Micro-Packaging Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The micro packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17% over the forecast period (2021-2026). With the current study of plastic packaging, manufacturers are exploring alternatives such as plant-based fibers. An example is micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC) where plant fiber breaks down to micro levels and is reconstituted as packaging material. The process can create materials that are stronger and lighter than those made of glass or carbon fibers, and MFC can be added to other packaging materials to strengthen them. With the implementation in the future, this packaging technique can provide a new trend in the market.

Key Highlights

• Micro-perforated food packaging is specifically used for perishable food products, aiming to extend shelf life and improve the moisture retention of the products. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, in the United States, the production quantity for vegetables in 2018 increases to 807349 tonnes from 709033 tonnes in 2017. With the increasing consumption the growth for micro packaging increases. Also, scientists are focusing to enhance the functional properties of films for active food packaging. For instance, in Aug 2019, scientists from the Department of Process Engineering, Stellenbosch University, South Africa aims to form Acetylated hemicellulose films that are suitable for fatty foods packaging using acetylated nano-cellulose reinforcement and polycaprolactone coating.
• Also in Dec 2019, from the Department of Food and Nutrition, BioNanocomposite Research Center, Korea, scientists experimented with a synthesis of Fe3O4/SiO2/PAMAM dendrimer/AgNP hybrid nanoparticles for the preparation of carrageenan-based functional nanocomposite film which exhibits high UV-barrier property and clear antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogenic bacteria.
• The origin of new drug delivery systems and the development of new biochemical compounds drive the market. The burden of chronic diseases is rapidly increasing worldwide and according to WHO, it has been calculated that, in 2001, chronic diseases contributed approximately 60% of the 56.5 million total reported deaths in the world and approximately 46% of the global burden of disease.
• The proportion of the burden of NCDs (Non-communicable disease) is expected to increase to 57% by 2020. Almost half of the total chronic disease deaths are attributable to cardiovascular diseases; obesity and diabetes. These diseases cater a demand for medicine providing micro packaging owing to its ability to enhance stability and shelf life to the drug and the delivery system.
• Leaching of nanoparticles restraints the market to grow. There is an impact on the stability and chemical activity of nanomaterials, as the size and shape of the initial nanoparticles may change dramatically. For antimicrobial activity, a small amount of silver slowly migrate from the inside of the packaging material to the surface and release the silver ions to attack microorganisms. Consequently, AgNPs are probably ingested via food that contacts the packaging surface.

Key Market Trends

Food Packaging Accounted for High Market Growth

• In the food packaging sector, the prospective of nanotechnology is actively explored including active packaging. The transformation of active compounds from micro to nanoscale offers thereby a new opportunity. Silver nanoparticles are among the most explored nanoparticles, owing to their established antimicrobial potential against multiple commensal and pathogenic strains.
• In response to the vital changes in current consumer demand, the area of Active Packaging (AP) is becoming increasingly significant in food packaging. Principal AP systems include those that involve oxygen scavenging, moisture absorption and control, carbon dioxide and ethanol generation, and antimicrobial (AM) migrating and nonmigrating systems.
• Antimicrobial activity perforates at every corner of the package and its provides surface protection due to the gaseous characteristic of the agent. Some of the antimicrobials (bacteriocins, enzymes, organic acids, nano-sized metal oxides, etc) are handled as non-volatile basis agents in active antimicrobial food packaging and need to be directly contacted with the food.
• Moreover, Micro-perforation implies the puncturing of packaging films with holes ranging from a diameter of 30 mm to approx 200 mm. This packaging offers various superiority including extended shelf life and moisture retention to the food products.
• The industry witnessed a high demand for micro-perforated packaging materials in the form of films and laminates for the packaging of a wide variety of fruits & vegetables. This growth is backed by increased consumption of fruits such as bananas, mangoes and other citrus fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, onions, and tomatoes.
• The United States is witnessing a swift rise in its existing population, primarily due to work-related migrations into the country. This rising population directly impacted the food industry and affected the packaging industry and forms a major part of the workforce dependent on frozen foods and packaged food for appetite. This factor inhibits the demand for micro packaging.

North America Witness High Market Share

• Rapidly expanding the retail sector incites manufacturers to adopt advanced packaging solutions. Leading food and beverage makers from around the world are constantly looking out for packaging materials that fit to their requirements. According to United States Department of Agriculture, in 2017, 64.1 pounds of chicken per person on a boneless, edible basis were available for Americans to eat and in 2018, 35.2 pounds per person of corn products (flour and meal, hominy and grits, and food starch) were available for consumption in the United States. Micro packaging helps to preserve the meat fresh during shipment and for food products it provides barrier properties against the external environment. This product demands increases every year which says that the demand for micro packaging increases in this segment.
• Moreover, the demand for medicine in pharma sector exhibits growth. For instance, according to IQVIA, the total spending on medicines in the United States increased to USD 482 billion in 2018 compared to 2017 which was USD 454.7 billion. With increasing demand, the growth of micro packaging increases, especially for vial and sachet packaging.
• Also, the players are increasingly focusing to innovate in the micro packaging sector. New developments such as Bayer Cropscience AG, the chemical and pharmaceutical company produced a transparent film called durethan which contains nanoparticles of clay that offer a combination of properties which include high strength and toughness, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and resistance to cracking. This new film will inhibit the growth in the United States.

Competitive Landscape

The micro packaging market is moving towards the fragmented market as the players are focusing to move towards nano packaging due to its major advantage towards end-users packaging. Most of the players are still towards traditional packaging, but various acquisitions, partnerships, and new innovative technology are shifting the market towards a more competitive market. Key players are Amcor Plc, Bollore, Amerplsdt Ltd, etc. Recent developments in the market are -

• Nov 2019 - The EU-financed NanoPack Project carried out a series of antimicrobial efficacy tests on its new film to demonstrate the capability to extend shelf life. During the tests, NanoPack’s film showed the ability to extend the shelf life of perishable goods such as bread, cherries, and yellow cheese, where the film is based on a combination of natural nanomaterials and essential oils to enhance food safety and reduce waste.

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