Digital brand engagement

Innova Market Insights data suggests that the plant-based food industry has grown with a compound annual growth rate of 32% between July 2018 - June 2023, across various food categories. Throughout the expansion, plastic remained a dominant packaging material with two third of shares, while more rapid growth of 107% was witnessed in food packed in aluminum foil. Notably, plant-based food packaging with environmental claims such as biodegradable, plastic-free and carbon labeling experienced surges. In the past five years, innovative food packaging methods such as no seal, modified atmosphere packaging and thermoformer were among the fastest growing innovations.

Recyclable is the leading category in sustainable packaging claims for F&B launches. Innova Market Insights data indicates that recyclable packaging claims experienced a global 7% growth from Jul 2018 to Jun 2023 (CAGR). These claims were applied to products packed in materials like Plastic – Not Specified, Carton and Plastic – PET. Additionally, the utilization of alternate materials for recyclable claims has surged in the last five years. Bio-based materials have furthermore witnessed a steep growth of 78%.

To fight food waste, innovative trends for F&B packaging have emerged. Active and modified atmosphere packaging techniques create optimal environments to extend a product’s shelf life while portion-controlled and single-serve packaging help manage consumption and reduce excess. 

Innova Market Insights has registered a noticeable increase in F&B product launches that are packaged using fewer materials. From July 2018 to June 2023, products with a claim to have used less packaging registered a +55% average annual compound growth. The category that reduced its packaging the most was Meat, Fish & Eggs.

According to Innova Market Insights, barrier coating innovation is transforming how products are protected and boosting environmental sustainability in packaging. These advanced coatings create a barrier against moisture, oxygen, light and contaminants, keeping products fresh and reducing food waste.

Product launches in the ready meal subcategory are gaining ground globally with +1% growth between 2018-2022 (CAGR). The leading packaging type for ready meals is a Standard Tray. There is a surge of growth in ready meal launches packed in a Pot which have had an +115% growth in the last five years. Plastic – Not Specified is the leading material for ready meal launches, but there has been a +15% growth in Glass packaging used for ready meals in the last five years. Furthermore, Recyclable is the leading environmental claim.