Biodegradable Packaging Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Type (Recycled Content Packaging, Reusable Packaging, Degradable Packaging and Other Types), Material, Packaging, Application, Distribution Channel and by Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Biodegradable Packaging Market is accounted for $523.75 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $835.75 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. Biodegradable packaging is a novel approach to sustainable materials that reduces environmental impact through a natural decomposition process. Biodegradable packaging, in contrast to conventional packaging composed of plastics derived from petroleum, is generally made from renewable resources like cellulose, cornstarch, and plant-based polymers. In the natural environment, these materials decompose more quickly, cutting down on waste and pollution.
According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, biodegradable packaging is essential for reducing the environmental footprint of packaging materials, as it helps decrease landfill waste and promotes the use of renewable resources.
Market Dynamics:Driver:Initiatives for corporate sustainability
The significance of sustainability in business operations is becoming more widely acknowledged. A lot of businesses have set high standards for sustainability, like using renewable resources, cutting back on waste, and lowering carbon footprints. As a means of demonstrating environmental responsibility, these initiatives frequently include pledges to use biodegradable packaging. Additionally, companies that put sustainability first not only attract environmentally conscious customers but also improve their brand image, giving them a competitive advantage in the market.
Restraint:Insufficient infrastructure
The proper infrastructure is needed for the composting or recycling of biodegradable packaging, but it is not always available. Many areas lack the infrastructure required for commercial composting or have insufficient waste management systems to properly handle biodegradable materials. Because of inadequate conditions, biodegradable packaging may end up in landfills instead of breaking down as intended. Furthermore, the appeal and environmental benefits of biodegradable packaging may be diminished in the absence of a strong infrastructure.
Opportunity:Government assistance and incentives
The use of biodegradable packaging is one of the many incentives that governments and international organizations are promoting. These incentives may come in the shape of grants, tax exemptions, financial aid for research and development, or other forms of support. Moreover, government initiatives promoting environmentally friendly technology and ethical business conduct may assist in defraying the upfront expenses related to switching to biodegradable packaging. Support like this can spur market expansion and inspire more companies to use environmentally friendly products.
Threat:Conventional plastics competition
The market for biodegradable packaging is seriously threatened by traditional plastics lower costs and well-established production infrastructure. Many businesses continue to find conventional plastic packaging appealing due to its affordability and convenience, even in light of the growing awareness of environmental issues. Biodegradable alternatives face difficulties competing with plastics due to their widespread use in many industries and their well-established performance characteristics. Furthermore, the petrochemical sector, which creates conventional plastics, has the power and means to thwart the transition to biodegradable alternatives.
Covid-19 Impact:The market for biodegradable packaging has seen conflicting effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. While businesses prioritized cost-cutting measures and encountered challenges sourcing raw materials, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty have, on the one hand, slowed down production and adoption. Conversely, though, the pandemic raised consumer consciousness about environmental and hygienic concerns, which raised the need for safe and environmentally friendly packaging options.
The Degradable Packaging segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The Degradable Packaging segment has the largest market share in biodegradable packaging. Packaging made of materials that decompose more quickly and safely in the environment than conventional plastics is known as biodegradable packaging. Polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and other biopolymers made from renewable resources are among the biodegradable materials included in this section. Moreover, degradable packaging is becoming more and more popular due to growing consumer awareness of plastic pollution, strict government regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste, and an increase in the demand for sustainable packaging solutions from a variety of industries.
The Pouches & Bags segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
In the biodegradable packaging market, the Pouches & Bags segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR. This expansion is a result of the growing need in a number of sectors, such as food and beverage, personal care, and pharmaceuticals, for flexible and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Biodegradable bags and pouches provide a flexible and sustainable substitute for conventional plastic packaging. Additionally, they have a lower carbon footprint, require less material to produce, and are lightweight. Pouch and bag systems are very popular with both consumers and businesses due to their efficiency and convenience for storage, transportation, and final use.
Region with largest share:The market for biodegradable packaging is expected to be dominated by the European region. The Single-Use Plastics Directive and other strict environmental laws imposed by the European Union have significantly increased the use of biodegradable packaging materials among its member states. Leading nations in the adoption of sustainable practices and the promotion of environmentally friendly packaging are the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Furthermore, the demand for sustainable products from consumers and the region’s strong commitment to reducing plastic waste has strengthened the market for biodegradable packaging.
Region with highest CAGR:The market for biodegradable packaging is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR in the Latin America region. Growing environmental consciousness and the adoption of sustainable practices in response to growing concerns about plastic pollution are the main drivers of this growth. Growing environmental consciousness among consumers and businesses is driving up demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions in countries like Brazil and Mexico. Moreover, the transition to biodegradable alternatives is also being aided by regional initiatives and government policies that are supportive of cutting down on plastic waste.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Biodegradable Packaging market include Cargill Incorporated, Tetra Pak International S. A, Georgia-Pacific LLC, DuPont, Amcor plc, Mitsubishi Chemical Holding Corporation, Winpak Ltd., BASF SE, Mondi Group PLC, Berry Global Group, Reynolds Group Holding Limited, Smurfit Kappa Group PLC, Novamont S.P.A, Ranpak Holding Corporation and NatureWorks.
Key Developments:In April 2024, BASF signed a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd. (GEDI) to purchase renewable electricity for its Zhanjiang Verbund site. The PPA is a further step in the renewable energy partnership between BASF and GEDI following the Letter of Intent (LOI).
In August 2023, DuPont announced a definitive agreement to sell an 80.1% ownership interest in the Delrin® acetal homopolymer (H-POM) business1 to TJC LP (TJC) in a transaction valuing the business at $1.8 billion. TJC has received fully committed financing in connection with the transaction, which is expected to close around year-end 2023, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.
In June 2023, Singapore-based Cargill Metals has entered into a multiyear agreement with Sweden-based industrial startup H2 Green Steel for the supply of green steel. The companies say the agreement aims to accelerate global ferrous supply chain decarbonization. According to Cargill, the agreement marks another major step for the company toward its vision to shape a responsible and sustainable ferrous supply chain that helps the world thrive.
Types Covered:
• Recycled Content Packaging
• Reusable Packaging
• Degradable Packaging
• Other Types
Materials Covered:
• Paper & Paperboard
• Bio-plastic
• Bagasse
• Other Materials
Packagings Covered:
• Bottles & Jars
• Boxes & Cartons
• Cans
• Trays & Clamshells
• Cups & Bowls
• Pouches & Bags
• Films & Wraps
• Labels & Tapes
• Stick pack
• Sachets
• Other Packagings
Applications Covered:
• Food & Beverage
• Personal Care & Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Homecare
• Chemicals
• Shipping
• Other Applications
Distribution Channels Covered:
• Wholesalers
• Retailers
• Distributors
• Resellers
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements