Seaweed Packaging Market Size - By Product Type, By Application – Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Seaweed Packaging Market Size

The global seaweed packaging market size was valued at USD 669.4 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 6.8% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. In terms of volume the market is anticipated to reach 2,179.7 kilo tons by 2034. The demand for seaweed packaging is increasing significantly owing to the growing demand for sustainable and biodegradable packaging and increasing adoption of edible packaging in the food industry.
 

The reciprocal tariffs placed on Chinese goods by the Trump administration has affected the seaweed packaging industry by indirectly increasing the prices of imported machinery, processing equipment, and raw material inputs from China or other countries led by those tariffs. As a result, the end product is more expensive in the American market. If the global supply chains also face disruptions, some manufacturers who use imported seaweed, might face cost difficulties, or logistical problems. On the other hand, this might also provide an opportunity for domestic seaweed cultivation and processing to strive, which would openness to local investment and encourage building regional supply chains to reduce exposure to tariffs.
 

The rising environmental concerns globally regarding harmful impact of plastic packaging is fueling the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Different corporations, governments, as well as consumers are actively developing or searching for alternatives to traditional plastic packaging due to its harmful effects on nature. Compostable and biodegradable materials are gaining prominence with seaweed-based packaging gaining popularity as a potential alternative because it is all natural in content, nontoxic in nature, and has a low ecological impact.
 

The market for sustainable packaging accounted for over USD 270 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to cross over USD 490 billion by 2034, as per Statista. The rapid growth in the industry reflects the high demand for sustainable packaging, which subsequently will drive the demand for seaweed-based solutions, as they are in line with international sustainability objectives. With the growing capital investment in bio-packaging materials, seaweed packaging is poised to benefit, accelerating its adoption across sectors, especially food, beverages, and consumer goods.
 

The food sector is rapidly adopting edible packaging as a substitute for single-use plastics, especially in ready-to-eat and takeaway food categories. Packaging produced from seaweed is biodegradable and sustainable packaging solution which is in line with the circular economy principles. The trend is likely to expand as leading food companies and new startups attempt to deal with the challenges of excessive consumption of packaging materials and environmental conservation.
 

Manufacturers should enter into long-term contracts for the supply of seaweed to control the costs and ensure constant quality. They also need to actively invest in the research and development for the development certified high performance film and tray packaging so as to maintain strong presence in the food and FMCG sectors which are the primary buyers of seaweed packaging.
 

Seaweed Packaging Market Trends

• A major trend in the seaweed packaging industry is the prominent increase in innovations as companies are emphasizing their efforts on developing biomaterials that can replace single-use plastics. Various startups and established companies are adopting eco-friendly solutions that are not only biodegradable but also home-compostable in order to combat environmental as well as regulatory demands. For example, Sway launched seaweed pellets in February 2024 after securing a USD 5 million seed funding. The Thermoplastic Seaweed resin (TPSea) of the company is a microplastic free, fully biobased material produced from regenerative ocean crops, which signals the transition towards sustainable and scalable packaging materials. It is anticipated that there will be a growing trend towards adoption of seaweed derived materials as infrastructure, capital, and technologies develop and more industries are expected to invest.  
   
• Another key trend is rising demand for alternative materials to plastic in flexible packaging. Firms are experimenting with films produced from seaweed as substitutes for plastic wraps, pouches, and sachets, particularly in food, beverage, and personal care categories, thus driving market growth.
   

Seaweed Packaging Market Analysis

On the basis of product type, the market is divided into sheets, pouches, boxes, trays, and other.
 

• The pouch segment is projected to witness more than 9.2% CAGR through 2034. Seaweed -based pouch packaging is gaining popularity because of its multi-functional and ease of biodegradability. Major industry such as food & beverage and cosmetics & personal care companies are shifting towards seaweed pouches as an alternative to single-use plastic pouches. The demand for lightweight, biodegradable, and green packaging is increasing, and this is propelling innovation and investment in this segment.
   
• The boxes segment is anticipated to reach USD 377.3 million by 2034. Eco-friendly, seaweed-based boxes are increasingly used as an alternative to other traditional packaging. Brands are seeking robust biodegradable packaging solutions suitable for shipping and retail. Due to rising consumer awareness along with regulatory support for plastic-free alternatives, brands are using seaweed-based boxes in efforts to improve sustainability while providing adequate product protection.
   

On the basis of application, the seaweed packaging market is categorized into food & beverage, personal care & cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and others.

• Food & beverage market is anticipated to reach USD 544.9 million by 2034, due to rising regulations on plastic waste and strong consumer demand for sustainable options. To maintain pace with sustainability trends, companies are incorporating seaweed-based materials into food wraps, sachets, and even edible packaging.
• Personal care & cosmetics segment held a market share of 6.8% in 2024. Cosmetics and personal care brands are adopting seaweed-based packaging to offer sustainable options for creams, lotions, and beauty products. Companies are investing in zero-waste and biodegradable pouches, films, and containers made of seaweed with the aim to appeal to environmentally aware consumers as well as reduce the use of plastic in the sector.

• In 2024, the U.S. seaweed packaging market accounted for USD 399.1 million. In the US, the growing demand for seaweed packaging coincides with the growth of the food industry, which is estimated to reach USD 875.78 billion by 2025 with a CAGR of 4.71% from 2025 to 2030, according to Statista. Seaweed packaging, particularly for ready-to-eat foods, drinks, and take-out food, is gaining traction as plastic waste regulations increase and consumers demand more environmentally friendly alternatives. To maintain synchronization with environment goals and ever-evolving business requirements, industries are shifting focus towards new-generation, biodegradable materials.
   
• The Germany seaweed packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. Stricter environmental policies and the ban on single use plastics are inducing the transition to biodegradable packaging in Germany. Leading food companies and retailers are embracing seaweed-based packaging to reduce plastic pollution and meet sustainability objectives. Germany is poised to become a leader in Europe for the market of bio-based packaging solutions based on heightened government support for sustainable packaging.
   
• The China seaweed packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period. Sustainable packaging demand is increasing in China as the government encourages circular economy policy and imposes stricter plastic waste regulations. The rise of e-commerce platform and online shopping in China generates the demand for affordable biodegradable alternatives such as seaweed packaging. Chinese companies are also investing in research and development to enhance the efficiency and scope of seaweed-based materials. Chinese companies are also focusing on research and development to improve the efficiency and scope of seaweed-based materials.
   
• Japan is accounted for a share of 15.2% of the seaweed packaging market in Asia Pacific. Technological advancements in biodegradable and edible packaging materials are key growth drivers of Japan's food and beverage industry. In a bid to address food wastage and plastic consumption, companies are the adopting seaweed films and coatings for food preservation. With strong government support on sustainable packaging and consumer preferences for sustainable options, firms are accelerating research on functional and high-quality seaweed-based packaging materials that are easy to use and environmentally friendly.
   
• India’s seaweed packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. In India, the growth of the packaged food industry and rising demand for sustainable packaging are the major factors responsible for the growth of the market. The affordability of seaweed-based materials in comparison with other biodegradable options renders it appealing to Indian packaging manufacturers. Higher investment in cutting-edge sustainable packaging solutions will foreground India as a primary market for seaweed packaging. Moreover, government endorsement of biodegradable alternatives, coupled with consumer awareness about plastic waste, is also expected to boost the market.
   

Seaweed Packaging Market Share

The seaweed packaging industry is highly competitive. The top 5 players in the market are Evoware, Loliware, Notpla, Sway Innovation, and Zerocircle Alternatives accounting for a significant share of over 35% in the market.
 

The global market for seaweed packaging is experiencing increased participation from startups and established players due to rising demand for eco-friendly alternatives for plastic. Companies are focusing on innovation by developing new, tough, and flexible biodegradable products that can be used in various applications. To expand their market share, companies are now partnering with food and beverages firms, retailers, and even other packaging companies.
 

Companies are also increasing their investments on research and development in a bid to enhance scalability with more economically sound production processes. The sector is also being influenced by mergers acquisitions and funding rounds, allowing firms to expand their scope and footprint in other markets. Companies are also attempting to achieve global sustainability targets and gain consumer trust through regulation adherence and certification.
 

Seaweed Packaging Market Companies

Some of the prominent participants operating in the seaweed packaging industry include:

• Evoware
• Loliware
• Notpla
• Sway Innovation
• Zerocircle Alternatives
   

Evoware strategy focuses on developing biodegradable and edible seaweed-based packaging materials, primarily targeting the food and beverage industry. To minimize plastic waste, the company innovates with dissolvable wrappers, compostable sachets, and other novel design products. Evoware collaborates with various food companies and retail companies in a bid to encourage the adoption of green packaging on a global scale.
 

Notpla strategy focuses on collaboration with food delivery businesses and packaging companies to help drive the adoption of their biodegradable products, such as seaweed-based coatings, films, and sachets. The products are aimed at enhancing product diversification and responding to shifting regulations related to the use of plastics. The company is also actively seeking other market prospects while enhancing the material properties through sustained research and investment activity.
 

Seaweed Packaging Industry News:

• In January 2024, Sway and EcoEnclose collaborated to launch the seaweed-windowed retail box providing a sustainable alternative than plastic windows. The new packaging solution is curbside recyclable, fossil-free, and customizable, and it represents an important milestone in the direction toward circular packaging systems.
   
• In August 2024, PA Consulting partnered with Searo Labs to advance the development of novel seaweed products intended to replace plastic and other single-use products. This partnership aims at promoting the use of seaweed-based materials in the food, personal care, and home care industries.      
   

The seaweed packaging market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Sheets
• Pouches
• Boxes
• Trays
• Other

Market, By Application

• Food & beverage
• Personal care & cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

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

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