Edible packaging is characterized by its edibility & biodegradability. It mainly consists of plant-based, biodegradable & natural materials that can be consumed as they are, without the need for any recycling, processing, or any kind of waste disposal. This kind of packaging forms a practical & important substitute for traditional kind of packaging methods, providing consumers with a sustainable option.
The packaging is crafted using eatable items like starch, proteins, &, cellulose which are intentionally made to be consumed alongside the product. In response to the growing desire for environment-friendly solutions from consumers, governments, & key manufacturers, there has been substantial growth in investments for the development of viable alternatives for food & pharmaceutical product packaging.
The edible packaging market is experiencing strong growth driven by sustainability requirements and innovation. Companies like Notpla and Stroodles are leading developments with seaweed-based materials for edible tableware such as spoons and cups that provide eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics. Furthermore, innovations like Bio2Coat's natural coatings for fruits and vegetables help reduce food waste while simultaneously increasing shelf life by up to 15 days.
Food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries all utilize edible packaging, with applications spanning online food delivery and e-commerce providing new opportunities. Furthermore, edible packaging has found use at sporting events like Notpla's algae-based water capsules highlighting its adaptability and regulatory compliance improvements as a prerequisite to wider adoption.
Opportunities lie in the development of seaweed- and nanotechnology-based edible films as innovative solutions that improve barrier properties and extend product freshness, but face challenges from high production costs and maintaining consistent taste and texture. Regardless of these hurdles, investment and adoption continue to rise globally due to market alignment with sustainability goals.
Edible packaging has quickly grown popular, accounting for more than 20% of new product launches in sustainable packaging in 2023 incorporating edible materials. Seaweed-based solutions led the market, accounting for 30% due to their biodegradability and barrier properties; Bio2Coat coatings extend fruit shelf lives by 15 days, combatting both food waste as well as plastic waste.
Edible packaging has become increasingly prevalent across food and beverage sectors, with 40% of products targeting on-the-go consumers such as sports and events. Algae-based innovations like Notpla's Ooho capsules were chosen by London Marathon participants as they replaced plastic bottles; usage rates have seen an annual increase of 7% annually due to environmental awareness and increasing consumer interest for eco-friendly alternatives.
Key Takeaways
Sustainability Focus: Edible packaging addresses growing environmental concerns, with materials like seaweed and algae comprising over 30% of applications due to their biodegradability and alignment with global plastic reduction efforts.
Expanding Applications: The market spans food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, with notable adoption in e-commerce and food delivery. Innovations such as algae-based water capsules saved over 30,000 plastic bottles at the London Marathon.
Challenges and Opportunities: High production costs and durability concerns limit adoption, but advancements in nanotechnology and material customization are enhancing functionality and consumer appeal.
Market Dynamic
The global concern regarding the environmental impact of traditional packaging materials has resulted in key companies opting for edible packaging solutions made from, probiotics, vitamins, & milk proteins which act as effective oxygen barriers for food. This trend has achieved pace due to growing environmental awareness & stringent regulations set by governing agencies, driving the market's growth. As an illustration, the U.S. government has been actively promoting & supporting environment-friendly packaging practices among manufacturers.
Initiatives like the Food Recovery Hierarchy, etc., serve as examples of their efforts in this direction. Edible packaging also includes several plasticizers & functional additives, such as antioxidants, essential pigments, oils, antimicrobial agents, & chemical preservatives, to enhance the film's protective properties. The market is further fueled by the growing demand for processed food products that require longer shelf life.
Key players in this sector are also focusing on nanotechnological solutions, such as nanoencapsulation & multifaceted systems, to improve food nutrients while protecting against moisture, heat, & external factors, like, contaminants. The rising global demand for biodegradable packaging solutions is also contributing significantly to market expansion. As an example, Evoware produces burger wraps made from seaweed, which is used for packaging burgers, meant to be consumed along with the burger itself.
Various strategies for maintaining product quality like active MAP (modified atmosphere packaging), passive MAP, high oxygen MAP, intelligent MAP, & controlled MAP. Hence, it can be said that the market growth is driven by increasing concerns regarding environmental safety, the quality of food products, demand for
biodegradable films, & portion-size packaging.
Research Scope and Analysis
By Material
The market is categorized into polysaccharides, lipids, proteins, and other segments based on the materials used. Among these, the protein segment holds the largest market share in 2023. Edible protein-based films are derived from various sources like gelatin, whey, plants, soy, zein, gluten & collagen, compared to polysaccharide-based & lipids-based films, protein films demonstrate superior physical properties & act as effective gas barriers.
Notably, materials based on protein, like casein & gelatin offer excellent barrier characteristics, contributing to the prolonged shelf life of several food items, and thereby driving the growth in the market. The material, polysaccharide contains sophisticated carbohydrates obtained from sources like cellulose, chitin & starch. These materials are widely utilized in the production of edible packaging materials due to their appealing features, including cost-effectiveness, & biodegradability.
On the other hand, films based on lipids like fatty oils & beeswax are compounds extensively applied in the food & beverage sector. Their capacity to function as shields against external elements enhances food quality & extends the durability of products. These films find significant use in packaging and coating various vegetables & fruits to preserve their freshness for extended periods.
By Source
Based on source, the Market has been categorized into plant & animal-based sources. Among these, plant-based sources seem to show the highest market share in 2023. Plant-based sources such as seaweed & algae are gaining importance due to their rich nutrient contents providing an ability to discard the demand for extra chemicals in packaging. Moreover, the growing trend of vegan diets across the globe gives rise to an increased demand for plant-based materials.
Animal-based sources like gelatin & collagen provide more protein & functional properties. The animal-based coatings are mostly utilized on meat products to protect them from microbial growth & moisture. For example, refrigerated chicken meat is packaged in whey protein coatings to prevent bacterial growth. The growing demand for protein-based diets from diet-conscious consumers is fueling the market growth for this segment.
By Packaging Type
The market is divided into films, coatings, & other segments based on packaging type. Among these, the segment of film holds the largest market share in 2023. Film packaging provides the advantage of not being heavyweight & is easily sealable, ensuring product freshness and longer durability during transportation and storage. Additionally, these films can be tailored to fit various sizes & shapes of food products, like vegetables & fruits contributing to this segment’s growth.
The growth of the coating packaging is accredited to its properties like shielding or protecting against moisture, air, & gas, effectively avoiding changes in texture and preventing the growth of microbes. The coating gives a homogenous surface & can add a shiny finish to several food items, enhancing their texture & look, which further drives this segment’s demand.
By End-Use
The end-use market comprises pharmaceutical & food & beverage segments. The food & beverage segment holds the highest market share in 2023. Edible packaging materials find an extensive range of applications in various food & beverage products, including fresh foods, confectionery, snacks, baked items & beverages such as dairy products, etc. The growing demand for manufactured foods worldwide, driven by consumers' hectic lifestyles & need for readily consumable food items, fuels the adoption of edible packaging within this sector.
Various manufacturers in this sector contribute to the market's growth, such as Notpla Limited (UK) which manufactures edible packaging products obtained from nature, like seaweed. Their widely accepted product, Ooho, is an eatable bubble made for fluids and can be eaten after using it.
In the pharmaceutical sector, the demand for edible packaging is anticipated to rise due to its usage in the packaging of tablets or capsules. This kind of packaging enhances medication adherence by providing convenient consumption, making capsules or tablets easier to take without any unpleasant flavor or appearance. This factor drives the market for edible packaging as it promotes timely and proper medication intake.
The Global Edible Packaging Market Report is segmented on the basis of the following:
By Material
- Polysaccharides
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Others
By Source
By Packaging Type
By End-Use
- Food & Beverages
- Fresh Food
- Bakery & Confectionary
- Dairy Products
- Others
- Pharmaceuticals
Regional Analysis
In 2023, the North American region dominates the market with the largest market share of 29.9%. This was due to the region's strong presence of prominent players & well-established food processing sector, which produces a good amount of food waste that can be used as basic or raw material for edible packaging solutions. Consequently, manufacturers find it more comfortable to get the needed raw materials for producing edible packaging materials. The U.S. played a significant role in the North American market, driven by its ongoing exploration and testing of new packaging materials & product designs.
Moreover, Asia Pacific is anticipated to see rapid growth 2023-2032 period, due to various reasons, including strict government policies restricting the use of plastics & supporting the utilization of eco-friendly packaging solutions. For example, a Japanese beverage manufacturer, Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd, provides an eatable cup of beer, made of starch of potato. Under Asia Pacific, China registered the highest market share, driven by the increasing per capita income of people.
Europe’s significant share can be accredited to various R&D initiatives and recent projects focused on finding substitutes for regular packaging. For example, the Sea Film initiative focused on developing a substitute for disposable plastic wraps for preserving or protecting seafood. This particular wrapping is entirely edible, being made from extracts of edible seaweed & algae, which effectively contributes to the durability of product items. This attribute significantly boosts the demand for edible packaging in Europe.
By Region
North America
Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- ANZ
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa
- Israel
- Egypt
- Rest of MEA
Competitive Landscape
In an effort to enhance their market share in specific regions, key companies often pursue multiple mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, some companies establish technological collaborations to develop advanced products with superior performance characteristics, aiming to boost their revenue. For example, in April 2023, SARIA International, a manufacturer of food and pharmaceutical products, announced its acquisition of Devro, a global supplier of edible packaging solutions. This strategic move is anticipated to enable SARIA International to diversify its product portfolio and reinforce its position in the sustainable packaging market
Some of the prominent players in the Global Edible Packaging Market are:
- Devro plc
- JRF Technology LLC
- Nagase & Co. Ltd.
- Notpla Limited
- Safetraces Inc.
- XAMPLA
- Evoware
- Lactips
- Ingredion
- Do Eat
- Skipping Rocks Lab
- Other Key Players
COVID-19 Pandemic & Recession: Impact on the Global Edible Packaging Market:
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recession have significantly impacted the global edible packaging market. During the initial stages of the pandemic, the market faced substantial challenges due to disruptions in the supply chain, unavailability of labor, and stringent lockdown measures. These factors led to a slowdown in production and a decline in demand as consumers shifted their priorities to essential items. However, as the restrictions eased and awareness regarding the safety and health benefits of edible packaging grew, the market witnessed a resurgence in demand.
The pandemic also accelerated the shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, driving further growth in the edible packaging sector. Despite the recession, the market adapted to the changing consumer preferences, creating innovative and creative packaging options that offered profitable opportunities for growth. While the pandemic and economic downturn posed initial hurdles, the global edible packaging market has shown resilience and is poised for continued expansion in the post-pandemic era.
| Report Characteristics |
| Market Size (2024) |
USD 1,028.7 Mn |
| Forecast Value (2032) |
USD 1,772.6 Mn |
| CAGR (2023-2032) |
6.2% |
| Historical Data |
2017 - 2022 |
| Forecast Data |
2023 - 2032 |
| Base Year |
2022 |
| Estimate Year |
2023 |
| Report Coverage |
Market Revenue Estimation, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and etc. |
| Segments Covered |
By Material (Polysaccharides, Lipids, Proteins, and
others), By Source (Plant, and Animal), By Packaging
Type (Coatings, Films, others), and By End-Use (Food
& Beverages, and Pharmaceuticals). |
| Regional Coverage |
North America – The US and Canada; Europe – Germany, The UK, France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Nordic, & Rest of Europe; Asia- Pacific– China, Japan, South Korea, India, ANZ, ASEAN, Rest of APAC; Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Rest of Latin America; Middle East & Africa – Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, & Rest of MEA
|
| Prominent Players |
Devro plc, JRF Technology LLC, Nagase & Co. Ltd.,
Notpla limited, Safetraces Inc., XAMPLA, Evoware,
Lactips, Ingredion, Do Eat, Skipping Rocks Lab, and
Other Key Players. |
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