United States Biodegradable Cups and Lids Market (2023 to 2033)

The United States biodegradable cups and lids market size is expected to reach USD 3,283.9 million in 2023. Over the next decade (2023 to 2033), biodegradable cup and lid sales across the United States are likely to rise at 6.0% CAGR. By 2033, the United States market is set to cross a valuation of USD 5,901.0 million.

The United States biodegradable cups and lids industry was valued at USD 3,151.3 million at the end of 2022. It is anticipated to exhibit Y-o-Y growth of 4.2% in 2023.

As per Future Market Insights (FMI), beverage segment dominates the United States market with a share of about 71.1% in 2022. This is due to rising end user preference for using biodegradable cups for serving beverages.

The cups segment with a market share of more than 78.1% has topped the United States biodegradable cups and lids industry. Demand for biodegradable cups is expected to rise at a CAGR of around 6.3% over the forecast period.

The United States biodegradable cups and lids industry is expected to experience a lucrative growth outlook during the forecast period. It is projected to create an incremental growth opportunity of USD 2,749.8 million and expand 1.9x the current market value over the forecast period.

Key Market Shaping Factors:

  • Growing demand for sustainable and temperature-resistant packaging from the food & beverage sector is likely to boost the United States biodegradable cups and lids industry
  • Implementation of stringent regulations on the usage of plastic packaging solutions such as plastic cups and plastic lids is anticipated to create growth prospects for the market
  • Rising environmental awareness and increasing number of eco-conscious consumers are set to fuel biodegradable cup and lid sales
  • Increasing number of quick service restaurants in the United States are positioned to uplift biodegradable cup and lid demand
  • Reduction in product prices will likely help biodegradable cup and lid manufacturers to attract more customers
  • Development of biodegradable cups and lids with improved durability, heat resistance, and lower duration for degradation is projected to foster market development
  • Increasing usage of biodegradable packaging such as biocups across schools and colleges are projected to create lucrative revenue-generation opportunities for biodegradable cup and lid manufacturing companies

Biodegradable cups and lids are made from a wide variety of substrate materials such as sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, biopolymers, and recycled paper. These raw materials impart durability and robustness to the end product, rendering them suitable for a diverse range of applications.

Being biodegradable as well as compostable in most cases, this type of packaging is highly sustainable by nature.

Biodegradable cups and lids are lightweight and possess robust temperature resistance. This makes them highly suitable for serving food and beverages with varying temperatures without any deterioration of the packaging.

Rising adoption in the food & beverage sector is expected to bolster sales of biodegradable cups and lids across the United States.

The food and beverage sector is expanding rapidly across the United States, creating an ever-increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

As biodegradable cups and lids are made from natural fibers, recycled paper, or biopolymers, they do not contain any water molecules, rendering them safe to use in microwaves. Due to this, they offer convenience to the end-user by providing them an option to reheat the contents in the packaging in a microwave or an oven.

Being water and grease-resistant, biodegradable cups and lids are suited for packaging for take-out and delivery which can also help minimize the carbon footprint associated with the food delivery sector.

The food and beverage sector in the United States can also utilize biodegradable cups and lids as retail packaging for products like ready-to-drink beverages, snacks, and deli items. This wide array of applications offered by biodegradable cups and lids to the rapidly rising nationwide food and beverage sector will uplift biodegradable cup and lid demand.

High consumption of beverages such as coffee and growing trend of take-out food are expected to fuel demand for biodegradable cups and lids.

According to the National Coffee Association (NCA), American coffee consumption is reaching new heights due to rising health awareness. The NCA’s report found that since 2015 overall coffee consumption increased by 5% in the United States. Furthermore, around 62% of Americans are drinking coffee every day. This will boost the target market.

Cafés across the United States are rapidly shifting their preference towards biodegradable coffee cups & lids to attract more and more customer and comply with environmental regulations.

Hence, increasing consumption of coffee and rising popularity of compostable coffee lids and cups will boost the United States market over the next ten years.

Growing applications of biodegradable cups and lids across households, cafes, restaurants, and takeaway food outlets will further boost the United States market through 2033.

Leading biodegradable cup and lid manufacturers are focusing on using materials such as polylactic acid (PLA) and other bioplastics. They are also expanding their production facilities across the United States to gain profits.

For instance, in June 2021, a new production line was launched by Novolex to manufacture compostable cold beverage cups from plant-based plastic.

Attributes Key Insights
Estimated United States Biodegradable Cups and Lids Market Size (2023) USD 3,283.9 million
Projected Market Value (2033) USD 5,901.0 million
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 6.0%
Collective Value Share: Top 5 Companies (2022A) 30% to 35%

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2018 to 2022 United States Biodegradable Cups and Lids Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2023 to 2033

The United States biodegradable cups and lids industry registered a CAGR of 3.6% during the historic period (2018 to 2022). Total market value increased from USD 2,738.8 million in 2018 to USD 3,151.3 million in 2022.

Looking forward, the United States market is projected to expand at a robust CAGR of 6.0% between 2023 and 2033. Total market valuation is likely to cross USD 5,901.0 million mark by 2033.

Biodegradable cups and lids are made from a wide variety of substrate materials such as sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, biopolymers, and recycled paper. These raw materials impart durability and robustness to the end product, rendering them suitable for a diverse range of applications.

Being biodegradable as well as compostable in most cases, this type of packaging is highly sustainable by nature which takes about 3 months to 2 years to decompose completely based on the material.

Biodegradable cups and lids are lightweight and possess robust temperature resistance, making them highly suitable for serving food and beverages at varying temperatures without any deterioration of the packaging. Their insulating properties also inhibit them from passing on the heat to the end-user, eliminating the need for using cup sleeves.

The food and beverage sector is on the rise across the United States, creating an ever-increasing demand for apt sustainable packaging. Biodegradable packaging provides a robust and effective solution to this sector by offering several different end products including cups and lids.

Biodegradable cups and lids are witnessing a surge in sales as clients attempt to increase their brand recognition. Logos can be printed onto cups or lids with impressive accuracy, showcasing the brand to the consumers.

Several different printing techniques can also be applied to create personalized designs or patterns on the packaging as well as to create decorative images. Printing on biodegradable cups and lids also enhances the perception of the brand and creates a positive impression among eco-conscious customers.

Key Factors Boosting the United States Biodegradable Cups and Lids Industry

Growing Popularity of Biodegradable Cups & Lids among Consumers in United States Boosting the Market

Being produced from recycled paper, natural fibers, or biopolymers, biodegradable cups and lids are 100% biodegradable, and in most cases, compostable. These decomposing packaging solutions can turn into excellent fertilizer that has even greater environmental benefits that support the growth of new plants.

The compostable nature of biodegradable cups and lids ensures that the landfills are not filled with waste and reduce pollution by a huge margin. This is increasing popularity of biodegradable cups among customers as well as brands.

Several manufacturers of biodegradable cups and lids prioritize sustainable sourcing of materials by obtaining their raw materials from responsibly managed forests, certified organic farms, or other sustainable sources. This helps them to ensure the overall sustainability of the supply chain.

Offering supremely sustainable solutions, biodegradable cups and lid packaging is witnessing widespread product adoption in the United States

Phasing Out Single-use Plastics across the United States to Augment Demand for Biodegradable Cups and Lids

Several United States have implemented regulations to reduce single-use plastics. For instance, California has banned single-use plastic bags and implemented restrictions on plastic straws and stirrers.

Similarly, Hawaii has banned plastic bags and polystyrene foam containers. Other states, such as New York, Maine, and Vermont, have also implemented or proposed measures to reduce single-use plastics.

Furthermore, the United States Interior Department has issued an order to phase out all single-use plastic products on public lands by the year 2032, which is expected to create a surplus demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

This reduction in the use of single-use plastics is ultimately bolstering the demand for biodegradable disposable solutions such as cups, lids, trays, clamshells, etc. made from either sustainably sourced materials or biopolymers.

Ismail Sutaria
Ismail Sutaria

Principal Consultant

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Category-wise Insights

Which is the Commonly Preferred Material for Making Biodegradable Cups & Lids?

Manufacturers Prefer Recycled Paper for Making Biodegradable Cups & Lids

According to Future Market Insights (FMI), recycled paper will continue to remain the most preferred material for making biodegradable cups and lids. This is due to various benefits of using recycled paper and rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions from end users.

Recycled paper packaging helps keep waste out of landfills and lowers the requirement for fresh paper manufacture. Usage of this material plays a significant role in conserving the environment.

Customization options are widely available for recycled paper cups and lids to meet particular branding and product demands of the clients. Eco-friendly or food-safe inks are generally used to print on them with great accuracy and vibrant colors.

Recycled paper cups and lids are available in a wide array of sizes and designs to cater to various portion sizes of the end user. They come in a variety of forms such as single-wall cups, double-wall cups for extra insulation, as well as compostable options.

Amid rising popularity of biodegradable paper cups, the recycled paper segment is anticipated to gain a market share of 37.8% in the estimated year advancing at a CAGR of 7.6%.

Which is the Highly Remunerative Application of Cups and Lids?

Beverages to be the Most Lucrative Application of Cups and Lids

Based on application, beverage segment is projected to hold 71.7% of the market in the estimated year (2023). It is likely to create an incremental opportunity of USD 1,941.7 million during the forecast period.

Rising preference of end users, such as restaurants and hotels, to serve a wide variety of beverages in biodegradable cups is a key factor driving the target segment.

Biodegradable cups and lids are known for their ability to withstand extreme temperatures which makes them suitable for serving beverages with varying temperatures. The food service sector makes use of cups and lids that not only resist the varying temperatures but also come in diverse shapes and sizes to offer various portion sizes to the customers.

Biodegradable cups are also increasingly being made with double wall features that allow the end-user to grab the cup without the risk of burning their fingers due to the hot contents.

Competitive Landscape

Key biodegradable cup and lid manufacturers are focusing on innovations to introduce appealing products. They are also implementing strategies such as mergers, partnerships, promotional activities, collaborations, acquisitions, etc. to gain profits and expand their presence in the United States.

Recent developments:

  • In November 2022, Sabert Corporation launched five new fiber-based packaging solutions for the food service industry.
  • In September 2021, Pactiv LLC acquired Fabri-Kal for USD 380 million. Fabri-Kal is engaged in the production of food service consumer brand packaging solutions.
  • In July 2021, Graphic Packaging launched the OptiCycle line of hot cups, which are non-PE coated.

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Scope of the Report

Attribute Details
Estimated Market Value (2023) USD 3,283.9 million
Projected Market Value (2033) USD 5,901.0 million
Anticipated Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) 6.0% CAGR
Historical Data 2018 to 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Quantitative Units Revenue in USD Million, Volume in Units and CAGR from 2023 to 2033
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis
Segments Covered Material, Product Type, Distribution Channel, Application, End Use
Key Companies Profiled Huhtamaki Oyj; Dart Container Corporation; Georgia-Pacific LLC; WorldCentric; Seda International Packaging Group; Genpak LLC; Pactiv LLC; Packnwood; Graphic Packaging International, LLC; Fuling Plastic USA, Inc.; JBM Packaging; Printed Cups USA; Gator Paper; Sabert Corporation; Stanpac Inc.; Grupo Phoenix; Visstun Cups & Containers; WinCup Holdings Inc.; Budget Branders; ConverPack Inc.

United States Biodegradable Cups and Lids Market Segmentation

By Material:

  • Polylactic Acid
  • Polybut-ylene Adipate Terephthalate
  • Bagasse
  • Bamboo
  • Recycled Paper

By Product Type:

  • Cups
  • Lids

By Distribution Channel:

  • Direct Sales
  • Retail
  • Distributors
  • Online

By Application:

  • Food
  • Beverage

By End Use:

  • Commercial Use
  • Institutional Use
  • Household Use

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Current Size of the United States Biodegradable Cups and Lids market?

The United States biodegradable cups and lids market is valued at USD 3,283.9 million in 2023.

What is the Projected Size of the United States Biodegradable Cups and Lids Market by 2033?

The United States biodegradable cups and lids market is projected to reach a market value of USD 5,901.0 million by 2033.

What is the Growth Forecast for United States Biodegradable Cups and Lids Market?

The United States biodegradable cups and lids market is expected to achieve a CAGR of 6.0% through 2033.

How was the Historical Performance of the United States Biodegradable Cups and Lids Market?

From 2018 to 2022, the United States biodegradable cups and lids market demonstrated a CAGR of 3.6%.

Which Application Holds the Leading Position in the United States Biodegradable Cups and Lids Market?

The beverage segment currently holds a significant market share of 71.7% in 2023.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Key Market Trends
	4. Key Success Factors
	5. Market Demand Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	6. Market - Pricing Analysis
	7. Market Demand (in Value or Size in USD Million) Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	8. Market Background
	9. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Material
		9.1. Polylactic Acid (PLA)
		9.2. Polybut-ylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT)
		9.3. Bagasse
		9.4. Bamboo
		9.5. Recycled Paper
	10. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Product Type
		10.1. Cups
		10.2. Lids
	11. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Distribution Channel
		11.1. Direct Sales
		11.2. Retail
		11.3. Distributors
		11.4. Online
	12. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Application
		12.1. Food
		12.2. Beverage
	13. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End Use
		13.1. Commercial Use
		13.2. Institutional Use
		13.3. Household Use
	14. Market Structure Analysis
	15. Competition Analysis
		15.1. Huhtamaki Oyj
		15.2. Dart Container Corporation
		15.3. Georgia-Pacific LLC
		15.4. WorldCentric
		15.5. Seda International Packaging Group
		15.6. Genpak LLC
		15.7. Pactiv LLC
		15.8. Packnwood
		15.9. Graphic Packaging International, LLC
		15.10. Fuling Plastic USA, Inc.
		15.11. JBM Packaging
		15.12. Printed Cups USA
		15.13. Gator Paper
		15.14. Sabert Corporation
		15.15. Stanpac Inc.
		15.16. Grupo Phoenix
		15.17. Visstun Cups & Containers
		15.18. WinCup Holdings Inc.
		15.19. Budget Branders
		15.20. ConverPack Inc.
	16. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
	17. Research Methodology
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