Non-Thermal Processing Market Report | Market Size, Industry Analysis, Growth Opportunities, & Forecast (2025-2030)

Non-Thermal Processing Market Overview

The Non-Thermal Processing Market report offers a comprehensive analysis of the industry, highlighting key trends, market dynamics, growth drivers, and challenges. Non-thermal processing technologies, such as high-pressure processing (HPP), pulsed electric fields (PEF), ultraviolet (UV) treatment, and cold plasma, are gaining traction due to their ability to preserve nutritional value, flavor, and texture while extending shelf life. These methods are increasingly preferred in the food and beverage industry for their energy efficiency and ability to meet clean-label demands.

The report provides valuable insights into market segmentation by technology, application, and region. It explores competitive strategies adopted by key players and examines emerging opportunities across developed and developing economies. Growing consumer awareness of minimally processed foods, coupled with strict food safety regulations, is expected to drive market expansion in the coming years.

Market Report Coverage:

The “Non-Thermal Processing Market  Report—Future (2025-2030)” by Digiroads Research & Consulting covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the market.

Study Assumptions and Definitions

This study on the Non-Thermal Processing Market is based on a set of standardized assumptions and industry-accepted definitions to ensure clarity, consistency, and accuracy throughout the report.

Non-thermal processing refers to food and material processing methods that do not rely on heat to achieve microbial inactivation or product preservation. Common technologies include High-Pressure Processing (HPP), Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF), Ultraviolet (UV) treatment, and Cold Plasma. These methods are valued for maintaining nutritional quality, sensory attributes, and extending shelf life without compromising food safety.

The market size estimations and forecasts are based on a bottom-up approach, using primary and secondary research inputs from industry experts, company reports, government publications, and trade databases. Market growth is analyzed by considering various economic indicators, consumer trends, technological advancements, and regulatory developments.

Key assumptions include steady macroeconomic growth, increasing demand for clean-label products, and growing investments in food safety technology. Currency fluctuations, geopolitical changes, and supply chain disruptions are also considered in the risk factors.

All values are presented in USD, and CAGR projections cover a defined forecast period, typically five to seven years. Definitions and segment classifications are aligned with industry standards and global market analysis frameworks.

Market Scope

The scope of the Non-Thermal Processing Market covers the global landscape of advanced food preservation and processing technologies that eliminate or reduce the need for heat. This report includes a detailed analysis of key technologies such as High-Pressure Processing (HPP), Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF), Ultraviolet (UV) treatment, Cold Plasma, and other emerging non-thermal methods. It examines their applications across various industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture.

The market analysis is segmented by technology, application, food type, and geography, offering insights into regional demand, market trends, and growth opportunities. The study evaluates the impact of consumer preferences for minimally processed and clean-label products, along with regulatory pressures to enhance food safety and shelf life.

The report includes profiles of major market players, technological developments, competitive landscape analysis, and market forecasts. It is intended for stakeholders seeking data-driven insights for strategic planning and investment decisions.

MARKET OUTLOOK

Executive Summary

The Non-Thermal Processing Market is experiencing significant growth as global demand rises for safer, minimally processed, and nutrient-rich food products. Non-thermal technologies offer advanced alternatives to conventional heat-based methods by ensuring microbial inactivation while preserving food texture, flavor, and nutritional value. This report explores key technologies such as High-Pressure Processing (HPP), Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF), Ultraviolet (UV) treatment, and Cold Plasma—each providing unique advantages in food safety, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.

The market is driven by growing consumer awareness of health and wellness, increased preference for clean-label products, and stricter food safety regulations worldwide. The food and beverage industry remains the dominant application sector, especially in meat, dairy, beverage, and ready-to-eat food segments. In addition, rising demand in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics is contributing to broader market adoption.

North America currently leads the market due to early technology adoption and strong regulatory frameworks, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific, where rising disposable incomes and evolving consumer lifestyles are fueling growth.

The report presents an in-depth analysis of market segmentation, regional dynamics, key players, and technological innovations. It also assesses challenges such as high initial investment costs and technology standardization issues.

Overall, the non-thermal processing market holds strong potential for sustained expansion, supported by consumer trends, innovation, and global efforts to improve food safety and quality.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Market Players

• Hiperbaric S.A.

• Thyssenkrupp AG

• Bosch Packaging Technology

• Dukane Corporation

• Multivac Group

• Stanford Ultrasonics

• Pulsemaster BV

• Avure Technologies Inc.

• Chicago Cold Storage

• Kurt J. Lesker Company

Market Share Analysis

The Non-Thermal Processing Market is moderately fragmented, with a mix of established global players and emerging technology providers. High-Pressure Processing (HPP) holds the largest market share among non-thermal technologies, accounting for approximately 40–45% of the global market, driven by widespread adoption in meat, dairy, and ready-to-eat food segments. Hiperbaric S.A. and Avure Technologies Inc. are the leading players in this segment, holding a significant share due to their advanced equipment offerings and international presence.

Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) and UV treatment technologies collectively capture around 25–30% of the market, with companies like Pulsemaster BV and Bosch Packaging Technology pushing innovation in energy-efficient and scalable solutions. Cold plasma, while still an emerging technology, is gaining traction in food safety and decontamination applications, showing the highest growth rate within the market.

North America dominates the regional landscape with over 35% market share, attributed to strong regulatory frameworks, high consumer demand for clean-label products, and early adoption of food processing technologies. Europe follows closely, while the Asia-Pacific region shows the fastest growth due to rising investments, expanding food processing sectors, and increasing consumer awareness.

Overall, competitive intensity is increasing, with players focusing on R&D, strategic partnerships, and regional expansion to strengthen their market position.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers and Key Innovations

The Non-Thermal Processing Market is being propelled by several strong drivers that reflect changing consumer behavior, regulatory shifts, and advancements in food safety technologies. One of the most significant drivers is the rising demand for minimally processed and clean-label food products. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing health, wellness, and transparency, pushing manufacturers to adopt non-thermal methods that preserve nutritional quality, taste, and texture without the need for preservatives or additives.

Stringent food safety regulations across developed and developing economies are also encouraging the adoption of non-thermal processing techniques, which effectively eliminate pathogens while maintaining product integrity. Additionally, growing concerns over energy consumption and environmental impact are promoting the use of non-thermal technologies, which are often more sustainable and energy-efficient than traditional heat-based processes.

Key innovations are shaping the market’s trajectory. High-Pressure Processing (HPP) has seen significant advances in automation, throughput capacity, and system scalability, making it more accessible to small and mid-sized producers. Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) technology has been enhanced with continuous-flow systems, improving efficiency in liquid food applications. Cold plasma and UV treatment technologies are being developed for surface decontamination and packaging sterilization, offering extended shelf life and enhanced product safety.

Collaborations between food tech companies and academic institutions are accelerating R&D, while Industry 4.0 integration—such as IoT-enabled monitoring and AI-driven quality control—is creating smarter, more efficient processing systems. Together, these drivers and innovations are creating a dynamic and fast-evolving non-thermal processing market with vast commercial potential.

Market Challenges

1. High Initial Investment Costs
   • Non-thermal processing equipment, especially HPP and PEF systems, require significant capital investment, which can be a barrier for small and medium enterprises.
2. Limited Awareness and Adoption in Developing Regions
   • Many emerging markets lack awareness of non-thermal technologies and their benefits, slowing down adoption and market penetration.
3. Technological Complexity and Operational Training
   • Advanced equipment demands skilled labor and technical know-how, increasing operational complexity and training requirements.
4. Regulatory and Standardization Issues
   • Inconsistent regulatory frameworks and lack of global standards for non-thermal processing technologies can hinder widespread adoption.
5. Equipment Maintenance and Operational Costs
   • Maintenance and operational costs for high-tech systems can be high, especially for HPP and PEF systems, affecting long-term ROI.
6. Limited Application Scope for Some Technologies
   • Certain non-thermal methods like cold plasma or UV treatment are limited in application to specific food types or surface treatments only.
7. Consumer Skepticism and Market Education
   • Despite growing interest, some consumers remain skeptical about non-thermal methods, requiring ongoing education and transparent marketing.
8. Integration with Existing Processing Lines
   • Retrofitting or integrating new non-thermal equipment into existing production lines can pose logistical and financial challenges.

Market Opportunities

1. Rising Demand for Clean-Label and Natural Products
   • Consumers are increasingly seeking minimally processed foods without additives, creating strong demand for non-thermal technologies.
2. Expansion in Emerging Markets
   • Rapid urbanization, growing middle-class populations, and evolving food habits in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa present huge growth potential.
3. Innovation in Packaging and Shelf-Life Extension
   • Integration of non-thermal methods with smart packaging and sterilization technologies offers opportunities to enhance product shelf life and safety.
4. Growth in Functional and Health-Based Foods
   • The booming market for functional foods, probiotics, and cold-pressed juices is aligned with non-thermal processing benefits, creating niche opportunities.
5. Toll Processing Services and Contract Manufacturing
   • Small and mid-sized food companies are outsourcing non-thermal processing to third-party providers, expanding opportunities for service-based business models.
6. R&D in New Applications and Hybrid Technologies
   • Continued research into combining non-thermal methods (e.g., PEF + UV or HPP + Cold Plasma) is opening doors for multi-functional processing solutions.
7. Government Initiatives and Food Safety Regulations
   • Regulatory support for food safety innovation and sustainable processing methods is boosting technology adoption.
8. Adoption in Non-Food Sectors
   • Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture are exploring non-thermal processing for sterilization, preservation, and material enhancement.

RECENT STRATEGIES & DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MARKET

1. Expansion of High-Pressure Processing (HPP) Tolling Services
   • Hiperbaric and Avure Technologies have expanded their HPP tolling networks across North America and Europe to meet growing demand.
   • As of 2024, over 100 HPP tolling centers are operating globally, making the technology more accessible to SMEs.
2. Strategic Collaborations for R&D
   • In 2023, Pulsemaster BV partnered with multiple European research institutions to develop energy-efficient PEF systems for juice and potato processing.
   • These initiatives have reduced energy consumption by up to 20% in trial runs.
3. Integration of Industry 4.0 Solutions
   • Companies like MULTIVAC are embedding IoT and AI-based sensors into non-thermal equipment for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
   • Smart systems have shown a 15–25% reduction in downtime across pilot installations.
4. Investments in Cold Plasma Technology
   • Thyssenkrupp and Kurt J. Lesker Company have increased investment in cold plasma R&D for food decontamination and eco-friendly packaging.
   • Cold plasma adoption grew by 12% year-on-year from 2022 to 2024, particularly in Europe.
5. New Product Launches
   • In 2023, Hiperbaric launched the Hiperbaric 525 Bulk, a high-throughput HPP unit designed for juice processing, capable of processing 10,000 liters per hour.
   • This system caters to large beverage producers focusing on clean-label juice trends.
6. Mergers & Acquisitions
   • Duravant LLC, parent company of Avure Technologies, acquired multiple food tech startups in 2023 to enhance its non-thermal processing portfolio.
   • This strategic move expanded its global footprint and service offerings in Asia-Pacific.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS

1. Food & Beverage Manufacturers
   • Achieve longer shelf life without additives or preservatives.
   • Maintain product quality, flavor, and nutrition, enhancing brand value.
   • Access to innovative processing options aligned with clean-label trends.
2. Technology Providers & Equipment Manufacturers
   • Growing demand creates opportunities for innovation and revenue expansion.
   • Ability to offer scalable, energy-efficient, and customizable solutions.
   • Increased partnerships with food producers and research institutions.
3. Investors & Venture Capitalists
   • Entry into a rapidly growing market driven by health and sustainability trends.
   • High ROI potential due to rising adoption across multiple industries.
   • Diverse portfolio opportunities in both food and non-food sectors.
4. Retailers & Distributors
   • Extended shelf life and product safety improve inventory management.
   • Offer premium, high-quality, and health-focused product lines.
   • Ability to meet evolving consumer preferences and regulatory standards.
5. Regulatory Bodies & Policymakers
   • Encouragement of safe and sustainable food processing methods.
   • Support national goals around food safety, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.
   • Drive innovation through supportive policies and funding.
6. Consumers
   • Access to safer, healthier, and more natural food products.
   • Improved product quality without artificial additives or preservatives.
   • Greater transparency and trust in food sourcing and processing.

At DigiRoads Research, we emphasize reliability by employing robust market estimation and data validation methodologies. Our insights are further enhanced by our proprietary data forecasting model, which projects market growth trends up to 2030. This forward-thinking approach ensures our analysis not only captures the current market landscape but also anticipates future developments, equipping stakeholders with actionable foresight.

We go a step further by offering an exhaustive set of regional and country-level data points, supplemented by over 60 detailed charts at no additional cost. This commitment to transparency and accessibility allows stakeholders to gain a deep understanding of the industry’s structural and operational dynamics. By providing exclusive and hard-to-access data, DigiRoads Research empowers businesses to make informed strategic decisions with confidence.

In essence, our methodology and data delivery foster a collaborative and data-driven decision-making environment, enabling businesses to navigate industry challenges and capitalize on opportunities effectively.

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Table of Contents

• • INTRODUCTION

    • Market Overview
    • Years Considered for Study
    • Market Segmentation
    • Study Assumptions and Definitions
    • Market Scope

  • RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

  • MARKET OUTLOOK

    • Executive Summary
    • Market Snapshot
  • Market Segments 

• By Technology

• • • • – High-Pressure Processing (HPP)
      • – Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF)
      • – Ultraviolet (UV) Treatment
      • – Cold Plasma
      • – Other Non-Thermal Technologies

• By Application

• • • – Food & Beverages
    • – Pharmaceuticals
    • – Cosmetics
    • – Agriculture
    • – Others

• COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• • Recent Strategies (Key Strategic Moves)
  • Market Share Analysis
  • Company Profiles

• Hiperbaric S.A.

• Thyssenkrupp AG

• Bosch Packaging Technology

• Dukane Corporation

• Multivac Group

• Stanford Ultrasonics

• MARKET DYNAMICS

  • Market Drivers
  • Market Challenges
  • Market Opportunities
  • Porter’s Five Forces’ Analysis
    • Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • Threat of New Entrant
    • Threat of Substitutes
    • Competitive Rivalry

• GLOSSARY OF PROMINENT SECONDARY SOURCES

• DISCLAIMER

• ABOUT US