Baby Food Packaging Market - Forecasts from 2023 to 2028

The baby food packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.06% to reach US$6,886.548 million by 2028, from US$4,874.609 million in 2021.

Baby food packaging solutions have come a long way since it was initially sold in glass jars and cardboard boxes. Nowadays, baby food comes in a lot of innovative and attractive packages such as metal cans, stand-up pouches, cartons, and thin-wall containers. They have become extremely popular because of their lightweight, sanitary, easy-to-carry, reusable, and safe characteristics.

The baby food packaging market is growing significantly. Growing demand for baby food items is predicted to drive market growth. Rapid urbanization, lifestyle changes, and rise in disposable income especially in emerging economies are increasing the demand for baby food which in turn is spurring growth for packaging solutions by manufacturers. Other factors such as the introduction of innovative and eco-friendly packages, the rise in population, and convenience safety concerns among consumers are also fueling the market expansion.

However, the biggest challenge with baby food packaging is how to fulfill customer demands for safety and freshness while promoting environmental sustainability which has been impacting the market growth.

Growing demand for baby food

One of the prime factors augmenting the growth of the baby food packaging market is the rise in demand for baby food. According to a study by New York University, approximately 90% of American newborns are fed packaged baby food. Countries around the globe are witnessing rapid urbanization which has led to increasing disposable income, resulting in the adoption of modern lifestyle choices. These factors have increased spending on baby food products. Changes in lifestyle and an increase in the number of working parents have led to a significant rise in demand for packaged baby food as they are convenient and safe. This has led to a rise in demand for larger pack sizes and more favorable packaging solutions.

Product innovation in terms of design and materials is projected to drive up the demand for baby food packaging solutions even further. Over the last decade, baby food packaging has evolved from glass jars to plastic thermoformed tubs and flexible stand-up pouches with fitments. For instance, in 2022, Sabic, the chemicals industry announced a collaboration with Ella's Kitchen, UK's number one baby food brand to make new baby food caps made from recycled plastic.

The market is witnessing innovations in green, recyclable, and sustainable packaging solutions due to rising environmental concerns among consumers. For instance, In 2020, Gerber, a Nestle subsidiary, aims to improve the environmental sustainability of its baby food packaging while maintaining food safety. The same year, they also introduced a single-material pouch for Gerber's infant food. The "recyclable" pouch is composed of polypropylene (PP) and was created in collaboration with Gualapack, a maker of pre-made spouted pouches.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold a significant amount of the market share during the forecast period

Asia Pacific region will hold a significant amount of market share in baby food packaging. This region will witness high growth during the forecast period owing to the rising usage of packaged infant food items by the urban population. Rapid urbanization, lifestyle changes, and a rise in disposable income in countries like India, China, Thailand, Taiwan, and Indonesia have resulted in the growing demand for packaged baby food in this region. The growing number of working parents, a shift in the demographics, and a rise in the sale of baby food products through online channels have also spurred market growth in this region. Moreover, the emergence of new players with a large variety of baby food options is also driving the demand for the baby food packing market in the Asia Pacific region.

Market Key Developments

• In July 2022, Little Freddies announced that they are launching UK's first baby food pouch with an OPRL label intended to carry out home recycling. Their new packaging solution is designed to make recyclability easier for consumers. The pouch is composed of polypropylene (PP), including the cap and spout.
• In August 2021, The Heinz company introduced a fully recyclable baby food pouch in August 2021. On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) certification has been acquired for these polypropylene products. Plastic will be eliminated whenever possible, and by 2025 all of the company's packaging will be recyclable, reused, or compostable.
• In June 2021, An Italian baby food brand, Plasmon, owned by Kraft-Heinz, revamped its "Squeezer and Taste" pack in June 2021.

Market Segmentation

By Material Type

• Polymer
• Paper
• Metal
• Glass
• Others

By Application

• Liquid Milk
• Dried Baby Food
• Powdered Milk
• Others

By Geography

• North America
  • USA
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Others

• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Others

• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Others

• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Israel
  • Others

• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Indonesia
  • Others