Freezer Bags Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material, By Application, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 To 2027

The global freezer bags market is characteristic of steady demand and wide-spread adoption of freezer bags in various industries including food and pharmaceutical among others. The food sector is reportedly the predominant industry for these bags, thereby generating the highest revenue for the freezer bags industry globally. Freezer bags are sealed plastic bags that are suitable for holding frozen food. These products are considered as one of the most versatile and cheap containers for the packaging of frozen food and are preferred for their ability to protect food from oxidation and freezer burn. Freezer bags differ from regular zip-top bags in their increased thickness, durability, and toughness. Furthermore, the former is less likely to tear or puncture, even after extended periods of use.

The freezer bags market is anticipated to expand at a lucrative growth over the forecast period, owing to the rising popularity of ready-to-eat food, notably in the Asia Pacific. Encouragingly, increasing consumer preference for efficient storage and food packaging solutions has further favored market growth. In addition, changing lifestyles and consumer inclination towards eating on-the-go, processed foods, and frozen foods are likely to boost the demand for freezer bags in future years. The food industry in developing economies including China and India are expected to further drive the market growth.

Key market participants have been catering to the preconceived expectations and requirements of end-consumers by offering innovative products. For instance, in 2015, S. C. JOHNSON & JOHNSON, INC., a U.S.-based manufacturer of consumer chemicals, introduced its latest innovation in the freezer bags domain under the brand Ziploc. This product featured blue-colored easy open tabs and was available in various sizes including pint, quart, and gallon. The product launch strategy reflected the company’s focus on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of its products, with an intent to differentiate its products in the freezer bags industry.

The freezer bags market is segmented on the basis of material and application which is further bifurcated across major regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa. The material segment is further segmented into HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, and others.

The application segment is segmented into food and non-food applications. The food segment can further be bifurcated into dairy products, meat & poultry, ready-to-eat food, seafood, and fresh vegetables & fruits, among others. The meat & poultry segment emerged as the largest application segment in 2017. This is attributable to the increasing consumption of stored chilled meat, notably in regions including North America and Asia Pacific. Furthermore, the segment is also driven by the increasing demand for progressive enhancement of taste and tenderness of packaged food (meat & poultry) by employing freezer bags. However, the ready-to-eat food segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period, owing to changing consumer lifestyle, thereby leading to higher consumption of the product. The non-food segment principally encompasses pharmaceutical applications and medical devices.

Preserving and protecting the product is the chief property used in the food & beverage industry where advancements in packaging have been a chief driver to dramatically reduce the amount of fresh produce that is squandered in the supply chain. The Asia Pacific was the largest regional segment for the industry in 2017 and is expected to retain its pole position over the forecast period. The presence of a large consumer base (middle-class population) coupled with high levels of spending, notably in countries such as India, Japan, and China have strengthened the position of the Asia Pacific freezer bags industry.

The freezer bags market faces challenges owing to stringent regulations and policy measures implemented by the government. In addition, the retailers & FMCGs focus on cost-neutral or cost-reducing solutions, packagers, and packing companies react in response to the retailers’ demand and invest in Research & Development of freezer bags, and end-users who demand environment-friendly packaging solutions.

Bioplastics emit zero carbon dioxide in the environment, which makes them more prevalent in the developed parts of North America and Europe. In 2010, the European Heads of State and Government (the European Council) decided to reduce 20% emissions of greenhouse gases and 20% of the energy to be developed from renewable sources. Government initiative schemes such as these are expected to drive the freezer bags market over the forecast period. The degradable type segment includes packaging solutions made from materials that are decomposed by natural processes including air, water, and light when certain chemicals are added. The trend of manufacturers moving towards bioplastics for the production of freezer bags is observed globally which is expected to temporarily affect the freezer bags market during the forecast period.

The competitive landscape pertaining to the global freezer bags industry represents a fragmented outlook, with a sizable number of small and medium-sized players trying to gain a foothold in the market. However, the industry is dominated by international players such as S. C. JOHNSON & SON, INC., International Plastics Inc., Reynolds Consumer Products, Weston Brands LLC, The Glad Products Company, Rutan Poly Industries, Inc., and US Poly Pack. These players have intensified competition for the emerging and smaller players in the industry owing to their significant global presence. However, the industry has witnessed a steady influx of private label brands as regards freezer bags. A key factor underlying this development is the growth of domestic retail chains across the globe, thereby creating an opportunity for the entry of new players.