Vacuum Packaging Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis

Key Market Insights.

The global vacuum packaging market was valued at USD 29.58 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 31.16 billion by 2024 and USD 50.04 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.10% during the forecast period.

Vacuum packaging is an efficient, simple, and ideal way to package a wide range of food and other products. This type of packaging is mainly used for food preservation in commercial and residential applications, as it removes air from the package before sealing it. Increasing use of vacuum bags and films to protect food products such as meat, poultry, seafood, and others is a major factor driving the market growth. In addition, introduction of advanced technologies for enhanced product protection will drive the global vacuum packaging market share growth.

The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has had a crucial impact on the food packaging industry. However, the growing demand for online food distribution has encouraged the use of vacuum films, trays, and bags to ensure overall product protection. Increased use of these solutions for food safety and maintaining shelf life during transportation is driving the market growth during the pandemic.

Vacuum Packaging Market Trends

Advancements in food packaging technologies will be a key market trend

Continuous advancement in various food packaging technologies is a major factor accelerating the market growth. Many advancements such as vacuum packaging machines, gas conditioned packaging, oxygen reduced packaging, and others are crucial for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the packaging process.

In addition, implementation of automation and smart packaging solutions will also drive this trend. Active film technology, developed using natural antimicrobial ingredients, is also being used for vacuum-laminated packaging of seafood products. Smart food packaging using multi-sensory analysis is emerging as the next generation food packaging technology and is a key trend for market growth.

Growth factors for the vacuum packaging market

Rising demand for packaged food and meat products to support market growth

Increasing demand for packaged food products from the global workforce is a major factor boosting the use of vacuum films and bags to further drive the market growth. Rising consumer awareness regarding food safety and hygiene is also driving the market progress. Vacuum packaging solutions ensure food safety, enhance its freshness and quality, and minimize the growth of bacteria. Packaged food products are mainly used with such packaging solutions and growing demand for these food products will drive the market growth.

In addition, the huge global demand for meat products will also stimulate market growth. According to a recent report by Our World in Data, the global demand for meat has been growing rapidly in recent years. In 2022, the global meat production will increase to 355.46 million tons. The increasing consumption of meat products has boosted the use of vacuum films and is driving the growth of the global vacuum packaging market.

Significant Advantages Offered by Vacuum Films and Vacuum Bags to Drive Market Growth

Vacuum packaging is a cost-effective packaging solution for food and healthcare products. It offers several advantages and has gained immense traction in the food manufacturing sector. The lack of oxygen in vacuum bags inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, thereby helping food retain its quality for a longer period of time.

In addition, because oxygen is removed from packaged products, less space is required, allowing more products to be shipped in each shipment. This allows companies to save on transportation costs. This type of packaging also provides excellent moisture and air barriers, and the packaged products are clearly visible to the consumer. The growing demand from the food packaging industry, especially meat and dairy products, is driving the growth of the global market due to such significant benefits.

Restraints

Increasing risk of bacterial growth in packaged food is hampering the market growth.

Vacuum packaging removes oxygen from packaged foods. Although bacteria that increase the risk of food spoilage or mold growth cannot grow in such packaging, certain pathogenic bacteria can. Clostridium botulinum (botulinum toxin) can easily survive without oxygen. This toxin is dangerous and can cause botulism, which can be life threatening. Several vacuum seal manufacturers strongly recommend against the use of vacuum film and vacuum bags for packaging fresh mushrooms, garlic, or onions due to the potential growth of botulinum toxin. The increasing risk of bacterial growth in such vacuum-packed foods is a major factor restraining the growth of the market. Moreover, since these bags are sealed by removing air, opening these bags is difficult due to lack of perforation, which further restrains the growth of the market.

Vacuum Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

Analyzed by Material

Superiority of plastic material enhances its market dominance

On the basis of material, the market is segmented into plastic, paperboard, and others. Plastic is the dominant segment and is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years. This material offers potential advantages such as transparency, high flexibility, thermoformability, and shrinkability, which will boost its application in vacuum packaging. The excellent flexibility offered by the plastic material is ideal for packaging irregularly shaped items according to the product contours. The material provides an excellent barrier to moisture, air, and odors and protects the integrity of the food product, further contributing to the growth of the segment.

Paperboard is the second largest segment and analysis shows steady growth in the coming years. The growing trend of sustainable packaging is driving the demand for paperboard packaging products and contributing to the growth of the segment.

Analysis by Product Type
Increasing need to ensure food safety is boosting the adoption of sacks and pouches

Based on product type, the market is segmented into films, bags and pouches, trays, and others. The bags & pouches segment dominated the market and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. In bags and pouches, vacuum helps to press the package against the food and improves heat transfer, thereby ensuring freshness and preserving flavor. In addition, these bags offer excellent sealing properties and high fill rates, thereby reducing costs. Increasing demand for vacuum bags and pouches for packaging dairy products, seafood, bakery products, and other items in the food industry will support the growth of the segment.

Films is the second most dominant segment in the market. Growing demand and usage of vacuum films for packaging meat, convenience food, and dairy products are the major factors contributing to the growth of the segment.

Analysis by Application

Rising consumption of meat and dairy products is increasing product demand

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into food, healthcare, and others. Food is the major application segment and holds the highest market share. Vacuum packaging is used to package various food products such as meat, seafood, produce, ready meals, cheese, and others as it protects them from external contaminants such as moisture, odor, and air. Growing consumption of meat and dairy products will increase the demand for vacuum laminating films and bags to ensure their quality and safety, leading to segment growth. Vacuum lamination films are essential for extending the shelf life of food products, further contributing to the growth of this segment.

Healthcare is the second largest application. Various tablets, capsules, and injections are vacuum sealed to prevent bacterial growth, maintain integrity, and prevent oxygen-induced degradation, thereby driving the segment growth.

Regional Insights

The North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa markets have been analyzed.

North America is the dominant region in the global vacuum packaging market. The region is at the forefront of technological advancements such as vacuum packaging, which is driving the growth of the market. In addition, the growing demand for dairy products is driving the demand for vacuum-laminated packaging films and bags, which is further contributing to the growth of the market in the region. For instance, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), per capita consumption of dairy products will reach 653 pounds in 2022, with cheese consumption reaching an all-time high of 42 pounds per capita.

Asia Pacific is the second leading region and is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. The growing meat and dairy industry in the region is the major contributor to the market growth in the region. Meat consumption is increasing in the region due to factors such as rising income and changing dietary habits. According to Nikkei Asia, Asia Pacific is expected to account for 52% of the global meat trade by 2030, further contributing to the market growth in the region.

Europe is the third largest region and is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. Increasing investments in R&D activities, continuous product innovation, and growing demand for packaged foods will drive the market growth in this region.

Latin America is expected to witness significant growth due to increasing demand for meat, poultry, and convenience foods from the working population.

The Middle East and Africa will witness steady growth due to increasing demand for meat products such as beef and poultry in key countries.