The global biodegradable tableware market is segmented by type (cups), material (starch-based), end-use (food service), and geography.
1. The tableware market: An overview
The biodegradable tableware market is a segment of the tableware market that focuses on products that are made from natural, renewable, and compostable materials, such as cornstarch, bamboo, sugarcane, and palm leaf. These products are designed to reduce the environmental impact of plastic and other non-biodegradable tableware, which can take hundreds of years to decompose and cause pollution and harm to wildlife.
The biodegradable tableware market is expected to grow at a significant rate in the coming years, due to the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products, the rising awareness about the consequences of plastic pollution, and the supportive policies and regulations that encourage the use of biodegradable alternatives.
The market is valued at over USD 40 billion and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5% from 2019 to 2025. The market is driven by the need for biodegradable and compostable tableware, as well as the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products.
The global biodegradable tableware market is segmented by type, material, end-use, and geography. By type, the market is divided into plates, bowls, cups, and others. By material, the market is categorized into paper, plastic, and others. By end-use, the market is classified into food service, households, and others.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the biodegradable tableware market, including market dynamics, Porter’s five forces analysis, market share analysis, and competitive landscape. It also provides a detailed segmentation of the market by type, material, end-use, and geography.
2. The market for biodegradable tableware
The global market for biodegradable tableware is expected to be worth USD 67.8 billion by 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8%. This growth is propelled by the need for eco-friendly and sustainable products, rising awareness about the environmental impact of non-biodegradable products, increasing demand for disposable products, and rising disposable incomes.
key factors that influence the biodegradable tableware
Some of the key factors that influence the biodegradable tableware market are:
The product type
The biodegradable tableware market includes various products, such as plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, and others. The demand for each product type may vary depending on the application, preference, and availability of the consumers. For instance, cups may have a higher demand in the food service sector, while plates and bowls may be more popular in the household sector.
The material type
The biodegradable tableware market is categorized by material types, such as paper, bioplastic, bamboo, palm leaf, and others. The choice of material may depend on the cost, performance, durability, and availability of the products. For example, paper and bioplastic may be cheaper and more widely available than bamboo and palm leaf, but they may also have lower strength and heat resistance than the latter.
The distribution channel
The biodegradable tableware market is segmented by distribution channels, such as online and offline. The online channel may offer more convenience, variety, and accessibility to the consumers, while the offline channel may provide more trust, quality, and personalization to the consumers. The preference for each channel may vary depending on the location, income, and behaviour of the consumers.
The geography
The biodegradable tableware market is divided by geography, such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and South and Central America. The market size and growth may differ across regions, depending on the level of awareness, adoption, and regulation of biodegradable tableware. For instance, Europe may have a larger and more mature market than Asia Pacific, due to the higher environmental consciousness, stricter regulations, and more established players in the region.
The market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for biodegradable and compostable products, escalated demand for disposable products, and growing awareness about the environmental impact of non-biodegradable products. Companies are investing in research and development to develop new and innovative products that are more eco-friendly and sustainable. This is expected to drive the market growth during the forecast period.
3. Opportunities in the biodegradable tableware market
This market offers substantial opportunities for both established players and new entrants. Companies operating in the market are investing in research and development activities to produce innovative and eco-friendly products. These eco-friendly products have various benefits over conventional products, such as reduced waste, biodegradability, and sustainability. Additionally, the increasing awareness about the importance of using biodegradable tableware is expected to propel growth in the market.
Moreover, new companies are entering the market and offering innovative products. This will further lead to an increase in competition and drive down the prices of biodegradable tableware. Moreover, the increasing trend of biodegradable packaging and the rising demand for eco-friendly products is expected to create numerous opportunities in the market.
4. Challenges facing the market
Although the biodegradable tableware market offers numerous opportunities, it also faces certain challenges. Some of the key challenges that hinder the growth of the biodegradable tableware market are:
– The improper management of waste, which can result in the contamination and degradation of biodegradable tableware, reducing its effectiveness and benefits
The high cost of production and limited availability of raw materials are major restraints for the growth of the market. Also, the escalating population and increasing disposable income in numerous countries have driven the demand for conventional plastic tableware products, thus posing a challenge to the biodegradable tableware market. Moreover, the high cost of biodegradable tableware will limit its adoption in numerous industries. Industries may prefer conventional plastics, even if they do understand the hazards associated with them. This will create a challenge for the manufacturers of biodegradable tableware.
The lack of awareness and availability of biodegradable tableware, on the other side, in developing and rural regions especially, where consumers may not have access to or knowledge about the advantages and options of biodegradable tableware is another challenge for this industry. And, finally, the lack of infrastructure for recycling and collecting in many countries will hinder the growth of the market. For instance, in developing countries, the lack of waste disposal and recycling facilities has encouraged people to use disposable plastic dishes for convenience. The difficulty in developing the necessary infrastructure for garbage collection and disposal is likely to be a challenge for the market.
5. Key players in the biodegradable tableware market
The biodegradable tableware market is highly competitive, with several multinational players operating in the market. Some of the key players in the market are:
– BASF SE (Germany)
– Huhtamäki Oyj (Finland)
– Dart Container Corporation (United States)
– Huhtamaki Oyj (Finland)
– BIOFUTURE (England)
– Weifang Sungreen International Trade Co., Ltd (China)
– Hangzhou Garbage Free Biotech Co., Ltd. (China)
– Dinuba (the USA)
– Advance Biodegradable Solutions (the USA)
– Novamont S.p.A. (Italy)
– Vegware (the UK)
The key players in the biodegradable tableware market are focusing on innovation and product development to sustain their market position. The manufacturers are primarily focusing on launching new biodegradable products, expanding their production capacity, and active product promotion in both local and global markets to capture a larger market share.
6. Future trends in the biodegradable tableware market
The biodegradable tableware market is rapidly evolving, with changes in consumer preferences and technological advancements in the industry. The demand for these products is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. Here are some of the future trends in this market:
– Expansion in Food Industry:
The increasing demand due to the rising number of fast food restaurants and drive-throughs, which require convenient and disposable tableware for serving and packaging food and beverages
– Rising Demand from Environmental Groups:
The favourable government and non-government organizations’ initiatives, such as bans on single-use plastics, subsidies and incentives for biodegradable products, and campaigns and programs to educate and motivate consumers and businesses to adopt biodegradable tableware
– Growing Popularity of Aesthetic Tableware:
Consumers are leaning towards aesthetically appealing biodegradable tableware, which is expected to drive the demand for these products in the coming years.
– Growing Adoption of Advanced Technologies:
Biodegradable tableware manufacturers are increasingly adopting advanced technologies such as 3D printing and nano-technology to design innovative products.
– Increasing Focus on Sustainable Packaging Solutions:
Consumers are becoming more conscious about their impact on the environment and the use of sustainable packaging solutions. Also, the rising concerns regarding the ill effects of plastic, such as its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, its accumulation in landfills and oceans, and its ingestion by animals and humans, which can cause health problems and diseases