Biodegradable Kitchenware Market Size, Share & Growth [2031]

Report Description

Biodegradable Kitchenware Market Outlook 2031

The global biodegradable kitchenware market size was USD 10.7 Billion in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 19.1 Billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 6.5% during 2023–2031. The market is driven by increasing environmental awareness and a rise in technological innovations for the development of eco-friendly products.

Low manufacturing cost of biodegradable kitchenware along with the increasing consumer inclination towards the use of environment-friendly products is anticipated to have a significant impact on the growth of the market. Manufacturing kitchenware has become cheaper due to the easy availability of raw materials and the ability to use smaller production setups. This has allowed manufacturers to create kitchenware items in various shapes and sizes using materials such as paper, wood, and bioplastic. Moreover, these products are affordable and user-friendly, leading to a high demand for biodegradable kitchenware items across different industries, including food and hospitality.

• In February 2021, the National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) from Kerala, India developed a new technology for the manufacture of biodegradable kitchenware by processing wheat bran. The resulting kitchenware products include cups and dishes that have been prepared at a very low cost and are even usable in the microwave.

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Biodegradable kitchenware are crafted using natural materials such as sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, paper pulp, palm leaves, agricultural residues, and cornstarch-based PLA plastic. These types of kitchenware are environmentally friendly, as it is compostable and decomposes within a few months of being discarded. Additionally, it serves as a sustainable alternative to oil-based polymers. This eco-conscious product is highly adopted on a global scale to reduce plastic waste and greenhouse emissions in food containers, bowls, plates, cups, and meal trays. Their growing demand from commercial and residential users is driving the growth of the market.

The market report finds that the COVID-19 pandemic hampered the market as the lockdown implemented to curb the spread of the pandemic by various governments around the world has had a significant impact on the supply chains, disrupting the availability of raw materials and manpower. However, as the situation gradually improves, there is a significant surge in the demand for eco-friendly products such as biodegradable kitchenware products. The focus on environmental sustainability and the pressing need to reduce carbon footprint and plastic waste is likely to drive the growth of such products in the near future.

Biodegradable Kitchenware Market Dynamics

Major Drivers

Growing awareness among consumers about the harmful effects of plastic kitchenware on health is anticipated to boost the market. The chemical compounds present in plastic products used for eating or storing food, drinking, or storing water have been identified to cause hormonal imbalances. This can lead to a range of health issues, including impaired lung growth, reproductive defects, cancer, and more. Moreover, these chemicals have the ability to leach into an individual’s water and bloodstream, potentially causing further health complications.

• As per the National Institute of Health in 2020, numerous studies have established that plastic pollution is directly association with several health problems including cardiovascular disease, reproductive disorders, obesity, and breast cancer. Another study estimated that the introduction of micro-plastic is responsible for 42,400 obesity cases among four-year-olds in Europe.

Increasing demand for sustainable and environment-friendly kitchenware is expected to fuel the growth of the market, owing to rising environmental awareness. The use of plastic kitchen products in commercial and residential spaces causes environmental pollution and adverse health effects in the long run. The production of disposable water bottles requires fossil fuels and contributes to global warming. The increased preference for biodegradable products can substantially reduce pollution caused by single-use products such as bottles, cups, plates, and bowls, among others.

Existing Restraints

High cost of certain biodegradable kitchenware products is likely to hinder the market during the projection period. In comparison to conventional plastic, the production of bioplastic composites requires specialized equipment which adds more steps to the production process. This leads to an increase in the cost of production, making the overall manufacturing process less cost-effective. For instance, sugarcane-based PET or bio-ethanol are around 20% more expensive than conventional plastics.

• According to the research published by the National Institute of Health in April 2022, the adoption of bioplastic is still limited on account of its high cost. It is difficult to mass-produce and is at least twice as expensive as conventional plastic.

Emerging Opportunities

Research and development for increasing the durability and compostability of biodegradable kitchenware products is anticipated to create substantial growth opportunities for the market. These eco-friendly alternatives to traditional kitchenware are gaining popularity as more people become aware of the environmental impact of plastic waste. By choosing durable biodegradable kitchenware, consumers are able to reduce their plastic products' use in various kitchen applications. Their rising availability in various size and shapes, and cost-effectiveness is likely to further drive the adoption of biodegradable kitchen product, thus, increasing growth opportunities for the market players.

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Scope of the Biodegradable Kitchenware Market Report

The market report includes an assessment of the market trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.

Biodegradable Kitchenware Market Segment Insights

Product Segment Analysis

Based on product, the biodegradable kitchenware market is divided into plates, cups, bowls, cutlery, and others. The plates segment is projected to hold the major share of the market during the projection period, owing to the extensive use of disposable plates in several commercial setups, including food and hospitality. Eco-friendly plates are cost-effective as they require minimum energy to manufacture and can be easily composted.

Some manufacturers in the market have started producing plates made of banana leaves to reduce plastic waste. According to the article published by Hindustan Times, many restaurants and cafes in India are choosing sustainable options such as bamboo, wood, and metal for crockery instead of plastic.

The cutlery segment is projected to register a considerable CAGR during the forecast period, as they are one of the most used items in the food and hospitality industry. The development of cutlery from grain husk and biodegradable plastics makes them ideal for disposable usage. In addition, they are easily compostable and do not harm the environment. While small plastic cutlery takes up to 500 years to decompose, biodegradable cutlery takes barely two to three months. The increasing environmental awareness and the rapid adoption of biodegradable kitchenware by the hospitality industry are likely to fuel the growth of this segment.

• As per the report published by the National Institute of Health in 2023, biodegradable plastic accounts for close to 1% of the entire plastic production globally. This is equivalent to approximately 370 million tons of biodegradable plastic.

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Material Segment Analysis

On the basis of material, the global market is segregated into paper, wood, bioplastic, and others. The paper segment is projected to register a substantial CAGR during the forecast period due to its convenient availability and cost-effective manufacturing. Many manufacturers prioritize eco-friendliness and safety when it comes to serving food.

These commercial establishments opt for silver-coated materials that are both non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Such plates are particularly popular in both residential and commercial settings because they are easy to compost. On the other hand, paper bowls and cups are highly sought after for events, due to their cost-effectiveness compared to other options such as wood and bioplastic tableware.

Distribution Channel Segment Analysis

On the basis of distribution channel, the biodegradable kitchenware market is segmented into offline and online. The offline segment is anticipated to register a robust growth rate during the forecast period, as customers are accustomed to purchasing disposable tableware from grocery shops or supermarkets. Supermarkets/hypermarkets provide special offers and combos instantly to customers who choose these shopping modes, catering to their interests. Additionally, the convenience of selecting and shopping for items, including wooden plates, cutlery, and other eco-friendly tableware based on preferences, is expected to result in the growth of this segment.

End-user Segment Analysis

On the basis of end-user, the biodegradable kitchenware market is segmented into household and commercial. The commercial segment is anticipated to register a robust growth rate during the forecast period, due to its increasing adoption by various establishments such as hotels, restaurants, fast-food chains, and online food stores.

The rise in internet penetration coupled with the availability of multiple online food service applications has led to an upsurge in demand for food delivery services that utilize eco-friendly cutlery, plates, and cups. This trend is indicative of the growing awareness and concern towards sustainability in the food industry.

• In September 2021, Habits of Waste, one of the prominent non-profit organizations, launched a campaign called #CutOutCutlery to reduce the waste caused by the use of disposable plastic cutlery in restaurants all over the world. The campaign has effectively swayed the commercial platforms for food delivery such as Uber Eats, Door Dash, and GrubHub, to adopt biodegradable kitchenware items.

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Regional Outlook

In terms of region, the global biodegradable kitchenware market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Europe is expected to dominate the global market for biodegradable tableware due to increasing concern over the negative impact of plastic and toxic-based consumer products among the population in European countries. Additionally, European-based bio-tableware manufacturers have been motivated by stringent government regulations and frameworks to boost production volume and offer a diverse range of sustainable kitchenware products. This has facilitated the consumption and demand for biodegradable products, including tableware.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to experience significant growth during the forecast period as a result of increasing environmental awareness and growth in demand for biodegradable disposable dinnerware from cafes, restaurants, takeaways, and consumers. Furthermore, this region has several developing countries with large populations, where the government's policies and initiatives promote the use of biodegradable products to create a sustainable environment. These supportive policies and rising inclination towards cost-effective plastic-free kitchenware products is likely to fuel the growth of the market in this region.

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