Antimicrobial food packaging is wherein properties incorporated into a packaging component suppress the activities of targeted microorganisms so that the shelf life of food can be safely extended. Antimicrobial packaging is a technology which effectively impregnates the antimicrobial into the food packaging film material and subsequently delivers it over the stipulated period of time to kill the pathogenic microorganisms affecting food products thereby increasing the shelf life to severe folds. The product stays fresher for longer, hence the potential to extend use-by dates and less wastage. Foods contamination leading to spoilage and growth of pathogenic microorganisms can happen when exposed to environment during slaughtering, processing, packaging and shipping. Although traditional food preservation methods such as drying, heating, freezing, fermentation and salting can extend food shelf-life, they do not particularly inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms that may endanger consumers' health. Antimicrobial packaging is a development that incorporates antimicrobial agent into polymer film to suppress the activities of targeted microorganisms.
The global antimicrobial packaging market is estimated at US$6.92 bln in 2015 and is poised to reach US$10.74 mln by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 6.48%, as per Stratistics MRC. Increasing demand from food & beverage industry is the primary factor favouring the market growth. Furthermore, growing concerns about food wastage, rising demand from various verticals such as consumer goods, and increasing awareness about health related issues are the drivers for antimicrobial packaging market. However, fluctuations in raw material prices are limiting the market growth. Introduction of new products and demand from healthcare industry are the recent trends for global antimicrobial packaging market. Increasing consumption of products with shorter shelf life, are playing key role in the steady growth of the antimicrobial packaging market. Food & beverages segment dominated the global antimicrobial packaging market with a largest share during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to increasing consumer demand for safe and quality products. Healthcare segment is likely to emerge as a key end-use industry and is expected to exhibit steady growth.
Asia Pacific dominated the global antimicrobial packaging market and is expected to witness the higher growth rate due to increasing demand from emerging countries such as China and India. China and India are projected to be the fastest growing markets in this region driven by the rising population and increased spending on packed products. Manufacturers in the global market are offering products that are in tune with the shifting consumer demands. Some of the key players in the global market include Amcor Ltd., BASF SE, Bayer MaterialScience AG, Biocote Limited, Clariant AG, Dow Chemical Company, Dunmore Corporation, Linpac Senior Holdings Limited, Microban International, Mondi Plc, Oplon Pure Science Ltd., Parx Plastic BV, Polyone Corporation and Takex Labo Co. Ltd. The growth of the antimicrobial packaging market in this region is propelled by factors such as the growth of the food & beverage, healthcare, personal care, consumer goods, and agricultural products industry. Also growing population and economic development are other factors. Additionally, with rapid urbanization and demand for better quality products across the globe. The market share of organic acids is the largest as per antimicrobial agents. This is closely followed by bacteriocins which has the highest growth rate. The other type of antimicrobial agents that are widely used are enzymes, essential oils, metal ions & oxidizers, gas, fungicides, natural extracts, and antibiotics.

As per RNR Market Research, the antimicrobial packaging market is driven by factors such as rising concerns toward food wastage and growing consumer awareness about health-related issues. The controlled release packaging technology segment is projected to be the fastest-growing technology in the next five years. The controlled release packaging technology segment is projected to be the fastest-growing technology in the next five years. Controlled release packaging utilizes packaging as a delivery vehicle to efficiently bring the actives in specifically controlled rates over prolonged periods to the product to further improve its quality and safety. It regulates the concentration of the antimicrobial agents in products such as pharmaceutical and food at a particular targeted level, which is effective in deteriorating microbial growth kinetics and making it safe for consumption. This drives the demand for controlled release packaging.
The Asia-Pacific market is projected to be the fastest growing market during the forecast period. It is also projected to have the largest market share due to increasing commercialization and increased demand for packaged goods in the region. The markets of China and India are projected to be lucrative due to their rising middle class population and rising consumer spending on products such as packed food products. The health-related benefits offered by antimicrobial packaging to various industries are also seen as a driving force of growth in this region. Antimicrobial packaging solutions are used in various industries due to their utility. The antimicrobial packaging solutions offer various advantages such as maintaining the quality of the products, increasing the shelf-life of the commodity, and keeping them fresh. The antimicrobial packaging market size is estimated to grow from US$7.28 bln in 2015 to US$10 bln by 2021, at a CAGR of 5.54%.