North America Food Packaging Market: Rise of Ready-to-Eat

North America Food Packaging Industry Overview

The North America Food Packaging Market was valued at $111.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2025 to 2030. With approximately 331 million people residing in North America as of 2023, and an increasing number living in urban areas with fast-paced lifestyles, there's been a significant rise in the consumption of packaged foods, especially ready-to-eat meals. Recent trends indicate that nearly 60% of consumers choose convenient food options due to their busy schedules. This growing dependence on packaged products is further amplified by the expansion of foodservice suppliers and digital platforms that simplify food ordering, ultimately making these meals more accessible.

Detailed Segmentation:

• Type Insights

Flexible packaging is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period. The increasing demand for convenience foods and on-the-go meals has driven the popularity of flexible options that provide resealability and portion control. Moreover, technological advancements have enhanced barrier properties, ensuring product freshness and shelf life, appealing particularly to health-conscious consumers.

• Material Insights

Plastic packaging is expected to register the fastest growth of 5.4% over the forecast period. The convenience of plastic containers aligns with consumer lifestyles seeking quick meal solutions. Moreover, innovations in plastic materials, featuring enhanced barrier properties and increased recyclability, are facilitating adoption as manufacturers address sustainability trends while meeting consumer expectations for quality and safety.

• Application Insights

The household sector is projected to grow at the fastest rate of 5.5% over the forecast period as consumers increasingly prioritize efficiency and convenience in daily routines. With a shift toward home meal preparation, households are turning to packaged food solutions that simplify cooking processes while ensuring quality. Furthermore, rising disposable incomes are enabling consumers to invest in premium packaged products that enrich their culinary experiences at home.

• Country Insights

U.S. Food Packaging Market Trends

The U.S. food packaging market dominated North America with a revenue share of 78.0% in 2024. The diverse food industry, particularly in dairy and beverages, drives demand for innovative packaging that ensures product safety and freshness. Growth in e-commerce and meal delivery services enhances the need for efficient packaging solutions.

Mexico Food Packaging Market Trends

The food packaging market in Mexico is projected to grow at the fastest rate of 6.6% over the forecast period. Rising disposable incomes are prompting consumers to prefer convenient, high-quality packaged foods. The rise of modern retail and e-commerce platforms, coupled with government initiatives promoting sustainable packaging practices, positions Mexico as a significant player in North America market.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restraints, and growth of the North America Food Packaging Market

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Organizations are undertaking strategic initiatives in product innovation, sustainability, and technology advancements to enhance packaging solutions, driven by consumer demand for convenient and eco-friendly options.

Key North America Food Packaging Companies:

• Amcor plc
• Sealed Air
• Sonoco
• Berry Global Inc.
• WestRock Company
• Mondi
• Genpak LLC
• Pactiv Evergreen Inc.

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Recent Developments

• In December 2024, Berry Global and VOID Technologies successfully collaborated to launch a high-performance, recyclable polyethylene film for pet food packaging, enhancing sustainability while improving strength and puncture resistance.
  
• In August 2024, Pactiv Evergreen Inc. launched Recycleware Reduced-Density Polypropylene meat trays, offering a sustainable alternative to foam polystyrene, recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers for recyclability and environmental impact. 

• In July 2024, Mondi launched FlexiBag Reinforced, a recyclable, mono-PE-based packaging solution with enhanced mechanical properties, enabling cost-effective customization for pet food while incorporating post-consumer recycled content to promote sustainability.