Retort Packaging Market Size, Share, and Trends 2024 to 2034

Retort Packaging Market Size and Manufacturers

The global retort packaging market size is calculated at USD 4.94 billion in 2024 and is projected to surpass around USD 8.59 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.69% from 2024 to 2034.

Retort Packaging Market Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific led the global market with the highest market share of 32% in 2023.
• By Type, the pouches segment is projected to be the highest market share between 2024 and 2034.
• By End-use, the food segment is predicted to be the maximum market share in terms of value and volume between 2024 and 2034.

Asia Pacific Retort Packaging Market Size and Growth 2024 to 2034

The Asia Pacific retort packaging market size is exhibited at USD 1.58 billion in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 2.79 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.85% from 2024 to 2034.

Because of strong demand from countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and China, the APAC region is expected to lead the global market in terms of value. The region is home to more than half of the world's population, and demand for convenient products has increased as a result of hectic work schedules and rising per capita income. Consumers are seeking for ready-to-eat meals that don't require much preparation in the region, so the demand for retort packages is increasing.

In addition, the growing population and urbanization, growing middle class, rising disposable income, increasing awareness about food safety and growing demand for sustainable packaging are some other factors responsible for the growth of retort packaging market in this region.

Market Overview

Retort packaging refers to a type of food packaging that uses heat and pressure to sterilize the contents of the package. This process helps to extend the shelf life of the packaged food without the need for refrigeration or other preservatives. Retort packaging is commonly used for a variety of food products, including ready-to-eat meals, soups, sauces, and pet food.

Retort packaging typically consists of a laminate structure made up of multiple layers of materials such as polyester, nylon, and aluminum foil, which are designed to withstand the high temperatures and pressures used in the sterilization process. The packaging is sealed to prevent contamination and is often designed to be lightweight and easy to transport. Additionally, retort packaging offers a number of benefits over other forms of food packaging, including extended shelf life, ease of use, and reduced waste. However, it can also be more expensive than other types of packaging, and there are concerns about the environmental impact of the materials used in the packaging.

The global retort packaging market has been growing in recent years due to the increasing demand for convenience food and the need for a longer shelf life of food products. The market is extensively driven by factors such as growing demand for shelf-stable products, sustainable packaging solutions, and rising demand from emerging economies.

The retort packaging market includes various types of packaging materials such as pouches, trays, and cartons. In addition to food products, the retort packaging market is also used in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries for packaging medical devices and supplies that require sterilization. The use of retort packaging in these industries is also expected to contribute to the growth of the market in the coming years.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Key Market Drivers

Increasing demand for convenience food

The increasing demand for convenience food is driven by several factors, including changing lifestyles, busy work schedules, and increasing urbanization. Many consumers today are looking for quick and easy meal solutions that can be prepared in a short amount of time, without sacrificing taste or quality. Convenience foods offer a convenient and hassle-free solution for busy consumers who want to save time and effort.

The demand for convenience food has also been influenced by the rise of single-person households and smaller families, who are looking for smaller portion sizes and more affordable meal options. This has led to an increase in the availability and variety of pre-packaged, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and other convenience food products. Another factor driving the demand for convenience food is the growth of the fast-food industry, which has made it easier and more affordable for consumers to purchase meals on the go.

Additionally, the growth of online food delivery services has made it possible for consumers to order restaurant-quality meals from the comfort of their own homes. The retort packaging market has been able to meet the needs of the convenience food industry by providing packaging solutions that can withstand high temperatures and provide an extended shelf life. Retort packaging is ideal for ready-to-eat meals, soups, sauces, and other convenience food products, as it can be easily transported and stored, making it a popular choice for manufacturers and retailers. As the demand for convenience food continues to grow, the retort packaging market is expected to expand as well.

Growth in the pharmaceutical industry

The pharmaceutical industry's expansion is driving the demand for retort packaging in the healthcare sector.  Retort packaging is being used in medical devices and supplies packaging which requires sterilization. The sterilization process is critical for preventing contamination and ensuring product safety. Because it can withstand high temperatures and pressures during the sterilization process, retort packaging is a dependable and efficient way to sterilize medical devices and supplies.

The packaging is also intended to provide an airtight seal, which aids in the prevention of contamination from outside sources. Several factors are driving the pharmaceutical industry's growth, including an aging population, rising healthcare spending, and the development of new drugs and medical devices. The demand for retort packaging is expected to rise in tandem with the demand for pharmaceutical products.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has aided the growth of the pharmaceutical industry and increased demand for retort packaging. The pandemic has increased demand for medical devices that require sterilization before use, such as masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment. Retort packaging has been critical in ensuring the safety and efficacy of these products. Overall, the pharmaceutical industry's expansion is expected to drive demand for retort packaging in the coming years. The industry's emphasis on safety and quality, combined with the unique properties of retort packaging, make it an ideal choice for packaging sterilizable medical devices and supplies.

Key Market Challenges

High cost

One of the major challenges faced by the retort packaging market is the high cost associated with the production of retort packaging materials. Retort packaging is made using a combination of plastic, aluminum, and other materials that make it durable and able to withstand high temperatures. However, these materials are expensive and require specialized equipment and processes for their production, which leads to higher costs for manufacturers.

The higher cost of retort packaging can make it difficult for smaller companies with limited budgets to adopt the technology. However, larger companies and manufacturers may find the benefits of retort packaging, such as extended shelf life and improved product safety, outweigh the higher costs. To address the issue of cost, manufacturers are exploring ways to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the retort packaging process.

This includes developing new materials that are more affordable and efficient, as well as exploring new production methods that can reduce costs while maintaining quality and safety standards. Additionally, the growing demand for retort packaging is expected to lead to increased competition and innovation in the market, which could help to drive down costs over time.

Rising environmental concerns

Environmental concerns are an important restraint for the growth of the retort packaging market. Retort packaging is often made of materials that are not biodegradable or recyclable, which can contribute to environmental concerns around waste and sustainability. The packaging materials are typically made of multi-layered laminates that are composed of plastic, aluminum foil, and paper. One of the biggest environmental concerns associated with retort packaging is the amount of waste generated. Retort packaging is often single-use, meaning it is discarded after one use. This can lead to significant amounts of waste, particularly in the food and beverage industry, where large quantities of retort packaged products are produced. Another environmental concern is the energy used during the retort process.

The process requires high temperatures and pressures, which can consume large amounts of energy and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. This can make retort packaging less sustainable compared to other types of packaging that require less energy to produce and dispose of. To address these environmental concerns, the retort packaging industry is exploring new materials and technologies that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. For example, there is growing interest in the use of biodegradable and compostable materials for retort packaging. These materials break down naturally over time and do not contribute to waste or pollution.

In addition, manufacturers are also exploring ways to reduce the energy used during the retort process. For example, new technologies are being developed to reduce the amount of water and energy required for sterilization, which can make the process more sustainable and cost-effective. Overall, the retort packaging industry is aware of the environmental concerns associated with its products and is taking steps to address them. However, more work is needed to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions that meet the needs of the industry and consumers.

Key Market Opportunities

Rising online food ordering

Online food ordering has had a significant impact on the food industry, including the retort packaging market. As more consumers order food online for delivery or pickup, the demand for convenient and easy-to-use packaging has increased.  Furthermore, the pandemic resulted in a rise in online food delivery. For instance, according to the report of the National Library of Medicine, with entries of global online food delivery (OFD) leading companies such as Uber Eats along with some Indian companies—Zomato and Swiggy—the OFD industry is proliferating with a 25%–30% annually in 2020.

One of the key benefits of retort packaging is its ability to extend the shelf life of food products, which is particularly important for online food ordering. Retort packaged products can be stored for longer periods of time without the need for refrigeration, which can reduce food waste and improve the overall efficiency of the supply chain.

In addition, the convenience of retort packaging makes it ideal for online food ordering. Retort packaged products are easy to transport and can be quickly reheated or cooked, making them a popular choice for on-the-go meals and snacks. The aforementioned factors are expected to boost the growth of the retort packaging market.

Usage of retort packaging in food & beverage industry 

Retort packaging is widely used in the food and beverage industry, particularly for products that require a long shelf life and must be stored without refrigeration. For example, retort packaging is commonly used for ready-to-eat meals, such as canned soups, stews, and pasta dishes. These products can be stored at room temperature for an extended period of time, making them ideal for emergency food supplies, camping trips, and other situations where refrigeration is not available. Retort packaging is also used for baby food, which must be safe and free from harmful bacteria.

The packaging can be used for purees, cereals, and other baby food products that can be stored for long periods of time without the need for refrigeration.  The retort packaging can also be used in pet food, beverages, and snacks. Overall, retort packaging provides a cost-effective and efficient way to store and transport a wide range of food and beverage products. It helps to extend the shelf life of these products and ensure they remain safe and fresh for consumers. Such a huge usage of retort packaging in the food & beverage industry is expected to boost the growth of the segment during the forecast period.

Type Insights

The pouches segment is expected to be the largest market for retort packaging by type. The dominant market position of the pouches can be attributed to its durability. This segment's expansion can be attributed to the increasing demand for product packaging from the food and beverage industries.

The lightweight, less spacing, and longer shelf life of retort pouches make them a viable alternative to tin cans. Additionally, retort pouches are becoming increasingly popular due to their flexibility, durability, and ability to protect food items from moisture, oxygen, and light. The growth of retort pouches is being driven by the increasing demand for convenience foods, as well as the growing awareness of the benefits of flexible packaging in terms of reducing waste and improving sustainability.

End-Use Insights

The food end-use segment of the retorts packaging market is expected to be the largest in terms of value and volume. Food includes ready-to-eat meals, meat, poultry, and seafood, as well as pet food, baby food, soups and sauces, and other items. It makes a significant contribution to the expansion of retort packaging. The food industry has been transformed by retort packaging. It has aided in the development of food supply channels, allowing seasonal foods to be available all year. Consumers are looking for more convenient ways to eat their food because of changing demographics.

The demand for ready-to-eat meals and packaged food is rising due to changing lifestyles and busy schedules. Retort packaging provides convenience in terms of easy storage, transportation, and consumption. This factor is driving the demand for retort packaging in the food industry. Governments and regulatory bodies are imposing strict regulations on food safety, which is leading to an increase in the demand for high-quality and safe packaging materials. Retort packaging provides a high level of protection against contamination, ensuring food safety. This factor is driving the demand for retort packaging in the food and beverage industry.

Retort Packaging Market Companies

• Sealed Air Corporation
• Clondalkin
• Coveris
• Tredegar Corporation
• Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd
• Mondi Group
• Huhtamaki Oyj
• Sonoco
• Berry Global Inc.
• Amcor PLC

Recent Developments

• March 2021- The Mars company has collaborated with Amcor Limited. They intend to launch and market recyclable microwavable rice pouches in the United States.
• October 2020 - Constantia flexibles has changed its operating structure and the executive committee. They are also planning to focus on the pharma market in the future.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

• Cartons
• Trays
• Pouches
• Others

By End-Use

• Beverages
• Food
• Others

By Geography

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