The global milk packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 4% during the forecast period. Milk is one of the highest consumed dairy products across the globe and is the most complex in storing for a long period of time owing to its moisture and other mineral contents. Packaging methods of the dairy industry are progressively changing in order to meet the requirements of consumers and the rest of the food industry. Novel concepts of dairy packaging encompass numerous possibilities that enable protection, as well as the prolongation of shelf life and enhancement of functional properties of products. The increased demand for milk owing to the health benefits it offers is likely to drive the overall growth of the market over the forecast period.

As per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the overall milk production is projected to increase more than 180 million metric tons by 2025. The shift of consumer preferences towards dairy products owing to frequently changing lifestyles is also driving the growth of the market. For the packaging of dairy products including milk, the popular brands have also shifted towards the modern way of packaging. This includes edible packaging, biodegradable packaging, antimicrobial packaging, as well as smart and active packaging. Thus, this is likely to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period.

Segmental Outlook

The global milk packaging market has been segmented into material and packaging type. Based on the material, the market is segmented into plastic, paper & paperboard, and others. The plastic segment is projected to hold a significant market share. Based on the packaging type, the market is segmented into flexible packaging and rigid packaging.

Global Milk Packaging Market by Material, 2019 (%)

Paper & Paperboard Package Type is Likely to Grow Significantly Over the Forecast Period

Amongst the material segment of the market, the paper & paperboard is likely to grow significantly over the forecast period. The segmental growth of the market is attributed to the increased awareness amongst the peoples regarding the impact of packaging products on the environment. Advanced paper & paperboard packaging type offers extra protection to the milk as well as extends its shelf life, and the packaging also includes various indicators such as time-temperature indicators, freshness, and ripening indicators among others. Thus, this is likely to enhance the segmental growth of the market over the forecast period.

Regional Outlook

The global milk packaging market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America region is estimated to grow significantly during the forecast period. Further, an increasing demand for glass bottle milk has been observed by the market players in the US amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas the Asia-Pacific region has a high potential for lactose-free dairy products as a better alternative to lactose-based dairy products. In the region, there are numerous farmers indulged in milk trading as a main source of income. Besides, the rapid growth of milk-based products and its applications in developing countries such as India and China are the growth driving factors of the market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Global Milk Packaging Market by Region, 2019 (%)

Market Players Outlook

Some of the prominent players operating in the global milk packaging market include Amcor PLC, Mondi Group, Ball Corp., Ardagh Group, TetraPak International S.A., and Stanpac Inc., and others. These companies adopting several organic and inorganic growth strategies such as product launches & developments, partnerships, agreements, and acquisitions to strengthen their product portfolios and maintain a competitive position in the global milk packaging market. 

In June 2020, Ardagh Group, Glass – North America, a business unit of Ardagh Group and Stanpac partnered to meet the increasing demand for glass milk bottles amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In this pandemic scenario, dairy delivery companies across the US are witnessing an increase in demand for glass milk bottles. 

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2019 and forecast to 2026.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global milk packaging market. Based on the availability of data, information related to products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.