The Active Packaging Market Size was valued at USD 23.1 Billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach a market size of USD 54.3 Billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2023 to 2032. Advancements in packaging technology, such as the use of smart labels and sensors, are driving active packaging market growth. Additionally, the growing concern for food waste and the need for sustainable packaging solutions are expected to boost the active packaging market value over the forecasting years.

Active Packaging Market Report Highlights

• Global active packaging market revenue is expected to increase by USD 54.3 Billion by 2032, with a 9.2% CAGR from 2023 to 2032
• North America region led with more than 39% of active packaging market share in 2022
• Asia-Pacific leads for flexible packaging, with fast growth due to low per capita usage
• By application, the food and beverages segment has accounted market share of over 33% in 2022
• By type, the oxygen scavenger segment captured the majority of the market
• Growing concern for food waste and the need for sustainable packaging solutions, drives the market for active packaging

Active packaging is also known as smart packaging or intelligent packaging and refers to the special packaging system used in packing food, pharmaceuticals, and other goods. Active packaging is constantly substituting the traditional packaging system as it improves the overall appearance of the product by collaborating externally as well as internally with the external environment. Active packaging helps in extending the overall shelf life of the product and displays information based on quality, monitors the freshness of the products packed in it, improves product safety, and enhances convenience. Active packaging involves the protection of the packed product and performing active functions beyond the inert passive containment. Active/intelligent packaging usually involves the capability to measure or sense the shipping environment of the product, an attribute of the product, or the inner atmosphere of the package. This data can trigger active packaging functions and can be communicated to respective users.

Active Packaging Market Trends

Market Drivers

• Increasing consumer demand for fresh and safe food products
• Need for extended shelf life of perishable goods
• Advancements in packaging technology, such as the use of smart labels and sensors
• Growing concern for food waste and the need for sustainable packaging solutions

Market Restraints

• High cost of active packaging
• Lack of standardization

Market Opportunities

• Development of new and innovative active packaging materials
• Growing adoption of e-commerce and online grocery shopping, which increase the demand for active packaging

Active Packaging Market Report Coverage

The term active packaging, smart packaging, and intelligent packaging are often used with microelectronics, technologically advanced systems, nanotechnology, computer applications, etc., and can be used interchangeably. Active packaging provides various advantages such as moisture control, corrosion control, atmospheric safety, oxygen control, temperature monitoring, security, etc. Desiccants are generally used to actively suppress water vapor present in a closed package. A desiccant is a hygroscopic material and is used to minimize the corrosion of electronics and machinery. Moreover, it extends the overall shelf life of moisture-sensitive drugs and foods. Also, volatile corrosion inhibitors are applied to the items to help prevent corrosion and rust. To control oxygen in active packaging, oxygen scavengers help in absorbing oxygen from a closed package while to control the temperature of temperature-sensitive packages, temperature data loggers are also employed. Active packaging is defined as a group of intelligent, active, and modified packaging techniques, generally crafted to increase the shelf life of a product or package. Active packaging refers to the protection of the packed product, whereas intelligent packaging systems add information on the cover of the package in the form of electronic or non-electronic data.

With the increase in demand for ready-to-cook food items and packaged food products, the demand for active packaging is increasing significantly and the market is anticipated to witness a considerable growth rate over the forecast period. Moreover, increasing consumer confidence in packaged food safety is expected to help increase the need for active packaging materials in the foreseeable years. The active packaging market is further expected to be driven by increasing demand for the safety of packaged products/goods, demand for improvement in health, and a rising need for product authenticity. Active packaging technology offers various advantages over its traditional counterparts such as reduced counterfeiting, increased shelf life, enhanced safety, easy implementation, and low costs among others. Furthermore, growth in urban population coupled with changing lifestyles has emerged in increasing demand for frozen, ready-to-eat, and packaged food. Demand for exotic meat, vegetables & fruits, and other edible frozen products across the globe is another major factor fuelling the demand for active packaging. In addition, sophisticated transportation services are expected to propel the trade between countries which, in turn, are projected to boost the global active packaging market over the forecast period. Increasing cases of harmful effects caused by various packaging materials and increasing overall testing costs are some of the key factors hampering the growth of the global market.

Active Packaging Market Segmentation                                     

The market is segmented based on type, application, and geography.

Market By Type

• Moisture Absorber
• Oxygen Scavenger
• Time Temperature Indicator
• Shelf-life Sensing
• Others

According to the active packaging industry analysis, the oxygen scavenger type segment leads the market in 2021. This segment is further categorized into chemical, biological, physical, and other types. Due to their low cost and ability to effectively remove oxygen from the packaging, chemical oxygen scavengers such as sachets and packets containing compounds such as iron powder, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride are the most widely used type of oxygen scavengers in the active packaging market. However, the use of biological oxygen scavengers like microorganisms like lactic acid bacteria and yeast, and physical oxygen scavengers like films, coatings, and laminates, is expected to increase in the future due to the growing demand for natural and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Other types of active packaging systems such as modified atmosphere packaging and controlled atmosphere packaging are also being used in the market.

Market By Application

• Personal Care
• Food and Beverage
• Pharmaceutical
• Healthcare
• Others

According to the active packaging market forecast, the food and beverage application segment is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This growth is due to increasing consumer demand for fresh and safe food products, as well as the need for the extended shelf life of perishable goods. Advancements in packaging technology, such as the use of smart labels and sensors, are also driving the market growth. The market is segmented by application into meat and poultry, seafood, bakery and confectionery, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and others. Meat and poultry products are the largest application segment for active packaging, due to the need for extended shelf life and preservation of the products.

Regional Outlook