The Skinny on the Skin Packaging Market

The market for skin packaging, which uses vacuum sealing to create a thin film over a product, is growing nearly 5% yearly.

Rick Lingle, Senior Technical Editor

May 29, 2024

2 Min Read
Towards Packaging

The global skin packaging market is projected to increase from $10.85 billion in 2022 to approximately $17.59 billion by 2032, according to an April 2024 report published by Towards Packaging. That’s a 4.95% compound annual growth rate from 2023 to 2032.

A tight and secure, form-fitting translucent film provides a hermetic seal of the packaged product. Skin packaging is appropriate for food and other markets.

Skin packaging market trends…

  • To lessen the impact on the environment and due to legislation, manufacturers are using sustainable materials including compostable substrates, biodegradable films, and recyclable plastics.

  • The skin packaging industry is being driven by innovative packaging designs and formats that differentiate and engage consumers through premiumization and branding techniques.

Skin packaging market takeaways.

The skin packaging market in Asia-Pacific is expanding rapidly. That’s due to the booming retail sector in China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Increasing consumer spending power and accelerated urbanization fuel the demand for packaged goods in industries like food and beverages, technology, and healthcare. This robust growth is also propelled by the region's evolving regulatory landscape aimed at enhancing product safety and sustainability.

Plastic film's role is essential. Typically made from various plastic polymers, each film type offers specific properties suitable for different packaging needs. For example, PET is a common choice due to its strength, flexibility, and clarity, making it ideal for packaging consumer goods, electronics, and food items. PET films provide excellent barriers against moisture, gases, and odors, ensuring product preservation.

Skin packaging is useful for food markets. It maintains freshness, enhances product presentation, and ensures food safety. It's extensively used for fresh meat, poultry, seafood, and cheese, forming a protective barrier that extends shelf life and reduces food waste. Additionally, skin packaging is popular for convenience foods, deli items, and ready-to-eat meals, offering practical, portion-controlled packaging that simplifies handling and storage.

Skin packaging boosts product presentation and shelf appeal at retail. Commonly used for consumer items like toys, electronics, hardware, and cosmetics, this packaging method employs transparent film to protect products from tampering while displaying them attractively. The vacuum-sealed film clings tightly to products, optimizing shelf space and enhancing brand visibility, which draws customer attention and encourages impulse purchases.

About the Author

Rick Lingle

Senior Technical Editor, Packaging Digest and PlasticsToday

Rick Lingle is Senior Technical Editor, Packaging Digest and PlasticsToday. He’s been a packaging media journalist since 1985 specializing in food, beverage and plastic markets. He has a chemistry degree from Clarke College and has worked in food industry R&D for Standard Brands/Nabisco and the R.T. French Co. Reach him at [email protected] or 630-408-7184.

https://twitter.com/PackmanRick[email protected]

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