Growing awareness regarding the use of compostable plastic products is propelling the market growth.
Significant developments in compostable plastic packaging have been fueled by shifting regulations and rising environmental awareness. The growing use of compostable plastic packaging by food and beverage firms is one noteworthy trend. Compostable alternatives are replacing standard plastic in brand offerings as consumers look for environmentally friendly and sustainable options. The increasing use of compostable containers, silverware, and bags in restaurants and grocery shops is indicative of this change. Compostable packaging is preferred because it contributes to the worldwide movement to lessen plastic pollution, promote ethical waste management, and boost Market CAGR.
In the e-commerce industry, compostable plastic packaging is likewise becoming more and more popular. An increasing number of people are buying online, which has increased demand for environmentally friendly packaging options that are simple to dispose of. Growing numbers of shipping materials and mailing bags are compostable, satisfying the needs of ecologically concerned customers and companies. The growing consciousness of the carbon footprint linked to transportation and packaging is supporting this trend even more, encouraging businesses to choose compostable substitutes in order to lessen their environmental effect.
The market is being shaped by advancements in material technology as well as the use of compostable packaging. New blends and bioplastics that are both compostable and preserve the required durability and shelf life for a range of items are being developed by manufacturers. These developments are essential to extending the usage of compostable plastic beyond single-use products to include robust packaging options for products with longer shelf lives. We should anticipate the development of even more adaptable and environmentally friendly compostable plastic materials as research and development activities continue.
Initiatives for consumer education and labeling are crucial to the market for compostable plastic packaging. There are still many people who need to be made aware of the distinctions between conventional plastics and their compostable counterparts. Better labeling and educational initiatives are starting to enlighten customers about appropriate disposal techniques and the advantages of compostable packaging. By ensuring that compostable plastics are disposed of properly and boosting customer trust, this trend helps to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. Thus propelling the Compostable Plastic Packaging market revenue.
In April 2024, Eastman and SEE (formerly Sealed Air) introduced a certified compostable tray that is lightweight and intended to replace conventional polystyrene foam options in protein packaging applications. The new tray is constructed using Eastman's Aventa Renew material, which is composed of wood pulp and acetyl derived from a collection of recycled materials. Eastman explains that the latter comprises a maximum of 43% recycled content, which is certified by ISCC PLUS through a mass balance allocation method. Meanwhile, the CRYOVAC compostable overwrap tray from SEE is certified as industrially compostable and does not contain any PFAS.
Reportedly boasting a weight reduction of approximately 50% compared to PET trays, this packaging solution is specifically engineered to accommodate protein goods of various sizes, amounts, and quantities while also providing excellent leak resistance. Consequently, the tray that was developed together has received certification from TÜV Austria as being compostable in household environments, and from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) as being compostable in industrial settings. Due to its composition predominantly consisting of cellulose acetate generated from wood pulp, this material is capable of decomposing by the action of naturally occurring bacteria, without leaving any microplastics residue.
To promote the use of home compostable packaging, TIPA, a leader in the world of compostable packaging solutions, and Fresh-Lock® closures, a top brand in reclosable flexible packaging technology, will work together in 2024. The Fresh-Lock team is introducing a new line of home compostable pouch closures as a result of their combined efforts.
A lightweight, certified compostable tray was introduced by Eastman and SEE (formerly Sealed Air) in 2024 with the goal of displacing conventional polystyrene foam alternatives in protein packing applications. Eastman's Aventa Renew materials, which are derived from wood pulp and acetyl from a variety of recycled materials, are used to make the new tray. Eastman goes on to clarify that the latter has up to 43% recycled content that has been approved by ISCC PLUS through a mass balance allocation method.
The increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility appears to be driving a notable shift towards compostable plastic packaging solutions, reflecting a broader commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting circular economies.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
