As per FMI, the global Intelligent Packaging Market is estimated to top US$ 19.7 Bn in 2021. During applications of intelligent packaging solutions across cosmetics, personal care, healthcare, and consumer goods industries is augmenting the demand in the market. On account of this, the market is anticipated to exceed US$ 46.7 Bn by 2031, expanding at a 9% CAGR over the forecast period from 2021 to 2031.

Intelligent packaging is gaining traction, especially following the rapid expansion of the e-commerce sector as these solutions facilitate tracking, tracing, and ensure safety of products while transit, subsequently improving their shelf-life. These factors are expected to drive the sales of intelligent packaging by 2.4X through 2031.

Several brands are shifting towards intelligent packaging solutions to meet the demand for interactive, smart, user-friendly, connected, and eco-friendly packaging from customers. For instance, Cadbury, a British multinational confectionery company, started adopting smart packaging to help its customers make connections. It also uses a MAXQ QR code on its milk tray packaging. Driven by such developments, the demand for intelligent packaging is expected to grow at 10.5% in 2021.

On the basis of the level of packaging, primary packaging is anticipated to continue dominating the market, growing at a robust CAGR of 9.6% through 2031. Increasing emphasis on adopting interactive and attractive packing solutions to improve the first impression of the product is a key factor driving sales in the segment.

“Greater inclination for contactless purchase and contactless delivery among present-day consumers will tip scales in favor of intelligent packaging. Introduction of innovative packaging technologies such as anti-microbial and nanotechnology also will accelerate the growth in the market,” says a FMI analyst.

Key Takeaways from Intelligent Packaging Market Study

• The U.S. is expected to hold the largest share in the North America market, accounting for nearly 85% of regional sales through 2031.
• Germany is projected to emerge as one of the most remunerative markets in Europe, contributing around 1/5th of the overall revenue share in the region by 2031.
• India is estimated to dominate the South Asia intelligent packaging market, accounting for more than 45% of the regional demand through 2031.
• The market in Japan is forecast to witness swift growth, expanding at an impressive CAGR of 11.2% CAGR from 2021 to 2031.
• In terms of technology, interactive/data carriers packaging is anticipated to hold the dominant share, accounting for 44% of the sales by 2031.

Key Drivers

• Increasing demand for smart packaging with advanced features such as easy tracking and detecting using quick response (QR) codes from the e-commerce industry is spurring the sales of intelligent packaging.
• Implementation of stringent regulations regarding storing and transporting various food & beverages and healthcare products to ensure product safety is propelling the demand for active packaging such as oxygen scavengers and ethylene absorbers.

Key Restraints

• High cost of intelligent packaging compared to traditional packaging is a primary factor hampering the growth in the market.
• Rising concerns regarding the environment and implementation of several regulations about the use of plastics for packaging are restraining the growth in the market.

Competitive Landscape

Leading manufacturers are emphasizing on launching next-generation packaging solutions, integrated adopting advanced technologies to expand their product portfolio. Also, some of the players are aiming at expanding their production capacity to cater to the increasing demand from various industries.