Plastic Based Meat Packaging Market Expected to Reach $14.4 Billion by 2034

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Plastic Based Meat Packaging Market," The plastic based meat packaging market was valued at $9.9 billion in 2024, and is estimated to reach $14.4 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2025 to 2034.

Introduction

Plastic based meat packaging is the process of enclosing and protecting meat products for distribution, storage, sale, and end-use consumption. It is a critical aspect of the meat supply chain, ensuring that products reach consumers in safe, hygienic, and desirable condition. This process involves selecting suitable packaging materials, technologies, and methods to prevent contamination, extend shelf life, and maintain the meat’s nutritional and sensory qualities. Fresh red meat products such as steaks, chops, and ground meats are among the most sensitive to spoilage and visual degradation. Maintaining the product's appearance particularly its color and texture is critical for consumer appeal. Exposure to oxygen leads to discoloration and promotes bacterial growth, making effective packaging essential. To address these challenges, vacuum packaging and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) are widely used. Vacuum packaging removes air from the pack, limiting the presence of oxygen and thereby slowing down the oxidation process. MAP, on the other hand, replaces the oxygen inside the packaging with a controlled gas mixture usually carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and a small amount of oxygen to maintain the red color of the meat and inhibit microbial growth. Both methods help extend the shelf life of fresh red meat while ensuring safety and visual quality.

Poultry products including chicken, turkey, and duck meat require packaging solutions that ensure hygiene, retain moisture, and reduce contamination risks. These products are often sold in a variety of formats, from whole birds to individual cuts and boneless portions, each requiring specific packaging considerations. Shrink-wrapped trays are commonly used for retail presentation, offering an appealing and hygienic look while helping to contain liquids and prevent cross-contamination. Vacuum packaging is popular for its ability to extend shelf life by minimizing oxygen exposure. Since poultry is highly perishable, packaging must provide an effective barrier against microbes and maintain proper moisture levels to preserve taste and texture. The choice of packaging material and design must support both product integrity and food safety throughout the distribution chain.

Market Dynamics

Advancements in packaging technology is expected to drive the growth of plastic based meat packaging market. Plastic based meat packaging industry has witnessed significant technological advancements aimed at improving product shelf life, safety, and consumer convenience. Among the most notable innovations are Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP), and smart packaging solutions, each offering distinct benefits to both producers and end-users. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) involves altering the composition of gases within a package typically reducing oxygen while increasing levels of nitrogen or carbon dioxide to slow down the natural spoilage processes in meat. This technology effectively extends the shelf life of fresh meat products without the use of preservatives, helping maintain color, texture, and flavor while minimizing microbial growth. In June 2023, ProAmpac launched the fiber-based MAP RAP Sandwich Wedge in North America, specifically designed for sandwiches and wraps. This innovation combines the benefits of MAP with sustainable, fiber-based materials.

However, short shelf life of meat packaging is expected to hamper the growth of plastic based meat packaging market. One of the key challenges in the plastic based meat packaging industry is the short shelf life of meat products, fresh and minimally processed varieties. Meats such as ground beef, poultry, and seafood are particularly perishable due to their high moisture content and susceptibility to bacterial growth. Without effective preservation methods, these products spoil quickly, leading to significant losses across the supply chain. Meat is highly prone to bacterial growth due to its high water activity and rich nutrient content. When exposed to air, bacteria such as Pseudomonas species thrive, leading to spoilage. The surface area exposed to air increases in processed or ground meat, making these products even more vulnerable. Packaging methods such as vacuum packaging and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) aim to inhibit microbial growth by reducing oxygen levels or introducing gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), which has antimicrobial properties. However, traditional aerobic packaging allows for quicker spoilage, limiting the shelf life to as little as 2–7 days depending on the product type and storage conditions.

Segments Overview

The plastic based meat packaging market is segmented into product type, material type, meat type, and region. On the basis of product type, the market is divided into trays, clamshells, bags & pouches, and others. On the basis of material type, the plastic based meat packaging market is categorized into polyethylene (PE), PET, recycled PET (rPET), polypropylene (PP), and others. On the basis of meat type, the plastic based meat packaging market is segregated into pork, chicken, beef, and others. By region, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

On the basis of product type, the trays segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment in the market, growing with a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. The use of trays in plastic based meat packaging is particularly prevalent in retail environments, where product presentation plays a significant role in consumer purchasing decisions. Clear lidding films over tray-packed meat allow for easy visual inspection, enabling buyers to assess the color, texture, and cut without opening the package. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is frequently used in tray systems, replacing the air within the tray with gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen to delay microbial growth and oxidation. In addition, absorbent pads are often placed under the meat within the tray to soak up excess fluids, thereby enhancing both hygiene and aesthetics.

On the basis of material type, the recycled PET (rPET) segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment in the plastic based meat packaging market, representing a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. One of the key drivers behind the adoption of rPET in plastic based meat packaging is the growing regulatory and consumer pressure to reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions. Brands and retailers are increasingly adopting rPET-based solutions to meet their sustainability goals and demonstrate environmental responsibility. Some manufacturers offer packaging made from up to 100% rPET, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional virgin PET. Furthermore, rPET packaging is often recycled, contributing to a more circular economy and reducing the demand for fossil-fuel-derived plastics.

On the basis of meat type, the other segment, including lamb & mutton, sheep, goat, rabbit and others, is anticipated to be the fastest growing segment in the market, growing with a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. The use of plastic based meat packaging in lamb, mutton, goat, sheep, rabbit, and other niche meat categories is a crucial aspect of modern meat distribution, ensuring hygiene, extended shelf life, and improved consumer appeal. These meat types, while less consumed globally compared to beef or poultry, still hold significant cultural and regional importance. The packaging techniques used for them are tailored to their specific handling and preservation requirements, with growing emphasis on sustainability, freshness, and traceability. For lamb and mutton, which are widely consumed in Middle Eastern, Asian, and European countries, packaging plays a vital role in maintaining tenderness and preventing spoilage. Vacuum packaging and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) are commonly used to reduce microbial growth and oxidative rancidity.

Regional Analysis

By region, Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the plastic based meat packaging market during the forecast period, growing with the CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. Plastic based meat packaging usage in Asia-Pacific countries has witnessed a steady rise in recent years, driven by rapid urbanization, increase in meat consumption, change in consumer preferences, and the growth of the organized retail & food service sectors. Countries such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, & Australia, and other southeast Asia countries, such as Thailand and Vietnam, have all shown significant developments in plastic based meat packaging practices. As consumers in these regions demand safer, more hygienic, and longer-lasting meat products, the industry has responded by adopting modern packaging technologies, such as vacuum packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and active & intelligent packaging solutions. In China, the largest market in the region, meat consumption particularly pork and poultry continues to rise, prompting the development of advanced packaging systems to ensure food safety and extend shelf life.

Competitive Analysis

The major prominent players operating in the plastic based meat packaging market include Amcor plc, Mondi, Berry Global Inc., Sealed Air Corporation, Winpak Ltd, Coveris, Bolloré Group, Sealpac International bv, Smurfit Kappa, and ULMA GROUP.

Key Market Insights

• On the basis of product type, trays segment is the fastest growing segment in the plastic based meat packaging market growing with the CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period.
• On the basis of material type, polyethylene (PE) was the most lucrative segment representing the CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period.
• On the basis of meat type, others including lamb & mutton, sheep, goat, rabbit and others is expected be the fastest growing segment representing the CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period.
• Region wise, Asia-Pacific dominated the market accounting for more than one third of the market share in 2024.