Compostable Packaging

Global Compostable Packaging Market to Reach US$120.2 Billion by 2030

The global market for Compostable Packaging estimated at US$84.5 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$120.2 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Polylactic Acid Material, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 6.8% CAGR and reach US$54.5 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Wood Material segment is estimated at 5.9% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$22.2 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 5.9% CAGR

The Compostable Packaging market in the U.S. is estimated at US$22.2 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$19.3 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 5.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% and 5.0% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 4.8% CAGR.

Global Compostable Packaging Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Compostable Packaging Becoming a Key Focus in Sustainable Packaging?

The increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability and waste reduction has placed compostable packaging at the center of the packaging industry`s transformation. With conventional plastic waste contributing significantly to landfill overflow and marine pollution, businesses, regulators, and consumers are actively seeking sustainable alternatives. Compostable packaging, made from renewable plant-based materials such as cornstarch, bagasse, polylactic acid, and biopolymers, offers an eco-friendly solution that decomposes naturally without leaving harmful microplastics. Government regulations banning single-use plastics have accelerated the shift toward compostable alternatives. Many countries and regions, including the European Union, Canada, and parts of the United States, have implemented strict policies restricting the use of plastic packaging, compelling businesses to transition to sustainable alternatives. Additionally, an increasing number of cities have adopted composting programs, enabling compostable packaging to be effectively processed alongside food waste, reducing the burden on traditional recycling and landfill systems. Consumer demand has also played a critical role in driving market growth. As sustainability awareness increases, shoppers are actively choosing brands that prioritize environmentally friendly packaging. The food and beverage industry, in particular, has seen a rapid adoption of compostable packaging for takeaway containers, beverage cups, and snack wraps. Major brands and retailers are responding to this demand by integrating compostable materials into their packaging strategies, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability and reducing their reliance on fossil-fuel-based plastics.

How Are Material Innovations Enhancing the Effectiveness of Compostable Packaging?

Advancements in material science have significantly improved the performance and functionality of compostable packaging. Early iterations of biodegradable materials often faced challenges related to durability, heat resistance, and moisture retention, limiting their applicability. However, recent innovations in biopolymer technology have led to the development of stronger, more flexible, and highly functional compostable materials that can effectively replace plastic in various packaging applications. One of the most significant developments has been the introduction of water-resistant and grease-resistant coatings derived from natural plant-based sources. These coatings provide compostable packaging with the ability to handle liquid and oily food items without compromising structural integrity. The emergence of high-performance molded fiber packaging has further enhanced durability, enabling businesses to use compostable packaging for fresh produce, takeaway meals, and frozen foods. The push toward home-compostable packaging has also gained momentum. While traditional compostable materials require industrial composting facilities to break down effectively, new formulations are being developed to degrade in backyard composting environments. This innovation is particularly important in regions where municipal composting infrastructure is not yet fully developed, ensuring that consumers can responsibly dispose of packaging without relying on landfill-based waste management systems.

What Market Trends Are Driving the Adoption of Compostable Packaging?

The increasing integration of circular economy principles is a major trend shaping the compostable packaging market. Governments and businesses are focusing on creating closed-loop packaging systems where materials are either composted, reused, or repurposed, minimizing overall waste generation. This shift has led to stronger collaborations between packaging manufacturers, waste management companies, and policymakers to establish composting infrastructure and streamline the disposal process for compostable materials. The rapid expansion of the food delivery and e-commerce sectors has also contributed to the rising demand for compostable packaging. With online food delivery services experiencing exponential growth, disposable packaging waste has become a growing concern. Many restaurants, meal kit providers, and delivery platforms are transitioning to compostable alternatives to address sustainability concerns and meet regulatory compliance. Similarly, e-commerce businesses are increasingly adopting compostable mailers, void fillers, and protective wraps as part of their sustainable packaging initiatives. Retailers and supermarkets are playing a significant role in shaping market adoption. Private-label brands and grocery stores are introducing compostable packaging options for fresh produce, bakery items, and pre-packaged meals. Many retailers are also implementing sustainable packaging guidelines for suppliers, driving broader industry-wide adoption. Additionally, the expansion of smart labeling technologies, such as QR codes that guide consumers on composting practices, is improving consumer awareness and compliance with compostable waste disposal.

What Are the Key Growth Drivers Fueling the Market?

The growth in the compostable packaging market is driven by several factors, including regulatory mandates, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences. One of the primary growth drivers is the increasing number of government policies banning single-use plastics. Countries across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific are enforcing legislation that requires businesses to transition to sustainable packaging, fueling demand for compostable solutions across multiple industries. The expansion of bioplastics and plant-based material manufacturing is another key factor accelerating market growth. Companies are investing heavily in the development of biopolymer production facilities, increasing the availability and affordability of compostable packaging materials. As production scales up and material costs decline, more businesses are expected to adopt compostable packaging as a cost-competitive alternative to traditional plastics. The rising corporate commitment to sustainability is also shaping market expansion. Major food and beverage brands, retail chains, and logistics companies are setting ambitious sustainability targets, integrating compostable packaging as part of their broader environmental responsibility initiatives. Many global brands have pledged to phase out plastic packaging by 2030, driving partnerships with compostable packaging manufacturers to develop scalable and industry-specific solutions. Additionally, the increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly products is driving adoption. Younger demographics, particularly millennials and Gen Z consumers, are prioritizing brands that demonstrate sustainability efforts, influencing purchasing decisions and brand loyalty. This shift in consumer behavior has prompted businesses to market their use of compostable packaging as a competitive differentiator, further accelerating market adoption.

With these factors collectively shaping the future of the compostable packaging market, the industry is poised for significant expansion, supported by advancements in material technology, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the growing demand for sustainable alternatives across various sectors.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Compostable Packaging market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Material (Polylactic Acid Material, Wood Material, Bamboo Material, Other Materials); Product Type (Compostable Bags, Compostable Trays, Compostable Pouches, Compostable Films, Other Product Types); Application (Food and Beverages Application, Pharmaceuticals Application, Cosmetics Application, Other Applications)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific; Rest of World.

Select Competitors (Total 32 Featured) -

• Adapa Group
• Amcor
• Be Green Packaging
• Biopak PTY Ltd
• Carvajal Empaques S.A.
• DS Smith
• Footprint
• Golden Arrow
• Greenpack Limited
• Huhtamäki Oyj
• International Paper Company
• Kraton Polymers
• Mondi Group
• Novamont
• Schur Flexibles Group
• Smurfit Kappa
• Stora Enso
• Tetra Pak
• TIPA Corp.
• UPM-Kymmene Corporation

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

To our valued clients, we say, we have your back. We will present a simplified market reassessment by incorporating these changes!

APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.

Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:

USA
CHINA
MEXICO
CANADA
EU
JAPAN
INDIA
176 OTHER COUNTRIES.

Leading Economists - Our knowledge base tracks 14,949 economists including a select group of most influential Chief Economists of nations, think tanks, trade and industry bodies, big enterprises, and domain experts who are sharing views on the fallout of this unprecedented paradigm shift in the global econometric landscape. Most of our 16,491+ reports have incorporated this two-stage release schedule based on milestones.

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