Edible Packaging Market

Edible Packaging Market Size:

The global edible packaging market size reached USD 1,015.6 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 1,670.2 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.1% during 2025-2033. The market is primarily driven by the growing packaged food industry, increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging, and implementation of government regulations against plastic waste which is encouraging innovations in edible packaging.

Edible Packaging Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: Consumer awareness and the rising demand for sustainable and green packaging due to the growing awareness regarding the harmful effects of plastics on the environment worldwide is one of the main reasons propelling the market expansion.
• Key Market Trends: The industry for edible packaging materials is concentrating on creating novel products from natural resources such plant proteins, starch, and seaweed. The goal of these inventions is to develop new edible packaging formats that are aesthetically pleasing, multipurpose, and long-lasting to meet a wide range of customer demands.
• Geographical Trends: North America is driven by the adoption and innovation of edible packing materials due to the increasing ban on single-use plastics and the growing preference from consumers for eco-friendly packing materials. Besides, Asia-Pacific is growing rapidly due to the rising trends in urbanization and consumer consciousness toward the environment.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the leading edible packaging companies include Devro plc, Glanbia plc, Ingredion Incorporated, JRF Technology LLC, MonoSol LLC (Kuraray Co. Ltd.), Nagase & Co. Ltd., Notpla Limited, Safetraces Inc., Tate & Lyle Plc, and TIPA Corp Ltd., among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Some of the challenges associated with the market include licensing of the products, acceptance by the consumer, and the expensive cost of material required for the packaging. On the other hand, the opportunities include search and development of new cost optimization, product improvement, and market education to increase the range of consumers.
   

Edible Packaging Market Trends:

Increasing Consumer Preference for Sustainable Packaging

The packaging sector is influenced by consumer awareness regarding environmental concerns such as marine plastic pollution, which pushed edible packaging and other sustainable solutions to the forefront. This shift is driven by the evident effects of plastic waste, encouraging consumer preference for items that support environmental conservation. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, over 8 million tons of plastic garbage end up in the ocean each year, encouraging governments to impose stronger regulations on the use of plastic. Up to 80% of all the debris discovered in the oceans is due to plastic. As a result, producers are forced to use edible packaging options to satisfy customers and adhere to legal requirements. This consumer-driven demand creates a robust market for innovations in biodegradable and edible packaging, thus creating a positive edible packaging market outlook.

Growth in the Packaged Food Industry

Additionally, the expansion of the packaged food sector has significantly impacted edible packaging due to the growing consumer preferences for sustainability. According to the IMARC Group report, the global packaged food market was valued at US$ 2,441.3 Billion in 2023. As per the forecast, the market will reach US$ 4,581.6 Billion by 2032 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2024 to 2032. As the industry continues to innovate, the focus is placed on edible packaging owing to the growing demand for convenient and environmentally friendly packaging options. This concept of making edible packing facilitates the organization to follow the corporal world practise of sustainable measures which is also effective and means less wastage. Hence, more people are inclined toward products with the least impact on the environment thus generating a positive edible packaging market revenue. This trend is likely to gain momentum generally with firms and consumers seeking to adopt responsible consumption practices.

Implementation of Government Initiatives

Governmental policies are a significant factor that influences the market trends for edible packaging. For instance, the European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive drives improvements across the board by limiting plastic use, thus nurturing the use of edible packaging and other substitutes. The directive also specifies conditions that from 2025, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles must be made with at least 25% recycled content, increasing to 30% by 2030. Besides, the domino effect is that such policies are increasing edible packaging demand in areas that have strict anti-pollution laws. These regulations enhance environmental policies encouraging manufacturers to search for biodegradable materials or products to avoid penalties. It is going to grow in the future as many more countries follow the example of their counterparts who are looking for a sustainable solution to the issue of packaging waste.

Edible Packaging Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on material type, source, and end user.

Breakup by Material Type:

• Lipids
• Polysaccharides
• Proteins
• Surfactants
• Others
   

Lipids account for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the material type. This includes lipids, polysaccharides, proteins, surfactants, and others. According to the report, lipids represented the largest segment.

Lipids are known for their barrier qualities that efficiently stop tastes, carbon dioxide, and oxygen from migrating, which is essential for preserving product integrity and extending shelf life. Lipid-based edible packaging also includes combinations of oils, fats, and waxes that are especially popular in the dairy, confectionery, and bread industries. These substances are prized for their capacity to improve sensory attributes, adding glossiness while simultaneously effectively preserving food. Besides, the versatility and natural origin of lipids align with the increasing consumer demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions, further propelling the market growth. Furthermore, several innovations focus on improving the performance and aesthetic appeal of lipid-based edible packaging to broaden its application across various food products, which in turnTop of Form is increasing the edible packaging market value.

Breakup by Source:

• Plant
• Animal
   

Plant holds the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the source have also been provided in the report. This includes plant and animals. According to the report, the plant accounted for the largest market share.

The plant is widely employed due to the growing customer preference for ecologically friendly and sustainable packaging choices. Additionally, a variety of naturally occurring materials, including cellulose, starch, and plant proteins are frequently derived from renewable resources, that are biodegradable which are used to create plant-based edible packaging. Moreover, the versatility of plant materials allows for numerous applications in packaging everything from fresh produce to ready-to-eat (RTE) meals. As consumers seek eco-friendly products, the demand for plant-based packaging solutions continues to influence market growth. This trend is further supported by advancements in food science and technology that improve the functional properties of plant-based materials, making them more appealing to manufacturers and end-users looking for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging, thus contributing to the edible packaging market growth. Hence key players are introducing advanced product variants to meet these needs.

Breakup by End User:

• Food and Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others
   

Food and beverages represent the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end user. This includes food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and others. According to the report, food and beverages represented the largest segment.

The food and beverages sector is primarily driven by the growing consumer demand for sustainable and innovative packaging solutions within the food industry. Additionally, edible packaging offers a dual purpose which reduces environmental impact and adds value to the consumer experience by being consumable. Moreover, companies are increasingly exploring edible packaging to enhance product shelf life, maintain food quality, and minimize waste. This trend is especially evident in the snack, dairy, and ready-to-eat (RTE) meal industries where convenience and sustainability are highly desired. According to the edible packaging market forecast, as strict regulations on single-use plastics are implemented and customer tastes move toward more environmentally friendly goods, edible packaging usage in the food and beverage industry is anticipated to expand significantly. For instance, on 30 January 2024, Apeel Sciences, a leader in supply chain innovations for the fresh fruit industry like edible coating to preserve food products without the need for plastic packaging, made a notable presence at the Berlin Fruit Logistica. The firm has unveiled several strategic initiatives as it prepares to engage with leading retailers and suppliers in the region to improve collaborations and optimize processes across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) market.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest edible packaging market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America was the largest regional market for edible packaging.

According to the edible packaging market overview, North America is the leading market due to its strong regulatory framework supporting sustainable practices and high consumer awareness about environmental issues. Additionally, the region benefits from having numerous innovative companies that are constantly expanding the range of edible packaging solutions. For instance, in January 2024, Wyld, a prominent player in the North American edibles market, declared a new alliance with TIPA, a leader in biodegradable packaging solutions. With this agreement, the partnership aims to solve the environmental problems associated with single-use, non-recyclable flexible plastics and bring sustainable, alternative-plastic packaging to the North American legal edible packaging market. Additionally, Wyld will utilize TIPA’s 608 home compostable laminate, recently made available for local production in North America, for individual wraps for its edibles and larger pouches and bags. Starting in 2024, Wyld plans to distribute its products throughout the U.S. and Canada using this environmentally friendly packaging.

Competitive Landscape:

• The edible packaging market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the edible packaging industry include Devro plc, Glanbia plc, Ingredion Incorporated, JRF Technology LLC, MonoSol LLC (Kuraray Co. Ltd.), Nagase & Co. Ltd., Notpla Limited, Safetraces Inc., Tate & Lyle Plc, and TIPA Corp Ltd.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• At present, major players in the market are strategically concentrating on innovation and cooperation to fortify their positions in the market and drive expansion. Furthermore, several industry leaders are making significant investments in research and development (R&D) to develop strong and adaptable edible packaging options that will appeal to a wider spectrum of food and beverage makers. Additionally, partnerships with academic institutions and research centers are seeking to use advanced scientific discoveries to enhance product offerings. Furthermore, partnerships between key industry players and major food brands are increasingly prevalent, as they work together to customize edible packaging solutions that meet specific product requirements and consumer preferences. These strategies enhance product functionality and appeal while helping expand market reach and consumer acceptance of edible packaging solutions. For instance, in December 2023, Nelson Mullins represented Ecopol S.p.A., an innovator in biodegradable films and delivery systems, in securing a strategic investment with JRF Technology LLC, a leader in water-soluble polymer and edible film technologies. This partnership will establish JRF as Ecopol’s U.S. R&D Center of Excellence, enhancing its existing research and development operations in Italy.

Edible Packaging Market News:

• On 26 September 2023, Xampla introduced Morro, a new consumer brand aimed at positioning bio-based and edible packaging as a viable alternative to traditional plastics. It is a start-up originating from the University of Cambridge that introduced its consumer brand, Morro. This brand, which emerged from 15 years of research, marks products in supermarkets with the Morro marque to indicate packaging made from bio-based materials.
• On 14 April 2023, SARIA expanded its product range by acquiring Devro, a prominent provider of collagen-based edible films and coatings. Devro's specialized collagen casings complement SARIA’s natural sausage casings operations. This merger will enhance the growth prospects of both entities and foster advancements in product innovation, benefiting customers, suppliers, and employees.

Edible Packaging Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global edible packaging market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global edible packaging market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global edible packaging market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive edible packaging market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the material type?
• Which is the most attractive material type in the edible packaging market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the source?
• Which is the most attractive source in the edible packaging market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the end user?
• Which is the most attractive end user in the edible packaging market?
• What is the competitive structure of the market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global edible packaging market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the edible packaging market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global edible packaging market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the edible packaging industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.