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Market Overview

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The global egg packaging market is projected to reach USD 4.74 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.23% from 2022 to 2028. The increasing demand for high-protein foods has created a potential market for eggs worldwide. Eggs and egg products are widely consumed in households and restaurants, driving the need for safe and efficient transportation through proper packaging. The growing consumption of eggs globally further fuels the demand for egg production and packaging to meet the forecasted requirements.

Egg cartons play a significant role in the retail industry, packaging smaller quantities of eggs for sale in supermarkets and hypermarkets. The rising preference for a healthy lifestyle and the popularity of eggs as a breakfast option contribute to the growth of the egg packaging market. Increasing awareness of nutrition and initiatives promoting healthy diets contribute to the overall increase in egg consumption and drive the demand for egg packaging.

The packaging industry has witnessed substantial transformation over the past decade, driven by factors such as urbanization and the adoption of western lifestyles in developing markets. This has led to increased demand for packaged food globally. Sustainability is a key focus for leading brands, with plastic replacement being a priority in their packaging strategies. Bioplastics, as alternative materials, are gaining traction due to the growing consumer and brand preference for sustainable products. The increasing environmental awareness among consumers contributes to the global growth of the egg packaging market.

The demand for recyclable packaging has also grown significantly due to the global emphasis on environmentally friendly products. Most egg packaging vendors prioritize recyclable packaging solutions as part of their sustainability efforts, responding to the need to reduce, reuse, and recycle packaging materials.

Factors driving the egg packaging market include the increasing consumer inclination towards processed foods, advancements in egg processing technology, and growing consumer awareness. North America and Europe have a substantial consumer base for processed egg products, with expected growth in the United States driving demand in the processed egg industry.

However, the outbreak of bird flu, or Avian influenza, poses challenges to the egg industry. Such viruses naturally spread among wild birds and can infect domestic poultry and other animals. Countries like the US and Canada experienced highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks in 2022, impacting the economy and leading to higher meat and egg prices. Farmers, especially in affected areas, face significant challenges. The ongoing threat of avian flu can further impact the egg packaging market during the forecast period.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including product, paper packaging type, plastic packaging type, pack size, and geography.

Segmentation by Product
Cartons
Trays

Segmentation by Paper Packaging Type
Molded Fiber
Paperboard

Segmentation by Plastic Packaging Type
Polystyrene
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PP (Polypropylene), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), PE (Polyethylene)
Others

Segmentation by Pack Size
Up to 6 Eggs
7-15 Eggs
16-30 Eggs
Above 30 Eggs

Segmentation by Geography
North America – US, Canada
Europe – Russia, Turkey, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary
APAC – China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand
Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina
Middle East & Africa – South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE

The cartons segment is projected to be the largest in the global egg packaging market within the product category. Cartons made of paperboard are predominantly favored in the global egg packaging industry. The widespread availability and cost-effectiveness of paperboard make cartons popular among egg packaging vendors worldwide. Additionally, cartons can be produced in various sizes to cater to different end-use applications, such as bulkier packaging for wholesalers and smaller sizes for households.

The global carton egg packaging market was valued at USD 2.5 billion in 2022. The increasing ban on single-use plastic packaging by global regulatory bodies and the growing sustainability awareness among consumers are expected to drive packaging industries towards eco-friendly and non-plastic alternatives. This trend is anticipated to further boost the demand for carton packaging in the egg industry across all regions during the forecast period.

Paper packaging is the leading and fastest-growing segment in the global egg packaging market in terms of material type. The demand for plastic has decreased worldwide due to concerns about sustainability and eco-friendliness. As a result, many egg packaging vendors have actively invested in alternative materials, driven by stringent government regulations to ban plastic. The paper-based egg packaging solutions, particularly in Europe and North America, where sustainable packaging industry demand has surged, are expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period.

The global paper egg packaging market was valued at USD 1.8 billion in 2022. Paper packaging helps prevent product breakage throughout the entire supply chain, including transportation, distribution, and storage. Egg farmers worldwide prefer paper packaging as it maintains product quality, prevents moisture loss, and reduces egg rotting. Trays, cartons, and family packs are widely used paper-based packaging types for eggs. With the increasing consumption of eggs, the demand for sustainable paper-based packaging is expected to rise significantly in emerging global markets in the coming years.

The global plastic egg packaging market was valued at USD 1.4 billion in 2022. The use of rigid HDPE, PC plastic trays, and cartons for industrial packaging applications, as opposed to wraps, films, and bags, is growing globally, positively impacting market growth. Furthermore, the introduction of innovative packaging solutions such as active, modified atmosphere, edible, and bioplastic packaging is expected to create new opportunities in the global egg packaging market. Plastic remains popular among egg consumers worldwide due to its durability and reusability. The global plastic egg packaging market is further segmented into materials such as Polystyrene (PS), PET, Polypropylene, PVC, PE, and others. Among these materials, PET and PVC are the most preferred, accounting for the highest share in the global market. The lightweight properties of PET have also increased its application in the egg industry and significantly reduced energy consumption on a global scale. Consequently, many egg packaging vendors and brands are expected to show a higher preference for PET-based plastic packaging during the forecast period.

The 7-15 eggs pack size is the largest segment by pack size, accounting for 33.64% of the global egg packaging market share. The rapid growth of the global restaurant industry and industrial food canteens is expected to drive the consumption of eggs packed in cases that can hold up to 12 eggs. Plastic and molded paper tray egg packaging are widely preferred by the majority of consumers worldwide. This segment is projected to generate an additional revenue of USD 475.5 million during the forecast period, growing at a CAGR of 6.12%.

In 2022, APAC dominated the global egg packaging market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.62% during the forecast period. The APAC industry is primarily driven by volume due to the growing retail landscape and organized packaging growth. Organized retail and packaging markets are pushing for advanced packaging techniques to provide high-quality and long-lasting egg packaging solutions.

North America and Europe are regions with greater awareness of advanced packaging technologies and are quick to adopt new trends in egg packaging. Europe, in particular, has a high sensitivity to and preference for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging. Additionally, major developed economies such as Germany, Belgium, and the UK have proposed updates in packaging regulations, which are expected to drive innovation among significant vendors in the European egg packaging market.

The North American egg packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.97% during the forecast period. The growth in the region’s egg packaging market is supported by major nutritional organizations and food safety authorities. Furthermore, increased online and offline campaigns have boosted egg sales volumes in recent years. Many large-scale packaging vendors in the egg industry are focusing on providing attractive packaging designs for hypermarket and supermarket shoppers in the US and Canada. The growing consumption of egg-based food products in the retail and processed food segments is expected to drive the demand for egg packaging materials across all parts of the US.

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Competitive Landscape

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The growth of the global egg packaging market has been driven by stringent regulations and a growing emphasis on sustainable development. However, this growth has also led to intensified competition among local vendors and established industry leaders in emerging economies worldwide. The increased automation and centralization of the egg carton and tray manufacturing process have further contributed to the competitive nature of the industry.

In order to gain a larger market share, vendors are striving to enhance their production capacity and introduce new products to expand their market presence and geographical reach. Key vendors such as Hartmann, Huhtamaki, DFM Packaging Solutions, and Omni-Pac Group play a significant role in the global egg packaging market. To capitalize on the available opportunities, most egg packaging vendors are focusing on the growth prospects in rapidly expanding segments while maintaining their positions in slower-growing segments around the world.

Key companies profiled in this report include Hartmann, Huhtamaki, DFM Packaging Solutions, Omni-Pac Group, CKF, Jin Fu Hua Packaging (JFH), Mauser Packaging Solutions, Dispak, Ovotherm International Handels, Pactiv, Packman Packaging, Maspack, Sampuran Packaging, GI-OVO, Falcon Packaging, Europack, TekniPlex, International Paper, Zhytomyr Cardboard Factory, Cascades, Korrex, ACEBRI, KSP Fiber, Maharashtra Polymers.

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Key Questions Answered

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The egg packaging market has a significant size, valued at USD 3.30 billion in 2022, and it is projected to reach USD 4.74 billion by 2028.

The global egg packaging market is experiencing a growth rate of 6.23% from 2022 to 2028.

Several trends are emerging in the egg packaging market worldwide. These include a shift towards sustainability, increased concerns regarding health and fitness, greater utilization of recyclable materials, and a rise in meat-free diets.

Key players in the global egg packaging market include Hartmann, Huhtamaki, DFM Packaging Solutions, and Omni-Pac Group.

In terms of market share, the APAC region holds the leading position in the global egg packaging market, with a value of USD 1.81 billion in 2022.