Top Modified Atmosphere Packaging Players: A Delve into the Key Steps and Market Competition

Advanced Sensors and Innovation to Reshape the Future of Modified Atmosphere Packaging

The globally heightened emphasis on sustainability has sparked a wave of innovation in the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) industry. According to the European Food Information Council, in 2022, the food waste generated across the globe amounted to 1.05 billion tons, of which 60% came from households and 30% from the food service industry. The pressing need for reducing food waste has urged packaging companies to work on advanced solutions that would ensure food freshness and quality. Against this backdrop, the MAP technology is widely being used across the food & beverage sector for extending the shelf life of products and minimizing the use of preservatives for food preservation. MAP machines with enhanced sealing techniques and advanced sensors and precise control over gas composition are debuting in the market for ensuring food freshness.

MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging): An Overview and Competitive Analysis

Modified atmosphere packaging is a technology that helps slow down the degradation of a product by replacing the air inside a packaging with a protective gas mixture in ideal proportions. Oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide are among the gasses commonly used in such mixtures. MAP solutions are extensively deployed across the food industry for the packaging of vegetables, fruits, meat, and other consumable products. As the trend of ready-to-eat meals and convenience foods gains ground, industry players are presented with new avenues for growth across various countries.

The global market for modified atmosphere packaging is slated to touch USD 34.63 billion by 2032 from USD 21.15 billion in 2025, surging at a CAGR of 7.30%, as per a report published by Fortune Business Insights. The market value stood at USD 19.76 billion in 2024. On this note, major players across the industry are emphasizing partnerships and acquiring other companies to make the most of available opportunities. Innovation is another prime strategy that is being adopted by industry participants to outpace their competitors.

Here is a list of the top modified atmosphere packaging players and the recent developments in the market:

1. Amcor:

Switzerland-based Amcor holds a reputation as a key global manufacturer of specialty folding cartons and flexible packaging solutions. With more than 230 production sites at the global level and a presence in 40 countries, the company emphasizes the production of reusable and lightweight packaging solutions. In addition, Amcor is keen on innovation and bringing new products to the market. An instance of the same is its Clear-Tite 40 shrink-bag. The solution was introduced in September 2021 for processed and fresh meat. Compared to the standard 50µ shrink bags, the new solution, with a thickness of 40µ, has been claimed to maintain freshness and achieve a 19% drop in weight.

2. Sealed Air: 

U.S.-based Sealed Air Corporation has a portfolio of innovation-driven packaging solutions that address critical challenges. In December 2023, the company announced the rollout of a paper-based bottom web that has been developed for helping retailers and food processors in the reduction of plastic usage. The solution has been claimed to be compatible with MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) and VSP (Vacuum Skin Packaging) top webs.

3. Coveris: 

European packaging major Coveris is specialized in the production of plastic and paper-based flexible packaging solutions. With a workforce of 4,100 employees, Coveris has 29 operational sites in the EMEA region. In September 2021, the company introduced RecyclaPEel at the FachPack event. The solution is a modified atmosphere packaging sandwich skillet. The product focuses on recyclability and food waste reduction in the European convenience foods and food-on-the-move sectors.

4. Winpak Ltd.:

Winpak Ltd. is specialized in the distribution and manufacturing of innovative packaging machines and high-quality packaging materials. Their products are developed with the aid of advanced technologies and are primarily utilized for protecting perishable beverages and foods. In February 2023, Winpak boosted the commercialization of ReLam and ReForm, its non-forming and forming recycle-ready films, to offer the best packaging solutions.

5. ProAmpac: 

U.S.-based ProAmpac has a comprehensive product portfolio, comprising industry-leading customer services, creative packaging solutions, and award-winning innovative solutions. In March 2024, ProAmpac announced a partnership with Sammi for the launch of a fiber-based MAP (modified atmosphere sandwich pack). The technology is used for wraps and sandwiches and combines the benefits of major fiber materials with modified atmosphere packaging.

6. Graphic Packaging International: 

Graphic Packaging International, based in Georgia, is known for the production and designing of consumer packaging primarily made from recycled or renewable materials. The company serves the most widely recognized brands across the globe in the household, food service, food, beverage, and other consumer products. In July 2021, Graphic Packaging International rolled out a recyclable mono-polyethylene film for thermoformed applications, Ecoflex. The film offers enhanced tear resistance and excellent puncture resistance and is used for VSP (Vacuum Skin Packaging) or MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging).

7. Mondi: 

Mondi Group, one of the top modified atmosphere packaging players, is focused on the production and development of effective consumer and industrial packaging solutions. The company is a leader in the paper and packaging business and produces pulp, paper, and films. In June 2019, Mondi launched a recyclable polypropylene film that can help extend the shelf life of products such as cheese and meat. The film is suitable for thermoforming flexible packaging films for vacuum packaging and MAP (modified atmosphere packaging).

8. StePac: 

Launched in 1992, StePac is a key manufacturer, developer, and supplier of precision-engineered and high-quality modified atmosphere and modified humidity fresh produce packaging. In March 2020, StePac launched advanced MAP solutions that cause a delay in aging and ripening. These solutions inhibit microbial decay and help preserve the nutritional value of the quality of packed fruits and vegetables.

9. Berry Global: 

Berry Global is a producer of plastic packaging and containers with an extensive portfolio that comprises aerosol caps and containers, debossing, lamination, braille printing, and embossing. In January 2024, Berry Global launched an upgraded version of Omni Xtra polyethylene cling film for fresh food items. The solution has been designed for fish product packaging and is aimed as a certified recyclable alternative to conventional PVC solutions.  

10. Klöckner Pentaplast: 

Klöckner Pentaplast is a major manufacturer of recyclable and sustainable plastic films and high-barrier protective packaging for food, health, pharmaceutical, and durable products. The company is committed to its vision of “Sustainable Protection of Everyday Needs”. In November 2023, Klöckner announced the re-launch of kp Elite, a certified and well-known recyclable MAP tray designed completely from rPET. 

In the Years to Come

In the forthcoming years, an increasing use of modified atmosphere packaging technology in combination with other techniques such as electric pulse field, cold plasma technology, and freeze drying is slated to offer enhanced benefits across food packaging applications. Furthermore, liners and films are anticipated to witness an escalated deployment to ensure the quality of both processed and fresh food items. Apart from the F&B sector, healthcare is one of the major areas that is likely to depict an increase in MAP adoption for maintaining the quality of medical devices and pharmaceutical products.