Microwave Packaging Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and Outlook (2024-2031)

Microwave Packaging Market is segmented By Material (Plastics, Glass, Ceramic, Paper, Other), By Type (Containers, Trays, Cartons, Bags and Pouches, other), By Application (Ready to Eat Food, Frozen Food, Shelf Stable Meals, Others), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030 

Microwave Packaging Market Overview

Global Microwave Packaging Market reached US$ 3.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 6.7 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

The global microwave packaging market is experiencing significant growth the market is witnessing innovations that enhance functionality and improve the customer experience. Sustainability is another crucial driver of growth in the microwave packaging market. With increasing environmental concerns, companies are exploring innovative ways to create eco-friendly and sustainable packaging options.

In 2021, Mars Food has made a significant stride in sustainable packaging by launching a pilot program for mono polypropylene (PP) packaging for its microwavable rice pouch range, including Ben’s Original. Developed in collaboration with packaging partner Amcor, this mono-PP material will maintain the shape, shelf life and safety standards of the brand's packaging while enabling recyclability where appropriate collection and recycling infrastructure exists for flexible plastics.

Asia-Pacific is the dominating region in the microwave packaging market, in countries like India and China. The growing popularity of pre-cooked food, also known as the ready-meals industry, has contributed to this expansion. As per South China Morning Post article, China's ready-meals industry, which includes pre-cooked food options, has experienced remarkable growth. In the year 2021, pre-prepared dishes generated a substantial revenue of 550 billion yuan in China, shows the substantial need for micorwave packaging for the pre-prepared food industry.

Microwave Packaging Market Scope

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Microwave Packaging Market Dynamics

Role of Microwave Packaging in Processed Foods

The processed food industry's increasing demand for microwave packaging can be attributed to the essential role that food processing plays in transforming raw materials into edible and safe product. Processed foods provide convenience especially for those with busy lifestyles and offer a wide range of tasty and large options. While there is a growing concern about ultra-processed foods that are high in calories, sugar and fat, the demand for microwave packaging remains strong as it caters to both processed and non-processed food products.

As, per Rentokil PCI article, the processed food industry is valued at over US$ 2 trillion globally and consists of more than 400,000 businesses. The world's population is projected to reach 9.3 billion by 2050 which shows the growing importance of food safety, sustainability and efficiency in the processed food industry, driving the demand for microwave packaging solutions to meet consumer needs and regulatory requirements.

Microwave Packaging Industry: Innovations and Sustainability Trends

The microwave packaging industry is growing with the significant innovations and advancements, as there is a growing demand for sustainability, companies are focusing on modifying packaging technology according to the changing trends. Smart packaging demand is growing globally with growing technology revolution, various technologies such as sensors, QR, indicators are transforming the technology trends within the sector. Moreover, intelligent packaging technology incorporation such as RFID, NFC gaining a significant momentum in the industry. 

Furthermore, the growing concern for bad quality against heating increasing the trends for more effective solutions, ProAmpac, a flexible packaging and material science company, has introduced a cutting-edge sustainable packaging innovation known as ProActive Recyclable R-2000S. It innovation is a polyethylene-based film designed to fulfill the need for a recyclable packaging option capable of withstanding the demands of microwave heating. ProActive Recyclable R-2000S is a patent-pending film specially engineered to run on high-speed form/fill/seal equipment and has been pre-qualified for store drop-off recycling.

Health Concerns and the Decline in Plastic Microwave Packaging

The microwave packaging market faces a significant restraint due to increasing concerns about the safety of using plastic containers in microwaves. Plastic holds the largest segment in microwave packaging due to its convenience and cost effective reason, which its health concerns plastic shows a major issue in microwave packaging industry. The chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol A which are majorly found in plastic have health risks. The chemicals are linked to hormone disruptions, respiratory issues and cardiovascular diseases. Pregnant individuals and children are considered more vulnerable to these harmful effects.

Furthermore, as with growing awareness of the dangers of certain plastics in microwaves, consumers are becoming more sensitive to use plastic microwave packaging, which is leading to a decline in demand. It restraint is reinforced by recommendations to only use clearly indicated "microwave-safe" plastic containers, limiting the range of plastic packaging that can be used in microwaves. As a result, consumers may seek alternative microwave-safe packaging materials like glass or ceramic containers, potentially reducing the demand for plastic microwave packaging.

Microwave Packaging Market Segment Analysis

The global microwave packaging market is segmented based on material, type, application and region.

Growing Sustainability in Microwaveable Tray Packaging 

Trays hold the largest segment in the microwave packaging market with their convenience and ease to use within microwaves. There is a growing focus on sustainability in packaging and microwaveable trays are no exception. Many of these trays are made from sustainable materials, such as recyclable plastics like PP (Polypropylene) and RPET (Recycled PET). It aligns with the increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Tasteful Selections, a leading specialty potato brand, has taken a significant step in promoting sustainability by introducing a new eco-friendly fiber tray for their Organic Sea Salt & Herb bite-size potatoes. It sustainable packaging solution serves as an excellent alternative to plastic micro trays, offering consumers the convenience of compostability, recyclability, oven and microwave suitability and easy cleanup with a removable liner. The tray is composed of a blend of bagasse fiber and bamboo fiber, both free from harmful substances, ensuring safety and sustainability.

Microwave Packaging Market Geographical Share

Southeast Asia's Growing Demand for Microwave Packaging

The microwave packaging industry is showing significant growth in the Asia-Pacific, particularly in the Southeast Asian markets. Malaysia has identified the food processing industry as crucial for economic growth. It heavily depends on imports, especially for raw materials. Malaysia is renowned as a global halal hub, attracting multinational companies to set up food processing facilities.

Thailand's food processing industry is well-developed and export-oriented. Local processors often import food ingredients, creating a demand for packaging solutions. The country heavily relies on imports for raw materials and ingredients. Multinational players are producing various food products locally, presenting opportunities for U.S. food ingredient exporters, including those supplying packaging materials.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Anchor Packaging, Genpak, Pactiv, Dart Container Corporation, Huhtamaki, Sabert Corporation, Graphic Packaging International, Sonoco Products Company, Coveris, Berry Global.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the microwave packaging industry, particularly in relation to consumer attitudes and behaviors. There was an increase in consumers’ willingness to pay for biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics. It indicates a potential shift in consumer preferences toward more environmentally friendly packaging options. There was a noticeable decline in support for tighter regulations or bans on single-use plastics among consumers.

During the pandemic, there was a surge in demand for packaged and microwaveable foods as more people cooked and consumed meals at home. It increased demand put pressure on the food packaging industry, including microwave packaging. To minimize the risk of contamination, there was a noticeable increase in single-use packaging, including microwave-safe containers. Many restaurants and food outlets switched to single-use packaging for takeout and delivery, impacting the packaging market.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

The war in Ukraine has disrupted supply chains, including those related to packaging materials. Many packaging companies source raw materials or have production facilities in the affected regions and the conflict has led to uncertainty and delays in the supply of materials. The conflict has forced the closure or suspension of packaging facilities in Ukraine and Russia. Rising costs for materials like aluminum, kraft pulp and paper have put pressure on packaging companies, potentially leading to increased production expenses.

Furthermore, several major companies in the packaging industry have exited the Russian market due to the ongoing conflict. It includes paper packaging companies, food packaging providers and corrugated paper manufacturers. The uncertainty surrounding the conflict's duration has led to decisions to withdraw from the region. The conflict's duration remains uncertain and this uncertainty makes it challenging for packaging companies to plan for the future.

Key Developments

• In June 2022, Nippon Express, a leading Japanese logistics company, made a significant announcement regarding its new transport service using environment-friendly microwave packaging. The company collaborated with EMBALL'ISO, a French company known for its expertise in vaccine transport. Nippon Express became the first Japanese logistics company to initiate this collaboration and launch an international air freight service using EMBALL'ISO's environmentally friendly microwave packaging.
• In April 2022, Isovation, a company based in Avignon, Vaucluse, demonstrated its expertise in microwave packaging for transporting heat-sensitive products. Isovation specializes in autonomous microwave packaging and cold chain solutions and introducing the first foldable and flat-pack insulated packaging to the market. It innovative packaging is designed to transport items that require precise temperature control, particularly in the health and agri-food sectors.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global microwave packaging market segmentation based on material, type, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of microwave packaging market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global microwave packaging market report would provide approximately 61 tables, 58 figures and 193 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies