Edible Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Report [2031]

Report Description

The global edible packaging market size was USD 681 Million in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 1097 Million by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 5.7% during 2023–2031. The market is propelled by the increasing awareness of waste disposal and its harmful effects on the environment.

Edible packaging is emerging as a better solution for food & beverage and pharmaceutical product packaging in recent years. With the shifting inclination of consumers toward eco-friendly products, companies in these sectors are exploring ways to adopt green solutions for their products. As a result, the demand for edible packaging materials has surged from food& beverages and pharmaceutical companies. In addition, government policies regarding theusage of eco-friendly products are further boosting the edible packaging market.

• According to the report published by the National Institute of Health in 2022,the amount of plastic packaging material found in waste is increasing every year, impacting the environment considerably. It was estimated that packaging waste alone contributes to 35% of municipal waste produced by the whole European Union.

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Edible packaging is mostly composed of biodegradable, plant-based, and natural materials that can be consumed without the need for processing, recycling, waste collection, or disposal. This alternative packaging solution offers consumers a viable option to traditional packaging and effectively meets the growing demand for sustainable products. Edible packaging also helps protect the environment and reduces waste in landfills caused by packaging.

The research report finds that the COVID-19 pandemic has hinderedthe edible packaging market. With the restrictions imposed by various government authorities all around the world to control the spread of the virus, the supply chains were disrupted and the people preferred home-cooked meals for safety and health reasons. This impacted the food & beverage industry, which is one of the biggest users of edible packaging.However, the widescale vaccination and opening of commercial activities have supported the market in its recovery from the downs of the pandemic. 

Edible Packaging Market Dynamics

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Major Drivers

Growing demand for processed food products in various parts of the world is expected to drive the market during the forecast period. With the rise in consumer culture, there has been an increasing trend of consumers preferring processed foods and drinks over unprocessed ones. Processed foods are easily available, have a long shelf life, and are convenient to prepare and eat.As people incline toward buying processed food, the demand for edible packaging products is likely to increase as well.

• Pace International LLC, one of the prominent manufacturers of edible packaging, recently introduced PrimaFresh 60 Organic, a high-quality brand of edible plant-based coatings. This solution was developed to enhance the freshness and appeal of stone fruits by effectively managing dehydration.

Stringent government regulations against the use of plastic are anticipated to boost the market. The rise in environmental awareness has led to several governments all over the world adopting strict policies against the use of plastic, especially non-recyclable plastic. The ingredients that are used in edible polymers consist ofgeneral-purpose additives.Companies are required to explicitly mention on the labels if these packaging materials are prone to any type of allergy.The compliance of food and beverage manufacturerstowards these regulations is creating favorable conditions for the increased adoption of edible packaging materials.

Existing Restraints

High cost of edible packaging is expected to restrain the growth of the edible packaging market during the forecast period. The cost of manufacturing edible packaging is often high, due to the maintenance and sanitary requirements of food products. The edible layers of the packaging are prone to be contaminated by germs and dirt. The companies have to spend huge amounts of money to ensure that neither the structural integrity of the edible packaging nor the quality of the food contained in it is compromised. As a result, the high cost is likely a hindering factor in the growth of the market.

Emerging Opportunities

Technological advancements in the food and beverage industry are projected to create substantial growth opportunities for the market. Though the advancements are in the primary stage, significant efforts are being made to enhance the nutritional properties of the food by using nanotechnologies, such as multifaceted systems and nanoencapsulation.

The use of nanoencapsulation to cover the active composites with edible covering helps protect the food from moisture and acts as a barrier, preventing the contamination of food by foreign particles.Steady growth of innovations in the packaging of food products is likely to generate significant opportunities for the players in the market.

Scope of the Edible Packaging 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.

Edible Packaging Market Segment Insights

Material Segment Analysis

Based on material, the edible packaging market is divided into polysaccharides, lipids, protein films, and others. The protein films segment is projected to hold the major share of the market during the projection period,due to its extensive use in the manufacture of edible packaging. Protein films can be made with various substances such as plants, gluten, soy, collagen, gelatin, casein, and whey.

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These films have excellent mechanical properties, which are better in comparison to other substances, owing to the unique structural integrity of protein molecules. Additionally, since protein acts as an ideal barrier for gases, oil, and vapor, they also prevent any microbial development in food.

• As per the report published by the National Health of Institute in March2022, the usage of protein for packaging purposes is highly advantageous for improving product quality & stability, as well as for extending its shelf life. Furthermore, the incorporation of bioactive compounds such as protein in packaging enhances the nutritional value of the food.

Source Segment Analysis

On the basis of source, the global market is segregated into plant and animal. The plant segment is projected to register a high CAGR during the forecast period,owing to the easy availability and cheaper cost as compared to animal sources.

Packaging materials made from plant sources have a great gas barrier and ideal mechanical properties. In addition, the increasing adoption of biodegradable eco-friendly packaging products also promotes the growth of this segment.

Packaging Process Segment Analysis

On the basis of the packaging process, the edible packaging market is segmented into electrohydrodynamic, microorganisms, coatings, antimicrobial, and nanotechnology. The coatings segment is anticipated to register a robust growth rate during the forecast period,owing to the benefits such as excellent gas and liquid barrier.

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Depending on the application of the coating, the skin permeation varies, which can even influence the ripening and respiration of food. The coating also helps in maintaining the aroma and flavor of the food substance. These factors lead to an increased demand for edible coatings, which supports market growth.

End-user Segment Analysis

Based on end-user, the edible packaging market is divided into food & beverage and pharmaceutical. The food & beverage segment is expected to generate a major revenue share of the market,owing to the extensive use of edible packaging for various food products, ranging from confectionary and bakery to other functional food ingredients.

Edible packaging helps in waste reduction caused by food & beverage packaging, and since it does not require recycling, it eliminates the typical waste cycle. Furthermore, with the lifestyle change, there has been a rising demand for processed food such as baby food, dairy products, and snacks worldwide, which is anticipated to fuel the market growth.

The pharmaceutical segment is projected to register a considerable CAGR during the forecast period, asedible packaging is largely used for making capsules all over the world. The modern lifestyle and increasing health consciousness are some of the main factors leading to the growth of the pharmaceutical segment.Increasing adoption of medicine and daily supplements as a part of daily life is further propelling the use of edible packaging in pharmaceutical products.

• According to the report published by the National Health of Institute in 2022, pharmaceutical expenditures are growing at a substantial rate due to numerous health problems. The expenditures in 2021 were 7.7% more than those in the year 2020, which is equivalent to USD 576.9 billion.

Regional Outlook

In terms of region, the global edible packaging market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to dominate the market during the projection period,due to the strong presence of the processed food industry as well as the pharmaceutical industry. The region has a growing acceptance of edible packaging as a result of rising environmental awareness and proactive efforts toward waste reduction. Furthermore, several key market players are present in this region, which is further contributing to the growth of the market.

Europe is anticipated to have significant growth during the forecast period,due to a well-developed food and beverage industry and rise of environmental awareness. Within this region, Germany holds the largest market share, as it has a strong foundation in the packaging sector. In addition, governments are creating environment-conscious policies that are favorable for the growth of the edible packaging market.

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