Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays Market Report 2026

Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays Market Overview

• Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays market size has reached to $1.13 billion in 2025 • Expected to grow to $1.56 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% • Growth Driver: Rising Shift Toward Sustainable And Eco-Friendly Packaging Due To Increasing Consumer Preference And Environmental Awareness • Market Trend: Advanced Fiber-Based MAP Tray Solutions Drive Sustainable Packaging with Reduced Plastic and Extended Shelf Life • Europe was the largest region in 2025 and Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing region.

What Is Covered Under Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays Market?

The paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays are sustainable food packaging solutions made from paperboard or molded fiber, designed to extend the shelf life of perishable products. They function by modifying the internal gas composition, typically reducing oxygen and increasing carbon dioxide, to slow down microbial growth and oxidation. These trays often include barrier coatings or liners to maintain gas retention and moisture resistance. The main product types of paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays include coated paper modified atmosphere packaging trays, uncoated paper modified atmosphere packaging trays, laminated paper modified atmosphere packaging trays, and other product types. Coated paper modified atmosphere packaging trays refer to paper-based food packaging trays enhanced with barrier coatings to extend shelf life by controlling gas exchange and maintaining product freshness. These systems consist of components such as paperboard trays, lidding films, barrier coatings, and absorbent pads and are distributed through direct sales, distributors, online retail, and other distribution channels. The key applications of meat and poultry packaging, seafood packaging, ready to eat meals packaging, fresh produce packaging, and others, while the end-use includes retail packaging, food service, industrial packaging, and others.

What Is The Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays Market Growth Forecast?

The paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.56 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in biodegradable packaging innovations, rising demand for smart and active packaging solutions, growing adoption of recyclable coated paper trays in food service, expansion of e commerce grocery and fresh food delivery services, stricter government regulations on single use plastic packaging. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of recyclable and compostable MAP tray solutions, rising demand for high barrier paper-based packaging for shelf life extension, growing use of bio-based coatings and moisture resistant liners in food packaging, expansion of lightweight molded fiber trays for fresh food applications, increasing preference for plastic reduction in retail food packaging.

Global Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays Market Segmentation

1) By Product Type: Coated Paper Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Uncoated Paper Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Laminated Paper Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Other Product Types 2) By Component: Paperboard Trays, Lidding Films, Barrier Coatings, Absorbent Pads 3) By Distribution Channel: Direct Sales, Distributors, Online Retail, Other Distribution Channels 4) By Application: Meat And Poultry Packaging, Seafood Packaging, Ready To Eat Meals Packaging, Fresh Produce Packaging, Other Applications 5) By End Use: Retail Packaging, Food Service, Industrial Packaging, Other End-Users Subsegments: 1) By Coated Paper Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays: Water-Based Coated Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Bio-Based Coated Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Polyethylene Coated Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Polypropylene Coated Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Silicone-Coated Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Wax-Coated Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays 2) By Uncoated Paper Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays: Fresh Meat Packaging Trays, Poultry Packaging Trays, Seafood Packaging Trays, Fresh Produce Packaging Trays, Ready Meal Packaging Trays, Dairy Product Packaging Trays, Bakery Product Packaging Trays 3) By Laminated Paper Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays: Plastic-Laminated Paper Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Polyethylene Terephthalate Laminated Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Barrier Laminated Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Aluminum Foil Laminated Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Biopolymer Laminated Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Multi-Layer High Barrier Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays 4) By Other Product Types: Hybrid Paper-Plastic Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Cellulose-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Nanocoated Paper Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Edible Coating Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Smart Packaging Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays, Active Packaging Modified Atmosphere Packaging Trays

What Is The Driver Of The Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays Market?

The rising shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly packaging is expected to propel the growth of the paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays market going forward. Sustainable and eco-friendly packaging refers to the use of recyclable, biodegradable, or renewable materials that reduce environmental impact and packaging waste. Sustainable and eco-friendly packaging is increasing due to rising environmental awareness among consumers. Paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays support sustainable and eco-friendly packaging by offering recyclable, fiber-based alternatives to plastic trays, aligning with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements while maintaining food preservation efficiency. For instance, in January 2025, according to the Shorr Packaging Corp., a US-based distributor of packaging materials and equipment, as per Shorr’s 2025 Sustainable Packaging Consumer Report, based on a survey of 2,016 U.S. consumers, the impact is substantial. More than half (54%) of respondents stated they intentionally selected products with sustainable packaging over the past six months. Additionally, 90% indicated they are more inclined to buy from brands or retailers that use eco-friendly packaging. Therefore, the rising shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly packaging is driving the growth of the paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays industry.

Key Players In The Global Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays Market

Major companies operating in the paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (map) trays market are Amcor plc, Smurfit Westrock plc, Stora Enso Oyj, Mondi plc, Huhtamäki Oyj, Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG, Coveris Holdings S.A., Graphic Packaging International LLC, Footprint International Holdco Inc., Brødrene Hartmann A/S, CKF Inc., Solidus Solutions Holding B.V., Colpac Limited, Cirkla Inc., Gruppo Mondini S.p.A., Thermo Fibre Inc., Caspak Products Ltd.

Global Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays Market Trends and Insights

Major companies operating in the Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays market are focusing on developing sustainable material blends, such as fiber-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays, to reduce plastic dependency while maintaining barrier performance, recyclability, and extended shelf life for perishable food products. Fiber-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays are sustainable packaging solutions made primarily from paperboard or molded fiber, designed to replace conventional plastic trays. For instance, in June 2025, Coveris GmbH, a UK-based packaging manufacturer, launched a new board-based MAP tray solution to significantly reduce plastic usage while ensuring recyclability and maintaining the required barrier performance and shelf life for fresh meat, fish, and poultry products. The solution enables up to a 90% reduction in plastic content by replacing conventional rigid plastic structures with a fiber-based board design. It maintains full recyclability within existing paper waste streams while preserving barrier performance and shelf life, making it suitable for fresh meat, fish, and poultry applications without compromising product protection.

What Are Latest Mergers And Acquisitions In The Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays Market?

In January 2025, International Paper Company, a US-based manufacturer of sustainable fiber-based packaging and paper products, acquired DS Smith Plc for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, International Paper Company aims to expand its global footprint in sustainable packaging solutions, strengthen its presence across Europe, and enhance its capabilities in fiber-based circular packaging innovations. DS Smith Plc is a UK-based manufacturing company specializing in sustainable fiber-based packaging.

Regional Outlook/Insights

Europe was the largest region in the paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in this market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in this market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

What Defines the Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays Market?

The paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays market consists of sales of fresh meat, poultry products, seafood, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

How is Market Value Defined and Measured?

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified). The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

What Key Data and Analysis Are Included in the Paper-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Trays Market Report 2026?

The paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (map) trays market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides market statistics, including industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the market share, detailed market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the paper-based modified atmosphere packaging (map) trays industry. The market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future state of the industry.