Antimicrobial Packaging Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Material (Paperboard, Plastic, Biopolymers, Others), By Antimicrobial Agent Type (Plant Extracts, Organic Acids, Bacteriocins Enzymes), By Packaging Type (Bags, Pouches, Trays, Cartons, Cups & Lids, Films), By End-user (Food & Beverages, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Consumer Electronics, Healthcare), and Regional Forecasts, 2022-2029

The global antimicrobial packaging market size was valued at USD 10.55 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 11.08 billion in 2022 to USD 17.25 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.52% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with antimicrobial packaging experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global antimicrobial packaging market exhibited a decline of -1.6% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Growing concerns about quality care, preservation, and safety in the food, pharmaceutical, and hygiene industries are driving the market. These solutions kill and inhibit microorganism growth, thereby increasing the shelf life of perishable food products. The system involves using an antimicrobial agent in a polymer packaging film, thus suppressing the activities of microorganisms contaminating consumer goods products. Prevention of contamination by using antimicrobial agents is now creating demand for more effective quality product regulation systems for its preservation, protection, and transport to consumers in a wholesome shape.

COVID-19 IMPACT

COVID-19 Propelled the Development of Antimicrobial Packaging Solutions to Ensure the Continuity of Supplies

The coronavirus outbreak has led to a worldwide recession with several enterprises witnessing de-growth. The flexible packaging films and packaging sector is indispensable to food packaging. Therefore, its operations did not stop even amid lockdown restrictions. Several companies faced multiple challenges during the initial days of the lockdown such as labor shortages and irregular supply chain movement for raw materials and finished goods.

The period further led industry participants to ensure the continuity of supplies of packaging for essential items such as food and pharma. Moreover, consumer health-related concerns arose during the pandemic, which increased the sales and demand for antimicrobial packaging. 

LATEST TRENDS

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Developing Green Packaging Techniques for Product Packaging to Promote Market Growth

Green packaging, known as sustainable packaging, uses various materials and production methods to package products with low energy consumption and environmental impact. Sustainable packaging is an environmentally conscious approach that uses biodegradable and recyclable materials in an energy-efficient manner. By using green packaging, producers, and consumers can eliminate pollutants and chemicals that destroy the earth's soil, water, and atmosphere. The use of biodegradable and recyclable packaging promotes sustainability.

Green packaging has less content and alternative energy sources such as wind, biofuels, and solar energy are used in transport and production. Green packaging trends are increasing as they offer many advantages such as less material, more recycled content, less waste, lower energy consumption, and greater use of renewable energy.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Awareness Among Consumers Regarding Health-related Issues to Propel Industry Expansion

Consumers are increasingly health conscious toward products such as packaged foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. To meet this rising demand, high-quality packaging is required, which has resulted in the use of antimicrobial agents for packaging so that the product does not become contaminated. Antimicrobial packaging prevents the growth of microorganisms on the product's surface through direct contact with the product packaging material. Antibacterial agents such as bacteriocins are utilized in food packaging films to control food spoilage. In addition, the demand for pharmaceutical products is increasing due to changes in consumer lifestyles and the increased demand for sanitary, hygienic, and pharmaceutical packaging, which led to the emergence of medicine packaging antimicrobials. All these factors have contributed to the market growth.

Increase in Demand from Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Industries to Drive the Market

Several governmental policies are being enforced across various regions regarding pharmaceutical packaging. This is due to various aspects such as maintenance of hygiene, reduction of counterfeit drugs in the retail market, and the ability to preserve the medicinal properties of the drugs. The industry is expected to record substantial growth in the medical application segment over the next few years. Moreover, hospitals are prone to bacterial and fungal growth that leads to detrimental effects on consumer health along with plastic medical devices. As a result, antimicrobial agents are used to increasing hygiene among consumers. Growing pharmaceutical and healthcare industries in developing economies such as India, China, South Africa, and others are supporting the industry expansion.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High and Fluctuating Prices of Raw Materials to Restrict the Market Growth

One of the major challenges influencing the growth of the market is the high cost and volatility of raw materials, which are limiting factors for market growth. In addition, temperature determines the growth of microorganisms in products, especially food and medical products, and must be at a certain temperature to avoid contamination. Hence, lack of storage at an appropriate temperature and increased focus on maintaining development and good hygiene under new conditions are likely to restrict market growth to a considerable extent.

SEGMENTATION

By Material Analysis

Increasing Demand for Plastics Packaging to Rise Due to Ease of Manufacturing

Based on material, the market is classified into plastic, biopolymers, paperboard, and others. The use of plastic for packaging has always dominated the market. Plastic is ideal for packaging as it is easy to manufacture, flexible, inexpensive, and resistant to moisture. Biopolymers are biodegradable materials such as bioplastics used in this packaging. They have applications such as films and trays to keep products fresh and extend shelf life.

Besides, paperboard materials are also used in packaging as they are environment-friendly. The materials are natural and will not react with the product inside. Growing environmental concerns are leading to the use of paper packaging materials. Other materials include easily contaminated materials such as glass and metal. If cans are available in the market, this increase in demand will drive market growth.

By Antimicrobial Agent Type Analysis

Organic Acids to Record Surging Demand Due to Extended Shelf Life Benefit

The market is classified into organic acids, bacteriocins enzymes, and plant extracts based on antimicrobial agent type. Organic acids segment is the largest segment as they act as preservatives in food applications. Organic acids are incorporated into packaging materials to extend shelf life and maintain microbial food safety. Bacteriocins, on the other hand, are protein toxins produced by bacteria and some archaea. They act as potential natural food preservatives against spoilage and pathogens. They are typically used for packaging non-fermented products such as processed meats and prepackaged vegetable salads. Increasing demand for packaged food is expected to boost the growth of the market.

By Packaging Type Analysis

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Pouches to Contribute to Market Growth Owing to Increasing Demand from Various Industries

In terms of packaging type, the market is segmented into trays, pouches, bags, cartons, films, and cups & lids. Pouches segment accounted for a significant share of the market. For several applications, these pouches are widely used by different industries such as personal care, healthcare, food, and agriculture. Carton packages are primarily used in the food & beverage industry. They are usually made of paper-based packaging materials that prevent microbes from getting inside the food. Bags are usually used in the healthcare industry in medical device packings such as syringes, connectors, tubing, and a wide range of molded parts.

By End-user Analysis

Food & Beverages Segment to Maintain Strong Growth Owing to Rising Packaged Food Demand

Based on end-user, the market is classified into food & beverages, healthcare, personal care & cosmetics, and consumer electronics. Growing demand for packaged food caused a surge in the consumption of antimicrobial technologies in the market. It provides benefits such as food preservation that offer antimicrobial activity by being in direct contact with a food product. The healthcare industry is the primary sector of the market. It offers various advantages such as ease of use, convenience, low cost, cleanliness, and sterility over traditional packaging materials.

The personal care & cosmetics industry is growing due to changing lifestyles of consumers with high disposable income. These factors raise awareness among consumers regarding fine and good quality products such as low-grade products that are harmful to the skin and body. These products are contaminated, thus causing skin irritation, infections, and other diseases. High demand for better quality products is increasing the use of antimicrobial agents for packaging to provide the consumer base with good quality products. These factors, along with the emphasis of national and regional government agencies on sustainable packaging, are further fueling the global antimicrobial packaging market expansion.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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Geographically, the market is studied across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.

The North American market is characterized by strong growth in antimicrobial packaging technology. In addition, the high awareness of local people is expected to keep the market moving. The healthcare and pharmaceutical industry supports growth in the region due to increasing demand for pharmaceuticals and therapeutic devices.

Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing region owing to large-scale demand from growing economies in China, India, and South Korea for sustainable antimicrobial packaging. Moreover, India and China are expected to show high growth due to increasing demand for food, which shall further drive market growth.

The market in Europe is to be governed by the usage of materials in the personal care and food & beverages industries. The fast-paced lifestyle among people is surging the use of packaged food in the region, along with the use of cosmetics by a significant share of consumers, supporting the market growth.

The market in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa is in the life cycle's growth stage, thus gaining antimicrobial packaging market share during the forecast period. Demand from the food & beverages and personal care industry is expected to propel market growth. Moreover, the easy availability of raw materials will further show more attractive growth during the forecast period in the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Form Growth Strategies to Maintain Their Dominance in the Market  

The competitive landscape depicts a semi-consolidated market with the top 15 companies demonstrating a significant market share. Key players in the market have invested a considerable amount of resources in developing several antimicrobial packaging products and technologies to produce them. A diversified product portfolio and safe & novel technology development for applications are the strategies used by market leaders for their growth. The companies have adopted strategies for expansion, including new product developments, partnerships, and acquisitions to increase their regional presence and product portfolio.

The major players in the market are Gerresheimer, Berry Global, Amcor, Huhtamaki, and Sonoco Products Company. Significant companies constitute more than 50% of the market while most regional and local market players govern the remaining market share. Many other players are focused on delivering advanced antimicrobial packaging solutions.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Biocote Limited (U.K.)


• Dunmore Corporation (U.S.)


• Microban International (U.S.)


• Klöckner Pentaplast Europe GmbH & Co. KG (Argentina)


• BASF SE(Germany)


• The Dow Chemical Company (U.S.)


• Mondi Plc (South Africa)


• PolyOne Corporation(U.S.)


• Olpon Pure Sciences Ltd (Israel)


• Takex Labo Co. Ltd (Japan)


• Foodtouch (U.S.)


• Biomaster (Sweden)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2022 – Packaging supplier Berry Global partnered with industrial mineral chemist Pylote to develop sustainable and safe products. Both companies launched multi-dose eye drops that combine high barrier and antimicrobial protection properties. The product leverages Berry's experience in developing his Pylote mineral technology, designed to protect users from microbial infections.


• November 2021 - COEXPAN has rolled out various food packaging solutions, including the mono-material antimicrobial tray COEXSHIELD. Compared to regular MAP systems, these innovative trays are equipped with newly developed antibacterial properties. These combine attractive product presentation with active and smart features to avoid food waste and improve shelf life and sustainability through optimized recyclability with a choice of PP or mono-PET options.


• February 2020 – CSP Technologies announced the launch of a ‘first-of-its-kind’ active packaging product. The company combined the oxygen scavenging and moistness adsorption capability for Activ-Film products, providing customers with fully incorporated solutions for drug products sensitive to oxidation and moisture.


• October 2020 – Designsake Studio, has announced its new Matter platform. It offers partners looking to update their product packaging with a new form of a protective antimicrobial coating that works with a variety of packaging materials of interest to today's consumers. The certified antimicrobial technology can be applied to paper, plastic, glass, metal, textiles as well as physical materials such as shipping boxes and product packaging.


• October 2019 – BASF launched a new defoamer named Foamaster WO 2360 that conforms to food contact regulations for paper coating applications, adhesives, and functional packaging in China. The product can be used for barrier coatings, paper coating formulations, and paper and paperboard applications requiring contact with food materials.

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The research report presents a comprehensive industry assessment by offering valuable insights, facts, industry-related information, and historical data. Several methodologies and approaches are adopted to make meaningful assumptions and views to formulate the research report. Furthermore, the report covers a detailed analysis of market segments, including material, product type, drug delivery mode, packaging type, and regions, helping readers to get a comprehensive global industry overview.

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