The global plastic based meat packaging sector volume projection was valued at 2,280.5 kilotons in 2024 and is projected to reach 3,257.7 kilotons by 2034, registering a CAGR of 3.7% from 2024 to 2034.
Volume Insights Strategic Overview
Allied Market Research announces the release of its comprehensive analysis of the global Plastic based meat packaging Market. Plastic based meat packaging refers to the process of enclosing and protecting meat products for storage, distribution, sale, and end-use consumption. This packaging involves a range of technologies, materials, and methods designed to preserve the freshness, flavor, safety, and visual appeal of meat while preventing contamination and spoilage. From vacuum sealing to modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), the primary objective of plastic based meat packaging is to extend shelf life, maintain quality, and provide essential information to consumers & retailers. The practice includes packaging raw, cooked, cured, frozen, and processed meat products in a variety of formats.
The report highlights the surge in global demand for plastic based meat packaging, driven by a rise in demand for convenience foods. Factors such as the increase in working hours and a rise in the number of dual-income households have led to a shift in consumer eating habits. People increasingly seek food options that are quick to prepare, easy to consume, and require minimal effort, which has directly contributed to the popularity of pre-packaged, ready-to-cook, and ready-to-eat meat products. Urbanization plays a critical role in this trend. As more people move to cities, where time is often a constraint and access to fresh ingredients is limited, there is surge in reliance on pre-packaged meat products available at supermarkets, convenience stores, and on online platforms.
Technological innovation is a key driver in the evolution of the plastic based meat packaging industry, significantly enhancing both product quality and consumer safety. Advancements such as vacuum packaging, Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), and smart packaging have revolutionized how meat products are preserved, transported, and presented to consumers. These technologies are particularly valuable in extending the shelf life of perishable items and maintaining their freshness from the point of production to final consumption.
The global volume of bags and pouches is expected to grow from 930.1 kilotons in 2024, to 1,296.0 kilotons by 2034, registering a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period. Plastic based meat packaging using bags and pouches plays a crucial role in preserving product quality, extending shelf life and ensuring food safety. These packaging solutions are particularly popular for their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to accommodate a wide variety of meat products, including fresh, frozen, processed, and ready-to-eat items. Bags and pouches offer a compact, lightweight packaging format that is ideal for retail display and transportation, reducing the overall environmental footprint compared to rigid packaging alternatives.
Regional Plastic based meat packaging Sector Volume Growth
Asia-Pacific dominated the Plastic based meat packaging sector sales with a 43.0% share in 2024 and is expected to grow with 4.1% CAGR, while North America, Europe, and LAMEA are projected to show robust growth at 3.1%, 3.5%, and 3.8% CAGR, respectively, fueled by expansion of supermarkets and hypermarkets.
The regional analysis highlights significant variations in adoption trends and market potential across the globe. Asia-Pacific leads the market, contributing over 43.0% of the total volume in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1%, driven by rise in proliferation of e-commerce and online grocery platforms in countries such as China, India, and rest of Asia-Pacific. North America, led by the U.S. and Canada, is projected to maintain steady growth at 3.1% CAGR, fueled by integration of sensors, QR codes, and freshness indicators in plastic based meat packaging. Europe, with key players such as Russia, Germany, and France, is expected to grow at 3.5% CAGR, supported by increase in ready-to-eat and processed meat consumption. Meanwhile, LAMEA is expected to witness a substantial growth opportunity with 3.8% CAGR due to rise in demand for convenience food in Brazil and the Africa. Flexible plastic remains the dominant packaging material for chilled processed meat, while folding cartons are commonly used for frozen processed meat. Metal food cans continue to be prevalent for shelf-stable meat products. In Africa, the plastic based meat packaging market is linked to the continent's prominent position in the global meat industry, addressing specific packaging requirements for fresh and processed meat products, emphasizing factors such as hygiene, shelf life, and consumer convenience.
Plastic based meat packaging Sector Volume Growth, By Region, 2024-2034 (Kilotons)
Region | 2024 | 2028 | 2034 | CAGR (2024-2033) |
North America | 600.9 | 670.9 | 810.2 | 3.1% |
Europe | 530.9 | 601.9 | 744.1 | 3.5% |
Asia-Pacific | 981.3 | 1,139.9 | 1,461.1 | 4.1% |
LAMEA | 167.3 | 192.1 | 242.4 | 3.8% |
Total | 2,280.4 | 2,604.8 | 3,257.8 | 3.7% |
Source: AMR Analysis
Plastic based meat packaging Country Sector Sales
China and the U.S. lead the plastic based meat packaging market and are projected to reach 821.0 kilotons and 618.0 kilotons, respectively, by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.5% and 3.2%, respectively. China is the fastest growing country followed by Australia in terms of CAGR, where in China, plastic based meat packaging has undergone significant transformation due to rapid urbanization, rise in income levels, and change in consumer preferences. Vacuum packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and skin packaging are increasingly adopted, particularly in urban areas where consumers favor convenience and traceability. The plastic based meat packaging industry in Australia is highly developed, reflecting the country's robust meat export sector and strong domestic demand for high-quality meat products. The industry emphasizes food safety, shelf-life extension, and sustainability. Vacuum packaging and MAP are widely used, especially for beef and lamb, which are major export products.
The report identifies China and U.S. as the largest contributors to the plastic based meat packaging market in terms of volume. In China, the use of Plastic based meat packaging has become popular due to rise in demand for private label meat products. The private label segment in China’s meat industry is gaining significant momentum, driven by the rapid expansion of modern retail formats and the surge in influence of e-commerce platforms. With the presence of major supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online grocery giants such as Alibaba’s Freshippo (Hema), JD.com, and Sun Art, the China Plastic based meat packaging sector is projected to reach 821.0 kilotons by 2034, achieving a CAGR of 4.5%. However, the U.S., remains an important player in North America, growing with a CAGR of 3.2% by 2033.
The report identifies China and Japan as the largest contributors to Plastic based meat packaging industry in Asia-Pacific. China has witnessed rapid advancements in smart and intelligent packaging technologies, particularly in the meat industry, as the country seeks to modernize its food supply chain and enhance food safety standards. China is projected to reach 821.0 kilotons by 2034, with a CAGR of 4.5%. Japan, on the other hand, remains a critical player in the Asia-Pacific region, growing at a steady 3.6% CAGR and is expected to account for 170.5 kilotons by 2034.
Emerging markets such as China and Australia are expected to drive significant growth in the plastic based meat packaging industry due to increase in consumer spending on imported meat. Rise in middle-class affluence has led to greater demand for imported meats (e.g., beef from Australia) driving the need for packaging that ensures long shelf life and protects product integrity during long-distance transport.
Plastic based meat packaging Sector Volume Share, By Country, 2024-2034 (Kilotons)
Country | 2023 | 2028 | 2033 | CAGR (2024-2033) |
China | 529.9 | 625.6 | 821.0 | 4.5% |
India | 79.3 | 89.3 | 108.8 | 3.2% |
Japan | 120.6 | 137.2 | 170.5 | 3.6% |
U.S. | 451.2 | 507.0 | 618.0 | 3.2% |
Russia | 125.3 | 137.3 | 160.9 | 2.6% |
Germany | 67.5 | 76.3 | 94.1 | 3.4% |
France | 49.6 | 55.7 | 67.8 | 3.2% |
Source: AMR Analysis
The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing a steady rise in the integration of smart packaging technologies within the meat industry, driven by increasing consumer demand for transparency, food safety, and product traceability. As concerns around foodborne illnesses, spoilage, and supply chain inefficiencies grow, the use of smart packaging solutions—such as temperature indicators, time-temperature integrators (TTIs), freshness sensors, and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is gaining significant momentum across key markets including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
Growing Use of Automation and Robotics in Plastic based meat packaging Lines Drives Plastic based meat packaging Sector Volume Trends
The report also highlights the global automation and robotics solutions that are revolutionizing the plastic based meat packaging industry across Europe by enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring product consistency and supporting adherence to strict hygiene regulations. As labor shortages persist and production demands rise, particularly in highly regulated environments such as meat processing, automation offers a strategic solution to streamline operations and reduce dependency on manual labor. Robotic systems are increasingly used in various stages of the plastic based meat packaging process ranging from slicing, portioning, and weighing to tray loading, sealing, and labeling. These technologies enable high-speed, precise, and hygienic handling of meat products, minimizing human contact and reducing the risk of contamination. AI and ML have been pivotal in enhancing packaging processes. AI-powered vision technology accurately identifies and classifies meat products, measuring their size to enable automatic selection of packaging materials and labeling. This approach improves process efficiency and product quality. In addition, AI algorithms facilitate predictive maintenance, process optimization, and enhance quality control in packaging lines. With environmental consciousness, supermarkets have actively reduced the use of plastic in plastic based meat packaging. For instance, in late March 2025, Asda transitioned all its fresh beef and lamb mince products to vacuum-sealed packaging, aiming to reduce plastic use by 60% and cut carbon emissions through fewer delivery trucks.
Plastic based meat packaging stakeholders should use the report’s insights to grab new opportunities and plans.
About Allied Market Research
Allied Market Research is a full-service research and business consulting firm that provides actionable insights and strategic recommendations to help clients make informed decisions and achieve sustainable growth. For more inquiries, please visit alliedmarketresearch.com.
About Allied Market Research
Allied Market Research is a full-service market research and business consulting firm, which provides actionable insights and strategic recommendations to help clients make informed decisions and achieve sustainable growth. For more inquiries, please visit alliedmarketresearch.com
