Biodegradable Disposable Plate Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Material (Paper, Bagasse, Bamboo, and Others), By Application (Fruits & Vegetables, Ready-to-eat Meals, Bakery & Confectionary, Snacks, and Others), By End-use (Commercial and Residential), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Biodegradable disposable plates are made from natural materials that decompose quickly and easily without harming the environment. The raw materials used are bamboo, sugarcane, corn or residues of crops, paper, and pulp, requiring less energy during manufacturing, lowering the emission of gases and reducing the carbon footprints. The rising demand for sustainable and biodegradable packaging products that can decompose easily and without end up in landfills is contributing to the growth of the global biodegradable disposable plate market.

• For instance, the number of food outlets such as hotels and restaurants is surging due to the increasing disposable income of the people and has led to the increasing demand for disposable plates, cups, and other tableware that are biodegradable. According to a report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the UAE government stated that there are over 30,000 food outlets in the country. In 2021, the hotel, restaurant, and institutional market was valued at USD 12.3 billion, around a 17% increase from 2020. Thus, the increasing number of HRI will boost the growth of the market.

Biodegradable disposable plates are manufactured involving the use of natural resources that are free from chemicals littering no chemical in food, reducing the chances of contamination and helping in improving health, hence fueling the demand for the plates in the market. These plates are sturdy, suitable for both hot and cold food, and are an excellent replacement for traditional plastic products. Moreover, the development of microwavable plates will bring new opportunities to the market.

Biodegradable disposable plates consist of natural raw material, which is more expensive than other traditional disposable materials, increasing the cost of end-use products and restricting the market growth. Moreover, such plates also have rough surfaces and limited printing options in comparison to traditional packaging, hampering the growth of the market.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a moderate impact on the global biodegradable disposable plates market as there was a high demand for sustainable and disposable products. In addition, the temporary shutdown of commercial buildings and ban on gatherings and parties led to the declining demand for such products. However, the pandemic fuelled the demand for eco-friendly products due to the surging awareness of the environment.

SEGMENTATION

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Biodegradable Disposable Plate Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for the Biodegradable Disposable Plate Market


• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Biodegradable Disposable Plate Market

ANALYSIS BY MATERIAL

Based on material, the market is segmented into paper, bagasse, bamboo, and others.

The bagasse segment dominates the global biodegradable disposable plate market. Bagasse is made from sugarcane and crop processing residues, which leaves a considerably lower carbon footprint than traditional pulp. Products made from this material are healthier for people and healthier for the environment. Such material has no odor and does not alter the taste of food. In addition, the easy availability of raw materials for the manufacturing of bagasse plates, such as sugarcane and crops, is driving the growth of this segment.

ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the market is segmented into fruits & vegetables, ready-to-eat meals, bakery & confectionary, snacks, and others.

The ready-to-eat meals segment holds the largest share of the global biodegradable disposable plate market. The shifting preferences of people, changing lifestyles, and busy schedules of people in urban areas have fueled the demand for biodegradable disposable plates.

ANALYSIS BY END-USE

Based on end-use, the market is segmented into commercial and residential.

The commercial segment is the largest end-use of the global biodegradable disposable plate market. The increasing number of business offices, restaurants, and hospitals is enhancing the growth of this segment. The rising culture of house parties and picnics in urban areas is one of the major factors driving the segment growth.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The biodegradable disposable plate market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The Asia Pacific holds the largest share of the market. The growing awareness of environmentally friendly products and the ever-increasing urbanization in the major countries is propelling the region's growth.

The Europe market is experiencing significant growth due to the strict rules against the usage of single-use plastic disposable plates.

The North America market is projected to grow at a moderate rate during the forecast period. The changing lifestyle and surging consumption of ready-to-eat meals are bolstering the regional growth.

The Latin America market is experiencing lucrative growth due to the growing number of restaurants and other food outlets. The Middle East & African region will witness steady growth due to the increasing consumption of processed food.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Huhtamaki, Graphic Packaging International, LLC, BioGreenChoice, Hefei Sumkoka Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., Green Paper Products, EcoSoul Home Pvt. Ltd., Pactiv Evergreen Inc., Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products, Reynolds Consumer Products LLC, and Genpak.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In July 2023, Huhtamaki announced plans to invest in its Paris, Texas, flexible packaging solutions facility. Through this investment, the company expanded its manufacturing capacity and the consolidation of an external warehouse. The investment would increase the production of consumer packaged goods, folding cartons, tableware, and cups, among other products.     


• In May 2022, Georgia-Pacific's GP PRO launched Dixie ecosmart 100% recycled fiber paper plates and bowls. These are made of 100% post-consumer recycled fiber and are durable, microwavable, and soak-proof.


• In November 2020, Georgia-Pacific invested USD 100 million to expand the capacity of the Bowling Green Dixie facility. The expansion increased the production of plates and bowls to meet the increasing demand from customers.