US Aseptic Food Packaging

Aseptic Food Packaging

Demand for hot fill food packaging is forecast to increase 5.5% per year to $2.3 billion in 2026. The food market is challenging for packaging suppliers due to the vast number of distinct applications where packaging must not only meet specific performance criteria including extended shelf lives, but also be cost effective and in line with changing sustainability goals and consumer preferences. Aseptic packaging must additionally compete with other shelf stable packaging, as well as packaging for frozen and fresh alternatives.

This report covers food packaging demand by Product, Material, and Application. Data are provided in current dollar value.

Products for shelf stable food packaging include:
Cartons
Bag-in-Box
Bottles & Jars
Pouches
Cups
Other packaging such as tubes and bowls

Applications for shelf stable food packaging include:
Sauces & condiments
Milk & milk alternatives
Soups, stocks, & broths
Baby food & formula
Processed fruits & vegetables
Juice
Dairy
Meal replacements
Other foods

Materials for food packaging include:
Plastic
Paperboard
Glass
Metal

Scope of the Report

This report covers the scope, size, and growth of the US market for aseptic food packaging for use in retail and foodservice, including key trends in material, product, and application segmentation. Historical data are provided for 2011, 2016, and 2021, with forecasts for 2026. Data are provided in current dollar and unit value. Also included is an analysis of the key industry players.

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Demand for aseptic packaging for food is forecast to increase 5.5% annually to $2.3 billion in 2026. Aseptic processing will increasingly be preferred over more traditional thermal processing methods such as retort and hot fill due primarily to its shorter heating times, which better maintains the flavor, texture, and nutrition of food that these other processing methods.

Aseptic Cartons Remain Most Popular Form of Aseptic Packaging

Aseptic cartons account for the largest share of aseptic packaging, and they are increasingly taking share from traditional shelf stable packaging such as cans in applications such as soups, stocks, broths, and sauces. The advantages aseptic cartons offer over cans include their lower weight, more modern aesthetic, and greater shelf appeal. However, the higher cost of these products and issues surrounding their recyclability will restrain even further penetration into these applications.

Strong Gains Expected in Every Application Except Juice

Aseptic packaging will continue to see strong demand growth in the packaging of milk and milk alternatives, soups, tomato products, and other foods, but will lag significantly in the juice market – the largest application of aseptic packaging – due to market maturity and a declining interest in the overall ambient juice category, which faces intense competition from fresh and cold-pressed juices and other lower sugar beverages.

Sustainability Remains a Key Innovation Driver

Sustainability remains a key issue in the packaging industry as a whole and especially for aseptic packaging. The composite material used in the manufacturing of cartons and pouches to extend shelf life is difficult to recycle in practice due to lack of adequate recycling infrastructure and difficulty in separating the materials. However, aseptic packaging producers are addressing this by focusing on material improvements. Carton producers are eliminating the aluminum barrier layer typically found in aseptic cartons to increase their recyclability, while monomaterial pouches are being developed that are still compatible with aseptic filling.