September 2024
The global bioplastic packaging market size reached US$ 17.99 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit around US$ 87.98 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 17.2% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.
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Increasing launch of the new fast-moving beverages is rising the demand for the bottle caps which is expected to drive the growth of the global bioplastic packaging market over the forecast period.
Bioplastics are synthetic materials made of renewable biomass, including sawdust, maize starch, straw, vegetable fats and oils, wood chips, and recovered food waste. Bioplastic, a biodegradable substance derived from renewable resources, has the potential to mitigate the issue of plastic waste, which is strangling the world and degrading the ecosystem. Organic or bio-plastics are a type of plastic that comes from renewable biomass sources, such bacteria, pea starch, or maize starch, as opposed to fossil fuel-derived plastics that come from oil. The intended biodegradability of certain bio-plastics varies. Bio-plastics offer businesses and consumers an innovative way to contribute to environmental protection and a sustainable future. They are either bio-based or biodegradable. Based on a novel class of biodegradable materials, biodegradable plastic is primarily produced with less energy by utilizing natural resources like corn and wheat starch.
Bioplastics are primarily divided into two categories, namely PLA (polylactic acid) and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate). The sugars found in maize starch, cassava, or sugarcane are commonly used to make PLA (polylactic acid), which is edible, carbon-neutral, and biodegradable. Corn kernels are dissolved into carbohydrate, protein, and fiber by immersion in sulfur dioxide and hot water, which turns corn into plastic. After the kernels are processed, the starch and corn oil are separated. Long carbon molecule chains make up the starch, just as long carbon chains in plastic made from fossil fuels do. Add some citric acid to create a long-chain polymer, which is a big Wheat starch is transformed into plastic. Picture: The CSIRO molecule, which is the building block of plastic, is made up of repeated smaller units. PLA can have characteristics similar to those of polyethylene, which is used to make plastic.
The bioplastic material reduces carbon footprint. Bioplastic material saves energy in production. The non-renewable raw materials are not used for manufacturing the bioplastics. The use of bioplastics reduces non-biodegradable waste which is hazardous for environment. Bioplastic material do not contain contaminates and additives that are harmful for health such as bisphenol A or phthalates. The global packaging market size is estimated to grow from USD 1.20 trillion in 2022 to reach an estimated USD 1.58 trillion by 2032, growing at a 3.16% CAGR between 2023 and 2032.
Shifting Trend Towards Sustainable Options for Packaging Due to Environmental Concerns
Growing public awareness of environmental sustainability is expected to propel the growth of the global bioplastic packaging market. The market for bioplastics will continue to be driven by growing worries about plastic pollution and efforts to wean off of plastics derived from petroleum. Growing consumer awareness of and preference for environmentally friendly and sustainable products is one of the main factors driving the worldwide bioplastic packaging market's expansion.
Nowadays, a greater number of consumers are choosing packaging materials made of renewable plant-based resources and with less of an adverse effect on the environment. The younger generation, who care more about the environment and are prepared to spend more for sustainable options, is driving this trend. People are becoming more and more aware of the negative environmental effects of single-use plastics and the waste they produce, which ends up in landfills and the ocean. As a result, producers of packaging are now able to provide bioplastic alternatives derived from biomass sources such as cellulose, sugarcane, maize starch, and vegetable fats and oils. Food packaging, drink bottles, containers, clamshells, and other objects are among the examples given.
The United Nations Environment Programme reports that the amount of plastic produced worldwide rose from 1.5 million tons in 1950 to almost 380 million tons in 2015. Less than 10% of it gets recycled, with the remainder finding its natural home in the environment. Concerns over plastic contamination have increased in light of these concerning data. The bioplastic packaging sector is expanding due in large part to the strict laws being enforced by governments throughout the world to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Virgin plastic bags and other non-biodegradable packaging products are subject to restrictions or steep surcharges in nations like the European Union, Canada, China, and India.
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Fluctuating Cost of Raw Materials as well as Need of Advanced Technology for Manufacturing Bioplastic Material
The high cost required for manufacturing the bioplastic material is estimated to impose restriction on the growth of the bioplastic packaging market. One of the biggest obstacles preventing bioplastic from being widely used in the packaging business is still its high cost of production. Bioplastics still cost more to make than traditional plastics, despite their advantageous environmental qualities. Additionally, the cost of polymers derived from fossil fuels is reduced by the current petrochemical network. Exorbitant expenses restrict bioplastics to specialized uses and affect their ability to compete on price in the market.
Rising Consumer Demand for Sustainable Packaging
Growing customer demand for environmentally friendly packaging offers significant opportunity for the growth of the bioplastic packaging market over the forecast period. Consumer desire for eco-friendly products and growing environmental consciousness are pushing the use of bioplastic packaging when it is available. Stringent laws designed to reduce the use of single-use plastics also encourage the usage of bioplastics. Costs are expected to decrease as manufacturing increases, making bioplastics more accessible and cheap for a larger spectrum of end users. The key players operating in the market are focused on adopting inorganic growth strategies like collaboration to develop bioplastic materials to meet the rising demand of the bioplastic packaging is expected to create lucrative opportunity for the growth of the bioplastic packaging market over the forecast period.
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United States Overall E-commerce Growth to Support Bioplastic Packaging Market
The biodegradable segment witnessed dominating the market share of the bioplastic packaging market in 2023. Due to consumer awareness of the environment growing and government pressure for sustainable solutions. After being disposed of, biodegradable plastic totally breaks down without leaving any hazardous traces behind. This lessens the pollution that traditional plastic, which fills landfills for centuries, causes. Several key drivers are driving the biodegradable material market. Growing inclination for environmentally friendly products: Customers are choosing more and more environmentally friendly products with smaller carbon footprints as the risks posed by climate change become more apparent. The move toward plant-based, biodegradable packaging alternatives is being accelerated by the bad press surrounding the disposal of plastic waste in seas.
Growing need for bio-based plastics in a number of end-use sectors, which is anticipated to fuel demand for them throughout the evaluation period. Polylactic acid, starch blends, PBAT, PBS, PHA, polycaprolactone, and cellulose acetate are examples of biodegradable plastics. In terms of revenue, starch blends and PBAT constituted the largest biodegradable product segment in 2021. Potatoes, tapiocas, wheat, rice, and corn are among the readily available natural materials used to make starch-based polymers. Because starch blends are so readily available, they are a great substitute for traditional plastics. However, during the course of the projection period, polylactic acid (PLA) is anticipated to increase at the highest rate. The increasing product demand in a number of applications, such as packaging, transportation, agriculture, electronics, and textiles, is predicted to fuel the segment's expansion.
The global market for polylactic acid is being significantly fueled by its lower carbon emissions as compared to conventional polymers. One kilogram of polylactic acid, for example, emits about 0.5 kg of carbon dioxide, while the production of low-density polyethylene, conventional polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene releases 1.7 kg, 5.0 kg, 2.2 kg, 2.0 kg, and 1. 7 kg of carbon dioxide, respectively. Moreover, the key players operating in the market are focused on launching the new technology and expanding product portfolio which is estimated to drive the growth of the segment over the forecast period.
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The flexible segment is expected to show significant growth over the forecast period. It is projected that advances in case-ready packaging, enhanced packaging techniques, and bioplastic production technologies would propel demand for bioplastics in flexible packaging. Additionally, there is a great need for flexible packaging, particularly for beverages and snack items. The rise in demand can be ascribed to advancements in technology, shifts in consumer lifestyles, contemporary retail industries, and the growing appeal of quick-service restaurants.
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Flexible packaging, which is mostly composed of bioplastics, has many advantages over rigid packaging, including better product protection, longer shelf lives, and lower material use. Important participants in the flexible packaging sector as well as raw material suppliers are tackling this problem by creating environmentally friendly plastic film solutions and putting in place different recycling initiatives. The goal of MRFF (Materials Recovery for the Future), for example, is to provide practical and affordable solutions for recycling and recovering plastic materials over the course of the plastic film's lifecycle.
The platform is a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including Amor, Sealed Air, Procter and Gamble, APR, PepsiCo, FPA, and Target. The recycling efforts are additionally aided by programs like the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), Plastics Industry Recycling Action Plan (PIRAP), and Waste & Resource Action Program (WRAP). Additionally, companies like Alcoa, Tetra Pak, Klabin, and TSL Ambiental are implementing cutting-edge recycling technologies like plasma technology, which consumes less energy than traditional recycling techniques, to separate the paper, aluminium, and plastic components used in packaging. Throughout the projected period, the expanding use of these technologies will support the expansion of the global market for flexible food and beverage packaging.
The food & beverages segment held dominant position in the year 2023. The market is driven by the growing popularity of quick-service restaurants and the growing demand for packaged food. During the forecast period, the market for flexible packaging is expected to rise as a result of manufacturers raising their production capacity in response to the increased demand for packaged goods. Biodegradable films are thin layers of material that can decompose into their natural components while protecting and preserving food and drinks. Cellophane, a biodegradable film material made from plant cellulose, is one example. The environmentally benign nature of biodegradable films sets them apart from conventional plastic films.
Consider the conventional plastic overwrap used on magazines or beverage multipacks. In addition to reducing plastic waste, replacing this with a biodegradable film helps create a more sustainable end-of-life situation.Biodegradable films have a wide range of expanding uses in the food and beverage sector. Fresh produce may be preserved for longer while having a less environmental impact due to shrink wrap, a permeable but protective fabric that covers fruits and vegetables. Biodegradable films are now widely used in snack packaging, individually wrapped products, and single-serve food items.
Europe held the dominant share in 2023. An enormous and well-established e-commerce market exists in nations which drives up demand for a wide range of packaging in a variety of product categories. The region's need for packaging is mostly driven by the increasing adoption of e-commerce, which is made possible by the ease of online shopping and a strong logistical infrastructure. E-retailers can also get a variety of packaging options at affordable costs because of existence of significant packaging suppliers and manufacturers in Europe. Packages that can be customized to fit heavy, awkwardly proportioned, or fragile items are widely available. Continuous packaging improvements for attributes like tamper-proof seals, simple returns, and recyclability are another characteristic of the regional market. Packaging in the area continues to place a strong emphasis on sustainability. Moreover, the key players operating in the European market are focused on developing biopolymer for bioplastic packaging, which is estimated to drive the growth of the bioplastic packaging market over the forecast period.
Asia Pacific is estimated to witness fastest growth over the forecast period. The key factor here is the rapid rise of the internet retail industry in conjunction with rising incomes in developing nations. Online purchasing has increased by over 50% annually in China, India, and other Southeast Asian nations, surpassing that of established markets. The demand for a variety of package formats is directly impacted by this increase. Packaging manufacturers can benefit from significant market potential in the Asia Pacific area as a result of growing manufacturing localization. Other benefits include a sizable customer base and the existence of well-known internet marketplaces.
Additionally, the region's labor and inexpensive raw materials have attracted multinational brand owners to establish operations there. The fast-moving e-commerce packaging business has found Asia Pacific to be an appealing place for future expansion due to this and the growth of regional packaging solution providers. The key players operating in the market are focused on launching new manufacturing plant in different countries of Asia Pacific region, to expand its geographic presence as well as the production capacity, which is estimated to drive the growth of the bioplastic packaging market over the forecast period.
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Furthermore, the key players are focused on developing and providing advanced technology for bioplastic material manufacturing and bioplastic packaging, which estimated to drive the growth of the bioplastic packaging market over the forecast period.
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Recent survey findings reveal a promising new frontier in sustainable materials: mushrooms. Researchers have discovered that a particular mushroom species could potentially replace plastic in a variety of applications, from headphones and memory foam for shoes to aircraft exoskeletons.
The survey highlights how mushrooms could play a key role in reducing the immense waste generated by conventional plastics, which are notoriously difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills, landscapes, and waterways. Unlike plastics, mushroom-based materials are biodegradable and can be repurposed at the end of their life cycle.
The research unveils that this mushroom possesses remarkable versatility in material properties. It can be engineered to produce a range of textures, from soft and spongy to tough and woody. This adaptability opens up exciting possibilities for its use in various products. By examining the mushroom’s unique three-layer structure, researchers aim to develop more sustainable alternatives to traditional materials.
The outer layer of the mushroom is particularly tough and could potentially be used for impact-resistant coatings, such as those found in windshields. The soft middle layer offers a leather-like texture, which could provide a sustainable substitute for leather goods. Lastly, the inner layer resembles wood, presenting potential applications in structural materials.
The survey underscores that this mushroom’s diverse properties, coupled with advanced imaging and mechanical strength assessments, could pave the way for innovative, eco-friendly materials in the near future.
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Elevated apprehensions regarding the detrimental impact of single-use plastics on the environment, coupled with a burgeoning consumer consciousness concerning the advantages of sustainable packaging, stand out as pivotal catalysts propelling the growth of the worldwide green packaging market.
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Asmita Singh is a renowned author and consultant in the packaging industry, known for her deep passion for knowledge discovery and commitment to delivering actionable insights. With extensive experience in implementing advanced research methodologies, Asmita generates high-quality data and meaningful results that drive innovation and efficiency in packaging solutions. Her expertise spans the globe, offering valuable consulting services to businesses aiming to enhance their packaging strategies. Asmitas work is characterized by a dedication to excellence and a keen understanding of the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of packaging.