According to data from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, over 32% of single-use plastic packaging in China comes from the catering and food packaging sectors. The gradual tightening of plastic restriction policies has prompted the food industry to re-evaluate its choice of packaging materials.
Legislative pressure intensifies: Countries and regions such as the EU, the UK, Japan, and China have established bans, restrictions, or liability regulations on single-use packaging and harmful chemicals.
Concerns over chemicals and health rise: The potential risks of microplastics and toxic substance migration in plastic packaging have expanded regulatory focus from environmental protection to food safety.
Alternative solutions are being implemented: From fungus-based packaging to smart packaging and reusable solutions, the industry and research institutions are collaborating to drive the transformation of packaging systems.
From policy and regulation to corporate transformation and scientific research and innovation, the global packaging industry is rapidly transitioning from plastic to environmentally friendly, recyclable, and compostable materials. In the coming years, with the improvement of waste plastic recycling infrastructure, the decline in the cost of biodegradable materials, and the strengthening of consumer awareness of green consumption, the industry is expected to undergo further rapid transformation.
The biodegradable packaging market is expanding rapidly, with food packaging emerging as the largest application segment. The market is projected to continue growing from 2025 to 2035, with mainstream materials including PLA, PHA, starch-based, and cellulose-derived solutions.
The North American food packaging market is growing rapidly, with the market value expected to reach USD 91.8 billion by 2033. Of this, 19% will be composed of biodegradable materials, with paperboard packaging accounting for nearly 41%, and the food industry holding the largest share (approximately 47%) among all submarkets.
The global biodegradable paper-plastic packaging market size continues to rise, with food brands actively replacing traditional plastics to comply with environmental regulations and meet consumer expectations.
Green packaging has evolved from an "optional extra" to a "necessary condition." An increasing number of consumers, especially younger generations, view environmentally friendly packaging as an important criterion in their purchasing decisions. Companies that proactively implement green packaging strategies will not only gain consumer trust and premium pricing, but also achieve significant advantages in brand management and long-term growth.
With the maturation of biodegradable technology and the reduction of production costs, biodegradable single-use plastic packaging will become widely used in the food industry. Companies that can complete their green transformation ahead of the curve will not only enhance their brand reputation but also gain a broader market share in the environmental protection trend.
