Flexible Packaging for Chicken Meat
The flexible packaging segment for poultry meat remains one of the most dynamic in the European meat processing industry.
Data from 2024 and the first half of 2025 clearly show a strong focus on film efficiency, optimization of barrier properties, and adaptation to high-speed packaging lines. This reflects manufacturers’ efforts to minimize losses, extend shelf life, and maintain high product quality.
This segment is characterized by rapid adoption of technological innovations and targeted solutions tailored to the specific requirements of poultry meat, including high-CO₂ gas mixtures and more compact portion sizes for modern retail chains.
Market data
In 2024, the European poultry packaging market is estimated at EUR 4.2–4.6 billion, with flexible packaging accounting for more than 60–65% of all solutions used. The main types include:
- Vacuum bags and films
- MAP tray lidding films
- Shrink films for whole chickens
In 2025, a growth of 4–5% in actual film volumes used is reported. This increase is driven by several key factors:
- Wider portioning and cutting, allowing greater flexibility for retail chains
- An increased number of SKUs tailored to diversified product lines
- A shift toward smaller retail pack sizes, meeting consumer demand for freshness and convenience
In Poland, Spain, France, and Italy, more than 70% of poultry meat is packed in vacuum or MAP, directly influencing demand for high-barrier flexible structures.
Packaging type distribution
- MAP films – 42–45%
- Vacuum bags – 30–33%
- Shrink films – 12–15%, mainly for whole chickens and multipacks
MAP solutions show the highest growth, as they enable longer shelf life without changes to logistics cycles while providing product visibility, which is crucial for retail chains.
Technological innovations
Manufacturers are implementing optimized PA/PE and PA/EVOH/PE structures that provide:
- Thickness reduction of 8–15% without loss of barrier performance
- Lower OTR values, improving product freshness
- Stable sealing at high speeds (>120 packs/min)
- Improved performance under high-CO₂ MAP conditions
Films for aggressive MAP
New films designed for high CO₂ content offer:
- Increased resistance to delamination
- Stable control of gas permeability
- Low sensitivity to temperature fluctuations
This enables a longer commercial shelf window and consistent quality without the need to adjust packaging line settings.
Films for high-speed lines
With the expansion of high-output production lines, films are required to offer:
- A wider sealing temperature window
- Reduced sensitivity to contamination in the sealing area
- Stable geometry ensuring trouble-free operation at >120 packs per minute
Printing and transparency
In recent years, a clear trend toward technical use of printing on films has emerged, with key requirements including:
- Extended transparent areas for maximum product visibility
- Minimalist graphics that do not obscure visual information
- High-contrast printing for batch and expiry dates, aligned with retail requirements
Conclusion
Competitive advantage in the flexible poultry packaging segment is now defined by technical specialization. High line productivity, stability under aggressive MAP mixtures, extended shelf life, and functional printing are driving a more technical dialogue between supplier and customer. Companies offering films tailored to specific products, lines, and gas mixtures will dominate the market and set the direction for innovation in the sector.