According to a new report published by Introspective Market Research, titled, Fresh Seafood Packaging Market by Material, Packaging Technology, and Application, The Global Fresh Seafood Packaging Market Size Was Valued at USD 15.5 Billion in 2023 and is Projected to Reach USD 26.5 Billion by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 5.9%.

Introduction / Market Overview

The global Fresh Seafood Packaging Market is gaining strong momentum as demand for safe, sustainable, and longer-lasting seafood products continues to rise across retail, foodservice, and export channels. Fresh seafood is highly perishable, requiring advanced packaging solutions that can maintain product integrity, extend shelf life, and ensure regulatory compliance. As consumer preference shifts toward fresh, minimally processed protein sources, advanced packaging formats such as vacuum skin packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and eco-friendly materials are becoming increasingly important.

Fresh seafood packaging offers critical advantages over traditional packaging alternatives by improving food safety, preventing contamination, reducing spoilage, and enhancing visual appeal for retail merchandising. Its adoption is expanding across key industries including aquaculture, fisheries, logistics, and food retail. The growth of cold-chain infrastructure, digital supply chain tracking, and sustainability initiatives is further accelerating market expansion.

Market Segmentation

The Fresh Seafood Packaging Market is segmented into Material, Packaging Technology, and Application.

• By Material, the market is categorized into: Plastic, Paper & Paperboard, Metal, and Others.
• By Packaging Technology, the market is categorized into: Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP), Canning, and Others.
• By Application, the market is categorized into: Fish, Crustaceans, Mollusks, and Others.

Growth Driver

One of the key drivers fueling the Fresh Seafood Packaging Market is the rapid global expansion of aquaculture and seafood trade. As seafood consumption rises due to its high nutritional value and increasing preference for protein-rich diets, the need for packaging that preserves freshness, flavor, and safety has intensified. Advanced packaging technologies offer extended shelf life, minimize microbial growth, and maintain the sensory properties of seafood during long-distance transportation. This has significantly boosted demand for specialized packaging formats across both domestic and export supply chains.

Market Opportunity

A major market opportunity lies in the accelerating shift toward sustainable and recyclable seafood packaging. Growing consumer environmental awareness and stringent government regulations on plastic waste are driving seafood producers and retailers to adopt eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable plastics, molded fiber, and recyclable mono-material films. Companies investing in sustainable packaging innovations, carbon-neutral processes, and traceability-integrated packaging formats are poised to capture significant competitive advantages. This trend is expected to open new revenue streams and reshape long-term product strategies in the seafood packaging sector.

Detailed Segmentation

Fresh Seafood Packaging Market, Segmentation

The Fresh Seafood Packaging Market is segmented on the basis of Material, Packaging Technology, and Application.

Material

The Material segment is further classified into Plastic, Paper & Paperboard, Metal, and Others.
Among these, the Plastic sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2023, driven by its superior barrier properties, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with advanced packaging technologies.

Plastic packaging remains the preferred choice for fresh seafood due to its exceptional moisture resistance, durability, and ability to be formed into a wide range of structures including films, trays, pouches, and vacuum packs. It supports extended shelf life and maintains product quality throughout transportation and storage. Despite increasing environmental concerns, innovations such as recyclable PET, ocean-bound plastics, biodegradable films, and lightweight packaging formats continue to strengthen the demand for plastic materials in seafood packaging applications.

Packaging Technology

The Packaging Technology segment is further classified into Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP), Canning, and Others.
Among these, Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) accounted for the highest market share in 2023, owing to its ability to significantly slow down spoilage and maintain the freshness of seafood products.

MAP packaging alters the internal atmosphere of the package by optimizing oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen levels, thereby inhibiting microbial growth and oxidation. This technology enhances shelf life, preserves color and texture, and allows retailers to maintain high product freshness without chemical additives. MAP is widely adopted in supermarkets, fish processing units, and export operations, making it one of the most critical technological segments in the industry's growth.

Some of the Leading/Active Market Players Are

• MULTIVAC Group (Germany)
• Sealed Air Corporation (USA)
• Amcor plc (Switzerland)
• Berry Global Inc. (USA)
• Huhtamaki Oyj (Finland)
• Coveris Holdings (Austria)
• Cascades Inc. (Canada)
• Smurfit Kappa Group (Ireland)
• DS Smith Plc (UK)
• WestRock Company (USA)
• Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd. – Packaging Division (Japan)
• Point Five Packaging (USA)
• Omni-Pac Group (Germany)
• Paradise Packaging (India)
• Neptune Pacific Packaging (Australia)

and other active players.

Key Industry Developments

News 1:
In March 2024, Amcor plc introduced a new recyclable high-barrier film solution specifically designed for fresh seafood applications. The innovation enhances product shelf life while meeting global sustainability requirements.
This development represents Amcor’s strategic move to expand its eco-friendly packaging portfolio and support seafood brands transitioning to recyclable structures. The material delivers strong moisture and oxygen barrier properties, essential for maintaining seafood freshness during distribution.

News 2:
In July 2023, MULTIVAC announced the launch of an advanced vacuum skin packaging (VSP) system tailored for seafood processors. The system aims to improve operational efficiency and reduce material usage.
The new VSP line helps seafood companies achieve premium product presentation, extended shelf life, and enhanced food safety. It also aligns with industry demand for energy-efficient and resource-optimized packaging solutions.

Key Findings of the Study

• Plastic material dominated the market in 2023 due to its superior barrier properties.
• MAP technology led the packaging technology segment with the highest adoption rate.
• Fish remained the leading application category.
• Asia-Pacific emerged as the fastest-growing region.
• Sustainability-driven innovations create significant future opportunities.