Seafood Packaging Market

Seafood Packaging Market Synopsis

The Global Seafood Packaging Market was valued at USD 15.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 16.7 billion in 2025 to USD 26.0 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period.

The seafood packaging market is growing at a consistent rate with the growing interests in fresh, frozen, and processed seafood consumption across the world, as well as, with the growing concerns about food safety, food quality maintenance, and sustainability. The packaging is fundamental with regard to enhancing shelf life, preserving freshness of products as well as eliminating contamination within a storage and transportation process. Vacuum skin packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and flexible films are on the rise because they make the products more visible and preserve the nutritional values in the products.

Seafood Packaging Market Driver Analysis

Rising Global Seafood Consumption

The increasing trend of protein-based diets is also a big reason behind seafood consumption both in the developed and emerging markets. There is growing demand on consumer to purchase healthier food and there is also common knowledge of the superb source of protein, essential amino acids and beneficial nutrients in seafood, like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. The health and wellness awareness that is on the increase in the developed markets and the changes of diets away to much less red meat consumption are supporting the popularity of seafood. In the meanwhile, the rising incomes, urbanization, and dietary changes in emerging economies are causing the growth in seafood consumption because more diverse and nutritious diets are being adapted by the population there.

Seafood Packaging Market Restraint Analysis

Supply Chain Disruptions

Raw material and logistical problems such as price fluctuations and delays, can greatly affect the supply and price of packaging of seafood. Changing conditions of the supply-demand, price of crude oil and the state of the world economy make packaging materials like plastics, paper and biopolymers volatile in their prices. With the increase in the cost of materials, there is an increase in the production cost of the manufacturers and hence increase in the cost of packaging of the seafood by the processors. Along with that, logistics issues like congested ports, shipping delays and lack of transportation containers may disturb the supply services of the packaging materials on time.

Seafood Packaging Market Opportunity Analysis

Adoption of Sustainable Packaging Materials

Growing environmental concerns and strict sustainability regulations are coming into play in a bid to develop recyclable, compostable and biodegradable seafood packaging solutions and hence the development of seafood packaging solutions represents a significant opportunity in the market. Starting with traditional plastic packaging, the use of non-eco-friendly necessity is gradually changing to alternative packaging, which comprises of bio-based polymers, paper, and other natural resources. Such solutions will assist in reducing the waste created by plastic, decrease the carbon footprints, and meet the emerging environmental norms of the governments as well as consumers in using environmentally friendly products.

Seafood Packaging Market Trend Analysis

Increased Use of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

The increased use of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is becoming a prominent trend in the seafood packaging market, as it effectively addresses the challenges of preserving freshness and extending the shelf life of seafood products. MAP works by replacing the air inside the packaging with a specific gas mixture, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen, which slows down the growth of bacteria and reduces oxidation. This technology helps maintain the product’s color, texture, and nutritional value, making it highly suitable for both fresh and frozen seafood. Its adoption is further supported by the growing demand for convenient, ready-to-cook, and premium-quality seafood in retail and foodservice sectors.

Seafood Packaging Market Segment Analysis

The Seafood Packaging Market is segmented on the basis of Material, Product Type, and Technology.

By Material

o   Plastic

o   Metal

o   Paper

o   Other Materials

By Product Type

o   Trays

o   Cans

o   Bags & Pouches

o   Boxes

o   Shrink Films

o   Other Product Types

By Technology

o   Modified Atmosphere Packaging

o   Vacuum Skin Packaging

o   Other Technologies

By Seafood Type

o   Fish

o   Crustaceans

o   Molluscs

o   Other Seafood Types

By Region

o   North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

o   Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Rest of Eastern Europe)

o   Western Europe (Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Western Europe)

o   Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Australia, New-Zealand, Rest of APAC)

o   Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Israel, South Africa)

o   South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SA)

By Material, Plastic Segment is Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period

The materials discussed in this research study, the plastic segment is expected to account for the largest market share of seafood packaging market in the forecast period. As of 2024, the plastic had a market share of about more than 50 percent, and it is expected to lead given its convenience in most forms such as vacuum skin packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) that are largely used in seafood preservation.

Metal segment contains a small, but considerable share due to raw demand of canned seafood products. Metal packaging has been highly esteemed because it can protect against cross infection and have a long shelf life particularly where preserved seafood is highly taken. The paper segment should record a stable growth, which will be backed by the growing trend towards sustainable and environmentally safe packaging solutions. it is gaining popularity especially in terms of secondary usage especially in packaging, and labelling environmentally friendly consumers.

By Product Type, the Shrink Films Segment is Expected to Held the Largest Share

The shrink films segment is projected to dominate the seafood packaging market during the forecast period as a result of its growing use in seafood packaging. The wide usage of shrink films can be explained by the fact that they ensure airtight sealing, enhance the shelf life of the product, and preserve the freshness and appearance of the seafood product. They are cost-effective, light in weight, as well as they can be used with different packaging applications of sea foods including frozen and fresh foods, which makes them to be the absolute preference of manufacturers.

The trays segment is also a major holder of the market share especially in fresh and ready-to-cook sea food due to the convenience, visibility of products in them and their strong structuring feature. Cans are also a significant market mainly because of retaining preserved seafood products like tuna and sardines, because they are durable and they have got long shelf lives.

By Technology, the Modified Atmosphere Packaging Segment is Expected to Held the Largest Share

The modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) segment is projected to command the largest share of the seafood packaging market space in the forecast period due to technology. MAP technology is also broadly used due to its ability to delay the growth rate of the microorganisms causing spoilage, maintain the quality with respect to the texture, and also it increases the shelf life of seafood, all this to be achieved without chemical preservatives. It is used in packing as well as in both fresh and processed sea foods owing to its capacity to preserve the aestheticism of products in terms of product freshness.

The vacuum skin packaging (VSP) sector too is expanding at a solid pace with its good sealing performance and great barrier features ensuring that the sea foods have no chances of getting oxidized or even contaminated. VSP finds a special market niche in retail packaging with its smart design, leak-proof properties and great looks.

By Seafood Type, the Fish Segment is Expected to Held the Largest Share

On the basis of seafood type, the fish segment is predicted to capture a significant share of the seafood package market in the forecast period. Fish is also the most popular type of seafood in the world as it is nutritious, affordable, and adaptable to many dishes and cuisines. The popularity of both fresh and processed fish products is growing and, thus, more advanced packaging techniques like modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), vacuum skin packaging (VSP), and shrink films are being utilized to preserve the freshness and increase the shelf life.

The crustaceans segment has impressive market share and this is enhanced by the increased consumption of shrimp, crab and lobsters especially in the premium and foodservice markets. The reason behind this segment is the heavy use of specialized packaging that can maintain quality in storage and the exporting process.

Seafood Packaging Market Regional Insights

Asia Pacific is Expected to Dominate the Market Over the Forecast period 

Asia Pacific is predicted to lead sea food packaging business during the forecasted period because of high sea food production, consumption and export measures in the region. China, Japan, India, Vietnam, and Thailand are some of the major contributors because these countries have robust aquaculture industry and large seafood trade market. The expanding population, the increase in the disposable incomes and the changing consumer pattern or preference towards protein rich diets enhance the demand of efficient packing solutions as well. Also, the desire to develop proper packaging technology such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in addition to vacuum skin packaging (VSP) is stimulated by a high rate of urbanization and the growth of modern retail and e-commerce stores in the area. Moreover, with government encouragement and environmental laws to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly with packaging emphasize, this is also causing new opportunities to packaging manufacturers in the region.

Recent Development

In August 2022, Iceland partnered with Parkside to transition its frozen seafood product portfolio from LDPE bags to recyclable paper pouches. These pouches are designed with water-based coatings that fully break down during the re-pulping process, enhancing their sustainability.

Active Key Players in the Seafood Packaging Market

o   Seafood Packaging Inc

o   Robert Mann Packaging Inc.

o   Covertech Flexible Packaging Inc

o   International Packaging

o   Plastic Ingenuity Inc

o   Golden Eagle Extrusions, Inc

o   RM Converters Private Limited

o   Victory Packaging

o   ULMA Packging

o   Silgan Holdings Inc.

o   Other Key Players

Global Seafood Packaging Market Scope