USA Retort Packaging Market Outlook to 2030

USA Retort Packaging Market Overview

• The USA retort packaging market size is growing by increasing demand for convenient and shelf-stable food products. The global retort packaging market was valued at USD 4.57 billion in 2023. This growth is primarily driven by the rising demand for convenience foods and the shift towards sustainable packaging solutions in the food and beverage industry.
• Major players in the USA retort packaging market include Amcor PLC, Berry Global Inc., Mondi Group, Sonoco Products Company, and Coveris Holdings S.A. These companies lead the market due to their innovative approaches in developing durable and lightweight packaging that meets strict regulatory standards and consumer demands.
• In 2022, Amcor launched a groundbreaking, fully recyclable retort packaging solution, enhancing sustainability in the food packaging industry. This innovation is expected to significantly reduce plastic waste, aligning with global environmental goals.
• California dominates the retort packaging market in the USA due to its large food production base and progressive adoption of new packaging technologies. This state contributes to 40% of the market's revenue, supported by a robust infrastructure and a concentration of key industry players.

USA Retort Packaging Market Segmentation

The USA retort packaging market can be segmented by various factors like product, application and region.

By Product: The USA retort packaging market is segmented by product into pouches, trays, and cartons. In 2023, pouches are dominate the market due to their convenience and lightweight nature. Pouches offer a range of benefits, including reduced oxygen exposure, improved temperature control, and minimized weight loss during sterilization.

By Material: The USA retort packaging market is segmented by material into plastic, metal and paperboard. In 2023, plastic retort packaging is dominant the market by provides excellent barrier properties, which prevent the entry of moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants, ensuring the food remains fresh and safe for consumption. 

By Region: The USA retort packaging market is segmented by region into north, east, west and south. In 2023, North's dominance in the retort packaging market due to its technological advancements and wide range of product offerings.

USA Retort Packaging Competitive Landscape

• Berry Global recently launched the Domino bottle, a fully recyclable packaging solution made with up to 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. This innovative product is tailored for the beauty, home, and personal care markets, offering a customizable, rectangular shape that allows for distinctive branding on all sides. Its design is aimed at maximizing shelf impact and facilitating brand differentiation, enhancing the consumer experience with potentially textured side panels for a tactile feel.
• In 2023, Sealed Air Corporation has rebranded to SEE, marking a significant shift towards a market-driven and customer-focused approach. This rebranding emphasizes the company's commitment to automation, digital solutions, and sustainable packaging, aiming to enhance its value and reshape its market presence.

USA Retort Packaging Market Analysis

USA Retort Packaging Market Growth Drivers

• Increase in Demand for Convenient Packaging in Online Grocery Sales: With the U.S. online grocery sales expected to hit USD 256.7 billion by 2024, retort packaging is seeing increased adoption for its durability and convenience, which are essential for e-commerce logistics.
• Expansion of the Ready-to-Eat Food Segment: As of 2024, sales in the ready-to-eat food sector have surged to USD 1.1 billion, significantly driving the demand for retort packaging which offers extended shelf life without the need for preservatives.
• Regulatory Push for Sustainable Packaging: The regulatory push for sustainable packaging is gaining momentum as governments tackle the issue of plastic waste. The new federal regulations aim to reduce plastic waste by mandating the use of recyclable and reusable packaging solutions.

USA Retort Packaging Market Challenges

• The rising cost of retort packaging –The escalating expense associated with retort packaging constitutes a significant obstacle to the growth of the Retort Packaging Market. The utilization of diverse materials such as plastic, aluminum, and others in retort packaging ensures enhanced durability. Nonetheless, the adoption of these materials comes at a high cost, further compounded by the requirement for specialized equipment, contributing to the elevated pricing of retort packaging in the market.
• Rising environmental concerns: Environmental concerns are an important restraint for the growth of the retort packaging market. Retort packaging is often made of materials that are not biodegradable or recyclable, which can contribute to environmental concerns around waste and sustainability. The packaging materials are typically made of multi-layered laminates that are composed of plastic, aluminum foil, and paper.

USA Retort Packaging Market Government Initiatives

• S. Plastics Pact Roadmap to 2025: This initiative unites stakeholders across the plastics value chain to reduce plastic waste and move towards a circular economy for plastics. By 2025, it aims for all plastic packaging to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable, and to incorporate 30% recycled or bio-based content, directly impacting packaging strategies and materials used in industries including retort packaging​.
• S. General Services Administration Rule for Federal Supply Schedule: In 2024, the U.S. General Services Administration finalized a rule that promotes single-use plastic-free (SUP-free) packaging among Federal Supply Schedule contractors. This rule is part of a broader effort to decrease plastic waste within federal procurement processes, aligning with sustainability goals set by the federal government.

USA Retort Packaging Market Future Outlook

The USA retort packaging market is poised for significant growth over the next five years, driven by increasing recyclables materials, e-commerce sales, bio-degradable, and packaged food demand.

USA Retort Packaging Future Market Trends

• Technological Advancements: The market is seeing a rise in the adoption of advanced technologies such as active and intelligent packaging solutions. These include oxygen scavengers and moisture control systems that enhance the shelf life and safety of packaged goods. This trend is aligned with consumer demand for higher product integrity and freshness​.
• Consumer Preferences: The demand for packaged, ready-to-eat foods is surging, influenced by busy lifestyles and the preference for convenience. This has led to increased use of retort packaging, which offers extended shelf life and maintains the nutritional quality of foods without the need for refrigeration.