Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Size, Share and Trends 2025 to 2034

Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Size and Forecast 2025 to 2034

The global modified atmosphere packaging market size was calculated at USD 19.82 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach around USD 40.06 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 7.29% from 2025 to 2034. Increasing demand for high-quality and fresh-quality foods is the key factor driving the growth of the modified atmosphere packaging market. Also, ongoing developments in packaging technologies coupled with the rise in demand for online food delivery can fuel market growth further.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging Key Takeaways

• Europe dominated the modified atmosphere packaging market with the largest market share of 34% in 2024.
• North America is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the studied period.
• By material, the plastic material segment dominated the market in 2024.
• By material, the other material segment is expected to witness moderate growth over the forecast period.
• By product type, the films and liners segment contributed the highest market share of 52% in 2024.
• By product type, the trays segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
• By end use, the food segment led the global market in 2024.
• By end use, the healthcare segment is expected to experience the fastest growth over the projected period.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Modified Atmospheric Packaging Market 

Artificial Intelligence is playing a significant role in changing the modified atmosphere packaging market. AI-driven algorithms enable accurate gas composition control, improving the efficiency of packaging in maintaining the quality and freshness of the food product. Furthermore, AI optimizes production lines, reduces human error, and decreases overall labor costs, which in turn leads to enhanced operational efficiency.

• In February 2024, SARO launched the Robotic Depalletization System, an AI-powered solution to enhance efficiency and safety in e-commerce fulfillment and warehousing operations. The system is integrated with OSARO SightWorks Perception Software, which empowers the robot to identify and handle packages of various sizes and materials, often stacked irregularly on mixed-case pallets.  

Europe Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Size and Growth 2025 to 2034

The Europe-modified atmosphere packaging market size was exhibited at USD 6.74 billion in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 13.82 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.44% from 2025 to 2034.

Europe dominated the modified atmosphere packaging market in 2024. The dominance of the region can be attributed to the rising investments in R&D activities by market players along with the surge in demand for packaged food products in the region. Furthermore, in Europe, the modified atmospheric conditions are ongoing trends in the storing and packaging of all sorts of food products. The surge in production and export of products like beef and pork aids market growth in the region.

North America is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the modified atmosphere packaging market over the studied period. The growth of the region can be linked to the increase in demand for frozen, packaged, and on-the-go food products in the country like the U.S. Moreover, the United States has a substantial amount of food waste because of inconvenient packaging along the supply chain. Which in turn results in the increasing adoption of these packaging solutions.

• In June 2023, A global manufacturer in flexible packaging and material science, ProAmpac, announced the launch of its innovative and new fiber-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) RAP Sandwich Wedge. The product is launched in the North American market, especially for sandwiches and wraps.

Market Overview

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a method to extend the shelf life of food products. The modified atmosphere packaging market is advantageous for delaying the primary state of food without manipulating the atmospheric temperature or exposing it to chemical substances, like dehydration, freezing, and others. MAP decreases the speed of the aging process of the product, safeguards a food from deterioration, and prolongs its shelf life. MAP trays, liners, and filters are being increasingly utilized in the food sector to strengthen the market share.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Growth Factors

• The increasing shift towards convenient and easy-to-handle packaging solutions is expected to boost modified atmosphere packaging market growth soon.
• The ongoing introduction of novel sustainable materials like recycled paper and bio-degradable packaging can propel market growth shortly.
• Growth in the meat packaging industry will likely contribute to the market expansion further.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Increasing demand for longer shelf life

The products that are packaged in a protective manner spoil at a much lower rate than other products. In such cases, the modified atmosphere packaging market can substantially improve the shelf life and freshness of the food products. In addition, this type of packaging products keeps product quality for a longer period to ensure the best condition of the product when it reaches the customer. The latest trends, such as cutting trays for packaged foods, are becoming mainstream.

• In April 2024, Flexible packaging company ProAmpac collaborated with Sammi to launch a fiber-based modified atmosphere sandwich pack (MAP) created to extend shelf-life and minimize food spoilage costs. The ProAmpac RAP Sandwich Wedge incorporates a carton board structure with a thin transparent film liner meant to optimize product preservation and visibility.

Restraint

Use of alternative preservation methods 

The increasing utilization of alternative preservation techniques due to high upfront cost costs associated with the MAP can hinder the modified atmosphere packaging market growth. The investment needed for gases, gas packaging machinery, and packaging material is very high. Moreover, the transport cost also rose because of the increased packaging volume, which shortly hampered market growth. In MAP packaging, bacteria can grow continuously in hotter temperatures.

Opportunity

Growing demand for ready-to-eat food items 

There is a surge in demand for ready-to-eat food products in the modified atmosphere packaging market. The majority of the population in developing countries like China and India comprises a high number of adults and youngsters, which positively impacts the growing demand for convenient food products. Furthermore, the young population is the main target for ready-to-eat food manufacturing companies due to the convenience offered by these products.

• In June 2024, SEE announced the launch of three groundbreaking skin packaging top webs designed to set new standards in packaging efficiency and performance. The introduction of these high-performance, cost-effective solutions marks a major milestone in SEE's commitment to transforming the packaging industry.

Material Insights

The plastic material segment dominated the modified atmosphere packaging market in 2024. The dominance of the segment can be attributed to the features offered by plastic over other packaging materials, such as excellent barrier properties to protect the food from oxygen, moisture, or other gases that can potentially lead to discoloration or spoilage of food products. Additionally, plastic is compatible with many food products and gases, preventing spoilage further. This material is also a key option for MAP because of its cost-effectiveness.

The other material segment is expected to witness moderate growth in the modified atmosphere packaging market over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be linked to the increasing environmental concerns and the latest sustainability trends. Also, the paperboard packaging is perceived as more environmentally friendly and natural as it carries a 'greener' image. Paperboard material also has a low carbon footprint.

Product Insights

The films and liners segment led the modified atmosphere packaging market in 2024. The dominance of the segment can be credited to the increasing use of films and liners in the packaging of ready-to-eat meals and food products. It is also important for prolonging the shelf life of food products. However, films and liners improve the appearance of processed and fresh food products and remain fog-free during refrigeration.

The trays segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the modified atmosphere packaging market over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be driven by the growing use of MAP trays in packaging, preserving, and prolonging the shelf life of seafood, meat, and other types of meals. Additionally, market players are increasingly investing and innovating in R&D to create enhanced MAP tray solutions. Advancements in technology are facilitating the development of cost-effective tray solutions.

• In March 2024, Aptar Food Protection was granted the North American license to manufacture and distribute the Halopack Tray system, created to enhance packaging sustainability for a wide variety of fresh, frozen food, reheatable, grab-and-go, and oven-able food applications. 

End Use Insights

• In 2024, the food segment led the global modified atmosphere packaging market. The dominance of the segment is owing to the increasing consumption of seafood, meat, and ready-to-eat meals among the majority of the working population across the globe. The use of MAP for the packaging of food maintains its quality and freshness by keeping its taste, texture, and appearance, leading to further segment growth.
• In April 2024, Klöckner Pentaplast (kp) released the first food packaging tray composed entirely of recycled tray material, utilizing its Tray2Tray closed-loop initiative to recover PET waste. Tray2Tray involves the recovery of used food trays, which are then recycled back into more food trays. 

The healthcare segment is expected to experience the fastest growth in the modified atmosphere packaging market over the projected period. The growth of the segment is due to the rising use of MAP to keep the authentic quality of medical devices and pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, the MAP trays can be used to carry and preserve critical pharmaceutical formulations in a convenient and safe manner. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are also demanding this packaging solution for the convenience it offers.

Top 5 Packaging Companies in the U.S. by 2023 Revenue  

Modified Atmosphere Packaging Market Companies

• Amcor Plc. Linde AG
• Sealed Air Corporation
• Praxair Inc.
• Berry Global Inc.
• Multisorb Technologies Inc.
• Robert Reiser & Co. Inc.
• Air Products and Chemicals Inc.
• StePac Inc.
• Mondi Group.

Latest Announcement by Market Leaders

• In November 2024, Amcor plc and Berry Global Group, Inc. ("Berry") announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement, under which Amcor and Berry will combine in an all-stock transaction. The combination brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a global leader in consumer packaging solutions.
• In October 2024, Mondi announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire the German, Benelux, and UK corrugated converting and solid board operations of Schumacher Packaging. The recycled corrugated case material mill Cartiere Modesto Cardella near Lucca, Italy, and the Nyrsko site in the Czech Republic are not affected by the transaction.

Recent Developments

• In March 2024, Aptar CSP Technologies and ProAmpac developed ProActive Intelligence Moisture Protect (MP-1000), a patent-pending moisture-adsorbing flexible packaging solution. This active microclimate management technology mitigates degradation risk, maintains potency, and improves product performance.
• In January 2023, Solidus Solutions invested USD 11.5 million into FUTURLINE, an innovative range of retail-ready packaging solutions such as MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging), skin packaging, and punnets that are being rolled out across France, Spain, the U.K., Germany, Benelux, and Poland. The packaging offers more sustainability while maintaining the need for convenience.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Material

• Plastic
  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polyamide (PA)
  • Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH)
  • Others
• Others

By Product Type

• Films and Liners
• Trays
• Bags and Pouches
• Boxes and Containers
• Others

By End-Use

• Food
• Meat & Seafood
• Ready-to-eat meals
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Dairy Products
• Bakery & Confectionery
• Others
• Healthcare
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa