Biodegradable Packaging Market Forecasts to 2032 - Global Analysis By Material Type (Biodegradable Plastics, Paper & Paperboard, Natural Materials, and Other Material Types), Packaging Format, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Biodegradable Packaging Market is accounted for $552.57 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $947.00 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period. Biodegradable packaging is a type of packaging composed of materials that naturally decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter through the action of microorganisms. These materials are often derived from renewable resources such as cornstarch, paper, or polylactic acid (PLA). Designed to minimize environmental harm, biodegradable packaging breaks down safely without leaving toxic residues, making it a sustainable solution in industries aiming to reduce plastic pollution.

According to the European Parliament report in March 2024, Globally, researchers estimate that the production and incineration of plastic pumped more than 850 million tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in 2019.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rising environmental concerns

Increasing awareness of plastic pollution, climate change, and ecosystem degradation has pushed consumers and businesses to seek sustainable alternatives. Governments worldwide are enforcing stricter regulations on single-use plastics, promoting eco-friendly materials. Biodegradable packaging reduces landfill waste and carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals. Additionally, consumer demand for green products is influencing brands to adopt biodegradable solutions to enhance their environmental image. The growing focus on circular economy models and corporate responsibility further accelerates the shift toward biodegradable options, making environmental concerns a major catalyst for market expansion.

Restraint:

Limited shelf life and durability

Unlike conventional plastics, biodegradable materials often lack the strength, moisture resistance, and barrier properties needed for long-term storage, especially for food and beverage products. This can lead to product spoilage or compromised quality, deterring manufacturers from adopting such packaging solutions. Additionally, biodegradable materials may degrade prematurely under certain environmental conditions, affecting their reliability. These limitations increase the risk of product returns and customer dissatisfaction. The need for constant innovation to improve performance while maintaining compostability adds complexity and cost, slowing down broader adoption across various industries.

Opportunity:

Expansion of organic and natural product markets

Consumers purchasing organic and eco-friendly goods increasingly expect sustainable packaging that aligns with their environmental values. As demand for chemical-free, health-conscious products rises, brands are shifting to biodegradable packaging to enhance their eco-credentials and appeal to green-minded customers. This trend is especially strong in the food, cosmetics, and personal care sectors, where product integrity and sustainability go hand-in-hand. Retailers and producers are leveraging biodegradable packaging as a marketing advantage, reinforcing brand trust and boosting consumer loyalty in a highly competitive, environmentally aware marketplace.

Threat:

Complex supply chains

The production of biodegradable packaging often involves sourcing specialized raw materials, such as plant-based polymers or starches, which may not be readily available in all regions. This leads to longer lead times, higher transportation costs, and dependence on multiple suppliers. Additionally, coordination among manufacturers, processors, and recyclers can be challenging due to varying standards and infrastructure limitations. These complexities hinder scalability and can disrupt consistent supply, especially for large-scale operations. As a result, many businesses hesitate to transition from conventional packaging to biodegradable alternatives due to operational uncertainties.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the biodegradable packaging market. Initially, supply chain disruptions and reduced demand from sectors like hospitality and foodservice slowed market growth. However, the crisis also heightened environmental awareness and shifted consumer preferences toward sustainable, hygienic, and eco-friendly packaging. As e-commerce and packaged food consumption surged, demand for biodegradable solutions rebounded. Post-pandemic, companies increasingly embraced green packaging to align with evolving consumer values and regulatory pressures, accelerating long-term market expansion.

The films & wraps segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The films & wraps segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to rising demand for sustainable food packaging, increasing bans on single-use plastics, and consumer preference for eco-friendly alternatives. These materials offer flexibility, transparency, and compostability, making them ideal for wrapping perishables. Technological advancements in bioplastics like PLA and PHA have enhanced performance, while regulatory support and brand sustainability goals further accelerate their adoption across industries.

The pharmaceuticals segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the pharmaceuticals segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to increasing regulatory pressure to reduce plastic waste, rising environmental awareness, and the industry's commitment to sustainability. Demand for eco-friendly packaging for tablets, injectables, and capsules is growing, especially as consumers and healthcare providers prioritize greener solutions. Technological advancements in bio-based polymers and improved barrier properties have made biodegradable options more viable for protecting sensitive pharmaceutical products.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, driven by mounting environmental concerns over plastic pollution and its visible impact. Governments across countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are enacting stricter regulations, including single-use plastic bans and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, compelling industries to adopt eco-friendly alternatives. Coupled with this, rising consumer awareness and demand for sustainable products are pushing brands to embrace biodegradable solutions to align with evolving preferences and achieve corporate sustainability goals.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, due to increasing consumer environmental consciousness and stringent government regulations against plastic waste. States and municipalities are implementing bans and taxes on single-use plastics, compelling businesses to adopt sustainable alternatives. Additionally, the booming e-commerce and food delivery sectors create significant demand for eco-friendly packaging that aligns with corporate sustainability initiatives and meets consumer preference for responsible products.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Biodegradable Packaging Market include Amcor, Ball Corporation, Mondi Group, DS Smith Plc, Tetra Pak, International Paper Company, Notpla, Novamont, Ecovative Design, EcoEnclose, Sulapac, Noissue, BIOFASE, NatureWorks, Elevate Packaging, Be Green Packaging LLC, BASF, TIPA Compostable Packaging, and PaperFoam.

Key Developments:

In July 2025, International Paper announced the completion of the divestiture of five European plants to PALM Group to satisfy regulatory commitments from its acquisition of DS Smith Plc. The sale includes (i) three plants in Normandy, France (namely, one box plant in Saint-Amand, one box plant in Mortagne, and one sheet plant in Cabourg); (ii) one box plant in Ovar, Portugal; and (iii) one box plant in Bilbao, Spain.

In June 2025, Amcor announced an investment in its Nicholasville, Ky., facility to increase post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging production capabilities to support customers' varied PCR needs. Amcor is committed to helping customers find solutions to their evolving sustainability needs.

In August 2023, Ball Corporation announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its aerospace business to BAE Systems (LSE: BA.) for gross proceeds of $5.6 billion in cash, which represents 19.6x Ball Aerospace's LTM comparable EBITDA. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions and adjustments, is projected to close in the first half of 2024.

Material Types Covered:

• Biodegradable Plastics
• Paper & Paperboard
• Natural Materials
• Other Material Types

Packaging Formats Covered:

• Pouches & Bags
• Trays & Clamshells
• Bottles & Jars
• Films & Wraps
• Labels & Tapes

Applications Covered:

• Food & Beverage
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal Care & Cosmetics
• Homecare
• Electronics Packaging
• Agriculture/Horticulture
• Textiles
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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