Europe Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The Europe modified atmosphere packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 5.3% during the forecast period of 2021-2026. Modified atmospheric conditions are presently common trends in the packaging, and storage of all kinds of food products, ranging from fresh to frozen products. These packaging solutions have high carbon dioxide and reduced oxygen levels, which is beneficial for killing invasive insects or microorganisms that might grow on and spoil the stored food. High nitrogen concentration is used as a humid controller for keeping dried foods as the gas can help preserve food quality while results in the extended shelf life of food items.

Key Highlights

• According to Interreg Europe’s recent press release, a significant amount of food waste is generated from some major European countries, which is a matter of concern for the region. For example, in Spain, the food waste generation clocked to annually 186,06kg/capita. Other countries like France, Romania, Slovakia also has some significant figures in terms of food waste generation. As a result, there is already stress on food availability and thus the requirement to diminish food waste, accentuating the need to focus on modified atmosphere packaging solutions.
• The better shelf life of food products gives a significantly large sales opportunity for the retailer to trade the product. A longer shelf life helps them to decrease the wastage and increase profits up-to an extent. Moreover, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a technology that allows transporting the products to distant locations without adding extra chemicals.
• Owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, the European Organization for Packaging and the Environment (EUROPEN) called on the European Commission in March 2020 to recognize packaging as an essential component in maintaining the uninterrupted flow of product groups which has identified as critical like perishable goods, especially foodstuffs. In this context, in March 2020, StePac, which supplies its solutions in the European countries, has developed an advanced modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), which effectively reduces the ripening and aging processes of the food products.
• Furthermore, for frozen and dried food products, real-time gas monitoring can help to prevent unnecessary wastage. For instance, in January 2020, AIMPLAS has launched the “SafetySenseO2” project for the development of a printed sensor with the capability to detect the presence of oxygen in packaging. These sensors will help to detect in-line defects in modified atmosphere packaging in a non-destructive and economical way. These emerging sensor technologies for MAP packaging will create more opportunities for the market to grow in the coming years.

Key Market Trends

Poultry, Seafood & Meat Products are Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the European Market

• Poultry, fish & meat products, especially raw fish and meat are prone to spoil due to significant microbial growth due to the increased moisture and nutrient content. In the case of beef, pork, or poultry, decay initiates from the time of slaughter and after slaughtering. Moreover, the extraordinary hygiene standards and long-lasting cooling and modified atmospheres can help extend the shelf life of meat and poultry products.
• Carbon Dioxide is one of the important among the protective gases for poultry and meat-related products. At concentrations of above 20%, CO2 can substantially decrease microbial growth. In the case of red meat like beef and pork, there is a major possibility of oxidation of the red pigment parts. The oxidation is predominantly prominent with beef. A decreased level of carbon monoxide content (near to 0.5 %) can also help to retain the red color of these kinds of meats.
• According to the OECD-FAO estimations, in 2019, poultry meat consumption of Europe stands at 21.06 million metric tonnes & is expected to reach 22.08 million metric tonnes in 2028. This considerable growth is expected to accentuate the segment’s growth in the coming years as well.
• Moreover, fish and seafood are also having the risk of quickly lessening in meat quality and started spoiling shortly after the catch. Modified atmospheres packaging (MAP) with a minimum of 20% carbon dioxide can slow down the growth of bacteria up to a certain extent. As Europe’s fish consumption per capita is on the rise, the region’s modified atmosphere packaging market will have an opportunity to penetrate better over the forecast period.

United Kingdom Country Segment is Expected to Grow at a Significant Rate Throughout the Forecast Period

• The MAP manufacturers in the United Kingdom are investing heavily in research and development activities to develop advanced MAP technologies. For instance, in February 2019, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. had developed a new range of scented modified atmosphere packaging “Freshline Aroma MAP.”
• The gas sensor providers in the country segment are also investing more in the development of sensor technologies suited for MAP requirements. For example, Edinburgh Sensors is offering “GasCard” and “Guardian” series of real-time gas sensors to detect carbon dioxide, which is majorly suited for bulk MAP necessities.
• Furthermore, Cranfield University, UK, is developing a cost-effective next-generation MAP for extended storage and improved management of fresh food products across the supply chain. These increasing investments across the United Kingdom will drive the growth of the country segment in the coming years.

Competitive Landscape

Europe's modified atmosphere packaging market is moderately competitive and consists of several global players and a significant number of regional players. These players hold a considerable share in the market and focusing on expanding their client base across European countries. These players are focusing on product development and other related growth strategies in order to increase their market share during the forecast period.

• April 2020 - Syntegon Technology GmbH has developed a new range of TPU paper form, fill and seal machine using BillerudKorsnäs natural 3D formable FibreForm paper. According to the company, these machines are capable of modification for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology for the increased freshness of the food products.
• March 2020 - Sealpac has launched its new lines of eTray, which is a MAP solution for food product applications. Due to the significantly stable, uninterrupted sealing edge, the solution is hermetically sealed under MAP, therefore ensuring the safest packaging process.
• June 2019 - Mondi Group has developed a recyclable polypropylene (PP) construction for thermoforming applications. The recyclable PP film is used in thermoforming of flexible films for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), with the ability to offer a longer shelf life of products like meat and cheese.

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