The global Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) trays market is on the brink of a transformative decade. With forecasts projecting revenue growth reaching into the hundreds of millions of dollars between 2025 and 2034, this market is fueled by evolving packaging needs, especially in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. At the heart of this growth is the push for sustainability, food safety, and longer shelf life—factors reshaping modern consumer demands and industrial practices.
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Understanding Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
Modified atmosphere packaging is an advanced technique where the internal atmosphere of packaging is altered—typically replacing the natural air with a gas mixture optimized for preserving freshness. Common gases used include carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen, each chosen for their ability to suppress microbial growth, maintain product integrity, and reduce spoilage.
MAP is widely adopted across food categories such as fresh meat, seafood, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. In the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, it plays a pivotal role in extending the shelf life of medications and supplements, thereby minimizing waste and ensuring efficacy.
Market Drivers and Opportunities
Extended Freshness and Reduced Waste
The ability to extend the shelf life of perishable goods remains a key selling point for MAP trays. Fruits like strawberries and apples, leafy greens, cheeses, and even meats benefit from customized gas environments, preserving not just their appearance but their nutritional value and taste.
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Push for Sustainable Solutions
Despite being plastic-based, MAP technologies are now evolving toward sustainability. Innovations like mono-material recyclable plastics and molded fiber trays are emerging to address environmental concerns, significantly reducing plastic waste without compromising performance.
Versatility Across Industries
MAP trays are no longer limited to food packaging. Healthcare and pharmaceutical applications are accelerating, offering lucrative growth potential as these industries prioritize shelf-life extension, contamination prevention, and efficient distribution.
Segmental Analysis
Material Insights
Polypropylene Leads in 2024
Polypropylene is the dominant material in MAP trays, largely due to its flexibility in formulation. Homopolymer, random copolymer, and impact copolymer grades provide varying levels of rigidity, strength, and texture to meet diverse packaging requirements.
Fastest Growth in PETG
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) is projected to grow rapidly thanks to its superior chemical resistance, transparency, and dimensional stability. These features make PETG ideal for pharmaceutical and food packaging applications that require clarity and durability.
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Product Type Insights
Films and Liners Take the Lead
In 2024, films and liners emerged as the most widely used MAP tray components. Their role in controlling moisture, contamination, and gas exchange is crucial for preserving freshness, especially for seafood, produce, and meats.
Trays Expected to Surge Ahead
Trays are projected to experience the fastest growth through 2034. Innovations such as fiber-based, recyclable trays align well with environmental goals while supporting safe food transport and extended shelf life.
End-Use Applications
Food Industry Continues to Dominate
MAP trays have found widespread adoption in food packaging due to their efficiency in preserving freshness, reducing spoilage, and supporting long-distance logistics.
Healthcare Sector Gaining Momentum
The pharmaceutical and healthcare industries are quickly recognizing the benefits of MAP trays in extending the shelf life of sensitive products like health supplements and over-the-counter medications.
Tray Sealer Types
Fully Automatic Sealers Lead Today
Fully automatic tray sealers dominate the current market. These machines offer high-speed, high-efficiency packaging suitable for large-scale food production environments.
Semi-Automatic Sealers on the Rise
Semi-automatic tray sealers are gaining traction, particularly among mid-sized food manufacturers seeking to increase efficiency without fully automating their operations.
Regional Highlights
Asia Pacific Leads the Market
Asia Pacific held the largest market share in 2024. This dominance is driven by growing urbanization, changing dietary patterns, and a booming packaged food sector in countries like China, India, and Japan. A surge in cold chain logistics, organized retail, and export activities further strengthens the region’s market position.
Example:
In May 2025, the IFFA trade fair in Frankfurt spotlighted Asia’s expanding role in meat and protein packaging innovation, further validating the region’s leadership in MAP tray adoption.
North America Set for Rapid Growth
North America is expected to grow at the fastest pace through 2034. The region’s focus on sustainable food packaging, strict regulatory standards, and growing preference for clean-label products make it fertile ground for MAP tray innovation.
Example:
In January 2025, U.S.-based Cirkla introduced molded fiber MAP trays using proprietary technology that reduces plastic usage by up to 85%, a landmark in sustainable packaging efforts.
Latest Developments
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ULMA Packaging (May 2025): Unveiled its FM 400 horizontal flow wrap packaging machine designed for high-speed MAP applications in the fresh food sector.
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Rottneros Packaging AB (Jan 2025): Introduced its NATURE series molded pulp trays using FSC-certified raw materials and renewable energy.
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Air Products (June 2025): Launched a center for food freezing and storage technologies in Uzbekistan, promoting modern food preservation techniques.
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DS Smith & Primeale (April 2025): Partnered to deliver plastic-free, fiber-based punnets for fresh produce transportation.
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Colorcon & ASHA Cellulose (May 2025): Collaborated to develop controlled atmosphere packaging solutions tailored for the pharmaceutical industry.
Conclusion
The modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays market is undergoing a paradigm shift driven by sustainability, innovation, and changing consumer preferences. From food safety and shelf-life extension to eco-friendly packaging alternatives, MAP trays offer multifaceted benefits across industries. As technological advancements continue and awareness of food and pharma preservation grows, the market is well-positioned for strong, sustainable growth through 2034.
Source : https://www.towardspackaging.com/insights/modified-atmosphere-packaging-trays-market-sizing
