Bioplastics Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Biodegradable and Bio-based/Non-biodegradable), By Packaging Type (Rigid Packaging and Flexible Packaging), By Product Type (Bottles, Cups, Trays, Clamshell, Bags, Pouch & Sachet, and Others), By End-use Industry (Consumer Goods, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetic & Personal Care, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global bioplastics packaging market size was valued at USD 5.80 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 6.33 billion in 2024 to USD 14.07 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.50% during the forecast period.

Bioplastics packaging includes packaging materials that are either bio-based, biodegradable, or both. This packaging is used for food & beverage, home, and personal care products, among others. It is an effective alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics as they decompose more quickly and produce fewer greenhouse gases. The rising demand for sustainable packaging from consumers and brands alike has boosted the adoption of these solutions. The market offers packaging made from renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane, and cassava, which have favorable properties such as recyclability, renewability, and durability. The packaging also extends the shelf life of perishable foods and protects products from contamination, making them suitable for various packaging applications.

One of the biggest factors that contributed to the rise in demand for corrugated boxes was the global pandemic. COVID-19 fundamentally changed consumer behavior. The COVID-19 pandemic also immensely contributed to ongoing plastic pollution, driving the production and use of single-use plastics such as masks, gloves, and face shields. Additionally, there was an increase in the use of non-medical plastic waste. During this period, bans on certain single-use plastics and plastic bags were temporarily paused, and businesses and consumers were encouraged to shift toward online food purchases/deliveries and hygienic disposable takeaway plastic containers.

Bioplastics Packaging Market Trends

Consumer Shift to Eco-Friendly Products and Investment in Bio-Based Chemicals is the Dominant Trend

The surge in consumer consciousness has dramatically shifted toward eco-conscious products, driving the emergence of the bioplastics packaging market on a global scale. The market is anticipated to be driven by the adoption of environmentally friendly offerings in lieu of chemically synthesized ones. Chemical manufacturers have begun investing in bio-based chemicals as an alternative supply source to reduce dependency on petrochemicals, widening the pool of available bio-based raw materials. This expansion supports the growth of packaging production. Amongst the industries most likely to uptake bioplastics packaging as a result of this trend is the textile industry, which is responding to increased environmental awareness.

Bioplastics Packaging Market Growth Factors

Growing Bio-based and Biodegradable Packaging Materials Among Manufacturers to Drive Market Growth

In light of rising environmental concerns driven by plastic accumulation, there has been a shift toward alternative packaging materials. These materials are aimed at enhancing performance and being easily recyclable and reusable. As per the European Bioplastics organization, bioplastics are plastics that are either based on renewable resources (biobased) or constitute biodegradable and compostable polymers. The sources of bioplastics vary widely, from vegetable oil to corn starch and pineapple fibers to microorganism-transformed plastic containers.

The demand for innovation in environmentally friendly food packaging is on the rise. The immense adverse effects of single-use plastic disposal, commonly referred to as single-use plastic, are pushing the market to seek alternative solutions. This urgency requires quicker responses from the scientific community, industry, and governmental bodies in introducing and implementing new materials. Bioplastics, an alternative group of materials partially or entirely produced from renewable sources, are gaining traction. However, bioplastics, being completely organic, are easy to break down at the end of the useful life cycle. It gives bioplastics an edge over the biodegradable varieties when it comes to addressing ecological issues.

Development of Innovative and Advanced Bioplastics to Propel Market Growth

Recent advancements in material science have ushered in a new generation of bioplastics engineered for enhanced functionality and performance. These innovations have imbued bioplastics with enhanced physical strength, durability, and heat resistance. The applications for such high-end plastic have widened. They can now be used as packaging materials, especially those intended to preserve products from external factors, such as moisture and oxygen. As the versatility of bioplastic packaging continues to grow, many business sectors are adopting them into their packaging solutions. This advanced development allows manufacturers to tailor materials to meet specific packaging requirements, whether for flexible films, rigid containers, or even specialized shapes. This customization enables diverse products to benefit from bioplastics packaging that meet functional requirements and align aesthetically with their branding and consumer appeal.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Expensive and Complex Production to Restraint the Growth of the Market

The growth of the bioplastics packaging market faces significant limitations due to insufficiency of raw materials, a challenge arising from various factors. Bioplastics are predominantly obtained from corn, sugarcane, and other sources of biomass materials that also serve as precursors for products used in food production or other industrial settings. The competition for these essential feedstocks results in conflicts over land use and resource allocation, surging production costs for bioplastics. This cost fluctuates due to the irregular supply waves caused by climatic variations, seasonal changes, and geopolitical factors. The raw material are more expensive than the raw materials are used to produce traditional plastics.

The development of bioplastic feedstocks requires large land, water resources, and energy resources, which are environmentally intensive and could face legal barriers.  These constraints limit the scalability of bioplastic production, hindering the bioplastics packaging market growth.

Bioplastics Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Biodegradable Materials is Surging the Segment’s Growth  Due to its Ability to be Used Widely as a Plastic Alternative

Based on material, the market is segmented into biodegradable (starch blends, polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and others), bio-based/non-biodegradable (bio polyethylene terephthalate (PET), bio polyethylene (PE), bio polyamide (PA), bio poly trimethylene terephthalate (PTT), and others). 

Biodegradable material holds the largest market share in the bioplastics packaging market. The increasing consumer awareness and demand for eco-friendly products have considerably enhanced the adoption of biodegradable packaging solutions. Furthermore, manufacturers are gradually prioritizing sustainability by integrating biodegradable materials into their operations to meet environmental goals.

Bio-based/Non-biodegradable is the second dominating segment of this market. The growing demand for bio-based plastic materials in packaging is flourishing in this segment. Technological advancements have improved the performance and viability of biodegradable materials for diverse packaging applications. Additionally, the ban on single-use plastics by major countries will further boost the market in the forecast period.

By Packaging Type Analysis

Rigid Packaging is Contributing to the Segment’s Growth Owning to its Astonishing Benefits

Based on packaging type, the market is segmented into rigid packaging and flexible packaging.

Rigid packaging is the dominating segment in the bioplastics packaging market. Rigid packaging offers strength and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of end-use products, including cosmetics, food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. The growing adoption of sustainable packaging practices, coupled with enhanced shelf appeal and advancements in material, is driving the use of bioplastics in rigid packaging.

Flexible packaging is the second dominating segment of this market. Trends in flexible packaging focus on increasing materials’ strength, which is crucial for future product improvement. There is also a growing shift toward using compostable and biodegradable materials. Innovations in printing and labeling technologies are improving brand recognition and consumer engagement, further driving the adoption of bioplastics in flexible packaging.

By Product Type Analysis

Sustainable Packaging to Accelerate the Market Growth for Bioplastic Bottle

Based on product type, the market is segmented into bottles, cups, trays, clamshell, bags, pouch & sachet, and others.

Bottle is the dominating segment of this market. Bioplastic bottles are containers used for packaging beverages, personal care products, and household items. Trends in this segment include increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, innovation in biopolymer formulations to enhance durability and barrier properties, and the development of bioplastic bottles with improved recyclability and compostability.

Pouch & sachet are the second dominating segment of this market. Biodegradable bags can be made from starches (along with polyethylene and heavy metals) or starches combined with biodegradable polymers like Polylactic Acid, PLA.

By End-use Industry Analysis

Food & Beverage to Capture Largest Share Owing to Rising Popularity of Quick-Service Restaurants

Based on end-use industry, the market is segmented into consumer goods, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic & personal care, and others. 

Food & beverages segment holds the largest market share in the bioplastics packaging market. The contributions of the food & beverage sectors will be based on increased production capacity and demand from major manufacturers. A growing interest in quick-service restaurants drives the market growth. Additionally, the increased presence of nutritional food, combined with various government initiatives for regulating the use of polymers in food packaging applications, will further propel the growth of the food and beverage segment.

Consumer goods are the second dominating segment of this market. The market is expected to grow at the fastest growing CAGR during the forecast period owing to rising awareness among consumers about the packaging appearance of the food.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Based on geography, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific is the leading region of this market, driven by its growing population. Emerging countries in the region, particularly in electronics and food and beverage industries, are expected to fuel demand for the product.  High fossil fuel prices, particularly within economies that lack crude oil deposits, can drive consumer product manufactures towards less expensive, renewable, bio-based feedstocks in lieu of petroleum-based plastics. The growing demand for bioplastics is fueling innovation in an increasing number of new product applications as manufacturers focus increasingly on corporate social responsibility and reputation management.

Europe is experiencing lucrative growth during the forecasted period. The rise in the consumption of biodegradable packaging due to increasing health risks is augmenting the demand for bioplastics packaging in the region. According to the EU standard EN 13432, a product is considered compostable if, at least 90% biodegradation into CO2 within 6 months and no more than 1% additives, which must be harmless (non-toxic & no negative effects on plant growth).

North America is experiencing significant growth, driven by higher income levels and thriving urbanization rates, which are increasing bioplastic consumption. According to Biodegradable Products Institute, nearly 57% of all field verified products belong to the Bioplastic category. This category includes clear cold cups, food containers, cutlery, bags, and other non-fiber products.

Latin America will witness moderate growth due to the changing lifestyle, growing middle-class population, and urbanization. Reclosable flexible packaging allows brands to differentiate themselves from other plant-based food products and appeal to long-time non-meat eaters like vegetarians and vegans who are concerned about the environment. When eco-conscious consumers know that their food’s packaging has a positive impact, it can bolster their satisfaction with the product and brand.

The changing lifestyle in the Middle East, due to increasing disposable income, leads to a higher demand for convenience foods, which contributes toward the growth of the bioplastics packaging market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Participants in the Market Witnessing Significant Growth Opportunities Due to Innovative Packaging Types

The global bioplastics packaging market is highly fragmented and competitive. In terms of market share, the few major market players dominate the market by offering innovative packaging. These major market players constantly focus on expanding their customer base across regions and on innovation.

Major players in the market include Corbion N.V., Amcor, Berry Covers, Bio Futura, and others. Numerous other players are focused on delivering advanced packaging solutions due to the high demand from consumers.

List of Top Bioplastics Packaging Companies:

• Corbion N.V. (Netherlands)


• Coveris (U.K.)


• Bio Futura (Netherlands)


• Safepack Packaging Solutions (India)


• Amcor Plc. (Australia)


• PLAMFG (U.S.)


• Plantic Technologies (Australia)


• Futamura Group (Japan)


• NatureWorks LLC (U.S.)


• Polymateria Ltd. (U.K.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2024 – A leader in the sustainable packaging industry, Print & Pack, launched a new era of eco-friendly packaging solutions tailored for small businesses and eco-conscious brands across North America.


• December 2023 – Melodea launched MelOx NGen, a high-performance barrier product designed to enhance the recyclability of plastic food packaging and other applications. This water-based and plant-sourced coating is designed to be applied to various types of packaging materials such as films, pouches, bags, lids, and blister packs.


• October 2023 – Pakka Limited, a manufacturer specializing in compostable packaging solutions, launched India’s first compostable flexible packaging, aiming to meet the growing global demand for sustainable packaging solutions.  


• August 2023 – Clement Packaging introduced plant-based compostable packaging for consumer products, including containers for beauty, personal care, and wellness brands.


• December 2022 – “Singha” declared “Singha Sustainable Pack” transitioning from plastic to 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly paper packaging for the first time in Asia. The new packaging, made from Virgin Fiber, can be disposed of in landfills or left in nature without a non-degradable white coating.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, competitive landscape, product/service types, Porter’s five forces analysis, and leading end-use industries of the product. Besides, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation