Edible Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Protein, Polysaccharides, Lipid, and Others), By Product Type (Films, Coatings, Spoon & Fork, and Others), By End Use (Food & Beverages {Fresh Food, Bakery & Confectionary, Dairy Products, Others}, and Pharmaceuticals), and Regional Forecasts, 2024-2032

The global edible packaging market size was valued at USD 711.09 million in 2023 and is projected to be USD 748.06 million in 2024 to USD 1,193.98 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.02% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the edible packaging market with a market share of 37.49% in 2023. Moreover, the edible packaging market in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 282.59 million by 2032, driven by the increasing awareness about plastic pollution and environmental sustainability is pushing consumers and businesses towards eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Edible packaging is referred to as packaging which is biodegradable and edible. The packaging is primarily made of biodegradable, plant-based, and natural materials that can be eaten without processing, recycling, packaging waste collection, or disposal. It plays a significant role in providing consumers with an effective alternative to conventional packaging solutions. Packaging with edible materials meets the rising demand from consumers for sustainable products, helps the environment, and limits waste in landfills caused by packaging. With a growing shift towards the need for eco-friendliness among consumers, governments and critical manufacturers have increased their investments in developing such products as a viable substitute for food & pharmaceutical product packaging.

During the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the market witnessed a slow production process due to the unavailability of raw materials and strict restrictions. However, growing awareness among the population regarding environmental concerns and benefits of this packaging will drive the market growth in the post-pandemic period. An increasing demand for creative and innovative packaging solutions will create profitable opportunities for the market in the post-pandemic era.

Edible Packaging Market Trends

Introduction of Advanced Packaging Technology and Nanotechnology Emerges as a Key Trend for the Market Growth

Utilizing nanotechnology and advanced packaging technologies is booming as a critical trend for the market growth. Nanotechnology acts as an essential & crucial tool for enhancing the shelf life of food products. Edible coatings are generally developed with the utilization of natural polymers, which are readily available, economical, and non-toxic. Using nanotechnology comprising vitamins, bioactive, antioxidants, antimicrobials, and nutrients increases the functionality of the packaging. Nanotechnological solutions enhance food's nutritional value, including Nanoencapsulation and multifunctional systems.

Furthermore, advanced packaging technology offers superior quality food products and increases the product life of highly-perishable food products. The several strategies to maintain quality consists of active MAP, high-oxygen MAP, passive MAP, controlled MAP, and intelligent MAP. Henceforth, with the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, and healthy food products, introducing such technologies is emerging as a trend and boosting the overall market growth.

Edible Packaging Market Growth Factors

Increasing Environmental & Product Safety Concerns Drive the Market Growth

The market is experiencing rapid growth owing to rising environmental and product safety concerns. The increasing desire to eliminate harmful packaging material waste drives the market growth. Along with the surge in packaging material waste, the need for recycling or utilizing biodegradable packaging alternatives is increasing. To meet such requirements, the key manufacturers in the food & beverages and pharmaceutical industries opt for such packaging as an environmentally-friendly solution. The packaging eliminates trash from landfills and maintains the product's life for longer. In addition, the demand from consumers for safe and healthy products leads to the usage of edible packaging, thus boosting the market growth. Moreover, the utilization of this packaging to extend the shelf-life, minimize waste, and keep the items fresher also contributes to the expansion of edible packaging market growth.

Upsurge in Demand for Biodegradable Films and Portion-size Packaging Contributes to the Growth of the Market

The rising consumption of processed and ready-to-eat food products, the growing income levels, and changing preferences for hygienic products contribute primarily to the market growth. The rapid growth in urbanization in developing countries and the increase in population worldwide also foster market growth. With the changing consumer preferences, the demand for biodegradable films is increasing. They are an essential alternative to petroleum-based films and can be developed using lipids, proteins, or polysaccharides. Biodegradable films are crucial in reducing the dependency on fossil fuels and are eco-friendly, thus leading to the global market growth. They are impervious to oils and fats and act as an oxygen vapor barrier to food products, boosting market growth. Additionally, the surge in demand for portion-sizes packaging of food items drives the market growth worldwide. The demand can be attributed to the waste reduction of food products provided by portion-size packaging and shifting consumer preferences worldwide.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Upfront Cost and Strict Requirements by the Governments Hinder the Market Growth

Manufacturing of edible packaging is higher than any other conventional packaging solution. The higher price of this packaging solution compared with fossil fuel-based counterparts hampers the growth of the market worldwide. Furthermore, the market growth is stunted as the products packed with edible materials require secondary packaging as they can be easily prone to germs, dirt, and harmful particles. In addition, to protect the layers from getting contaminated, the manufacturers have to spend more on packaging solutions, which thus cost higher than conventional packaging, further hampering the market growth. Moreover, the strict requirements by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are also considered to harm the market, as the edible films must be recognized as hygienic, healthy, and safe by authorization. The films must also be produced on machines suitable for food processing and containing water-soluble polymers and additives. All such requirements are anticipated to limit the industry66 growth.

Edible Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Protein is the Dominating Segment Due to the Varied Features Offered by the Material

The market is segmented into proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and others based on the product type. Protein material dominated the market amongst all the packaging materials. Proteins are excellent materials used to develop edible or non-edible coatings and films. Protein components such as soy, whey, collagen, plants, zein, casein, and glutens are essential in producing edible films for the packaging solution. The material is plant-based and is also experiencing huge demand owing to the features such as a strong gas barrier, water vapour resistance, high immunity, and the ability to produce transparent and malleable films. Proteins also ensure the proper functioning of the human body and increase humans' energy levels, which drives the segment's growth.

The polysaccharides segment is the second-leading material segment. Rising demand from the food & beverage industry will support the segment’s growth.

By Product Type Analysis

Films Hold the Largest Share Owing to the Product Safety and Protection

Based on the application, the market is segmented into films, coatings, spoons & forks, and others. Films are the dominating segment. The critical factor that drives the segment's growth is the barrier and protection offered to the food and pharmaceutical products. Films also enhance the safety and quality of food products and prolong their shelf-life and functionality. Films are witnessing huge demand from manufacturers as they can maintain the freshness of the products and minimize wastage. Films also maintain a neutral flavor that does not risk the taste of the food packaged inside, thus leading to huge dominance.

Spoons and forks are the second-leading product type. Unlike other materials that contribute to environmental pollution, these products have no harmful effects on the planet, thus boosting the segment’s growth.

By End Use Analysis

Food & Beverages Dominates the Market Owing to the Potential Benefits of Edible Packaging for Food Products

Based on the end use, the market is segmented into food & beverages and pharmaceuticals. The food & beverages segment dominates the market. It is highly used in the food and beverage industries to package several items such as fresh food, infant food, functional foods, dairy products, bakery and confectionery, and many others. The improving lifestyle trends and increasing demand for processed food contribute to the segment's growth. It ensures product safety and maintains the shelf-life of food products. It is essential in curbing packaging & food waste and reducing the leaching of harmful chemicals into food. The critical developments from food packaging players to produce films or coatings that can be eaten without the need to throw the package also aid the growth of the food & beverages end-use segment.

Pharmaceuticals is the second-dominating end use segment and is predicted to witness massive growth over the forecast period. Different types of biopolymers and their composites are essential for pharmaceutical products to protect them from contamination, degradation, and damage.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

Europe is the dominating region, and the critical factor that causes enormous development is the rising consumer awareness regarding the harmful effects of excessive plastic use. The ban on single-use plastics also fosters the growing demand for edible packaging in Europe.

North America is the second-most dominant region in the edible packaging market share. The dominance can be attributed to the presence of key manufacturers, processed food & pharmaceutical industries, and increasing innovations in this region. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing segment. The government policies make the region an excellent fit for this packaging material, thus leading to rapid regional growth. The Latin American market will experience steady growth owing to the region's rising food & beverages industries. Middle East & Africa is anticipated to witness low to moderate growth in the forecast period.

List of Key Companies in Edible Packaging Market

Key Market Participants Witnessing Significant Growth Opportunities

The global market is highly fragmented and competitive. Regarding market share, the few major players dominate the market by offering innovative packaging in the packaging industry. These major players in the market are constantly focusing on expanding their customer base across the regions and innovation.

Major players in the market include XAMPLA, Notpla Ltd., Biome Bioplastics, MonoSol, JRF Technology, and others. Numerous other players operating in the industry are focused on delivering advanced packaging solutions.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• XAMPLA (U.K.)


• Notpla Ltd. (U.K.)


• JRF Technology (U.S.)


• MonoSol, LLC (U.S.)


• Evoware (Indonesia)


• Biome Bioplastics (U.K.)


• Decomer Technology OÜ (Estonia)


• Lactips (France)


• FlexSea (U.K.)


• Nagase America (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• September 2023 – Xampla announced the launch of a remarkable consumer brand, Morro, to develop bio-based and edible packaging solutions that can compete with plastics. The launch of this brand will enable food brands to make an easy switch from single-use plastics and use the company’s breakthrough material.


• August 2022 – Nippon Paint China, the premier coatings company, partnered with BASF to introduce new eco-friendly edible packaging embraced by the Nippon Paint dry-mixed mortar series products.


• September 2021 – Pace International LLC introduced PrimaFresh® 60 Organic, a premium organic edible plant-based coatings brand. The company developed the product specifically to enhance the fresh appeal of the stone fruits by better managing dehydration.


• October 2020 – a London-based startup named Notpla introduced new edible seaweed packaging as an essential substitute for conventional plastic packaging.


• January 2020 – a New York-based company named Loliware announced the launch of algae and seaweed-based edible straws. Loliware uses seaweed, mills it down, and combines it with minerals, colour, and water.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed market analysis and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, competitive landscape, product/service types, porters five forces analysis, and leading applications of the product. Besides, the report offers insights into the edible packaging market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above factors, the report encompasses several factors that contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation