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          19
  • 1.2.1    By biobased plastics type      19
  • 1.2.2    By packaging product type    20
  • 1.2.3    By end-use market     21
  • 1.2.4    By region           22
• 1.3        Main types       22
  • 1.3.1    Cellulose acetate        24
  • 1.3.2    PLA       24
  • 1.3.3    Aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters     25
  • 1.3.4    PHA      25
  • 1.3.5    Starch/starch blends 25
• 1.4        Prices  26
• 1.5        Market Trends                27
• 1.6        Market Drivers for recent growth in Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging            28
• 1.7        Challenges for Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging         29

2             BIOBASED MATERIALS IN BIODEGRADABLE AND COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING               31

• 2.1        Materials innovation 31
• 2.2        Active packaging         31
• 2.3        Monomaterial packaging       31
• 2.4        Conventional polymer materials used in packaging            32
  • 2.4.1    Polyolefins: Polypropylene and polyethylene            33
    • 2.4.1.1 Overview           33
    • 2.4.1.2 Grades               33
    • 2.4.1.3 Producers         34
  • 2.4.2    PET and other polyester polymers   35
    • 2.4.2.1 Overview           35
  • 2.4.3    Renewable and bio-based polymers for packaging             35
  • 2.4.4    Comparison of synthetic fossil-based and bio-based polymers  37
  • 2.4.5    Processes for bioplastics in packaging        37
  • 2.4.6    End-of-life treatment of bio-based and sustainable packaging   38
• 2.5        Synthetic bio-based packaging materials   39
  • 2.5.1    Polylactic acid (Bio-PLA)        39
    • 2.5.1.1 Overview           39
    • 2.5.1.2 Properties         40
    • 2.5.1.3 Applications   40
    • 2.5.1.4 Advantages     41
    • 2.5.1.5 Challenges      41
    • 2.5.1.6 Commercial examples            42
  • 2.5.2    Polyethylene terephthalate (Bio-PET)            42
    • 2.5.2.1 Overview           43
    • 2.5.2.2 Properties         43
    • 2.5.2.3 Applications   43
    • 2.5.2.4 Advantages of Bio-PET in Packaging              44
    • 2.5.2.5 Challenges and Limitations 44
    • 2.5.2.6 Commercial examples            45
  • 2.5.3    Polytrimethylene terephthalate (Bio-PTT)   46
    • 2.5.3.1 Overview           46
    • 2.5.3.2 Production Process   46
    • 2.5.3.3 Properties         46
    • 2.5.3.4 Applications   46
    • 2.5.3.5 Advantages of Bio-PTT in Packaging               47
    • 2.5.3.6 Challenges and Limitations 47
    • 2.5.3.7 Commercial examples            48
  • 2.5.4    Polyethylene furanoate (Bio-PEF)     48
    • 2.5.4.1 Overview           48
    • 2.5.4.2 Properties         48
    • 2.5.4.3 Applications   49
    • 2.5.4.4 Advantages of Bio-PEF in Packaging              49
    • 2.5.4.5 Challenges and Limitations 49
    • 2.5.4.6 Commercial examples            50
  • 2.5.5    Bio-PA 50
    • 2.5.5.1 Overview           50
    • 2.5.5.2 Properties         50
    • 2.5.5.3 Applications in Packaging     51
    • 2.5.5.4 Advantages of Bio-PA in Packaging 51
    • 2.5.5.5 Challenges and Limitations 51
    • 2.5.5.6 Commercial examples            52
  • 2.5.6    Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (Bio-PBAT)- Aliphatic aromatic copolyesters                52
    • 2.5.6.1 Overview           52
    • 2.5.6.2 Properties         52
    • 2.5.6.3 Applications in Packaging     53
    • 2.5.6.4 Advantages of Bio-PBAT in Packaging           53
    • 2.5.6.5 Challenges and Limitations 53
    • 2.5.6.6 Commercial examples            54
  • 2.5.7    Polybutylene succinate (PBS) and copolymers       54
    • 2.5.7.1 Overview           54
    • 2.5.7.2 Properties         54
    • 2.5.7.3 Applications in Packaging     55
    • 2.5.7.4 Advantages of Bio-PBS and Co-polymers in Packaging     55
    • 2.5.7.5 Challenges and Limitations 55
    • 2.5.7.6 Commercial examples            56
  • 2.5.8    Polypropylene (Bio-PP)            56
    • 2.5.8.1 Overview           56
    • 2.5.8.2 Properties         56
    • 2.5.8.3 Applications in Packaging     56
    • 2.5.8.4 Advantages of Bio-PP in Packaging 57
    • 2.5.8.5 Challenges and Limitations 57
    • 2.5.8.6 Commercial examples            57
• 2.6        Natural bio-based packaging materials       58
  • 2.6.1    Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)             58
    • 2.6.1.1 Properties         58
    • 2.6.1.2 Applications in Packaging     58
    • 2.6.1.3 Advantages of PHA in Packaging      60
    • 2.6.1.4 Challenges and Limitations 60
    • 2.6.1.5 Commercial examples            60
  • 2.6.2    Starch-based blends 61
    • 2.6.2.1 Overview           61
    • 2.6.2.2 Properties         61
    • 2.6.2.3 Applications in Packaging     61
    • 2.6.2.4 Advantages of Starch-Based Blends in Packaging 62
    • 2.6.2.5 Challenges and Limitations 62
    • 2.6.2.6 Commercial examples            62
  • 2.6.3    Cellulose          62
    • 2.6.3.1 Feedstocks      62
      • 2.6.3.1.1           Wood  63
      • 2.6.3.1.2           Plant    63
      • 2.6.3.1.3           Tunicate             64
      • 2.6.3.1.4           Algae   64
      • 2.6.3.1.5           Bacteria             65
    • 2.6.3.2 Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC)        66
      • 2.6.3.2.1           Properties         66
    • 2.6.3.3 Nanocellulose               66
      • 2.6.3.3.1           Cellulose nanocrystals           66
        • 2.6.3.3.1.1      Applications in packaging     67
      • 2.6.3.3.2           Cellulose nanofibers 68
        • 2.6.3.3.2.1      Applications in packaging     69
      • 2.6.3.3.3           Bacterial Nanocellulose (BNC)          75
        • 2.6.3.3.3.1      Applications in packaging     77
    • 2.6.3.4 Commercial examples            78
  • 2.6.4    Protein-based bioplastics in packaging       78
    • 2.6.4.1 Feedstocks      78
    • 2.6.4.2 Commercial examples            80
  • 2.6.5    Lipids and waxes for packaging         80
    • 2.6.5.1 Overview           80
    • 2.6.5.2 Commercial examples            81
  • 2.6.6    Seaweed-based packaging  81
    • 2.6.6.1 Overview           81
    • 2.6.6.2 Production       82
    • 2.6.6.3 Applications in packaging     83
    • 2.6.6.4 Producers         83
  • 2.6.7    Mycelium          83
    • 2.6.7.1 Overview           83
    • 2.6.7.2 Applications in packaging     84
    • 2.6.7.3 Commercial examples            85
  • 2.6.8    Chitosan           85
    • 2.6.8.1 Overview           85
    • 2.6.8.2 Applications in packaging     86
    • 2.6.8.3 Commercial examples            86
  • 2.6.9    Bio-naphtha   88
    • 2.6.9.1 Overview           88
    • 2.6.9.2 Markets and applications      88
    • 2.6.9.3 Commercial examples            90

3             MARKETS AND APPLICATIONS           91

• 3.1        Paper and board packaging 91
• 3.2        Food packaging           91
  • 3.2.1    Bio-Based films and trays      92
  • 3.2.2    Bio-Based pouches and bags             92
  • 3.2.3    Bio-Based textiles and nets  92
  • 3.2.4    Bioadhesives 93
    • 3.2.4.1 Starch 94
    • 3.2.4.2 Cellulose          94
    • 3.2.4.3 Protein-Based               94
  • 3.2.5    Barrier coatings and films     94
    • 3.2.5.1 Polysaccharides          95
      • 3.2.5.1.1           Chitin  96
      • 3.2.5.1.2           Chitosan           96
      • 3.2.5.1.3           Starch 96
    • 3.2.5.2 Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)              96
    • 3.2.5.3 Poly(butylene Succinate)       96
    • 3.2.5.4 Functional Lipid and Proteins Based Coatings        96
  • 3.2.6    Active and Smart Food Packaging   97
    • 3.2.6.1 Active Materials and Packaging Systems    97
    • 3.2.6.2 Intelligent and Smart Food Packaging           98
  • 3.2.7    Antimicrobial films and agents          99
    • 3.2.7.1 Natural               100
    • 3.2.7.2 Inorganic nanoparticles          100
    • 3.2.7.3 Biopolymers   100
  • 3.2.8    Bio-based Inks and Dyes        101
    • 3.2.9    Edible films and coatings       101
      • 3.2.9.1 Overview           101
      • 3.2.9.2 Commercial examples            103
• 3.3        Biobased films and coatings in packaging 104
  • 3.3.1    Overview           104
  • 3.3.2    Challenges using bio-based paints and coatings   104
  • 3.3.3    Types of bio-based coatings and films in packaging           107
    • 3.3.3.1 Polyurethane coatings             107
      • 3.3.3.1.1           Properties         107
      • 3.3.3.1.2           Bio-based polyurethane coatings     107
      • 3.3.3.1.3           Products           108
    • 3.3.3.2 Acrylate resins              109
      • 3.3.3.2.1           Properties         109
      • 3.3.3.2.2           Bio-based acrylates  109
      • 3.3.3.2.3           Products           110
    • 3.3.3.3 Polylactic acid (Bio-PLA)        110
      • 3.3.3.3.1           Properties         111
      • 3.3.3.3.2           Bio-PLA coatings and films  112
    • 3.3.3.4 Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) coatings         112
    • 3.3.3.5 Cellulose coatings and films               113
      • 3.3.3.5.1           Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC)        113
      • 3.3.3.5.2           Cellulose nanofibers 114
        • 3.3.3.5.2.1      Properties         114
        • 3.3.3.5.2.2      Product developers    116
    • 3.3.3.6 Lignin coatings              118
    • 3.3.3.7 Protein-based biomaterials for coatings      118
      • 3.3.3.7.1           Plant derived proteins              118
      • 3.3.3.7.2           Animal origin proteins              118
• 3.4        Carbon capture derived materials for packaging   119
  • 3.4.1    Benefits of carbon utilization for plastics feedstocks         120
  • 3.4.2    CO₂-derived polymers and plastics 122
  • 3.4.3    CO2 utilization products        123
• 3.5        Flexible packaging     124
• 3.6        Rigid packaging            127
• 3.7        Coatings and films     130

4             COMPANY PROFILES                131 (230 company profiles)

5             RESEARCH METHODOLOGY              313

6             REFERENCES 314

List of Tables

• Table 1. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by biobased plastics type, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).             19
• Table 2. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by packaging product type, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).             20
• Table 3. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by end-use market, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).             21
• Table 4. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by region, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).    22
• Table 5. Main Types of Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging Materials  23
• Table 6. Average prices by bioplastic type, 2024 (US$ per kg).      26
• Table 7. Average annual prices by bioplastic type, 2020-2023 (US$ per kg).        26
• Table 8. Market trends in Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging  27
• Table 9. Market drivers for recent growth in the Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging market.                28
• Table 10. Challenges for Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging.  29
• Table 11. Types of bio-based plastics and fossil-fuel-based plastics       32
• Table 12. Comparison of synthetic fossil-based and bio-based polymers.           37
• Table 13. Processes for bioplastics in packaging. 38
• Table 14. LDPE film versus PLA, 2019–24 (USD/tonne).    39
• Table 15. PLA properties for packaging applications.         40
• Table 16. Applications, advantages and disadvantages of PHAs in packaging. 59
• Table 17. Major polymers found in the extracellular covering of different algae.               64
• Table 18. Market overview for cellulose microfibers (microfibrillated cellulose) in paperboard and packaging-market age, key benefits, applications and producers.            66
• Table 19. Applications of nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC).            67
• Table 20. Market overview for cellulose nanofibers in packaging.              69
• Table 21. Applications of Bacterial Nanocellulose in Packaging. 77
• Table 22. Types of protein based-bioplastics, applications and companies.      79
• Table 23. Overview of alginate-description, properties, application and market size.   82
• Table 24. Companies developing algal-based bioplastics.             83
• Table 25. Overview of mycelium fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications.               83
• Table 26. Overview of chitosan-description, properties, drawbacks and applications.                86
• Table 27. Commercial Examples of Chitosan-based Films and Coatings and Companies.      86
• Table 28. Bio-based naphtha markets and applications. 88
• Table 29. Bio-naphtha market value chain.               89
• Table 30. Commercial Examples of Bio-Naphtha Packaging and Companies.  90
• Table 31. Pros and cons of different type of food packaging materials.   91
• Table 32. Active Biodegradable Films films and their food applications.               98
• Table 33. Intelligent Biodegradable Films.  98
• Table 34. Edible films and coatings market summary.       101
• Table 35. Summary of barrier films and coatings for packaging. 105
• Table 36. Types of polyols.    107
• Table 37. Polyol producers.  108
• Table 38. Bio-based polyurethane coating products.          108
• Table 39. Bio-based acrylate resin products.           110
• Table 40. Polylactic acid (PLA) market analysis.    110
• Table 41. Commercially available PHAs.     113
• Table 42. Market overview for cellulose nanofibers in paints and coatings.         114
• Table 43. Companies developing cellulose nanofibers products in paints and coatings.           116
• Table 44. Types of protein based-biomaterials, applications and companies.   118
• Table 45. CO2 utilization and removal pathways.  120
• Table 46. CO2 utilization products developed by chemical and plastic producers.        123
• Table 47. Comparison of bioplastics’ (PLA and PHAs) properties to other common polymers used in product packaging.   125
• Table 48. Typical applications for bioplastics in flexible packaging.         125
• Table 49. Bioplastics for flexible packaging by bioplastic material type, 2019–2035 (‘000 tonnes)      126
• Table 50. Typical applications for bioplastics in rigid packaging. 128
• Table 51. Bioplastics for rigid packaging by bioplastic material type, 2019–2035 (‘000 tonnes).           128
• Table 52. Market revenues for bio-based coatings in packaging, 2018-2035 (billions USD), high estimate.                130
• Table 53. Lactips plastic pellets.       235
• Table 54. Oji Holdings CNF products.            265
•  

List of Figures

• Figure 1. Global packaging market by material type.           18
• Figure 2. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by biobased plastics type, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).             20
• Figure 3. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by packaging product type, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).             20
• Figure 4. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by end-use market, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).             21
• Figure 5. Global biodegradable and compostable packaging by region, 2023-2035 (1,000 tonnes).   22
• Figure 6. Routes for synthesizing polymers from fossil-based and bio-based resources.           36
• Figure 7. Organization and morphology of cellulose synthesizing terminal complexes (TCs) in different organisms.      63
• Figure 8. Biosynthesis of (a) wood cellulose (b) tunicate cellulose and (c) BC.  64
• Figure 9. Cellulose microfibrils and nanofibrils.     65
• Figure 10. TEM image of cellulose nanocrystals.   67
• Figure 11. CNC slurry.              67
• Figure 12. CNF gel.     69
• Figure 13. Bacterial nanocellulose shapes 76
• Figure 14. BLOOM masterbatch from Algix.               82
• Figure 15. Typical structure of mycelium-based foam.      85
• Figure 16. Types of bio-based materials used for antimicrobial food packaging application.  100
• Figure 17. Water soluble packaging by Notpla.        103
• Figure 18. Examples of edible films in food packaging.     104
• Figure 19. Schematic of gas barrier properties of nanoclay film. 105
• Figure 20. Hefcel-coated wood (left) and untreated wood (right) after 30 seconds flame test.               117
• Figure 21. Applications for CO2.       120
• Figure 22. Life cycle of CO2-derived products and services.          122
• Figure 23.  Conversion pathways for CO2-derived polymeric materials  123
• Figure 24. Bioplastics for flexible packaging by bioplastic material type, 2019–2035 (‘000 tonnes).   127
• Figure 25. Bioplastics for rigid packaging by bioplastic material type, 2019–2035 (‘000 tonnes).         129
• Figure 26. Market revenues for bio-based coatings in packaging, 2018-2035 (billions USD), conservative estimate.          130
• Figure 27. Pluumo.     133
• Figure 28. Anpoly cellulose nanofiber hydrogel.     142
• Figure 29. MEDICELLU™.         143
• Figure 30. Asahi Kasei CNF fabric sheet.     149
• Figure 31. Properties of Asahi Kasei cellulose nanofiber nonwoven fabric.          150
• Figure 32. CNF nonwoven fabric.      151
• Figure 33. Passionfruit wrapped in Xgo Circular packaging.           156
• Figure 34. BIOLO e-commerce mailer bag made from PHA.           161
• Figure 35. Reusable and recyclable foodservice cups, lids, and straws from Joinease Hong Kong Ltd., made with plant-based NuPlastiQ BioPolymer from BioLogiQ, Inc.          162
• Figure 36. Fiber-based screw cap.   170
• Figure 37. SEELCAP ONEGO.              175
• Figure 38. CJ CheilJedang's biodegradable PHA-based wrapper for shipping products.              183
• Figure 39. CuanSave film.     185
• Figure 40. ELLEX products.   187
• Figure 41. CNF-reinforced PP compounds.               188
• Figure 42. Kirekira! toilet wipes.         188
• Figure 43. Edible packaging from Dissolves.             192
• Figure 44. Rheocrysta spray.                193
• Figure 45. DKS CNF products.            193
• Figure 46. Evoware edible seaweed-based packaging       204
• Figure 47. Photograph (a) and micrograph (b) of mineral/ MFC composite showing the high viscosity and fibrillar structure.        205
• Figure 48. Forest and Whale container.        211
• Figure 49. PHA production process.               212
• Figure 50. Soy Silvestre’s wheatgrass shots.             213
• Figure 51. AVAPTM process. 217
• Figure 52. GreenPower+™ process.  217
• Figure 53. Cutlery samples (spoon, knife, fork) made of nano cellulose and biodegradable plastic composite materials.               220
• Figure 54. CNF gel.     222
• Figure 55. Block nanocellulose material.    222
• Figure 56. CNF products developed by Hokuetsu.                223
• Figure 57. Unilever Carte D’Or ice cream packaging.          225
• Figure 58. Kami Shoji CNF products.              230
• Figure 59. IPA synthesis method.      248
• Figure 60. Compostable water pod.               259
• Figure 61. XCNF.          276
• Figure 62: Innventia AB movable nanocellulose demo plant.        277
• Figure 63. Shellworks packaging containers.           282
• Figure 64. Thales packaging incorporating Fibrease.           288
• Figure 65. Sulapac cosmetics containers. 290
• Figure 66.  Sulzer equipment for PLA polymerization processing.              291
• Figure 67. Silver / CNF composite dispersions.      297
• Figure 68. CNF/nanosilver powder.  298
• Figure 69. Corbion FDCA production process.        299
• Figure 70. UPM biorefinery process.               301
• Figure 71. Vegea production process.           304
• Figure 72. Worn Again products.       307
• Figure 73. S-CNF in powder form.    309

The Global Market for Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging 2025-2035

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The Global Market for Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging 2025-2035

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