Smart Food Packaging Market - By Technology, By Material, By Functionality, By Application - Global Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Smart Food Packaging Market Size

The global smart food packaging market size was valued at USD 26.8 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 6.4% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The rising consumer awareness about food safety and quality is driving the market.
 

The ongoing retaliatory tariff measures implemented under the Trump administration have materially increased input costs for the smart food packaging market. Key manufacturers long reliant on imported raw materials now face upward pricing pressure, which is likely to be passed through to end users. Unless U.S. producers can secure competitively priced domestic alternatives, overall production costs will remain elevated.
 

According to the Global Data Change Lab, the global greenhouse gas emissions directly from the food systems are in the range from 25 to 35%. With this impact on nature, there are implementation plans in the food packaging industry to reduce emissions from by introducing smart food packaging solutions. To cater for the emissions issues companies are shifting towards a biodegradable and compostable packaging solution. The study from Metsä Board which conducted Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in March 2025, highlighted that the shift from white-lined chipboard (WLC) to Metsä Board’s folding boxboard would help reduce the carbon footprint by over 60%.
 

The smart food packaging market is driven by the increasing demand for food safety, longer shelf life, and real-time monitoring solutions. Advanced packaging technologies such as time-temperature indicators (TTIs) and RFID tracking are gaining traction, especially in the perishable food and e-commerce sectors. For instance, companies like Insignia Technologies have developed color-changing smart labels that indicate food freshness, helping retailers and consumers reduce food waste. Additionally, stringent regulations by agencies like the FDA and EFSA are pushing manufacturers to adopt intelligent packaging solutions that enhance traceability and compliance.
 

With the growing focus on sustainable measures, the smart food packaging market witnesses rising growth. There is significant demand for 100% bio-based packaging which are plastic free and are made up of natural polymers. Companies are forming strategic partnerships to develop such environmentally friendly packaging of food items so that the impact on nature is less. For instance, In October 2024, Think Tank, a leading UK-based bespoke packaging design agency, has announced the launch of its latest range of smart packaging formats, poised to revolutionize the packaging landscape. The newly introduced solutions are designed to empower brands by elevating packaging aesthetics, functionality, and consumer engagement, ultimately driving stronger commercial outcomes.
 

Manufacturers are coming up with technologies such as sensors, QR codes, RFID tags, and time-temperature indicators to enhance food safety, extend shelf life, and improve consumer engagement. These smart packaging solutions monitor freshness, detect contamination, track supply chain conditions, and offer real-time product information, supporting both regulatory compliance and sustainability goals. By integrating digital connectivity and interactive elements, smart food packaging not only protects the product but also delivers added value to consumers.
 

Smart Food Packaging Market Trends

• The growing consumer awareness about environmental issues environmental issues are driving the transition to biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable packaging materials. Innovations such as plant-based plastics and nonmaterial film systems meet global sustainability targets and consumer preference for environmentally friendly products. Such factors in turn is driving the market.
   
• The growing preferences of active packaging solution which has less impact on the environment is one of the key trends for the rapid development of the smart food packaging market. Active packaging solutions resolve these issues by incorporating options such as oxygen scavengers, antimicrobial coatings, and moisture control inserts. These functionalities directly contribute to the shelf life of the product, prevent spoilage, and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Active packaging helps to accomplish this by making food last longer.
   
• For instance, In February 2024, Aptar CSP Technologies, a member of AptarGroup, Inc. and the leader in active material science, has joined forces with ProAmpac, a worldwide leader in flexible packaging and material science, to unveil a revolutionary innovation in smart packaging. The alliance has led to the creation of ProActive Intelligence Moisture Protect (MP?1000), a next-generation, patent-pending packaging platform.
   

Smart Food Packaging Market Analysis

Based on technology, the market is divided into active packaging, intelligent packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (map), others.
 

• The active packaging market was valued at 12.6 billion in the year 2024. Active packaging is gaining popularity with its potential to increase shelf life, minimize spoilage, and improve food safety through functionalities like moisture absorbers, oxygen scavengers, and antimicrobial compounds. Demand is also driven by the rise in e-commerce, higher consumption of convenience foods, and strict food safety regulations. Sustainability efforts are also driving the creation of green active packaging solutions.
   
• The intelligent packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% in the forecast period. growing consumer demand for transparency and product authentication is prompting brands to invest in interactive packaging solutions.

Based on material, the smart food packaging market is classified into plastic, glass, metal, paper & paperboard.
 

• The plastic market is anticipated to grow and reach a value of USD 22.2 billion by the year 2034. The rising development of bio plastic packaging for providing food enhanced barrier properties reflects the growing adoption of the bio plastic in the food packaging industry. Government push for bio-based plastic is acting as a catalyst in quick transition towards sustainable food packaging material adoption.
   
• The paper & paperboard market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% in the forecast period. The growing environmental concerns are creating opportunities to develop and implement sustainable means of food packaging. In September 2024, the collaboration between Marigold Health Foods and Sonoco launched paper-based for sustainable food packaging.
   

Based on functionality, the smart food packaging market is bifurcated into temperature control, traceability & tracking, shelf-life extension, spoilage detection, others.
 

• Temperature control market was valued at USD 8.9 billion in the year 2024. Temperature monitoring technologies, for example, time-temperature indicators (TTIs) and thermochromic inks, play a major role in upholding the quality of perishable and temperature-perishable foodstuffs, including meat, dairy, and frozen foods. These technologies support the tracking of thermal history in products during supply chains, alleviating the possibility of spoilage and aiding regulatory compliance for safe food.
   
• The traceability & tracking market is predicted to grow and reach a value of USD 14 billion by the year 2034. With rising concerns over food fraud, recalls, and sustainability, manufacturers and retailers are increasingly adopting these solutions to assure quality, enhance consumer trust, and meet regulatory expectations on food provenance and accountability.
   

Based on application, the smart food packaging market is segmented into beverages, bakery & confectionery, fruits & vegetables. and ready-to-eat food.
 

• By 2034, the dairy products in the market are predicted to reach a value of USD 19.8 billion. For dairy products, smart packaging solutions such as time-temperature indicators, antimicrobial films, and moisture absorbers are being applied to a greater extent to ensure freshness, cold chain integrity, and shelf-life extension. As interest in organic and preservative-free dairy grows, the function of intelligent packaging assumes an important role in guaranteeing safety and delivering real-time quality feedback.
   
• The meat, poultry, and seafood in the smart food packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% in the forecast period. In the meat, poultry, and fish category, active and smart packaging technologies are essential because of high risk of contamination and spoilage. Spoilage detection sensors, oxygen scavengers, and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) are commonly implemented to restrict microbial growth, maintain color, and limit odor.

• In 2024, the U.S. smart food packaging market was valued at USD 5.9 billion. The country actively participates and focuses on reducing the environmental pollution through plastics. With consumers looking for more interactive and personalized experiences, brands use intelligent packaging solutions to interact with their consumers. Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" campaign included customized labels which can be scanned using a mobile app for personalized content and social media connectivity. This creates greater consumer interaction and fuels brand loyalty through creative packaging solutions.
   
• The UK smart food packaging market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% in the forecast period. The country has been focusing on sustainable measures in food packaging to reduce the impact on the environment. For instance, in September 2023, Mondi Group and Veetee launched paper-based packaging for dry rice in the UK market.
   
• The UK market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. As the UK government implements stricter regulations regarding labeling accuracy, traceability, and safety standards across various industries, including pharmaceuticals and food & beverage companies, they are compelled to adopt smarter packaging solutions that facilitate compliance with these regulations.
   
• China smart food packaging market is expected to grow and reach a value of USD 8.7 billion by 2034. The country is increasing inclination towards eco-friendly packaging solution for food. The nation has a high reputation for product safety and quality demands, especially for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. Intelligent packaging technology, with applications such as tamper evidence, real-time information, and freshness indicators, provides companies with innovative ways to exceed these strict conditions.
   
• India smart food packaging market is anticipated to grow at CAGR of 8.9% in the forecast period. With the country’s commitment to sustainable goals the market for Smart Food Packaging is growing significantly. For instance, in February 2025, Tetra Pak introduced carton packages for India’s food and beverages industry with 5% certified recycled polymer.
   
• By 2034, Australia smart food packaging market is anticipated to grow and reach a value of USD 1.1% in the forecast period. Australia puts its investments in research and development for developing the eco-friendly packaging solutions. The country focuses on sustainable and biodegradable materials for packaging. For instance, in September 2024, CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency and Murdoch University together launched opened bioplastic innovation hub for the purpose of developing 100% compostable plastic packaging.
   

Smart Food Packaging Market Share

The market is competitive owing to the players in the market leveraging the growing preferences of the sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging option in the food industry. Top 5 companies in the smart food packaging industry are Sealed Air Corporation, Multisorb Technologies, Amcor PLC, Ball corporation and others and they together constitute a market share of 25.5% in 2024. The companies are forming strategic partnership and investing in R&D to develop the recyclable packages for the food. There is also shift towards bioplastics and paper-based packages and players in the market are captivating on the consumers rising preferences for the eco-friendly packaging in the food and beverages industry. The companies in the smart food packaging ensures that the packaging are meets the norms and standards set by the government.
 

Smart Food Packaging Market Companies

Top prominent companies operating in the smart food packaging industry include:

• 3M Company
• Amcor PLC
• Avery Dennison Corporation
• Ball corporation
• BASF SE
   

3M is a prominent player, and its focus lies in the making of sustainable and innovative packaging solutions. The company contributes through advanced active and intelligent packaging solutions designed to enhance food safety, extend shelf life, and improve supply chain visibility. Its innovations include oxygen scavengers, antimicrobial layers, and time-temperature indicators that monitor product integrity.
 

Amcor Plc is a global company and specializes in flexible and rigid packaging of the various food products. The company focuses on developing recyclable and compostable packaging materials, aligning with global environmental goals. Additionally, Amcor invests in intelligent packaging technologies, such as sensors and indicators, to provide real-time information on food quality and freshness.
 

Smart Food Packaging Industry News

• In March 2024, PepsiCo and its flexible food packaging supply chain partners launched snack packaging which contains 50% recycled plastic. It utilizes an advanced recycling process which transforms plastic waste into food-grade packaging material.
   
• In September 2023, Jus de Fruits Caraïbes and Tetra Pak partnered to build an interactive connected experience in packaging. The connected experience aims at increasing awareness related to sustainability and helping customers to understand the recycling of beverage cartons.
   
• In September 2024, Pakka launched a new range of flexible packaging in the food and beverages sector. It offers packaging such as M1, M3 and NM1 which provides effective barrier properties with heat sealability. All these offerings are compatible with digital and flexographic printing technologies. 
   

The smart food packaging market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Billion from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Technology

• Active packaging
• Intelligent packaging
• Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)
• Others

Market, By Material

• Plastic
• Glass
• Metal
• Paper & paperboard

Market, By Functionality

• Temperature control
• Traceability & tracking
• Shelf-life extension
• Spoilage detection
• Others

Market, By Application

• Dairy products
• Meat, poultry, and seafood
• Bakery & confectionery
• Fruits & vegetables
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE