Food Packaging Barrier Film Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Metalized Barrier Films, Transparent Barrier Films and White Barrier Film), By Application (Biscuits, Chips and Snacks, Frozen Foods, Bakery Goods, Dehydrated Foods and Beverages and Others) and Regional Forecast to 2032

Updated On: 29 April 2024

FOOD PACKAGING BARRIER FILM MARKET REPORT OVERVIEW

The global food packaging barrier film market size was USD 6457 million in 2020 and market is projected to touch USD 9034.2 million by 2027 at CAGR 4.7% during the forecast period.

Food packaging barrier films play a crucial role in preserving food quality by preventing the permeation of air particles, moisture, and odours that could spoil the contents. They are particularly essential in thin plastic-based packaging solutions. The market for food packaging barrier films encompasses various types, including Metalized Food Packaging Barrier Films and Transparent Food Packaging Barrier Films, with key players such as Amcor Limited, Glenroy, Sealed Air, Mondi, and Winpak leading the industry. The efficacy of these films depends on factors such as oxygen transfer rate (OTR), film gauge, clarity, and barrier level, tailored to the specific requirements of the food product and additional features such as UV protection or odour prevention.

High barrier films, including ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyester (PET), polypropylene, and KPET, are favoured for their ability to limit oxygen transfer, thereby extending the shelf life of packaged foods. Foil backings, with an oxygen transfer rate (OTR) of 0, offer unparalleled barrier protection, making them ideal for packaging candy and chocolate to retain freshness. The choice of barrier film is crucial, as it depends on the specific requirements of each packaging application and the nature of the food product being preserved. Each film type presents unique advantages tailored to different food types, ensuring optimal preservation and quality maintenance.

Top of Form

COVID-19 Impact: Pandemic emphasized the importance of food safety and hygiene driving the market

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The pandemic underscored the critical significance of food safety and hygiene, prompting heightened consumer awareness regarding the materials utilized in food packaging. There was an increased emphasis on packaging films possessing trustworthy barrier capabilities and incorporating tamper-evident characteristics to safeguard the safety and integrity of food commodities. With a renewed focus on hygiene protocols, consumers sought reassurance in packaging solutions that could effectively prevent contamination and maintain the freshness of food items. As a result, the demand surged for packaging materials that not only offered robust barriers but also provided visible indicators of tampering, ensuring the highest standards of food safety.

LATEST TRENDS

"Integration of smart packaging technologies drives the market"

Incorporating smart packaging technologies such as QR codes, RFID tags, and temperature sensors presents distinctive opportunities for manufacturers of packaging barrier films. These innovations allow for real-time tracking, authentication of products, and improved interaction with consumers. Through the integration of smart functionalities into their barrier films, manufacturers can enhance the value proposition of their products and distinguish themselves within the market. These technologies offer the capability to monitor products in real-time, ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain and bolstering the authenticity of the goods. Additionally, they facilitate greater consumer engagement by providing access to supplementary product information and interactive experiences. This strategic integration not only enhances the functionality of packaging barrier films but also enables manufacturers to establish a unique position in the competitive marketplace.

FOOD PACKAGING BARRIER FILM MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type the global market can be categorized into Metalized Barrier Films, Transparent Barrier Films and White Barrier Film.

• Metalized Barrier Films: Metalized barrier films are utilized in food packaging to provide high barrier properties against oxygen, moisture, and light. They are often composed of multiple layers of flexible films, with a metalized layer offering excellent protection against oxygen and moisture. These films are commonly used for products that require an extended shelf life, such as snacks, coffee, and pet food. The metallized layer helps preserve the freshness and flavour of the packaged food products. Additionally, they offer good heat resistance, making them suitable for various packaging processes.
• Transparent Barrier Films: Transparent barrier films are designed to provide a clear view of packaged food products while offering excellent barrier properties against oxygen, moisture, and other gases. These films are commonly used for products that require visibility, such as fresh produce, meat, and cheese. They help maintain the visual appeal of the packaged products while extending their shelf life. Transparent barrier films are also suitable for products that require UV protection to prevent degradation due to light exposure.
• White Barrier Films: White barrier films are known for their excellent barrier properties and are often used for products that are sensitive to light. The white colour of these films helps block light and UV rays, offering protection to light-sensitive food products such as dairy, meat, and pharmaceuticals. They are also used for products that require opaque packaging to prevent light exposure. White barrier films are available in various forms, including single and multiple layers, and are suitable for different packaging applications.

By Application

Based on application the global market can be categorized into Biscuits, Chips and Snacks, Frozen Foods, Bakery Goods, Dehydrated Foods and Beverages and Others.

• Biscuits, Chips and Snacks: Barrier films are essential in biscuit, chip, and snack packaging, maintaining freshness and crispiness by preventing staleness. Commonly utilizing high barrier films such as EVOH and PET, they offer excellent moisture, oxygen, and gas resistance, extending shelf life. Additionally, their good printability enables attractive branding. Overall, these films play a vital role in preserving product quality and enhancing packaging aesthetics for biscuits, chips, and snacks.
• Frozen Foods: Barrier films are widely used in frozen food packaging to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the food products. The films provide excellent barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and other gases, preventing the food products from becoming freezer burnt. High barrier films such as EVOH and PET are commonly used in frozen food packaging to extend the shelf life of the products. Additionally, barrier films offer good printability, allowing manufacturers to print attractive designs and branding on the packaging.
• Bakery Goods: Barrier films are commonly used in bakery goods packaging to maintain the freshness and quality of the products. The films provide excellent barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and other gases, preventing the bakery goods from becoming stale. High barrier films such as EVOH and PET are commonly used in bakery goods packaging to extend the shelf life of the products. Additionally, barrier films offer good printability, allowing manufacturers to print attractive designs and branding on the packaging.
• Dehydrated Foods and Beverages: Barrier films are widely used in dehydrated food and beverage packaging to maintain the quality and freshness of the products. The films provide excellent barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and other gases, preventing the products from becoming stale. High barrier films such as EVOH and PET are commonly used in dehydrated food and beverage packaging to extend the shelf life of the products. Additionally, barrier films offer good printability, allowing manufacturers to print attractive designs and branding on the packaging.
• Others: In pharmaceuticals, barrier films safeguard drugs from external elements, extending shelf life. High barrier films such as EVOH and PET ensure product integrity. Electronics rely on barrier films to shield components from moisture and corrosion, maintaining functionality. Agriculture uses barrier films for seed and fertilizer packaging, protecting against UV radiation. Industrial goods benefit from barrier films to prevent degradation during storage. In medical devices, barrier films maintain sterility and functionality. Selection depends on specific needs such as chemical resistance and printability.

DRIVING FACTORS

"Increase in consumption of packaged ready-to-eat foods is expected to boost the market"

As urbanization and population growth surge, consumers' purchasing power escalates, driving a heightened demand for convenient and microwaveable food items. Consequently, the consumption of packaged ready-to-eat foods has surged, fueling the advancement of the global food packaging barrier film market growth. This trend underscores a growing reliance on barrier films within food packaging, essential for preserving the quality and freshness of these on-the-go food products. Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing the deployment of effective barrier films to meet the stringent demands of preserving ready-to-eat foods, catering to evolving consumer preferences for accessibility and convenience. The rise in consumption of such foods reflects a broader societal shift towards time-saving meal solutions, shaping the trajectory of the food packaging industry and emphasizing the pivotal role played by barrier films in meeting evolving market needs.

"Growing demand for sustainable packaging is expected to expand the market"

The rising demand for sustainable packaging materials, free from food contamination and capable of prolonging shelf life, reflects a trend driven by environmental concerns. In response, food packaging barrier films have emerged as a highly viable solution for packaging diverse products while ensuring their quality, safety, and aroma remain intact. These films represent a significant advancement in sustainable packaging practices, offering an eco-friendly alternative that meets consumer expectations for environmentally responsible choices. As sustainability becomes increasingly prioritized across industries, the adoption of barrier films in food packaging continues to grow. Their ability to effectively preserve the freshness and integrity of packaged goods aligns with the broader goal of reducing environmental impact throughout the supply chain. This surge in demand underscores a fundamental shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions, signalling a positive trajectory towards a greener and more eco-conscious future.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

"Susceptibility to degradation under certain conditions can hinder the market"

Barrier films are prone to degradation in particular circumstances, which hinge on various factors such as the type of material utilized, environmental settings, and duration of exposure. Over time, moisture absorption can induce alterations in dimensions, weaken mechanical resilience, and heighten susceptibility to gas and substance permeation. Depending on the specific material composition and the prevailing environmental conditions, barrier films may undergo deterioration, compromising their effectiveness in preserving packaged goods. The duration of exposure to such conditions also plays a crucial role in exacerbating degradation effects. Consequently, it is essential for manufacturers to carefully consider these factors when selecting barrier film materials and designing packaging solutions to mitigate the risk of degradation and ensure the long-term integrity and functionality of the packaging. Attention to these details is imperative for maintaining the efficacy of barrier films and sustaining the quality of packaged products throughout their shelf life.

FOOD PACKAGING BARRIER FILM MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

"The market is primarily segregated into Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, and Middle East & Africa."

North America's market dominates buoyed by stringent regulations and demand for quality packaging

North America stands as a well-established market for global food packaging barrier film market share, propelled by the persistent need for top-tier packaging solutions across the food and pharmaceutical sectors. The region's market growth is further fueled by rigorous regulations governing food safety and quality standards, which underscore the paramount importance of reliable packaging solutions. These stringent measures serve as catalysts for innovation and advancements in barrier film technology, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while meeting consumer expectations for product integrity and safety. The maturity of the North American market reflects a longstanding commitment to excellence in packaging, driven by the continuous pursuit of quality assurance and adherence to regulatory frameworks. This environment fosters a competitive landscape where companies strive to deliver superior barrier film solutions that not only meet industry standards but also align with evolving consumer preferences for secure and high-quality packaging solutions.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Key industry players are responding to consumer trends by providing packaging solutions to expand the market"

Key industry players are adapting to shifting consumer preferences, including the increasing desire for convenience and the surge in e-commerce, by delivering packaging options that guarantee product safety, prolonged shelf life, and effective safeguarding during transportation and handling. This proactive response to consumer trends involves offering packaging solutions tailored to meet evolving demands, such as incorporating features that enhance convenience and durability while ensuring the integrity of the product throughout its journey from production to consumption. By addressing these emerging consumer preferences, companies strive to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in the market. They recognize the importance of providing packaging that not only meets functional requirements but also aligns with the expectations and lifestyles of modern consumers. This focus on consumer-centric packaging solutions underscores the industry's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in a rapidly changing market landscape.

List of Market Players Profiled

• DuPont Teijin Films (U.S.)
• Sealed Air (U.S.)
• Berry Plastics (U.S.)
• Accredo Packaging (U.S.)
• Winpak (Canada)
• Cosmo Films (India)
• Uflex Ltd. (India)
• Toppan Printing (Japan)
• Dai Nippon Printing (Japan)
• Toyobo (Japan)
• Mitsubishi PLASTICS (Japan)
• Toray Advanced Film (Japan)
• KOROZO (Turkey)
• VF Verpackungen GmbH (Germany)
• Supravis Group S.A. (Poland)
• Amcor (Switzerland)
• Mondi (Austria)
• Schur Flexibles Group (Austria)
• Clondalkin Group (Netherlands)
• Klöckner Pentaplast (U.K.)
• Innovia Films (U.K.)
• Atlantis Pak (Russia)
• Lietpak (Lithuania)

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

November 2023: In collaboration with A. Espersen A/S, Schur has developed a plastic-free carton packaging solution for their seafood dishes, ensuring 100% recyclability. Previously coated with plastic for moisture protection, Schur has now introduced a water-based barrier coating. This transition aims to eliminate 125 tons of plastic annually by 2025, making the packaging more sustainable and easily recyclable as carton material.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The research report delves into market segmentation, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a thorough analysis. It also evaluates the impact of financial and strategic perspectives on the market. Furthermore, the report presents national and regional assessments, considering the dominant forces of supply and demand that influence market growth. The competitive landscape is meticulously detailed, including market shares of significant competitors. The report incorporates novel research methodologies and player strategies tailored for the anticipated timeframe. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics in a formal and easily understandable manner.