Biodegradable Tableware Market Size, Share, and Analysis, By Product Type (Plates, Bowls, Cups, Cutlery, and Others), By Material Type (Wood, Bioplastic, Paper, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The primary driving factor of the global biodegradable tableware market is its low-cost processing coupled with a low-price rate, which is creating a surge in demand across multiple applications, including food and hospitality. The low-cost processing enables manufacturers to produce tableware made of wood, paper, and bioplastic in various sizes and shapes, thereby driving market growth.

• In February 2021, scientists from the National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) at Kerala, India established an innovative technology for low-cost processing of 100% eco-friendly, biodegradable tableware from wheat processing bran. The tableware products include cups and dishes prepared from wheat bran and are safe to use in the microwave.

The major advantage of eco-friendly tableware products over plastic-derived products is composting, since plastic-derived products take long 500 years to decompose. While eco-friendly tableware derived from natural organic materials usually takes a minimum period of 2-3 months for decomposing. This is the primary factor toward the adoption and usage of biodegradable tableware. 

The environmental impacts of air/water/land pollution associated with plastic-derived substances are key factors in producing alternatives to plastics, which has created a demand for biodegradable products. This has enabled tableware manufacturers to emphasize environment-friendly products to increase demand among consumers.

• For instance, in March 2019, Green Science Alliance introduced natural biomass made up of waste woods, scrap trees, paper, and is fully biodegradable. The recyclable material will help fuel the market growth of compostable tableware and generate newer growth opportunities.

Furthermore, certain informative messages and campaigns to spread awareness amongst consumers regarding the ill-effects of plastic-based products while eating and decomposing have also raised the interest in purchasing biodegradable tableware, which is surging the market growth successively.

• For instance, in August 2021, Habits of Waste, a non-profit organization, initiated the #CutOutCutlery campaign to avert the wasteful practices of using single-use plastics in restaurants worldwide. The campaign has successfully convinced food delivery platforms such as Door Dash, Uber Eats, GrubHub, and Postmates to adopt sustainable modes of adopting biodegradable tableware items across the U.S

Impact of COVID-19 on the Biodegradable Tableware Market

The COVID-19 outbreak has negatively impacted the demand for biodegradable tableware due to the closure of operations and processing activities across industries. Stringent government rules across the globe have led to the closure of marketplaces. Restaurants have adopted the online mode of safe delivery, which has directly affected the consumption of eco-friendly tableware in the food sector.

However, in the post-COVID-19 time, the biodegradable tableware market is expected to withstand ideal growth as the markets and food services are gradually in the open phase and the eco-friendly products are gaining demand in both residential and commercial end-user applications.

Key Insights

The report will cover the following key insights:

• Low-cost processing coupled with a low-price rate of biodegradable tableware


• Environmental impacts of air/water/land pollution associated with plastic-derived substances


• Overview of the biodegradable tableware market


• Informative messages and campaigns to spread awareness amongst consumers regarding the ill-effects of plastic-based products while eating and decomposing


• Impact of COVID-19 on the biodegradable tableware market

Analysis by Product Type

The plates segment is estimated to generate the highest segmental growth during the forecasted period owing to its extensive use in multiple commercial purposes, including food and hospitality. For instance, according to published data in Hindustan Times, an Indian English language daily newspaper, in June 2019, a growing number of restaurants and cafes in India have collectively decided to go against plastics and continued with sustainable options such as bamboos, wood, and metals. Kiara Soul Kitchen is one of the Delhi-based restaurants that has been using hand-made crockery from villages in Uttar Pradesh, India. The plates are widely used in residences as users are conscious about their health and environmental well-being. Paper plates are disposable and facilitate eating conveniently during any occasion or travel, thereby easing the product demand. Additionally, eco-friendly plates require minimum energy in manufacturing as they are naturally processed, and therefore it is cost-effective in terms of purchase as compared to plastic and metallic ones.

The sound benefits of easy composting and usage in multiple applications have allowed the manufacturers to produce eco-friendly dining plates made of banana leaves to reduce their plastic footprint.

Analysis by Material Type

The paper segment is anticipated to exhibit the leading share of the global biodegradable tableware market due to its low-cost manufacturing and easy availability. The manufacturers use silver-coated materials that are eco-friendly and non-toxic to use while serving any food. Due to easy composting, these plates find widespread usage in residential and commercial applications. Paper bowls and cups are witnessing frequent demand for occasions and events to serve foods and beverages, as these can be purchased at cost-effective rates compared to wood and bioplastic tableware.

Analysis by Distribution Channel

The offline segment is projected to account for the largest biodegradable market share as customers are familiar with purchasing disposable tableware from a grocery shop or supermarket. The special provisions of getting offers and combos instantly while purchasing from supermarkets/hypermarkets cater to customers' interest in choosing such shopping modes. Additionally, the convenience of selecting and shopping items, including wooden plates, cutlery, and other eco-friendly tableware as per the preferences is expected to result in the growth of this segment.

Regional Analysis

Europe is expected to hold a dominant share of the global biodegradable tableware market due to the increasing concern of the population regarding the deteriorating impacts of using plastic and toxic-based consumer items. Also, stringent government rules and frameworks toward the ban of plastics have motivated European-based bio-tableware manufacturers to offer sustainable products, which has played a prominent role in facilitating the consumption and demand for biodegradable products, including tableware. 

Key Players Covered

The report includes key players such as Dart Container Corporation, Genpak L.L.C., Lollicup U.S.A., Huhtamaki Group, Solia Inc., Reynolds Consumer Products Inc., Better Earth L.L.C., Natural Tableware, Nanofiber Tech Inc., and others.

Segmentation

Key Industry Developments

• In March 2021, Marine Innovation, a social venture supported by S.K. Innovation Co. Ltd. introduced eco-friendly plates for dining, which are prepared from seaweed by-products. The innovative eco-friendly designs of the plates resemble shellfish and scallops. In addition, the company's eco-friendly products, including paper cups and plates are made to serve both commercial and residential uses.


• In October 2019, a group of young Peruvians from Peru, South America introduced a 'Bio Plant' project to minimize the use of plastic. The Peruvians have created biodegradable dishes made of banana leaves to reduce the environmental impact of plastic. The eco-friendly dishes are non-toxic and can be decomposed after use.