Bioplastic Packaging Market Size - By Material, By Packaging Type, By End Use Industry, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Bioplastic Packaging Market Size

The global bioplastic packaging market was valued at USD 17.6 Billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 17.3% from 2024 to 2032.
 

The bioplastic packaging industry is growing rapidly. This is driven by consumer demand for environmentally friendly alternatives. Advances in technology make bioplastics cheaper, while corporate investments drive R&D and production. For instance, in November 2023, Sulzer has announced the launch of a new technology called CAPSUL for the continuous manufacturing of polycaprolactone, a biodegradable polyester. The goal of this novel technology is to improve the productivity of PCL, which has a vast array of applications like packaging. In recent years, the market is witnessing more application in food & beverage, personal care, and pharmaceutical sectors. As recycling and composting infrastructure improves, this market is set to expand even further in conjunction with the movement towards a circular economy and more stringent sustainability norms for packaging.

 

Bioplastic Packaging Market Trends

The bioplastic packaging industry is changing as industries focus on sustainability. Companies are looking for bioplastics as an environmentally responsible packaging solution as the food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and other consumer industries introduce regulations. Among these, the best are PLA, PHA, and starch blends because of their ability to biodegrade. Another polymer, bio-polyethylene terephthalate, also known as Bio PET, is non-biodegradable but possesses a similar strength as conventional plastics. Changing technology makes bioplastics more affordable and of better quality these days, thereby expanding their potential applications. Several companies are also investigating ways to make bioplastics more compostable or recyclable. Industry seems to be moving towards a more environmentally friendly target with new investments and partnerships.
 

For instance, in October 2024, The ReBioCycle initiative is one such partnership aimed at starting a large-scale recycling of bioplastics in Europe, which will be possible with the help of the partnership of 20 partners including TotalEnergies Corbion, AIMPLAS and others, which is sponsored by the Circular Bio-based Joint Enterprise of the EU Horizon Europe program with over USD 8 million.
 

Bioplastic Packaging Market Analysis

Bioplastic packaging faces problems including high production costs, a lack of recycling infrastructure, and competition for agricultural resources. The production of bioplastics requires specialized technologies and manufacturing processes that are not as advanced and therefore are more expensive than the established infrastructure for traditional plastics. Investments in new equipment, research, and development add to the higher overall production costs. But there are opportunities. Strict regulations concerning single-use plastics and an increasingly environmentally conscious consumer make the market even more robust for bioplastics. Improved raw materials and their production techniques reduce their cost and variety, which improves their use in foods, pharmaceutical, and consumer industries. Corporate sustainability efforts coupled with green technologies further accelerate demand, thus driving the growth of bioplastic packaging industry.
 

Based on material the bioplastic packaging market is segmented into biodegradable and non-biodegradable. The biodegradable segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 18.5% during the forecast period.
 

• The biodegradable segment of the market is gaining momentum because of the growing concern about the environment and stringent regulations. Governments are enforcing less plastic waste, thereby forcing people to use biodegradable alternatives. Bioplastics are being manufactured from sources such as corn starch and sugarcane, catering to the ever-growing demand for sustainable packaging in the food, beverage, and personal care industries.
   
• The new technologies that are being introduced in the production of biodegradable materials make them cheaper and more versatile. This improves the quality and shelf-life of these materials, making them more competitive with traditional plastics in terms of durability and performance.
   

Based on packaging type the bioplastic packaging market is divided into flexible packaging and rigid packaging. The flexible packaging segment dominated the market with a market share of over 55% in 2023.
 

• Flexible packaging leads the market due to its versatility and wide usage among food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods sectors. It is lightweight and efficient, helping in reducing the usage of material and transportation costs that align with the sustainability goals.
   
• Recent developments of bioplastics like PLA, PHA, and starch blends make flexible packaging tougher and strengthen the barrier property to make them durable and maintain products for long with freshness.  With this adaptation to nearly all shapes and sizes of the product, packaging type has always been a market leader through promoting waste reduction. Companies increasingly opt for flexible bioplastic packaging as it reduces their footprint but maintains quality products.
   

North America held a significant share of over 25% in 2023. The demand in U.S for bioplastic packaging is rising with the increasing preference among consumers to choose sustainable alternatives, as well as the efforts made by big businesses to avoid single-use plastics and comply with various federal and state-level bans on single-use plastics. Leading food & beverage and healthcare companies increasingly use bioplastic packaging. Improving manufacturing technology will reduce production costs and make this biodegradable and renewable plastic option more feasible to adopt throughout these industries.
 

The bioplastic packaging market in China is growing. Strict government rules on plastic pollution and the strong manufacturing capabilities are driving the growth. More people, especially in cities, are becoming conscious of the environment. China's big investments in technology and large-scale production make bioplastics cheaper, helping local companies and boosting exports.
 

Germany is the leader in Europe in bioplastic packaging. Strict environmental regulations and high demand for green products are driving this trend. The government provides incentives for eco-friendly packaging, especially in food, drink, and personal care sectors. With excellent recycling systems and new biodegradable materials, Germany is a hotspot for bioplastic innovation.
 

India's market for bioplastic packaging is growing. Government efforts to curb plastic waste, as well as an increasingly environment-conscious middle class, are primary drivers. Main users of sustainable packaging are the food, drinks, and retail industries. Lack of composting facilities is less of a hurdle as investment in green tech, as well as local production, increases adoption.
 

Japan is extending its market to fulfill the ambitious goals of plastic reduction. Governmental sustainability focus forces companies to switch towards bioplastic alternatives, particularly for food, cosmetics, and consumer goods packaging. The high-tech infrastructure of Japan allows it to take a leading position in Asia-Pacific bioplastics through new bioplastic innovations such as marine-biodegradable materials.
 

Bioplastic Packaging Market Share

The competition is intensifying within the bioplastic packaging industry because companies strive to innovate while also meeting this surging demand for sustainable solutions. Leading players in the field focus on advancements in bioplastic production technologies, improvement of material performance, and reduction in the cost of production to keep their competitive advantage in the marketplace. Another important strategy developed by firms involved is strategic collaboration and partnership entry as well as investing in new product development with a focus on R&D processes to enrich their offer portfolio. While the established players dominate, new entrants and startups are capitalizing on niche markets, driving further innovation and competition across the industry.
 

Bioplastic Packaging Market Companies

Major players operating in the bioplastic packaging industry are:

• Amcor
• Bio Futura
• Biome Bioplastics
• Corbion
• FKuR
• Futamura Group
• Genpak
• IIC
• ITC Packaging
• J. Landworth Company
• NatureWorks
• Novamont
• Sealed Air
• Stora Enso
• Tetra Pak
• TIPA
• Walki Group
• Xiamen Changsu Industrial
   

Bioplastic Packaging Industry News

• In November 2024, Walki Group and Lactips announced strategic collaboration with an objective to establish completely biodegradable, fully plastics-free packaging of food in the use of natural polymers. The tie-up is really significant since this fulfills an increasingly strong request for sustainable food packaging solutions.
   
• In June 2024, Scientists from the University of Copenhagen have developed bioplastics that are 100% biodegradable made from sugar beet fiber and barley starch. This completely novel biocomposite material is made to combat the plastic waste which has become an urgent environmental drawback.
   

This bioplastic packaging market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Material

• Biodegradable
  • Starch blends
  • Polylactic acid
  • Polybutylene succinate (PBS)
  • Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)
  • Others
• Non-biodegradable   
  • Bio polyethylene terephthalate
  • Bio polyethylene
  • Bio polyamide
  • Others

Market, By Packaging Type

• Flexible packaging
• Rigid packaging

Market, By End-use Industry

• Food and beverage
• Consumer goods
• Pharmaceuticals
• Building and construction
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa