Active, Smart and Intelligent Packaging Market Report 2026

The active, smart and intelligent packaging market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $46.74 billion in 2025 to $50.25 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing packaged food consumption, expansion of cold chain logistics, rising focus on food safety regulations, adoption of modified atmosphere packaging, growth in pharmaceutical packaging applications.

The active, smart and intelligent packaging market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $65.26 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for intelligent supply chain visibility, rising investments in smart packaging technologies, expansion of sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions, growing use of real-time product monitoring, increasing adoption in high-value food and pharma products. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of smart and connected packaging solutions, rising use of freshness and shelf-life indicators, expansion of rfid and track-and-trace packaging, growing demand for sustainable packaging materials, enhanced focus on food safety and quality monitoring.

The growth of the active, smart, and intelligent packaging market is expected to be driven by the expansion of the food and beverage industry in the coming years. The food and beverage sector involves the production, processing, distribution, and sale of edible products and non-alcoholic beverages. Its expansion is fueled by factors such as shifting consumer preferences, population growth, globalization, and advancements in technology. Active, smart, and intelligent packaging in this sector improves safety by tracking freshness, identifying spoilage, and offering real-time information on storage conditions, thereby prolonging shelf life and maintaining product quality. For example, in December 2024, FoodNavigator, a leading UK-based online B2B digital media platform, reported that total consumer-packaged-goods (CPG) store sales volumes for food and beverage increased by 1.1% in 2024, marking the first rise in three years. Consequently, the growth of the food and beverage industry is supporting the expansion of the active, smart, and intelligent packaging market.

Key players in the active, smart, and intelligent packaging market are introducing innovative products, such as web-based smart packaging, to revolutionize supply chain visibility, enhance product traceability, and improve consumer engagement. Web-based smart packaging integrates sensors and internet connectivity, enabling real-time monitoring of factors such as temperature, humidity, and location. For instance, in October 2023, Appetite Creative Solutions partnered with Tetra Pak to introduce an interactive smart packaging experience for European fruit juice producers. This smart packaging, accessible via QR codes on one-liter juice packs, offers a web app-based connected experience. It tracks real-time interaction data such as buying habits, product preferences, engagement metrics, and demographic information, enabling brands to optimize marketing strategies and gain insights into consumer behavior.

In February 2024, NPP Packaging Systems Limited acquired Active Packaging Limited, combining their strengths to provide enhanced and diverse packaging solutions focused on quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Active Packaging Limited specializes in active, smart, and intelligent packaging solutions and is based in Ireland.

Major companies operating in the active, smart and intelligent packaging market are BASF SE, 3M Company, Amcor Limited, Smurfit Kappa Group, DuPont de Nemours Inc., Tetra Pak International S.A., Avery Dennison Corporation, Thinfilm Electronics ASA, Sealed Air Corporation, Multisorb Technologies Inc., PragmatIC Printing Ltd., WestRock Company, Stora Enso Oyj, Mondi Group, Sonoco Products Company, Huhtamaki Group, Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH, Coveris Holdings S.A., Wipak Group, Bemis Company Inc., Clondalkin Group Holdings B.V.

North America was the largest region in the active, smart, and intelligent packaging market in 2025. The regions covered in the active, smart and intelligent packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the active, smart and intelligent packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The active, smart, and intelligent packaging market consists of sales of temperature-sensitive labels, freshness indicators, moisture absorbers, and antimicrobial agents. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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