Compostable Plastics

Global Compostable Plastics Market to Reach US$5.0 Billion by 2030

The global market for Compostable Plastics estimated at US$2.8 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$5.0 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Starch Blends, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 12.2% CAGR and reach US$3.0 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Polylactic Acid segment is estimated at 7.9% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$728.7 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 9.3% CAGR

The Compostable Plastics market in the U.S. is estimated at US$728.7 Million in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$767.0 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 9.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% and 8.2% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 7.9% CAGR.

Global Compostable Plastics Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Compostable Plastic Gaining Widespread Attention?

The urgent need to reduce plastic waste and transition toward sustainable materials has placed compostable plastics at the forefront of eco-friendly packaging and product innovation. Traditional plastics, which take hundreds of years to degrade, are a major contributor to landfill overflow and marine pollution. Compostable plastics, made from renewable sources such as cornstarch, sugarcane, and polylactic acid, offer a viable alternative by breaking down into natural elements under controlled composting conditions. Government regulations and international policies aimed at curbing single-use plastic consumption have been key drivers of the market. Many countries have implemented bans or restrictions on conventional plastics, prompting businesses to seek alternatives that comply with sustainability mandates. The European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive and similar regulations in the United States, Canada, and Asia-Pacific are accelerating the adoption of compostable plastics in food packaging, disposable cutlery, shopping bags, and agricultural films. Corporate sustainability initiatives are also playing a significant role in market growth. Major multinational brands are integrating compostable plastics into their packaging strategies to meet carbon neutrality and plastic reduction targets. Businesses in the food and beverage, retail, and personal care sectors are increasingly adopting compostable materials for product packaging, reinforcing the shift toward eco-friendly alternatives. This growing commitment to sustainability is not only a regulatory necessity but also a response to changing consumer preferences for biodegradable and compostable solutions.

How Are Material Innovations Enhancing the Performance of Compostable Plastics?

Advancements in biopolymer technology have significantly improved the functional properties of compostable plastics, addressing concerns related to durability, flexibility, and decomposition rates. Earlier versions of compostable plastics often lacked moisture resistance and mechanical strength, limiting their applicability. However, recent innovations have led to the development of more robust materials that closely mimic the characteristics of conventional plastics while maintaining full biodegradability. One of the most significant breakthroughs has been the enhancement of polylactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates, which offer improved tensile strength and thermal stability. These materials are now being used in a wide range of applications, from flexible food packaging to rigid containers and disposable utensils. Additionally, advancements in multi-layer compostable films have enhanced moisture and oxygen barrier properties, making them suitable for longer shelf-life applications in the food industry. Another key development is the rise of home-compostable plastics, designed to break down in backyard composting conditions without requiring industrial composting facilities. This innovation is particularly important for regions where industrial composting infrastructure is limited, ensuring that consumers can responsibly dispose of compostable plastics in home composting systems. Furthermore, researchers are exploring enzymatic additives that accelerate the decomposition process, allowing compostable plastics to degrade more efficiently in both industrial and natural environments.

What Market Trends Are Driving the Expansion of Compostable Plastics?

The increasing adoption of circular economy principles is a major trend influencing the compostable plastics market. Businesses and policymakers are shifting toward closed-loop packaging systems that minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. This has led to strong collaborations between manufacturers, waste management companies, and policymakers to establish robust composting infrastructure that supports the widespread use of compostable plastics. The rapid expansion of the food service and delivery industry has also fueled demand for compostable plastics. With the surge in online food ordering, takeout packaging waste has become a growing environmental concern. Many restaurants, cafes, and food delivery platforms are transitioning to compostable containers, cutlery, and straws as part of their sustainability commitments. Additionally, major supermarkets and grocery chains are replacing traditional plastic produce bags with compostable alternatives, reinforcing their commitment to waste reduction. Consumer behavior is another key factor driving market growth. As environmental awareness increases, consumers are actively choosing brands that prioritize sustainable packaging solutions. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are influencing purchasing decisions by favoring businesses that align with their values of sustainability and plastic waste reduction. As a result, companies across multiple industries are leveraging compostable plastics as a competitive differentiator, marketing their products as eco-friendly and responsible choices.

What Are the Key Growth Drivers Fueling the Market?

The growth in the compostable plastics market is driven by several factors, including regulatory enforcement, technological advancements, and increasing consumer demand for sustainable alternatives. One of the primary growth drivers is the expansion of plastic bans and sustainability regulations worldwide. Governments are implementing stricter policies that mandate the use of biodegradable and compostable materials, compelling industries to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuel-based plastics. The rise of bio-based polymer production is also playing a crucial role in market expansion. Manufacturers are investing in large-scale production facilities for bioplastics, increasing the availability and affordability of compostable materials. As economies of scale improve, compostable plastics are becoming more cost-competitive with traditional plastics, making them a feasible option for businesses seeking sustainable packaging solutions. Corporate commitments to reducing plastic waste are another major market driver. Global brands are pledging to achieve net-zero plastic waste by 2030, partnering with compostable plastic manufacturers to develop customized solutions for their packaging needs. These collaborations are fostering innovation and accelerating the commercialization of new compostable materials tailored for diverse applications. Additionally, the expansion of municipal composting infrastructure is enhancing the adoption of compostable plastics. As more cities invest in composting facilities and collection programs, the ability to process compostable plastics effectively is improving. This development is encouraging businesses and consumers to shift toward compostable alternatives, knowing that proper waste management systems are in place.

With these factors collectively shaping the future of the compostable plastics market, the industry is poised for sustained growth, driven by evolving regulatory landscapes, advancements in material science, and the increasing demand for environmentally responsible packaging solutions.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

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

Segments:
Product Type (Starch Blends, Polylactic Acid (PLA), PBAT, PBS, Other Product Types); End-Use (Packaging End-Use, Textile End-Use, Automotive and Transportation End-Use, Consumer Goods End-Use, Agriculture End-Use, Other End-Uses)

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 41 Featured) -

• BASF SE
• Biome Bioplastics Limited
• Borealis AG
• Braskem
• Danimer Scientific
• Footprint
• Futerro
• Green Dot Bioplastics
• GreenMantra Technologies
• Huhtamäki Oyj
• Mitsubishi Chemical
• NatureWorks LLC
• Novamont
• Plantic Technologies
• Sealed Air
• Smurfit Kappa
• Stora Enso
• TIPA Corp.
• TotalEnergies Corbion
• Xampla Ltd.

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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