Global Edible Packaging Market Size, Trades, COVID-19 Impact & Growth By Material Type (Lipids, Polysaccharides, Proteins, and Composite Films), By Form (Films & Coatings and Boxes & Containers), By Technology (Antimicrobial Packaging and Controlled Release Packaging), By End-Use Applications (Bakery and Confectionery, Dairy Products, Fruits & Vegetables, Meat, Poultry, & Seafood, and Processed Foods), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2023-2032

Report Overview

The Global Edible Packaging Market size is expected to be worth around USD 1,736.0 Million by 2032 from USD 981.6 Million in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 6.19% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.

Edible packaging is a type of packaging that is safe to consume along with its product. It is designed to be biodegradable or edible, reducing the environmental impact of traditional non-biodegradable packaging waste materials like single-use plastic.

Edible packaging can be made from various natural sources, such as seaweed, rice, corn, potatoes, and certain fruits. The concept of edible packaging has gained popularity in recent years due to the growing concern over plastic pollution and its detrimental environmental effects.

Traditional plastic packaging takes hundreds of years to decompose, polluting oceans, landfills, and wildlife habitats. Edible packaging, on the other hand, offers a more sustainable alternative as it can be safely eaten, composted, or biodegraded, leaving little to no waste.

The global edible packaging market has been experiencing significant growth due to increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues and the demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

Actual Numbers Might Vary in the Final Report

Driving Factors

The global edible packaging market is primarily driven by increasing environmental concerns and the need to reduce plastic waste. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of non-biodegradable packaging, the demand for sustainable alternatives has grown.

Edible packaging offers a solution to this by providing a waste-free option. Additionally, the innovation in biodegradable raw materials derived from natural sources like seaweed, rice, and potatoes has expanded the potential applications of edible packaging.

The growing fast-food industry and ready-to-eat products have further fueled the market as these businesses seek to differentiate their products and meet consumer demand for eco-friendly options.

Regulatory support and incentives from governments around the world also play a role in promoting the adoption of such sustainable packaging solutions. However, challenges in terms of shelf life, production costs, and consumer acceptance need to be addressed to ensure the market’s robust growth.

Restraining Factors

The key factors like durability and shelf-life of food products with edible packaging are often limited compared to traditional packaging, making it less suitable for certain products and long-term storage.

The production cost of edible packaging can also be higher, which may deter businesses from wide-scale adoption, especially in price-sensitive markets. From a consumer preferences perspective, there can be concerns about taste, texture, and the hygiene of the packaging intended to be consumed.

Furthermore, there’s a lack of awareness and understanding about the edible packaging industry in some regions, leading to hesitancy in its acceptance. Also, the existing supply chain and manufacturing infrastructure are largely designed for conventional packaging, posing challenges for a swift transition to edible alternatives.

Growth Opportunities

Technological advancements present opportunities to enhance the shelf life, strength, and cost-efficiency of edible packaging. With their rapidly expanding consumer bases, emerging markets offer vast untapped potential, especially as awareness about sustainable practices grows.

Customization of taste and aesthetics can cater to local preferences, broadening the appeal of edible packaging. Collaborations between food scientists, technologists, and manufacturers can lead to innovations, expanding the range of products for which edible packaging can be used.

As governments worldwide become more environmentally conscious, there could be favorable regulations, incentives, or mandates promoting edible packaging. Moreover, the integration of smart technologies, like edible QR codes or sensors, can merge the benefits of interactive packaging with the sustainability of edible materials, making the product even more attractive to modern consumers.

Latest Trends

The current trend for consumers was increasingly looking for edible packaging options that reduced environmental impact and offered added nutritional value. This led to the development and popularization of packaging materials made from superfoods, milk protein primary sources, and fortified substances.

For example, edible films enriched with vitamins, antioxidants, or probiotics were being explored. Additionally, integrating technology into edible packaging, such as developing edible sensors or QR codes for innovative product portfolios, was gaining traction with these key trends.

Material Type Analysis

The global edible packaging market is categorized into lipids, polysaccharides, proteins, and composite films based on material type. Lipids, primarily fats, and waxes, are known for their moisture-resistant properties, making them suitable for products that require a moisture barrier.

Polysaccharides, such as starches and gums, are biodegradable film materials that can be molded into various shapes, offering versatility in packaging designs. Proteins, sourced from both plant-based sources and animal origins, are vital for their nutritional value and can provide a good gas barrier, essential for maintaining product freshness.

Composite films are combinations of various materials, providing multi-functionality in terms of mechanical strength, barrier properties, and aesthetics. The edible packaging market is gaining traction globally due to increasing environmental concerns over synthetic plastic waste and the demand for sustainable and innovative packaging solutions like nanotechnological solutions.

As consumer awareness about environmental sustainability grows, adopting these edible materials in packaging is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years.

Form Analysis

Based on form, the global edible packaging market is mainly distributed into Films, Coatings, Boxes, and containers. Films and coatings are thin layers applied either directly onto food products or used as wraps, providing a barrier to external contaminants while ensuring freshness.

These forms are particularly popular for perishable goods and individual servings due to their ability to integrate with the food item seamlessly. On the other hand, Boxes and containers offer a more rigid structure, suitable for packaging bulk items or those requiring additional protection.

This segment lends itself to innovations in sustainable design and multi-functionality, with containers sometimes doubling as serving dishes.

Technology Analysis

Based on technology, the Global Edible Packaging Market is categorized into Antimicrobial Packaging and Controlled Release Packaging. Antimicrobial Packaging employs natural or synthetic agents to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, thereby enhancing the shelf-life and safety of food products.

This technology proves vital for perishable items, where microbial contamination could pose serious health risks. On the other hand, controlled-release packaging offers a dynamic approach by allowing specific compounds or agents (like preservatives, flavors, or nutrients) to be released over time, ensuring prolonged freshness and flavor retention.

As the global market leans towards sustainable yet functional packaging solutions, these technologies address environmental concerns and elevate the consumer experience by delivering enhanced product launch quality and longevity.

With the ongoing drive to diminish synthetic waste and the demand for technologically advanced edible packaging solutions, both these technological segments are set to see substantial annual growth rates in the coming years.

End-Use Applications Analysis:

Based on end-use applications, the global edible packaging market expansion is classified into Bakery and Confectionery, Dairy Products, Fruits and vegetables, Meat, Poultry, & Seafood, and Processed Foods. In bakery and confectionery, it adds a novel twist by creating edible films, and wrappers for treats, while in dairy, it transforms into containers for yogurt and creams.

For fruits and vegetables, it extends shelf life by providing a protective coating, and in the meat, poultry, and seafood industries, it safeguards products while reducing cross-contamination risks.

Edible packaging also finds its place in processed foods, enhancing convenience and sustainability. The global edible packaging market demand has been growing due to heightened environmental concerns, material innovations, and increased collaboration within the industry, catering to the evolving demands of eco-conscious consumers.

Global Edible Packaging Market Segments Includes:

Based on the Material Type

• Lipids
• Polysaccharides
• Proteins
• Composite Films

Based on Form

• Films & Coatings
• Boxes & Containers

Based on Technology

• Antimicrobial Packaging
• Controlled Release Packaging

Based on End-Use Applications

• Bakery and Confectionery
• Dairy Products
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Meat, Poultry, & Seafood
• Processed Foods

Regional Analysis

Europe accounts for the majority of the largest market share of the global edible packaging products market, driven by stringent environmental regulations, high consumer awareness about sustainable practices, and a robust food and beverage industry.

Supportive governmental policies and increasing demand for sustainable solutions in food packaging further fuel the European largest share market inclination towards eco-friendly innovations. With its rapidly growing economies and burgeoning middle class, the Asia-Pacific region is witnessing accelerated demand for convenient and sustainable packaging, especially in countries like China and India.

This is spurred by urbanization, growing disposable incomes, and increasing consumer environmental consciousness. With its rich agricultural sector, Latin America is gradually recognizing the potential of edible packaging materials, especially in preserving and marketing fresh food produce.

Meanwhile, the Middle East & Africa region shows potential for growth due to increasing globalization and exposure to sustainable practices. As the global community seeks to combat plastic pollution and environmental degradation, all these regions are anticipated to experience expanded edible packaging market growth in the coming years.

Key Regions and Countries Covered in this Report:

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia & CIS
  • Rest of Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Market Share & Key Players Analysis

The global edible packaging market is highly competitive and fragmented, with a few key players operating in the market. These key companies focus on expanding their product offerings and strengthening their market image through strategic partnerships.

Market Key Major Players:

• Notpla Ltd
• Evoware
• Loliware
• Tipa Corp
• MonoSol LLC
• Devro plc
• DuPont
• Ingredion Inc.
• Glanbia Plc
• Coveris Holdings
• JRF Technology LLC
• WikiCell Designs Inc.
• Tate & Lyle Plc
• Pace International LLC
• Safetraces, Inc.
• Watson, Inc.
• Mantrose UK Ltd.
• Apeel Sciences
• Regeno Bio-Bags
• Other Key Players

Recent Developments:

• In June 2023, TIPA, a global leader in compostable packaging solutions for food and fashion, partnered with two of the largest packaging manufacturers in the US, PPC Flexible Packaging and Clearview Packaging, to start using TIPA’s technology to produce compostable packaging for their respective customers.
• In September 2022, European packaging manufacturer Coveris joined forces with sustainable start-up Notpla to deliver a range of biodegradable and recyclable food cartons.

Report Scope: