US Egg Packaging

US Egg Packaging

Packaging for eggs in the US is forecast to grow 1.3% per year to $991 million in 2027, with market value supported by the growing use of higher value materials for egg cartons in order to improve performance and address sustainability concerns. However, in unit terms, demand will remain stagnant due to overall market maturity and weaker demand for processed egg packaging, as consumption of this egg type slows following an uptick in 2022. However, an improved outlook for shell egg consumption will support demand gains for egg cartons.

Molded Fiber Strengthens Its Position in Egg Packaging Amid Sustainability Efforts

Egg cartons were among the first packaging products made with molded fiber and the material continues to account for the largest share of carton demand due to its low cost, protective properties, and favorable environmental profile compared to EPS foam and rigid plastic. Going forward, molded fiber is expected to see even greater use for shell egg applications, as environmental concerns influence the packaging industry toward more sustainable materials.

Additionally, new molded fiber materials, such as sugarcane, have begun entering the egg carton market. Unlike traditional molded pulp, which is derived from recycled paper, these new materials incorporate innovative production methods and raw materials to create better looking and performing products.

Industry Recovers from Avian Influenza Outbreaks, Supporting Egg Carton Demand

In 2022, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza ravaged poultry farms across the US, severely impacting shell egg production and pushed egg prices to all-time highs. Looking into 2023 and beyond, egg prices will continue to return closer to historical norms as shell egg production stabilizes. As a result, shell egg consumption will improve moderately at the expense of processed eggs, bolstering demand for egg cartons. Specifically, 6-count egg cartons are expected to see healthy gains as the number of single and small-family households in the US rises.

New Products Make Inroads in Processed Egg Packaging

Pouches and bag-in-box products continue to see above average growth in packaging of processed eggs, although this remains a relatively small part of the egg packaging market. These products benefit from their versatility, shelf life extension, and overall waste reduction.

Study Description

This Freedonia industry study analyzes the $930 million US egg packaging industry. It presents historical demand data (2012, 2017, and 2019 through 2022) and forecasts (2023 through 2027 and 2032) by market (retail and foodservice), application (shell and processed eggs), and material (rigid plastic, flexible plastic, EPS foam, molded fiber, and paperboard). The study also evaluates company market share and competitive analysis on key industry competitors including Brødrene Hartmann, Pactiv Evergreen, Tekni-Plex, Sonoco Products, and Huhtamaki.