Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market Research, 2033
The Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market was valued at $2.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $3.9 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2024 to 2033.
Introduction
Plastic based meat packaging is the process of enclosing meat products in protective materials to preserve freshness, ensure food safety, and extend shelf life. It involves different techniques such as vacuum sealing, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and shrink wrapping to prevent contamination, dehydration, and spoilage. Proper meat packaging helps to maintain product quality, complies with food safety regulations, and provides essential labelling information, including weight, expiration date, and nutritional details.
Meat packaging refers to the process of enclosing meat products in materials designed to protect, preserve, and present them for distribution, storage, sale, and consumption. The primary objectives are to maintain the meat's freshness, extend its shelf life, prevent contamination, and provide essential information to consumers. Effective packaging serves as a protective shield against physical, chemical, and biological hazards, preserving the safety and quality of meat products from processing to the final consumer. Restaurants, hotels, and catering services rely on efficient packaging to ensure meat products are delivered in optimal condition. Packaging solutions that offer portion control, ease of storage, and extended shelf life are particularly valued in this industry.
Key Takeaways:
- Quantitative information mentioned in the plastic based Europe meat packaging market includes the market numbers in terms of value ($Billion) and volume (Tons) concerning different segments, annual growth rate, CAGR (2024-33), and growth analysis.
- The analysis in the report is provided based on type, and end-use industry. The study is expected to contain qualitative information such as the market dynamics (drivers, restraints, opportunities), Porter’s Five Force Analysis, key regulations across the region, and value chain analysis.
- A few companies, including PETRUZALEK GesmbH Gewerbepark, Berry Global Inc., EREMA Group GmbH, Klöckner Pentaplast, Mannok Pack, Tekni-Plex, Inc., Nutripack, Waddington Europe, Veroniki Ecogrup S.R.L., and ILIP S.r.l. hold a large proportion of the plastic based Europe meat packaging market.
- This report makes it easier for existing market players and new entrants to the plastic based Europe meat packaging industry to plan their strategies and understand the dynamics of the industry, which helps them make better decisions.
Market Dynamics
Rising demand for convenience and ready-to-eat meat products is expected to dive the growth of Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market. Surge in demand for convenience and ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products in Europe is driven by shift in consumer lifestyles, urbanization, and increase in disposable incomes. With busy work schedules and changes in eating habits, consumers look for quick and easy meal solutions that require minimal preparation. Supermarkets and online grocery platforms have expanded their offerings to include a wide range of RTE meat options, from precooked sausages and grilled chicken to deli meats and marinated cuts, catering to the evolving preferences of European consumers. Countries such as Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands have seen increased consumption of protein-rich meat snacks such as beef jerky, dried sausages, and cold cuts. In November 2024, Pronofa Asa, a Scandinavian company, is developing mincemeat from sea squirts (ciona) as a sustainable protein alternative. The product is expected to be available in Norwegian and Swedish supermarkets by the end of 2024, with plans for broader European distribution. All these factors are expected to drive the demand for the plastic based Europe meat packaging market during the forecast period.
However, high costs associated with sustainable and recyclable packaging is expected to restraint the growth of Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market. Growing consumer awareness and regulatory pressure are driving the adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions. However, the cost of materials such as biodegradable films, compostable trays, and recyclable coatings remains significantly higher than conventional plastic-based alternatives. Sustainable packaging materials demand specialized production processes, advanced technologies, and high-quality raw materials, leading to increased manufacturing expenses. These added costs are passed down the supply chain, making sustainable packaging a financial challenge for small and medium-sized meat processors, who find it difficult to absorb the higher expenses. Moreover, transitioning to recyclable or biodegradable packaging requires meat producers and retailers to invest in new packaging machinery, redesign product labeling, and comply with evolving regulations on sustainability. The lack of standardized recycling infrastructure across different European countries further complicates the situation, as companies must tailor their packaging solutions to meet varying regional requirements.
Segment Overview
The plastic based Europe meat packaging market is segmented into product type, material type, meat type, and country. On the basis of product type, the market is divided into trays and clamshells. On the basis of material type, the market is segmented into PET, recycled PET (RPET), and polypropylene (PP). On the basis of meat type, the market is classified into pork, chicken, beef, and others. Country-wise, the market is analyzed across Germany, Italy, France, Spain, UK, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and rest of Europe.
Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market, By Type
On the basis of product type, trays segment accounted for more than half of the Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market share in 2023 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. The use of trays in meat packaging across Europe has seen a steady rise due to increasing consumer demand for convenience, hygiene, and extended shelf life. Trays, typically made from materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and expanded polystyrene (EPS), provide a secure and protective environment for fresh, processed, and frozen meat products. The use of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in combination with trays has become a common practice, as it helps preserve meat quality by regulating oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, reducing spoilage, and maintaining color and texture. Additionally, vacuum skin packaging (VSP) on trays is gaining popularity, offering improved product visibility and longer preservation periods.
By Type
Trays is projected as the most lucrative segment.
Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market, By Material Type
On the basis of material type, The PET segment accounted for more than one third of the plastic based Europe meat packaging market share in 2023 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. One of the key advantages of PET in meat packaging is its ability to provide strong oxygen and moisture barriers, which are crucial for preserving the freshness of meat products. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) using PET helps extend the shelf life of fresh and processed meat, reducing food waste across the supply chain. Additionally, PET’s lightweight nature makes transportation more efficient, lowering carbon emissions and costs.
Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market, By Material Type
On the basis of meat type, the pork segment accounted for more than one third of the plastic based Europe meat packaging market share in 2023 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. The meat packaging industry in Europe plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, safety, and longevity of pork products. With stringent regulations set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other regulatory bodies, packaging solutions are designed to maintain freshness, prevent contamination, and enhance the shelf life of pork meat. Various materials, including vacuum-sealed plastic films, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and biodegradable alternatives, are widely used to preserve pork products while meeting sustainability goals. In June 2023, the German federal government approved a regulation extending mandatory origin labeling to unpackaged fresh, chilled, and frozen pork, as well as other meats like sheep, goat, and poultry. Previously, such labeling was only required for pre-packaged meat. This move seeks to provide consumers with clearer information about the provenance of meat products.
Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market, By Country
Country-wise, The Russia dominated the plastic based Europe meat packaging market in 2023 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. The meat packaging industry in Russia has witnessed steady growth, influenced by increasing consumer demand for processed and packaged meat products. European meat packaging solutions play a significant role in this market, offering advanced materials, sustainable packaging options, and enhanced preservation technologies. In November 2023, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade proposed a governmental decree to ban the use of certain polymer goods and packaging deemed non-recyclable or inefficiently recyclable. The proposed ban includes a list of 23 types of packaging, with six items targeted for restriction starting in 2024 and the remaining 17 by 2030. The initial phase includes limitations on specific types of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and multilayer PET bottles. These measures aim to encourage the adoption of more recyclable materials in packaging, which could impact meat packaging practices that rely on such polymers.
Competitive Analysis
The major players operating in the plastic based Europe meat packaging market include PETRUZALEK GesmbH Gewerbepark, Berry Global Inc., EREMA Group GmbH, Klöckner Pentaplast, Mannok Pack, Tekni-Plex, Inc., Nutripack, Waddington Europe, Veroniki Ecogrup S.R.L., and ILIP S.r.l.
In August 2022, Berry Global introduced top-selling thermoformed and injection stretch blow-molded meat packs made from recycled PET (rPET), enhancing sustainability in food packaging.
In October 2022, EREMA Group GmbH announced a strategic partnership with INTCO Recycling, a global leader in plastic recycling solutions. This collaboration aimed to enhance PET recycling efficiency by integrating EREMA’s advanced recycling technologies with INTCO’s large-scale processing capabilities.
In August 2024, Berry Global expanded its B Circular range to include packaging made with CleanStream recycled plastic. This proprietary technology recycles nearly 40% of polypropylene waste from UK households, suitable for contact-sensitive applications like personal care packaging.
Europe: How much do they consume meat?
The Europe is a developed market and has high levels of meat and dairy consumption across a range of different cuts and products. It is important to bear in mind that per capita consumption and levels of trade vary across the member states.
Europe pork production is high at 22.5m tonnes, with Spain, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands the main producers. The EU is producing more pork than it consumes, but there are limited levels of imports and exports. Production is expected to fall by 750,000 tonnes. However, this should not cause too much of an impact due to the similar decrease in consumption levels.
Beef production in 2022 is currently nearly 7m tonnes a year, satisfying consumption levels of 6.5m tonnes. Production is expected to decrease at a similar rate to consumption but import and export levels are not expected to change.
Sheep meat consumption is much lower than other red meat in the EU. It is seen as a premium product and eaten on special occasions. Consumption is currently 665,000 tonnes a year and this is expected to grow only slightly, to reach 9,000 tonnes in 2029 (source: OECD).
Key Benefits For Stakeholders
- The report includes in-depth analysis of different segments and provides market estimations between 2023 and 2033.
- A comprehensive analysis of the factors that drive and restrict the growth of the Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market is provided.
- Porter’s five forces model illustrates the potency of buyers & sellers, which is estimated to assist the market players to adopt effective strategies.
- Estimations and forecast are based on factors impacting the Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market growth, in terms of value.
- Key market players are profiled to gain an understanding of the strategies adopted by them.
- This report provides a detailed analysis of the current Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market trends and future estimations from 2024 to 2033, which help identify the prevailing market opportunities.
Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market, by Product Type Report Highlights
| Aspects | Details |
 By Product Type |
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 By Material Industry |
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 By Meat Type |
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 By Countries |
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| By KEY MARKET PLAYERS PROFILED IN THE REPORT |
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Analyst Review
According to the opinions of various CXOs of leading companies, the Europe meat packaging market is expected to witness an increase in demand during the forecast period. Rise in demand for convenience and ready-to-eat meat products and stringent food safety & packaging regulations are expected to drive the demand for plastic based Europe meat packaging market during the forecast period.
Modern consumer lifestyles, characterized by busy schedules and a preference for quick, hassle-free meal solutions, have fueled the growth of pre-packaged, ready-to-cook, and ready-to-eat meat products. Moreover, urbanization and changing dietary habits have increased the need for packaging solutions that offer convenience, extended shelf life, and ease of storage. Consumers are looking for portion-controlled, microwave-safe, and resealable packaging that minimizes food waste while maintaining freshness. To meet this demand, meat packaging manufacturers are focusing on innovative technologies such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), vacuum sealing, and intelligent packaging solutions that enhance product quality and usability. In February 2025, Meatly introduced the world's first lab-grown meat dog treats, "Chick Bites," in the UK. This product combines plant-based ingredients with lab-grown chicken, reflecting the UK's approval of lab-grown meat for pet consumption in July 2024.
Moreover, Europe’s stringent food safety and packaging regulations are reinforcing the need for high-quality packaging materials that ensure hygiene, traceability, and compliance with environmental standards. Regulations such as the EU Food Contact Materials Regulation (EC 1935/2004) and the EU Plastics Regulation (EU 10/2011) mandate that meat packaging materials must be safe for consumers and free from harmful substances. In addition, sustainability initiatives, including the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive, are pushing companies to adopt recyclable, compostable, and eco-friendly packaging options.
These regulatory requirements drive continuous advancements in packaging design and material innovation, further boosting market growth. As consumer demand for convenience aligns with the increasing regulatory pressure for safe and sustainable packaging, the European meat packaging industry is poised for significant expansion during the forecasted period.
Growing Demand for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions is the key factor boosting the Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market growth
The Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market was valued at $2.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $3.9 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2024 to 2033.
The major prominent players operating in the Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market include PETRUZALEK GesmbH Gewerbepark, Berry Global Inc., EREMA Group GmbH, Klöckner Pentaplast, Mannok Pack, Tekni-Plex, Inc., Nutripack, Waddington Europe, Veroniki Ecogrup S.R.L., and ILIP S.r.l.
Trays is the dominating type of Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market.
The Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market is segmented into product type, material type, meat type, and country. On the basis of product type, the market is divided into trays and clamshells. On the basis of material type, the market is segmented into PET, recycled PET (RPET), and polypropylene (PP). On the basis of meat type, the market is classified into pork, chicken, beef, and others. Country-wise, the market is analyzed across Germany, Italy, France, Spain, UK, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and rest of Europe.
High Costs Associated with Sustainable and Recyclable Packaging is the restraint factor of Plastic Based Europe Meat Packaging Market.
Prok is the dominating segment based on meat type.
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