The global biodegradable disposable tableware market is all set to make greater strides at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2022 and 2030, reaching US$ 18 Bn by the year 2030.
As the foodservice industry is growing across the globe it is expected to create a demand for biodegradable disposable tableware. Explosion in the number of quick service restaurant and takeaway systems is expected to generate a monumental demand for disposable tableware.
The growing awareness about benefits of sustainable products has also fueled the market in recent years. These are manufactured with bio-based plastic, paper and paperboard, and wood, which makes them completely biodegradable. Growing number of restaurants, cafeterias, and food joints are expected to opt for this kind of tableware as they look for cost-efficient waste management solutions.
The food and beverage industry prefers disposable packaging to avoid washing trouble and convenience it provides to its users. Furthermore, innovations in the manufacturing of biodegradable tableware such as usage of leaf, bagasse, and starch extracted from various natural raw materials will increase production of the biodegradable disposable tableware market.
Key Takeaways of Biodegradable Disposable Tableware Market Study
Paper & paperboard as a material is poised to account for more than 2/3rd of the biodegradable disposable tableware market by 2030
Bio-based biodegradable plastic segment is gaining significant traction as this plastic is made from renewable resources instead of fossil fuels, reducing carbon footprint. The segment is likely to witness a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period
Trays are estimated to account for more than 45% of the market share by value during the forecast period
The foodservice industry is estimated to be the key end user of biodegradable disposable tableware and is poised to account for over 60% of the global biodegradable disposable market by 2030
Asia Pacific is estimated to represent an incremental opportunity of over US$ 5Bn by the end of next five years
Significant Availability of Raw Materials to Boost Production of Biodegradable Disposable Tableware in Asian Economies
In order to promote sustainable production of biodegradable disposable tableware and to gain economies of scale, the production and availability of the raw material is an important aspect. Asian countries account for more than 40% of bio-based materials including sugarcane and bamboo used for manufacturing biodegradable disposable tableware. Thus, the region is estimated to provide a steady supply of raw material for manufacturing biodegradable disposable tableware market, thereby augmenting the market growth. This is likely to provide a remunerative opportunity to the regional manufacturers to leverage the raw material availability and expand their production capacities.
“As per data provided by United Nations, more than 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic has ended up in the landfills. Only 9% of plastic is recycled whereas the rest results in polluting the water bodies and natural environment. Single-use plastics such as spoons, cups, and plates are widely used by food service industry are a continuous threat to the environment. Thus, green solutions such as bioplastics or use of disposable tableware made from natural resources is likely to boost the growth of biodegradable disposable tableware market,” says an FMI analyst.
Impact of COVID-19 on Biodegradable Disposable Tableware Market
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly hit the foodservice industry and it is likely to take time before it returns to normalcy. However, with lockdowns relaxing across the globe, re-adapting to the new normal permit opening of foodservice deliveries, cafes, and restaurants generating a demand for biodegradable disposable tableware to avoid cross-contamination.
Customers are going to be more cautious and concerned regarding the hygiene and safety factors than ever before. Since, biodegradable disposable tableware cannot be re-used and reduce the chances of multiple handling, it offers a safe solution to the foodservice industry without negatively impacting the environment. Demand for packaged food in trays and cups is likely to provide lucrative opportunity for the market to grow due to prevailing demand for packaged food, which offer hygienic solution without impacting the quality of the food product.
Biodegradable disposable tableware manufacturers will need to adapt with the global pandemic with contingency plans and understand the vulnerabilities associated with the supply chain. This might result in reducing dependencies on any one country and increasing preference for domestic players for the need of raw materials. The food industry particularly faces disruptions where large proportions of entire categories of food are typically imported using just-in-time logistics.
