Antimicrobial Packaging Market by Material Type (Paperboard, Plastic, Biopolymers, and Others), Antimicrobial Agents Type (Plant Extracts, Organic Acids, Bacteriocins Enzymes, and Others), Packaging Technology Type (Controlled Release Packaging and Active Release Packaging), Packaging Type (Cartons, Pouches, Bags, and Others), and End-user Industry (Food & Beverage, Healthcare, Personal Care, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021–2030

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

• The COVID-19 pandemic ceased the production of various products in the antimicrobial packaging industry, which is attributed to the global lockdown. This has hampered the growth of antimicrobial packaging market in the year 2020 and 2021, and a similar trend is expected to be seen in the first half of 2022.
• The major demand for antimicrobial packaging was previously noticed from giant developed and developing countries, including the U.S., Germany, Italy, the UK, and China, which are negatively affected by the spread of the coronavirus, thereby declining the demand for antimicrobial packaging.
• Further, the long-term impact of the lockdown is currently vague and the financial recovery of companies is totally based on their cash reserves. Antimicrobial packaging materials manufacturers can afford a lockdown only for a few months, after which the players have to modify their investment plans. For instance, various players in the market halted their production activities for several weeks to reduce their expenses. On the contrary, few players adopted employee lay-offs to sustain themselves during the COVID-19 health crisis
• Antimicrobial packaging materials manufacturers are expected to focus on protecting their workforce, operations, and supply chains to respond to immediate crises and find new ways of working after COVID-19. For instance, provision of sanitizers, maintaining social distancing, as well as ensuring the vaccination of every employee in the company can assist in promoting the health & safety of the workforce. 

Top Impacting Factors

Demand of packaged food is rising, owing to surge in disposable income of people worldwide. This is boosting the demand in antimicrobial packaging market. Furthermore, packaged food has always been a major health concern, and for the same reason, government bodies across the world established many regulations. To meet these statutory requirements, food processing industries invest heavily in the development of healthier packaging methods As a result, the demand for antimicrobial packaging is increasing. Further, healthcare industry is one of the major end-users of antimicrobial packaging. In addition, the health care industry has grown significantly in recent years, thereby driving the demand in antimicrobial packaging industry.

However, the fluctuation in the cost of raw materials used in the manufacturing of antimicrobial packaging is one of the restraining factors hindering the growth of the market. Contrarily, technological developments in antimicrobial packaging products such as advancements in biopolymers, and biodegradable packaging materials is expected to boost the microbial resistivity of the packaging. This is anticipated to create lucrative opportunities for the antimicrobial packaging market growth during the forecast period.

Market Trends

• New products that contain improved capabilities are launched by leading market players. They take necessary steps to improve overall functionality of the products. For instance, in September 2020, Dunmore a global manufacturer of coated and laminated films & foils, launched a new polyester-based scratch-resistant antimicrobial film product. This antimicrobial film utilizes silver ion technology, which inhibits the growth of various bacteria, mold, and mildew on the surface. The product launch has enhanced the product offerings of the company to sustain the competition in antimicrobial packaging market.
• Similarly, key players in antimicrobial packaging market are adopting acquisition as their key developmental strategy to expand their geographical foothold and upgrade their product technologies. For instance, in July 2020, Avient Corporation, a leading global provider of specialized polymer materials, services, and sustainable packaging, acquired the Color Masterbatch businesses of Clariant Chemicals India Ltd. Clariant manufactures printing products for food packaging. This acquisition will help the Avient Corporation print their packaging media with less expense. 
• Moreover, business expansion strategies assist in enhancing their geographic footprint and help in gaining significant market share for antimicrobial packaging products. For instance, in September 2019, Germany-based Klöckner Pentaplast Group, a market leader in recycled content products and high-barrier protective packaging, invested $68 million for expanding its facilities in Louisa County and Wythe County, Virginia, U.S. The facility is expected to improve the service offerings for antimicrobial packaging consumers in the region.

Key Benefits of the Report

• This study presents the analytical depiction of the antimicrobial packaging industry along with the current trends and future estimations to determine the future investment pockets.
• The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities, along with detailed analysis of the antimicrobial packaging market share.
• The current market is quantitatively analyzed from 2020 to 2030 to highlight the antimicrobial packaging market growth scenario.
• Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of buyers & suppliers in the market. 
• The report provides a detailed antimicrobial packaging market analysis based on competitive intensity and how the competition will take shape in coming years.