Among all market segments, modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) commands the largest share in terms of value, while intelligent packaging leads in terms of growth, says the M&M report. Freshness indicators as well as time/temperature indicators are the major product segments in intelligent packaging due to increased application in packaged food, RTE meals and frozen food category. In terms of value, the active packaging technology contributes about 35 percent of the global advanced packaging technology sector.

About half of food manufacturers expect to make packaging machinery purchases in the coming 12 months, says a report from PMMI. The study, Trends and Advances in Food Packaging 2010, is based on interviews with 50 food manufacturers and 15 packaging experts who represent 20 of the top 75 food packaging companies. The combined revenues of those 20 processors equals more than half (53 percent) of the industry’s revenue, according to the PMMI study.