amcor Limited, Sealed Air Corporation, Huhtamäki Oyj, 3M Company, Crown Holdings Inc, Ball Corporation, Tetra Pak Group, Bemis Company, Graham Packaging Company, Filtration Group Corporation.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global smart food packaging market segmentation based on type, material, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of smart food packaging market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global smart food packaging market report would provide approximately 61 tables, 65 figures and 195 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies