Green Plastic Packaging Market - Forecast(2023 - 2028)

Report Code: CMR 1300 Report Format: PDF + Excel

Green Plastic Packaging Market Overview

Green Plastic Packaging Market size is estimated to reach US$270.2 billion by 2027 after growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2021-2027. Green plastics are plastic materials that are biodegradable and are made partially or entirely from plant-based biological materials like sugar cane, corn starch. These plastics have become a sustainable alternative for petrochemical-based plastics due to their capability of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, dependency on fossil fuels, and landfill volumes. Some commonly used green plastics in packaging are polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, cellulose, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, etc. And among them, Polylactic Acid is largely used in the food & Beverage industry for food packaging. With the increase in demand for sustainable packaging for food items, action against plastic pollution is acting as a driver for the green plastic packaging market. However, factors like difficulty faced in processing green plastic material, and consumers’ preference of natural fibers like wood, bamboo, pulp, etc. for packaging purposes has hampered the growth of the green plastic packaging industry.

Impact of COVID-19

COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact all across the world. For public health & safety, various necessary measures like restriction and lockdown were implemented by governments of countries. But such measures harmed the growth of various industrial sectors like electronics, chemicals, consumer goods, etc. as it led to a reduction in their productivity and caused disruption in their operations. Hence some manufacturing sectors like the food industry suspended production and supply of various food products due to the closure of food production facilities and demand restrictions. And as sustainable packaging material like green plastic was gaining momentum in Food & Beverage industry for food packaging, such closure and demand reduction in food products negatively impacted Green Plastic demand in that sector.  For instance, as per the 2020 report of the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistic, from mid-April 2020 onwards there was a reduction in demand for food items like meat, pork, fish items like shellfish, lobster, and dairy items like cheese in the U.S food market.

Report Coverage

The report: “Green Plastic Packaging Market  – Forecast (2022 – 2027)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Green Plastic Packaging Industry.

By Polymer Type – Biodegradable Plastic (Starch based plastic, Cellulose based plastic, Lignin based plastic, Polyhydoxyalkanoates, Polylactic Acid, Others), Bio-Based Plastic (Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polyethene, Others), Others (Polypropylene, Polystyrene)

By Packaging Type – Corrugated Bubble Wrap, Corn-starch Packaging, Recycled Plastic Packaging, Reusable Packaging

By End-user – Food & Beverage (Food grains, pulses & sugar packaging, Fruits & Vegetables Packaging, Dairy Products, Health Drinks Packaging, Others), Medical & Healthcare (Surgical Instruments, Blood Bags, Serum vials, Prescription bottles, Others), Personal Care (Shampoo, Makeup & Kits, Moisturizers, Others), Consumer Goods, Others (Marine, Chemicals, Electronic)

By Geography - North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherland, Spain, Russia, Belgium, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Rest of APAC), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Rest of South America), Rest of the World (Middle East, Africa)

Key Takeaways

  • Green plastic is becoming a suitable replacement for traditional plastic in food packaging as they have a high rate of decomposition, smaller carbon footprint, and does not contain bisphenol (BPA), a hormone disrupter that is harmful to the human body. 
  • The development of new and innovative packaging solutions like Blue Lake Packaging, Geosphere Packaging which keep hygiene and food safety as the main priority, has created significant growth opportunities for Green Plastic Packaging Market. 
  • Asia-pacific region dominates the green plastic packaging market, as it consists of well-established food & beverage industries in countries like, Thailand, Malaysia, China, India, etc. that has major consumers of bioplastic for packaging.

Figure: Asia-Pacific Green Plastic Packaging Market Revenue, 2021-2027

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Green Plastic Packaging Market Segment – By Polymer Type

The biodegradable segment held the largest share in Green Plastic Packaging Market in 2021, with a share of over 50%. This is due to factors like high demand for polylactic acid, which is a popular and most common biodegradable plastic type that is majorly used in the food & beverages industry for packaging food items. As biodegradable plastic is made from renewable organic substances like plants, micro-organisms, so they are less toxic and are also used in food service containers like clamshells, bowls. As per the December 2021 report of the Food Agriculture Organization of The United Nations, biodegradable plastic has been recommended as a preferable substitute for conventional plastic in the packaging of food items like fruits, vegetables, as they would reduce residual plastic pollution. Hence such growing awareness for biodegradable plastic and its effects on food items packaging will increase the demand for using green plastic in the food industry.

Green Plastic Packaging Market Segment – By Packaging Type

Recycled plastic packaging held the largest share in the green plastic packaging market in 2021, with a share of over 40%. Recycled plastic is a plastic material that is used in the manufacturing of new plastic bottles, durable plant holders, containers for cosmetics, etc. Besides that, they are also used for packaging ready-to-eat and drink foodstuff. Hence recycled plastic is of various types like recycled polyethylene terephthalate, recycled polythene, etc. Hence to reduce plastic waste, various countries have considered recycled plastic packaging as a sustainable alternative. For instance, in 2020 South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration approved using of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate instead of conventional plastic in food packaging applications. Such a move will increase demand and usage of green or bio-based plastics in industries like food and cosmetics.

Green Plastic Packaging Market Segment – End user

The food & beverage industry held the largest share in the green plastic packaging market in 2021, with a share of over 35%. Conventional plastics like petroleum-based polymers that are traditionally used for food packaging are not biodegradable and are considered environmentally harmful waste. The use of materials like green plastic has become a better alternative as it is based on renewable resources and is easily recyclable. Besides that, green plastic helps in better preservation of food, extending its quality of life, and protecting it from external contamination. With the increase in food consumption, the interest in the use of biodegradable materials like green plastics is also increasing. As per the 2021 report of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, the food industry in China saw robust growth in terms of production and sale, with items like dairy products, frozen meat, etc. showing an increase of 9% while fruits, vegetables showed an increase of 10.1%. As per the November 2021 report of the United Nation, milk production will grow in major producing regions like India, China, the U.S, Brazil in the coming months.  Hence with the increase in demand and production of such food & dairy items, the demand for bioplastic material that could preserve them properly will increase. 

Green Plastic Packaging Market Segment – Geography

Asia-Pacific held the largest share in Green Plastic Packaging Market in 2021, with a share of over 35%. This is attributable to factors like an increase in disposable income, increase in consumer consumption, change in consumer habits and rapid urbanization, etc. For instance, as per the October 2021 report of the Asia Pacific Economic Council (APEC), there has been a rise in demand for healthy beverage drinks that have zero sugar and reduced-sugar formulations in Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore since people there have started adopting a healthier lifestyle. And as per the October 2021 report of the Thai Ministry of Industry, the food production in the Thai food industry has increased by 2.9% compared to last year. As Food & Beverage industry in the Asia-Pacific region is showing significant growth, so the demand for green plastic like Bio- Polyethylene Terephthalate that is used for making beverage bottles and food containers will also increase.

Green Plastic Packaging Market Drivers

Shift towards sustainable packaging by industries

The demand for eco-friendly and degradable packaging solutions to reduce the effect of harmful non-biodegradable material on the environment has increased. And industries like Food & Beverage, Retail, Personal Care, etc., have shown a great interest in eco-friendly and green materials for packaging purposes. Hence such a shift towards sustainable packaging by industries will lead to an increase in demand for green plastic material. For instance, as per the 2021 report of the United Nations, Korea-seven Co. Ltd which is Korea’s first convenience brand store, to stop the usage of plastic in its products has started strengthening its sustainable options. Like company has started using Bio- Polyethylene Terephthalate for salad packaging, and water bottles which are 100% biodegradable. Also, the company introduced two types of straw-less coffee cups and disposable plastic bags that are made from bioplastic.

Companies Initiative towards eco-friendly products

As petroleum-based package materials emit a lot of carbon emissions during their manufacturing. So various companies especially in Food & Beverage sector have started or planning to start using biodegradable or recyclable materials as it would cause less pollution and the product will be eco-friendly having high composability. For instance, as per the 2021 Global Commitment Progress Report of the United Nations Environment Program, Coca-Cola has aimed to achieve 100% sustainability in the production of its bottles by 2023, by using recycled polyethylene terephthalate. Hence such initiative by such big beverage giants will have a positive impact on the demand for green plastic materials in Food & Beverage market as they would be used more in making bottles and containers.

Green Plastic Packaging Market Challenges

Use of other sustainable packaging options

Green plastic does not decompose readily, hence they need high temperature and may take many years to decompose, and besides green plastic, there are other sustainable options too like recycled cardboard, paper, etc. which companies are using for packaging purposes. Hence the availability of other sustainable options has made the companies shift towards them, thereby harming the green plastic packaging industry. As per the 2020 report by United Nations Environment Program, various beverage companies to remove unnecessary plastic usage in packaging has shifted towards recycled cardboard. For instance, Diageo has eliminated 540 metric tones of metalized films replacing them with recycled paper, Molson Coors Brewing Company replaced all plastic six-pack rings in its UK business with recycled cardboard.   

Competitive Landscape

Companies in Green Plastic Packaging Market compete on the basis of the product quality they offer in bioplastic. Also, they get involved in mergers, acquisitions and look for investment opportunities for expansion purposes. Some of the key players in this market are:

  1. Novozymes
  2. Novamont
  3. Arkema
  4. Solvay
  5. Genomatica
  6. LanzaTech
  7. Toray
  8. LyondellBasell
  9. Corbion
  10. Avantium 

Recent Developments

  • In 2021, LyondellBasell and Nestle announced their long-term collaboration for the production of sustainable polymers like bio-based polypropylene, that would be sold under the brand name Circulen. The new product will be a significant step towards the fight against climate change. 
  • In 2021, Novamont acquired Norway-based company BioBag which is a leading supplier of low-impact solutions for collection and packaging. Hence such acquisition will enable the company to strengthen its global presence. 

Relevant Reports

Sustainable Packaging Market

Report Code: CMR 0210

Biodegradable Packaging Market

Report Code: CMR 0116


For more Chemicals and Materials related reports, please click here

1. Green Plastic Packaging Market- Market Overview
    1.1 Definitions and Scope
2. Green Plastic Packaging Market - Executive Summary
    2.1 Key Trends by Polymer Type
    2.2 Key Trends by Packaging Type
    2.3 Key Trends by End User
    2.4 Key Trends by Geography
3. Green Plastic Packaging Market – Comparative analysis
    3.1 Market Share Analysis- Major Companies
    3.2 Product Benchmarking- Major Companies
    3.3 Top 5 Financials Analysis
    3.4 Patent Analysis- Major Companies
    3.5 Pricing Analysis (ASPs will be provided)
4. Green Plastic Packaging Market - Startup companies Scenario Premium Premium 
    4.1 Major startup company analysis:
        4.1.1 Investment
        4.1.2 Revenue
        4.1.3 Product portfolio
        4.1.4 Venture Capital and Funding Scenario
5. Green Plastic Packaging Market – Industry Market Entry Scenario Premium Premium 
    5.1 Regulatory Framework Overview
    5.2 New Business and Ease of Doing Business Index
    5.3 Successful Venture Profiles
    5.4 Customer Analysis – Major companies
6. Green Plastic Packaging Market - Market Forces
    6.1 Market Drivers
    6.2 Market Constraints
    6.3 Porters Five Force Model
        6.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
        6.3.2 Bargaining Powers of Buyers
        6.3.3 Threat of New Entrants
        6.3.4 Competitive Rivalry
        6.3.5 Threat of Substitutes
7. Green Plastic Packaging Market – Strategic Analysis
    7.1 Value/Supply Chain Analysis
    7.2 Opportunity Analysis
    7.3 Product/Market Life Cycle
    7.4 Distributor Analysis – Major Companies
8. Green Plastic Packaging Market – By Polymers Type (Market Size -$Million/Billion)
    8.1 Biodegradable Plastic
        8.1.1 Starch based plastic
        8.1.2 Cellulose based plastic
        8.1.3 Lignin based plastic
        8.1.4 Polylactic Acid
        8.1.5 Polyhydoxyalkanoates 
        8.1.6 Others
    8.2 Bio-based plastic
        8.2.1 Polyethylene Terephthalate
        8.2.2 Polyethene
            8.2.2.1 High Density Polythene
            8.2.2.2 Low Density Polythene
            8.2.2.3 Others
        8.2.3 Others
    8.3 Others (Polypropylene, Polystyrene) 
9. Green Plastic Packaging Market – By Packaging Type (Market Size -$Million/Billion)
    9.1 Corrugated Bubble Wrap
    9.2 Cornstarch Packaging
    9.3 Recycled Plastic Packaging
    9.4 Reusable Packaging
10. Green Plastic Packaging Market – By End User (Market Size -$Million/Billion)
    10.1 Food & Beverage
        10.1.1 Food Grains, Pulses & Sugar Packaging
        10.1.2 Fruits & Vegetables Packaging
        10.1.3 Dairy Products
        10.1.4 Health Drinks Packaging
        10.1.5 Others
    10.2 Medical & Healthcare
        10.2.1 Surgical Instruments
        10.2.2 Blood Bags
        10.2.3 Serum Vials
        10.2.4 Prescription Bottles
        10.2.5 Others
    10.3 Personal Care
        10.3.1 Shampoo
        10.3.2 Make up & Kits
        10.3.3 Moisturizers
        10.3.4 Others
    10.4 Consumer Goods
    10.5 Others (Shipping, Chemicals, Electronics)
11. Green Plastic Packaging Market - By Geography (Market Size -$Million/Billion)
    11.1 North America
        11.1.1 USA
        11.1.2 Canada
        11.1.3 Mexico
    11.2 Europe
        11.2.1 UK
        11.2.2 Germany
        11.2.3 France
        11.2.4 Italy
        11.2.5 Netherlands
        11.2.6 Spain
        11.2.7 Russia
        11.2.8 Belgium
        11.2.9 Rest of Europe
    11.3 Asia-Pacific
        11.3.1 China
        11.3.2 Japan
        11.3.3 India
        11.3.4 South Korea
        11.3.5 Australia and New Zeeland
        11.3.6 Indonesia
        11.3.7 Taiwan
        11.3.8 Malaysia
        11.3.9 Rest of APAC
    11.4 South America
        11.4.1 Brazil
        11.4.2 Argentina
        11.4.3 Colombia
        11.4.4 Chile
        11.4.5 Rest of South America
    11.5 Rest of the World
        11.5.1 Middle East
            11.5.1.1 Saudi Arabia
            11.5.1.2 UAE
            11.5.1.3 Israel
            11.5.1.4 Rest of the Middle East
        11.5.2 Africa
            11.5.2.1 South Africa
            11.5.2.2 Nigeria
            11.5.2.3 Rest of Africa
12. Green Plastic Packaging Market – Entropy
    12.1 New Product Launches
    12.2 M&As, Collaborations, JVs and Partnerships
13. Green Plastic Packaging Market – Industry/Competition Segment Analysis Premium 
    13.1 Company Benchmarking Matrix – Major Companies
    13.2 Market Share at Global Level - Major companies
    13.3 Market Share by Key Region - Major companies
    13.4 Market Share by Key Country - Major companies
    13.5 Market Share by Key Application - Major companies
    13.6 Market Share by Key Product Type/Product category - Major companies
14. Green Plastic Packaging Market – Key Company List by Country Premium Premium 
15. Green Plastic Packaging Market Company Analysis - Business Overview, Product Portfolio, Financials, and Developments
    15.1 Company 1
    15.2 Company 2
    15.3 Company 3
    15.4 Company 4
    15.5 Company 5
    15.6 Company 6
    15.7 Company 7
    15.8 Company 8
    15.9 Company 9
    15.10 Company 10 and more
"*Financials would be provided on a best effort basis for private companies"