Skip navigation
Reports & Analysis Strategic Insights Research Subscriptions
Sign In / Create Account Cart
Sign In / Create Account Cart
  • Reports & Analysis
  • Strategic Insights
  • Research Subscriptions

Resources

  • Analyst Buzz
  • Press Releases
  • Blog
  • Resources & Downloads

The Freedonia Group

  • Contact
  • About
  • Our Staff
  • Help Center
  • Career Opportunities
Freedonia Market Research Freedonia Group Clamshells in Retail Food Packaging

Clamshells in Retail Food Packaging

Industry Reports, United States

Report Overview

Featuring 14 tables and 20 figures – now available in Excel and Powerpoint! Learn More

Clear plastic clamshell packaged with strawberries

Demand for clamshell packaging is forecast to increase 3.6% per year to $1.6 billion in 2025. Gains will be strong in nearly every category, supported by:

  • the capacity for clamshell packaging to display its contents, allowing consumers to quickly check for freshness and variety
  • the resealability of clamshell packaging, preserving the freshness of its contents
  • clamshell packaging’s structural strength, which helps prevent bruising, crushing, crumbling, and smearing
  • the stackability of clamshells – folded or otherwise – allowing for both ease of shipping and retail display
  • the development of new applications where the benefits of clamshells provide product differentiation and ease of use

 

Table of Contents

    • $323.44

    • $862.32

      • $352.12

      • $323.44

      • $333.48

    • $1,020.38

      • $323.44

      • $513.75

        • $323.44

        • $323.44

      • $323.44

        • $323.44

        • $323.44

    • $2,293.43

      • $408.51

      • $881.85

        • $470.24

        • $323.44

        • $323.44

      • $416.06

      • $465.80

      • $323.44

    • $333.91

      • $323.44

      • $323.44

    • $2,918.13

      • $374.76

      • $323.44

      • $1,203.34

      • $323.44

      • $323.44

      • $323.44

      • $708.68

      • $2,918.13

        • $470.24

        • $416.06

        • $323.44

        • $1,826.75

Play Video: Food Packaging

Historical Market Trends

Yearly shifts in clamshell packaging demand are determined by a number of factors, primarily those related to production of and demand for their relevant applications. These, in turn, are influenced by:

  • population growth
  • levels of disposable income and consumer spending on items such as produce and baked goods
  • consumer food preferences, such as demand for enhanced convenience or organic products

Use of clamshells grew quickly prior to 2015 alongside strong fresh produce sales and increasing market penetration of the packaging. However, production of berries – the largest market for clamshells – declined through 2019, dragging down overall market gains despite healthy growth in other, smaller categories. Demand for most food items packaged in clamshells grew strongly in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic increased at-home food consumption, especially of prepared and comfort foods.

Materials Trends

Demand by Material

Historically, clamshell packaging used in retail food sales has been the domain of rigid plastic due to its structural integrity and transparency, important attributes in applications such as fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared food. Consumers often choose these items based on appearance and freshness, so the ability to inspect them is invaluable.

However, recent years have seen alternative materials (such as paperboard) and molded fiber products (such as sugarcane) come to the market, especially in Europe. While relatively new in the US, clamshells made from these materials offer numerous sustainability benefits like recyclability and compostability. Molded pulp is made from post-consumer products, further boosting its eco-friendly profile.

Even more recently, molded sugarcane – also known as bagasse – has been championed as a sustainable alternative to rigid plastic packaging, including clamshells. Besides being recyclable and compostable, molded sugarcane packaging is made from the waste created during sugar extraction, making it a prime candidate for innovation by companies looking toward a sustainable future.

Molded pulp and sugarcane also offer performance improvements over rigid plastic, such as increasing the shelf life of produce.

Suppliers of plastic clamshells continue to focus on sustainability, too:

  • Many manufacturers’ clamshells use post-consumer PET and are, in turn, recyclable, closing the loop on plastic production.
  • Produce packaging suppliers are increasingly utilizing biobased and/or biodegradable plastic materials to enhance their sustainability profile.
  • Over 20 fresh berry suppliers made a joint pledge in 2020 to have all plastic packaging be reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.
Chart Food Clamshell Packaging Demand by Material, 2010-2025

Demand by Application

Fresh produce is the largest application for clamshell packaging since the ability to inspect produce for freshness and damage is vital to consumers. Furthermore, the performance features of clamshell packaging, such as holes, allow for breathability and drainage, increasing the shelf life of produce.

Baked goods and fresh prepared foods remain relatively significant applications for clamshell packaging, though, as the ability to easily examine food products in-store and reseal them for freshness is essential to consumers. Additionally, the versatility of clamshells allows retailers to use only a few sizes to meet various packaging needs.

Fresh (perishable) prepared foods will continue to be the fastest growing application for clamshell packaging, largely due to continued above average sales growth for them in grocery store deli/foodservice departments. Factors promoting use of clamshells in these applications include:

  • Perishable prepared foods are often positioned as an alternative to shelf stable, frozen, and other preserved foods; they are meant to be eaten immediately, reducing the importance of air-tight seals.
  • The transparency of clamshell packaging allows consumers to quickly see the freshness and appearance of the food.

This study examines the US market for clamshell packaging for food. A clamshell is a one-piece container consisting of two parts joined together by a hinge. Clamshells snap shut or have a tamper-indicating peel-off tab but are often also taped shut using a label from the manufacturer or retailer.

This study covers only retail usage of clamshell packaging. Clamshells used for foodservice, such as those used in fast-food and other restaurant takeout applications, are not included. Furthermore, only clamshells for packaged food are included; clamshells used for self-serve applications in retail locations are excluded from this study, as are egg cartons.

For the purposes of this study, molded fiber refers to any fibrous material composed of waste paper or other natural fibers, including molded pulp and molded sugarcane.

Clamshells for food are generally made of rigid plastic but may also be made of paperboard, molded pulp, or molded sugarcane. Clamshells are used to package:

  • fresh produce, including fruits and salad
  • baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, and pastries
  • snacks, such as dried fruit, nuts, and trail mix
  • fresh prepared foods, such as sandwiches and salads
  • other foods, such as savory snacks and chocolate

With fresh produce, clamshells frequently have holes for ventilation and drainage.

This study only covers retail usage of clamshell packaging. Clamshells used for foodservice, such as those used in fast-food and other restaurant takeout applications, are not included. Furthermore, only clamshells for packaged food are included; clamshells used for self-serve applications in retail locations are excluded from this study.

Historical data (2010, 2015, and 2020) and forecasts for 2025 and 2030 are presented for demand for clamshell packaging by value in current dollars (including inflation); demand data by market is presented in current dollars. “Demand” (or sales) is defined as all shipments from US plants, plus imports minus exports.

Demand for clamshell food packaging is projected to grow 3.6% per year to $1.6 billion in 2025, supported by healthy growth in fresh prepared food sales and the importance of clamshells in packaging fragile items like berries, tomatoes, and cookies.

Clamshells offer a variety of advantages in retail food packaging, including:

  • high visibility, which allows consumers to check for freshness and variety
  • resealability, which preserves the freshness of package contents
  • structural strength, which prevents bruising, crushing, crumbling, and smearing

Despite these advantages, though, clamshells will face continued competition from other packaging types, especially two-piece plastic containers and pouches.

Fresh Produce to Remain the Largest Application of Clamshell Packaging

Fresh produce comprises over 60% of clamshell packaging use for food; they offer many benefits in this application, including transparency, crush resistance, proper air circulation, and drainage. These characteristics are especially important to fresh berries, for which clamshells are the dominant form of packaging.

Plastic Expected to Lose Share to Alternative Materials Due to Sustainability Concerns

Historically, clamshell packaging for retail food has been comprised almost entirely of rigid plastic. While the vast majority of clamshell packaging will continue to be made of plastic, due in part to the importance of high visibility in key applications, sustainability concerns are expected to spur the use of other materials. The most notable of these materials include paperboard and sugarcane, as they are biodegradable, compostable, and offer a more natural image.

In response to ongoing sustainability initiatives, producers of plastic clamshells are expected to use more recycled content and pursue the development of clamshells made with bioplastics.

Fresh Prepared Foods to be the Fastest Growth Market for Clamshell Packaging

Clamshells continue to be a popular option for the packaging of fresh entrées, salads, sandwiches, and other perishable prepared foods; above average growth in retail sales of fresh prepared foods will continue to drive demand. Clamshells are one of the few types of packaging to offer both high visibility and crush resistance – key advantages for “grab and go” foods where appearance and convenience play key roles in purchase decisions.

Purchase Options

Access Options

Membership

Complementary Access to Report Including:

  • consultative access to our analyst
  • unlimited downloads to reports
  • global market research in 9 languages
  • customized PPT presentations
  • passwords for your teams available
  • and more...
Become a Member
Purchase This Report

Select your license:

  • $2,900.00
  • $4,400.00
  • $5,500.00
  • — —
    Section prices in Table of Contents

Free Sample Report

A free sample report is available.

Questions & Assistance

Email us

Share This Report

Copied to clipboard. Could not copy to clipboard.

Download a Free Sample Report Now

Sample Reports include examples of all the tables, charts, infographics and topics included in this study.
By submitting this sample request you consent to receiving marketing communications from us. See our privacy policy to learn how to unsubscribe.

Use Licenses

The Single User License (SUL) authorizes a single individual to use the electronic study acquired. Agreement to the SUL is required in order to purchase the study. If you require more than one user a Departmental Site License or Global Site License should be purchased. 

The Departmental Site License (DSL) authorizes up to five users to share the study acquired. Agreement to the DSL is required in order to purchase the study. If your organization requires more than five users, the Global Site License should be purchased.

The Global Site License (GSL) allows everyone in your organization to share the study intelligence. Agreement to the Global Site License terms is necessary in order to purchase it. 

FAQs

Fresh prepared food is the fastest growth market for clamshell packaging.
Fresh produce continues to be the largest application for clamshells.
Clamshell food packaging for retail use is projected to grow 3.8% per year through 2025.
;

Related Reports and Studies

  • US Folding Cartons Report

    Industry Reports

    Through 2029, demand for folding cartons in the US is projected to rise 2.6% per year to $15.1 billion, with manufacturers seeking out new, higher growth niches to help offset the mature nature of most applications.

    NEW! July 2025 118 pages
    Free sample available
  • Beverage Packaging: United States Report

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2029 US beverage packaging demand in nominal US dollars at the manufacturer level.

    NEW! July 2025 30 pages
    Free sample available
  • Food Packaging: United States Report

    Focus Reports

    This report analyzes the US food packaging market and forecasts its demand by material and application to 2029.

    NEW! July 2025 29 pages
    Free sample available
  • Pharmaceutical Packaging: United States Report

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2029 US pharmaceutical packaging demand in nominal US dollars at the manufacturer level.

    NEW! July 2025 22 pages
    Free sample available
  • Folding Cartons: United States Report

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2029 US folding carton demand and shipments in nominal US dollars at the manufacturer level. Total demand is segmented by market in terms of: frozen entrées, sides, and snacks; bakery products; beverages; candy and confections; dairy foods; other food markets; foodservice and restaurant carryout; health and beauty; durable goods; and other markets such as pet food, textiles, and tobacco products.

    NEW! June 2025 33 pages
    Free sample available
  • Global Packaging Machinery Report

    Industry Reports

    Global packaging equipment demand is forecast to expand to $87 billion in 2029.

    NEW! June 2025 442 pages
    Free sample available
  • Pressure Sensitive Tapes: Global

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2029 global demand for pressure sensitive tape by product, market, and major world region in square meters.

    NEW! May 2025 47 pages
    Free sample available
  • Foodservice Cups: Global Report

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2028 global demand for foodservice cups by product, market, and major world region in nominal US dollars at the manufacturer level.

    NEW! May 2025 44 pages
    Free sample available
  • Pressure Sensitive Tapes: Canada Report

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2025 pressure sensitive tape demand and production in square meters in Canada.

    NEW! May 2025 36 pages
    Free sample available
  • Pressure Sensitive Tapes: Mexico Report

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2029 pressure sensitive tape demand and production in square meters in Mexico. Total demand is segmented by product in terms of: carton sealing, masking, double-sided, adhesive transfer, and other products such as duct, electrical, medical, and personal hygiene product tapes.

    NEW! May 2025 36 pages
    Free sample available
View More

Have unique research needs?

Freedonia Strategic Insights listens intently to your needs and objectives. Then we work diligently to define a service offering to meet them.
Learn About Our Custom Research Services

Stay informed with Freedonia

Receive periodic updates about new market research in areas relevant to your business. Have the convenience of Freedonia research at your fingertips when you need it.
The Freedonia Group needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.
  • Contact
  • About
  • Help Center
  • Career Opportunities
  • Press Contact
  • User Agreement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Map

Additional Resources

  • Market Size Resources
  • Lawn & Garden Market Research
  • Roofing Market Research
  • Pet Products Market Research
  • Countertops Market Research
  • Power Tools Market Research
  • Publishing for the PreK-12 Market Research
  • Insulation Market Resaerch
  • Cabinets Market Research
  • Flooring Market Research
  • Pet Supplements Market Research
  • Agricultural Equipment Market Research
  • Open Access Publishing Market Research
  • Silicones Market Research
  • For Legal Inquiries, contact Cohen & Cohen
Copyright © 2025 The Freedonia Group, Inc. All rights reserved.