Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts 2019 - 2029

The Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 17.44 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 26.74 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.92% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

In the wake of COVID-19 the market faced supply chian disruptions as the entire world went under lockdown but as the demand for packaged food grew immediately the demand for modified atmosphere packaging market grew simultaneoulsy.

Key Highlights

• Following an initial surge in panic-buying and stockpiling, consumers settled into a pattern of a lower number of frequent but larger shopping visits, which resulted in demand for food that lasts longer. For instance, according to the survey by LendingTree October 2020, about four in 10 US consumers mentioned they are going to the grocery store less often than they did pre-pandemic; however, the study also found that the average weekly grocery spending increased by 17% from USD 163 to USD 190.
• This has resulted in pressure on food manufacturers to increase the shelf life of their products as consumers are looking to store those products for longer periods of time for later consumption. This is where MAP is becoming a crucial part of food packaging.
• Moreover, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), around 1.3 billion metric ton or nearly one-third of all food produced for humans is wasted worldwide each year, world's food waste could be as high as 44% of the dry mass of agricultural crops since 795 million or around 11% of the world's population suffer from hunger, there is already a great deal of stress on food availability and thus the urgency to diminish food waste, highlighting the need to focus on packaging solutions.
• The MAP also plays an important role in enhancing the quality and decreasing the waste of products in the retail sector. For instance, the waste reduction from 5% to 1% in winter and 15% to 2% in summer was reported due to the use of retail MAP packaging for bananas.
• However, the application of MAP has stretched to maturity in certain categories, such as snacks, coffee, and processed meats. It is increasingly utilized in refrigerated, prepared convenience foods that meet consumer requirements for convenience, quality, variety, and health.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Market Trends

Carbon Dioxide is Expected to Hold a Major Position in the Market

• Carbon dioxide (CO2) is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It has an oxidation-inhibiting and growth-inhibiting effects on most aerobic bacteria and molds. The gas is frequently used to increase the shelf life of food. The shelf life of packaged or stored food is normally longer, depending on the content of CO2.
• For this reason, the antimicrobial activity of CO2 is markedly greater at temperatures below 10℃, compared to 15℃ or higher. This has significant implications for MAP in food packaging. In some MAP applications, pack collapse is favored, for example, inflow wrapped cheese for retail sale.
• It effectively stops or reduces microbial activity and helps to retain texture. Soft cheeses can also be packaged in atmospheres with increased carbon dioxide levels and low oxygen levels to inhibit bacterial growth and rancidity. In packaging for hard cheeses, the carbon dioxide level is up to 100%, while in the case of soft cheeses, the level is usually restricted to 20–40%. However, in the case of bread spoilage, mold, an aerobic microorganism, can be effectively controlled by carbon dioxide and low oxygen content, which subsequently extends shelf-life.
• Meat and sausage products, especially raw meat, are expected to get spoilt, due to microbial growth, on account of their increased moisture and nutrient content. Apart from extraordinary hygiene standards and permanent cooling, modified atmospheres can considerably extend the shelf life of meat and sausage products. CO2 is the protective gas used in these types of packaging. With concentrations above 20%, CO2 can considerably decrease microbial growth.

North America is Expected to Witness Significant Growth

• The US modified atmosphere packaging industry is undergoing a push toward e-commerce platforms. Meals and snack bars are still relatively minor as a sales segment when online purchases are taken into consideration, although it is a growing segment. With subscription boxes and grocery pickups existing and available from online shopping, their augmented access may result in the growth of the market.
• The primary reasons driving the growth of the North American market are the increasing demand for fresh and quality packaged food, hygienic packaging of food, manufacturers' demand for extended shelf life, and on-the-go lifestyle. The advancements in food packaging technology and equipment, coupled with the swing towards easy-to-handle and convenient packaging, are also factors that drive the market growth.
• However, the increased cost of development and stringent government legislation are the factors that are hindering the growth of the market. On the other hand, to gain consumers' confidence in food safety, advanced packaging technology may act as a tool for product differentiation and can present multiple opportunities for the vendors in the market.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Industry Overview

The Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Market is reasonably competitive and consists of several major players. The market appears to be moderately concentrated. The market is prominently expanding with important technological advancements in multiple industrial sectors. Therefore, existing players are concentrating on maintaining their market presence by investing large amounts in research and development. Companies present in the market are focusing on strengthening their foothold in the MAP market through strategic alliances and investments in research and development.

• January 2021 - Amcor Plc, announced the 'Reducing CO2 Packaging' Label from the Carbon Trust can now be printed on Amcor packaging to demonstrate significant carbon footprint reductions. It's part of the company's lifecycle assessment service, which enables brands to measure their packaging's carbon footprint from raw materials through end-of-use.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support

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