The global eco-friendly paper plates market size is set to reach a valuation of USD 1.17 billion in 2023 and further expand at a CAGR of 4.50% from 2023 to 2033. The market is likely to reach USD 1.82 billion by 2033. Sales of eco-friendly paper plates are anticipated to increase, with the top 5 providers holding 20 to 25% of the global market in 2023.
Based on product type, the plain segment is estimated to remain at the forefront in the global market. The increasing use of plain paper plates by various food service providers worldwide contributes to the segment’s growth. As per FMI, the top 3 countries in the global market are projected to hold 35 to 40% of the share by the end of 2033.
Rising demand for eco-friendly packaging products, increasing consumer awareness about the environment, and government restrictions over using single-use plastic products are estimated to bolster sales of eco-friendly paper plates during the forecast period. The market is anticipated to grow 1.5x the current value from 2023 to 2033.
The North America and Europe regions are anticipated to hold around half of the global market during the forecast period due to the expanding food service sector. Also, imposing bans on using single-use plastic products in these regions may create new growth opportunities for key players.
Top 2 Trends Augmenting Demand for Sustainable Paper Plates
Eco-friendly paper plates are generally used in the food and food service industry to serve food products. Growing awareness about the environment among the masses is set to become a strong driving force to augment sales of eco-friendly paper plates.
According to an independent survey conducted by DS Smith, six out of ten people are ready to spend on food products with less plastic packaging. The survey also states that the recycling habits of Europeans have improved significantly. This change in consumer behavior towards plastic-free products is estimated to drive growth prospects in eco-friendly paper plates.
Besides, social media has created a whirlwind of awareness all over the globe. People started to realize the dreadful impact of plastic on nature. Rising preference for eco-friendly paper packaging format in the global food industry is thus anticipated to fuel growth during the foreseeable future.
Most plastic the masses use ends up in the oceans, landfills, and the environment. Toxic chemicals used to manufacture plastic-based products get transferred into the soil and eventually enter the human food chain.
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), 95% of plastic packaging material value is lost after its first use. Governments across the globe are trying to reduce or completely ban the use of single-use plastic products. The European Union has also banned single-use plastic.
The Canadian government has banned the manufacturing, importing, and exporting six categories of single-use plastic products. Eight states of the United States have decided to ban single-use plastic. Ban on single-use plastic products and various government initiatives to reduce the use of plastic may propel the demand for alternative products such as eco-friendly packaging.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.50% |
| Market Valuation (2023) | USD 1.17 billion |
| Market Valuation (2033) | USD 1.82 billion |
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The global eco-friendly paper plates market expanded at a CAGR of 1.90% from 2018 to 2022. The market reached USD 1.0 billion in 2018 from USD 1.12 billion in 2022. Eco-friendly paper plates are alternatives to plastic or paper plates. Paper plates have become the new way of serving snacks and food.
Their convenience, as well as relatively low cost, make their popularity inevitable. Eco-friendly paper plates, as the name advocates, are fully biodegradable and compostable. Hence, they are extensively used to decrease plastic waste and greenhouse emissions. Increasing disposable income and growing consumer awareness about the benefits associated with the usage of eco-friendly paper plates are anticipated to drive the market.
As per the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, while 22% is mismanaged across the globe. Plastic waste generated per person annually varies from 114 kg in European OECD countries and 221 kg in the United States to 69 kg, on average, for Korea and Japan. Plastic waste is constantly rising worldwide, and it is set to create high demand for sustainable cutleries and plates in the next decade.
Biodegradable Disposable Plates of Less than 8 Inches to Gain Impetus
The less than 8 inches segment is expected to record a CAGR of 4.6% from 2023 to 2033. Eco-friendly paper plates with a size of less than 8 inches are best suited for takeaways and drive-throughs. To accommodate the growth of consumers who are always on the go, food service providers are striving to deliver various services like ‘take away’ and ‘drive through,’ which may push the segment's growth.
Commercial Sector to Look for Biodegradable Paper Plates
By end use, the commercial segment is projected to create an incremental opportunity of USD 315.3 million with a share of 44.20% in the global market by 2033. Growing demand for sustainable plates and cutlery in commercial places is anticipated to stimulate sales of eco-friendly paper plates in the commercial sector.
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| Countries | Forecast Period Share Between 2023 to 2033 |
|---|---|
| United States | 19.60% |
| Germany | 4.70% |
| Japan | 4.10% |
| Australia | 2.30% |
| Countries | Forecast Period CAGR Between 2023 to 2033 |
|---|---|
| China | 4.40% |
| India | 4.90% |
| United Kingdom | 2.60% |
Ban on Single-use Plastic in Germany to Push Demand for Sustainable Disposable Plates
The German eco-friendly paper plates market is anticipated to grow 1.4 times the current market value during the forecast period, says FMI. Growth is attributed to the ban on single-use plastic products across Europe, including Germany. Germany is estimated to capture a share of 4.70% in the global market by 2033.
In July 2021, governments across European countries like Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom created legislation regarding the ban on single-use plastic products and a road map to reduce the excessive use of plastic products. The government also made strategies to eliminate unnecessary packaging and promote eco-friendly replacements for plastic products.
Thus, various initiatives by European countries are estimated to curb the usage of single-use plastic plates and augment demand for other sustainable replacement options like paper plates.
New Fast-food Chains in the United States to Look for Environmentally Friendly Paper Plates
The United States eco-friendly paper plates market is projected to create an absolute $ opportunity of USD 69.1 million from 2023 to 2033, finds FMI. The United States is estimated to secure a share of 19.60% in the global market by 2033. Demand for eco-friendly paper plates is quickly increasing in the country due to the rapid expansion of the food and beverage industry.
Moreover, a high demand for ready-to-eat food and packaged & processed food products in the United States on the back of changing consumer lifestyles may drive the market. The rise in fast food outlets and restaurant chains nationwide is another vital factor that may aid growth.
Celebrities and influencers are also opening new vegan and organic food chains across the United States, which may push the market. In August 2022, for instance, Kevin Hart, a prolific actor-comedian, opened his first-ever fast-food and plant-based restaurant called Hart House in Los Angeles. He aims to attract regular plant-based eaters and those who have not tried out healthy eating.
The eco-friendly paper plates market is fragmented with the strong presence of global and local players. Throughout the world, small-scale and leading manufacturers are focusing on understanding the current trends of industry players and offering eco-friendly solutions accordingly. Many companies also employ various marketing methods, such as acquisitions and mergers, to broaden their corporate reach and strengthen their market positions.
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Packaging plays a crucial role in the food and beverage space as it helps keep the food fresh for a longer period by guaranteeing hygiene and safety. It is also considered to help facilitate everyone's access to affordable food. It aids in reducing food loss and waste, which has a significant influence on lowering the carbon footprint of the global food chain.
According to Huhtamaki Oyj, one of the reputed businesses in sustainable packaging, the package must be low carbon while still serving its intended purpose. The company looks forward to a genuine drive for low-carbon circularity that unites value chains and transcends individual businesses.
According to Huhtamaki Oyj, packaging accounts for approx. 5% of food’s CO2 footprint and 8% of global GHG emissions are due to wasted food. It can be drastically reduced by increasing recycling activities and shifting towards a green way of manufacturing packaged food items.
Moreover, the company focuses on mergers and acquisitions to remain at the forefront and encourage consumers to use eco-friendly products. In January 2022, for instance, the company acquired full ownership of Huhtamaki Smith Anderson sp. z o.o., its Polish joint venture firm, from Smith Anderson Group Ltd. (SA). The firm sells and manufactures food service paper bags in Eastern Europe.
HOSTI GmbH is another leading manufacturer of eco-friendly paper plates, paper bowls, tart plates, and wooden cutlery for catering supplies. It uses virgin fibers with a greaseproof barrier. The company has been manufacturing environmentally friendly disposable dinnerware for 70 years, and all of its products are 100% plastic-free, compostable, and made from renewable raw materials. Keys to HOSTI's success include decades of experience, maintenance of a very high production standard, and a consistent supply of high-quality raw materials.
Pactiv LLC, on the other hand, recycles products once they are used. The company collaborates with many stakeholders and cross-industry alliances to promote post-consumer recycling. In 2020, it announced that by 2030, 100% of the resources used to create its goods are estimated to be recycled and renewable. It is a part of the company’s sustainability strategy and commitment to sustainable packaging to build eco-friendly production. Pactiv LLC also strives to reduce petroleum-based materials by incorporating other materials.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Forecast Period | 2023 to 2033 |
| Historical Data Available for | 2018 to 2022 |
| Market Analysis | USD billion for Value |
| Key Countries Covered | United States, United Kingdom, Japan, India, China, Australia, Germany |
| Key Segments Covered | Size, Product Type, Sales Channel, Region |
| Key Companies Profiled | Huhtamaki Oyj; Graphic Packaging International, LLC; HOSTI GmbH; Pactiv LLC.; Itterra a.s.; Oy Mini-Maid Ab; Happiness Moon Co., Ltd.; Dart Container Corporation; Boardlink; Natural Tableware; Duni Group Global; DOPLA SPA; Gafbros Ltd.; Plastirun Corporation; Shandong Shengquan New Materials Co., Ltd.; Dinearth Eco-Friendly Tableware.; Biotrem; GreenPlate; Pappco greenware |
| Report Coverage | Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives |
| Customization & Pricing | Available upon Request |
The United States, Canada, and Germany dominate the global eco-friendly paper plates market.
The market is forecast to register a CAGR of 4.5% through 2033.
During 2018 to 2022, the market grew at a CAGR of 1.9%.
The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products is disrupting the current market trends.
The global market size to reach USD 1.82 billion by 2033.
1. Executive Summary 2. Market Overview 3. Market Background 4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033 5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Size 5.1. Less than 8 inches 5.2. 8 inches to 12 inches 5.3. More than 12 inches 6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Product Type 6.1. Partition 6.2. Plain 7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Sales Channel 7.1. Business to Business (B2B) 7.2. Business to Consumer (B2C) 8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End Use 8.1. Commercial 8.2. Institutional 8.3. Household 9. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region 9.1. North America 9.2. Latin America 9.3. Western Europe 9.4. Eastern Europe 9.5. South Asia and Pacific 9.6. East Asia 9.7. Middle East and Africa 10. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 11. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 12. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 13. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 14. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 15. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 16. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 17. Key Countries Market Analysis 18. Market Structure Analysis 19. Competition Analysis 19.1. Huhtamaki Oyj 19.2. Graphic Packaging International, LLC 19.3. HOSTI GmbH 19.4. Pactiv LLC. 19.5. Itterra a.s. 19.6. Oy Mini-Maid Ab 19.7. Happiness Moon Co., Ltd. 19.8. Dart Container Corporation 19.9. Boardlink 19.10. Natural Tableware 20. Assumptions & Acronyms Used 21. Research Methodology
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Eco-friendly Paper Plates Market
