The Global Market for Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging 2025-2035

1             EXECUTIVE SUMMARY            18

• 1.1        Global Packaging Market       18
• 1.2        The Market for Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging          18
  • 1.2.1    By product type            19
  • 1.2.2    By end-use market     20
  • 1.2.3    By region           21
• 1.3        Main types       23
  • 1.3.1    Cellulose acetate        23
  • 1.3.2    PLA       24
  • 1.3.3    Aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters     26
  • 1.3.4    PHA      27
  • 1.3.5    Starch/starch blends 29
• 1.4        Prices  30
• 1.5        Market Trends                31
• 1.6        Market Drivers for recent growth in Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging            33
• 1.7        Challenges for Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging         36

2             BIOBASED MATERIALS IN BIODEGRADABLE AND COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING               38

• 2.1        Materials innovation 38
• 2.2        Active packaging         38
• 2.3        Monomaterial packaging       38
• 2.4        Conventional polymer materials used in packaging            39
  • 2.4.1    Polyolefins: Polypropylene and polyethylene            40
    • 2.4.1.1 Overview           40
    • 2.4.1.2 Grades               40
    • 2.4.1.3 Producers         41
  • 2.4.2    PET and other polyester polymers   42
    • 2.4.2.1 Overview           42
  • 2.4.3    Renewable and bio-based polymers for packaging             43
  • 2.4.4    Comparison of synthetic fossil-based and bio-based polymers  44
  • 2.4.5    Processes for bioplastics in packaging        45
  • 2.4.6    End-of-life treatment of bio-based and sustainable packaging   46
• 2.5        Synthetic bio-based packaging materials   48
  • 2.5.1    Polylactic acid (Bio-PLA)        48
    • 2.5.1.1 Overview           48
    • 2.5.1.2 Properties         49
    • 2.5.1.3 Applications   49
    • 2.5.1.4 Commercial examples            52
  • 2.5.2    Polyethylene terephthalate (Bio-PET)            52
    • 2.5.2.1 Overview           52
    • 2.5.2.2 Properties         53
    • 2.5.2.3 Applications   53
    • 2.5.2.4 Advantages of Bio-PET in Packaging              53
    • 2.5.2.5 Challenges and Limitations 54
    • 2.5.2.6 Commercial examples            55
  • 2.5.3    Polytrimethylene terephthalate (Bio-PTT)   55
    • • 2.5.3.1 Overview           55
      • 2.5.3.2 Production Process   56
      • 2.5.3.3 Properties         56
      • 2.5.3.4 Applications   56
      • 2.5.3.5 Advantages of Bio-PTT in Packaging               57
      • 2.5.3.6 Challenges and Limitations 57
    • 2.5.3.7 Commercial examples            58
  • 2.5.4    Polyethylene furanoate (Bio-PEF)     58
    • 2.5.4.1 Overview           58
    • 2.5.4.2 Properties         59
    • 2.5.4.3 Applications   59
    • 2.5.4.4 Advantages of Bio-PEF in Packaging              59
    • 2.5.4.5 Challenges and Limitations 60
    • 2.5.4.6 Commercial examples            60
  • 2.5.5    Bio-PA 61
    • 2.5.5.1 Overview           62
    • 2.5.5.2 Properties         62
    • 2.5.5.3 Applications in Packaging     62
    • 2.5.5.4 Advantages of Bio-PA in Packaging 63
    • 2.5.5.5 Challenges and Limitations 63
    • 2.5.5.6 Commercial examples            63
  • 2.5.6    Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (Bio-PBAT)- Aliphatic aromatic copolyesters                64
    • 2.5.6.1 Overview           65
    • 2.5.6.2 Properties         65
    • 2.5.6.3 Applications in Packaging     65
    • 2.5.6.4 Advantages of Bio-PBAT in Packaging           66
    • 2.5.6.5 Challenges and Limitations 66
    • 2.5.6.6 Commercial examples            66
  • 2.5.7    Polybutylene succinate (PBS) and copolymers       68
    • 2.5.7.1 Overview           68
    • 2.5.7.2 Properties         68
    • 2.5.7.3 Applications in Packaging     69
    • 2.5.7.4 Advantages of Bio-PBS and Co-polymers in Packaging     69
    • 2.5.7.5 Challenges and Limitations 69
    • 2.5.7.6 Commercial examples            70
  • 2.5.8    Polypropylene (Bio-PP)            70
    • 2.5.8.1 Overview           71
    • 2.5.8.2 Properties         71
    • 2.5.8.3 Applications in Packaging     71
    • 2.5.8.4 Advantages of Bio-PP in Packaging 71
    • 2.5.8.5 Challenges and Limitations 72
    • 2.5.8.6 Commercial examples            72
• 2.6        Natural bio-based packaging materials       73
  • 2.6.1    Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)             73
    • 2.6.1.1 Properties         74
    • 2.6.1.2 Applications in Packaging     74
    • 2.6.1.3 Advantages of PHA in Packaging      75
    • 2.6.1.4 Challenges and Limitations 76
    • 2.6.1.5 Commercial examples            76
  • 2.6.2    Starch-based blends 77
    • 2.6.2.1 Overview           77
    • 2.6.2.2 Properties         77
    • 2.6.2.3 Applications in Packaging     78
    • 2.6.2.4 Advantages of Starch-Based Blends in Packaging 78
    • 2.6.2.5 Challenges and Limitations 78
    • 2.6.2.6 Commercial examples            78
  • 2.6.3    Cellulose          80
    • 2.6.3.1 Feedstocks      80
      • 2.6.3.1.1           Wood  80
      • 2.6.3.1.2           Plant    81
      • 2.6.3.1.3           Tunicate             81
      • 2.6.3.1.4           Algae   81
      • 2.6.3.1.5           Bacteria             82
    • 2.6.3.2 Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC)        83
      • 2.6.3.2.1           Properties         83
    • 2.6.3.3 Nanocellulose               84
      • 2.6.3.3.1           Cellulose nanocrystals           84
        • 2.6.3.3.1.1      Applications in packaging     84
      • 2.6.3.3.2           Cellulose nanofibers 85
        • 2.6.3.3.2.1      Applications in packaging     86
      • 2.6.3.3.3           Bacterial Nanocellulose (BNC)          92
        • 2.6.3.3.3.1      Applications in packaging     94
    • 2.6.3.4 Commercial examples            95
  • 2.6.4    Protein-based bioplastics in packaging       97
    • 2.6.4.1 Feedstocks      97
    • 2.6.4.2 Commercial examples            99
  • 2.6.5    Lipids and waxes for packaging         100
    • 2.6.5.1 Overview           101
    • 2.6.5.2 Commercial examples            101
  • 2.6.6    Seaweed-based packaging  102
    • 2.6.6.1 Overview           102
    • 2.6.6.2 Production       104
    • 2.6.6.3 Applications in packaging     104
    • 2.6.6.4 Producers         104
  • 2.6.7    Mycelium          105
    • 2.6.7.1 Overview           105
    • 2.6.7.2 Applications in packaging     106
    • 2.6.7.3 Commercial examples            107
  • 2.6.8    Chitosan           109
    • 2.6.8.1 Overview           109
    • 2.6.8.2 Applications in packaging     110
    • 2.6.8.3 Commercial examples            110
  • 2.6.9    Bio-naphtha   112
    • 2.6.9.1 Overview           112
    • 2.6.9.2 Markets and applications      113
    • 2.6.9.3 Commercial examples            114

3             MARKETS AND APPLICATIONS           116

• 3.1        Paper and board packaging 116
• 3.2        Food packaging           118
  • 3.2.1    Bio-Based films and trays      118
  • 3.2.2    Bio-Based pouches and bags             119
  • 3.2.3    Bio-Based textiles and nets  119
  • 3.2.4    Bioadhesives 119
    • 3.2.4.1 Starch 120
    • 3.2.4.2 Cellulose          120
    • 3.2.4.3 Protein-Based               121
  • 3.2.5    Barrier coatings and films     121
    • 3.2.5.1 Polysaccharides          122
      • 3.2.5.1.1           Chitin  122
      • 3.2.5.1.2           Chitosan           122
      • 3.2.5.1.3           Starch 122
    • 3.2.5.2 Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)              123
    • 3.2.5.3 Poly(butylene Succinate)       123
    • 3.2.5.4 Functional Lipid and Proteins Based Coatings        123
  • 3.2.6    Active and Smart Food Packaging   124
    • 3.2.6.1 Active Materials and Packaging Systems    124
    • 3.2.6.2 Intelligent and Smart Food Packaging           125
  • 3.2.7    Antimicrobial films and agents          126
    • 3.2.7.1 Natural               127
    • 3.2.7.2 Inorganic nanoparticles          127
    • 3.2.7.3 Biopolymers   128
  • 3.2.8    Bio-based Inks and Dyes        128
  • 3.2.9    Edible films and coatings       129
    • 3.2.9.1 Overview           129
    • 3.2.9.2 Commercial examples            131
• 3.3        Biobased films and coatings in packaging 132
  • 3.3.1    Overview           132
  • 3.3.2    Challenges using bio-based paints and coatings   132
  • 3.3.3    Types of bio-based coatings and films in packaging           135
    • 3.3.3.1 Polyurethane coatings             135
      • 3.3.3.1.1           Properties         135
      • 3.3.3.1.2           Bio-based polyurethane coatings     135
      • 3.3.3.1.3           Products           136
    • 3.3.3.2 Acrylate resins              137
      • 3.3.3.2.1           Properties         137
      • 3.3.3.2.2           Bio-based acrylates  137
      • 3.3.3.2.3           Products           138
    • 3.3.3.3 Polylactic acid (Bio-PLA)        138
      • 3.3.3.3.1           Properties         140
      • 3.3.3.3.2           Bio-PLA coatings and films  140
    • 3.3.3.4 Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) coatings         140
    • 3.3.3.5 Cellulose coatings and films               142
      • 3.3.3.5.1           Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC)        142
      • 3.3.3.5.2           Cellulose nanofibers 142
        • 3.3.3.5.2.1      Properties         142
        • 3.3.3.5.2.2      Product developers    144
    • 3.3.3.6 Lignin coatings              146
    • 3.3.3.7 Protein-based biomaterials for coatings      146
      • 3.3.3.7.1           Plant derived proteins              146
      • 3.3.3.7.2           Animal origin proteins              147
• 3.4        Carbon capture derived materials for packaging   148
  • 3.4.1    Benefits of carbon utilization for plastics feedstocks         149
  • 3.4.2    CO₂-derived polymers and plastics 151
  • 3.4.3    CO2 utilization products        152

4             GLOBAL MARKET FOR BIODEGRADABLE AND COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING (Tonnes) 154

• 4.1        Total     154
  • 4.1.1    By product type            154
  • 4.1.2    By end-use market     155
  • 4.1.3    By region           156
• 4.2        Flexible packaging     157
• 4.3        Rigid packaging            159
• 4.4        Coatings and films     162

5             COMPANY PROFILES                164 (213 company profiles)

6             RESEARCH METHODOLOGY              328

7             REFERENCES 329

List of Tables

• Table 1. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by product type, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).                18
• Table 2. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by end-use market, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).             20
• Table 3. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by region, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).    21
• Table 4. Average annual prices by bioplastic type, 2024 (US$ per kg).     29
• Table 5. Market trends in bio-based and sustainable packaging 31
• Table 6. Drivers for recent growth in the Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging market.               33
• Table 7. Challenges for Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging.     36
• Table 8. Types of bio-based plastics and fossil-fuel-based plastics          39
• Table 9. Comparison of synthetic fossil-based and bio-based polymers.             45
• Table 10. Processes for bioplastics in packaging. 46
• Table 11. PLA properties for packaging applications.         49
• Table 12. Applications, advantages and disadvantages of PHAs in packaging. 74
• Table 13. Major polymers found in the extracellular covering of different algae.               82
• Table 14. Market overview for cellulose microfibers (microfibrillated cellulose) in paperboard and packaging-market age, key benefits, applications and producers.            83
• Table 15. Applications of nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC).            85
• Table 16. Market overview for cellulose nanofibers in packaging.              87
• Table 17. Types of protein based-bioplastics, applications and companies.      98
• Table 18. Overview of alginate-description, properties, application and market size.   103
• Table 19. Companies developing algal-based bioplastics.             105
• Table 20. Overview of mycelium fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications.               105
• Table 21. Overview of chitosan-description, properties, drawbacks and applications.                109
• Table 22. Bio-based naphtha markets and applications. 113
• Table 23. Bio-naphtha market value chain.               113
• Table 24. Pros and cons of different type of food packaging materials.   118
• Table 25. Active Biodegradable Films films and their food applications.               125
• Table 26. Intelligent Biodegradable Films.  125
• Table 27. Edible films and coatings market summary.       129
• Table 28. Summary of barrier films and coatings for packaging. 133
• Table 29. Types of polyols.    135
• Table 30. Polyol producers.  136
• Table 31. Bio-based polyurethane coating products.          136
• Table 32. Bio-based acrylate resin products.           138
• Table 33. Polylactic acid (PLA) market analysis.    138
• Table 34. Commercially available PHAs.     141
• Table 35. Market overview for cellulose nanofibers in paints and coatings.         143
• Table 36. Companies developing cellulose nanofibers products in paints and coatings.           144
• Table 37. Types of protein based-biomaterials, applications and companies.   147
• Table 38. CO2 utilization and removal pathways.  149
• Table 39. CO2 utilization products developed by chemical and plastic producers.        152
• Table 40. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by product type, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).             154
• Table 41. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by end-use market, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).             155
• Table 42. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by region, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).  156
• Table 43. Comparison of bioplastics’ (PLA and PHAs) properties to other common polymers used in product packaging.   157
• Table 44. Typical applications for bioplastics in flexible packaging.         158
• Table 45. Typical applications for bioplastics in rigid packaging. 160
• Table 46. Market revenues for bio-based coatings, 2018-2035 (billions USD), high estimate. 163
• Table 47. Lactips plastic pellets.       258
• Table 48. Oji Holdings CNF products.            282

List of Figures

• Figure 1. Global packaging market by material type.           18
• Figure 2. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by product type, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).                19
• Figure 3. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by end-use market, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).             21
• Figure 4. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by region, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).   22
• Figure 5. Average annual prices by bioplastic type, 2024 (US$ per kg).   30
• Figure 6. Routes for synthesizing polymers from fossil-based and bio-based resources.           44
• Figure 7. LDPE film versus PLA, 2019–24 (USD/tonne).     49
• Figure 8. Organization and morphology of cellulose synthesizing terminal complexes (TCs) in different organisms.      80
• Figure 9. Biosynthesis of (a) wood cellulose (b) tunicate cellulose and (c) BC.  81
• Figure 10. Cellulose microfibrils and nanofibrils.  83
• Figure 11. TEM image of cellulose nanocrystals.   84
• Figure 12. CNC slurry.              85
• Figure 13. CNF gel.     86
• Figure 14. Bacterial nanocellulose shapes 93
• Figure 15. BLOOM masterbatch from Algix.               104
• Figure 16. Typical structure of mycelium-based foam.      106
• Figure 17. Commercial mycelium composite construction materials.    107
• Figure 18. Types of bio-based materials used for antimicrobial food packaging application.  127
• Figure 19. Schematic of gas barrier properties of nanoclay film. 133
• Figure 20. Hefcel-coated wood (left) and untreated wood (right) after 30 seconds flame test.               146
• Figure 21. Applications for CO2.       149
• Figure 22. Life cycle of CO2-derived products and services.          151
• Figure 23.  Conversion pathways for CO2-derived polymeric materials  152
• Figure 24. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by product type, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).             155
• Figure 25. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by end-use market, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).             156
• Figure 26. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by region, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes). 156
• Figure 27. Bioplastics for flexible packaging by bioplastic material type, 2019–2035 (‘000 tonnes).   159
• Figure 28. Bioplastics for rigid packaging by bioplastic material type, 2019–2035 (‘000 tonnes).         161
• Figure 29. Market revenues for bio-based coatings, 2018-2035 (billions USD), conservative estimate.                162
• Figure 30. Pluumo.     166
• Figure 31. Anpoly cellulose nanofiber hydrogel.     173
• Figure 32. MEDICELLU™.         174
• Figure 33. Asahi Kasei CNF fabric sheet.     180
• Figure 34. Properties of Asahi Kasei cellulose nanofiber nonwoven fabric.          181
• Figure 35. CNF nonwoven fabric.      182
• Figure 36. Passionfruit wrapped in Xgo Circular packaging.           187
• Figure 37. BIOLO e-commerce mailer bag made from PHA.           192
• Figure 38. Reusable and recyclable foodservice cups, lids, and straws from Joinease Hong Kong Ltd., made with plant-based NuPlastiQ BioPolymer from BioLogiQ, Inc.          193
• Figure 39. Fiber-based screw cap.   202
• Figure 40. CJ CheilJedang's biodegradable PHA-based wrapper for shipping products.              212
• Figure 41. CuanSave film.     215
• Figure 42. ELLEX products.   217
• Figure 43. CNF-reinforced PP compounds.               218
• Figure 44. Kirekira! toilet wipes.         218
• Figure 45. Rheocrysta spray.                222
• Figure 46. DKS CNF products.            222
• Figure 47. Photograph (a) and micrograph (b) of mineral/ MFC composite showing the high viscosity and fibrillar structure.        232
• Figure 48. PHA production process.               237
• Figure 49. AVAPTM process. 241
• Figure 50. GreenPower+™ process.  241
• Figure 51. Cutlery samples (spoon, knife, fork) made of nano cellulose and biodegradable plastic composite materials.               244
• Figure 52. CNF gel.     246
• Figure 53. Block nanocellulose material.    246
• Figure 54. CNF products developed by Hokuetsu.                247
• Figure 55. Kami Shoji CNF products.              252
• Figure 56. IPA synthesis method.      268
• Figure 57. Compostable water pod.               277
• Figure 58. XCNF.          292
• Figure 59: Innventia AB movable nanocellulose demo plant.        293
• Figure 60. Shellworks packaging containers.           297
• Figure 61. Thales packaging incorporating Fibrease.           303
• Figure 62. Sulapac cosmetics containers. 305
• Figure 63.  Sulzer equipment for PLA polymerization processing.              306
• Figure 64. Silver / CNF composite dispersions.      313
• Figure 65. CNF/nanosilver powder.  313
• Figure 66. Corbion FDCA production process.        315
• Figure 67. UPM biorefinery process.               317
• Figure 68. Vegea production process.           320
• Figure 69. Worn Again products.       323
• Figure 70. S-CNF in powder form.    325

The Global Market for Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging 2025-2035

PDF download/by email.

The Global Market for Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging 2025-2035

PDF and Print Edition (including tracked delivery).

Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Paypal, Bank Transfer. To order by Bank Transfer (Invoice) select this option from the payment methods menu after adding to cart.