Starch-based Packaging Market Summary

The global starch-based packaging market was estimated at USD 7.97 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 11.64 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2025 to 2030. The growth of this market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging. Rising environmental concerns, combined with growing awareness among consumers and industries regarding the harmful effects of plastic waste, have accelerated the shift toward starch-based materials. Additionally, stringent government policies and regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing plastic pollution are significantly contributing to the growing adoption of starch-based packaging across the globe.

Government regulations promoting eco-friendly materials further fuel market growth, as nations focus on reducing carbon footprints and encouraging circular economy practices. Governments across various regions are implementing strict measures to limit single-use plastics, creating a favorable environment for the expansion of starch-based packaging solutions. These sustainable materials offer the dual benefit of biodegradability and functionality, making them highly suitable for various packaging applications across multiple industries, particularly food and beverages.

For instance, the European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive has encouraged the widespread use of sustainable packaging solutions such as starch-based films and containers. This directive mandates the reduction of plastic waste through the promotion of eco-friendly alternatives, which has resulted in increased adoption by packaging manufacturers. Similarly, in countries like India and Canada, bans and restrictions on single-use plastics have generated strong growth opportunities for bio-based materials. The abundance, renewability, and biodegradability of starch make it an ideal alternative to petroleum-derived plastics, especially in applications that involve short life cycles, such as disposable food packaging, carry bags, and single-use containers.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• Europe dominated the global starch-based packaging industry with the largest revenue share of over 32.0% in 2024. This dominance is largely due to the presence of well-established environmental policies, strong consumer awareness about sustainability, and significant investment in biodegradable packaging innovations. The growing presence of leading manufacturers and research institutions in the region is also promoting the adoption of bio-based materials.
• Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period. The region’s growth is attributed to increasing government initiatives to reduce plastic waste, expanding food and beverage industries, and rising demand for cost-effective and eco-friendly packaging materials. Additionally, rapid industrialization, changing consumer behavior, and growing export activities are expected to create new opportunities for starch-based packaging manufacturers in this region.
• Based on end-use, the food and beverages segment recorded the largest market share of over 59.0% in 2024 and is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by the increasing preference for biodegradable and safe packaging for perishable products. Starch-based packaging offers excellent moisture resistance, flexibility, and compatibility with food safety regulations, making it a preferred choice for items such as ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and beverages.
• In terms of product, the films and wraps segment accounted for the largest market revenue share of over 45.0% in 2024. This dominance can be attributed to their widespread use in the food industry for sealing, wrapping, and protecting products from external contaminants. Starch-based films provide transparency, durability, and compostability, making them suitable for eco-conscious consumers and companies focusing on sustainable packaging solutions.

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Market Size & Forecast

• 2024 Market Size: USD 7.97 Billion
• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 11.64 Billion
• CAGR (2025-2030): 6.6%
• Europe: Largest market in 2024
• Asia Pacific: Fastest growing market

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Competition among players centers on technological innovation to improve product properties such as moisture resistance and shelf life, cost optimization to narrow the price gap with petroleum-based packaging and expanding production capacity to achieve economies of scale. Competitive dynamics are further shaped by regional variations in agricultural feedstock availability, regulatory incentives promoting biodegradable materials, and downstream partnerships with major food and beverage companies that provide both distribution channels and brand credibility.

• In January 2025, Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH introduced RENATURE Wrap, an innovative sustainable packaging solution made primarily from starch, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional bubble wrap and polyethylene foam. This protective packaging is completely biodegradable, certified by TÜV Austria for home composting and utilizes starch sourced mainly from yellow peas, a by-product of crop rotation, ensuring no impact on food production. RENATURE Wrap is dust-free, easy to handle, and designed for versatile use, including wrapping, cushioning, and surface protection of sensitive goods during transport.
• In July 2020, Oimo, a Spanish startup, developed a sustainable, starch-based, water-soluble packaging material made from algae extracts, natural sugars, and vegetable oils that is biodegradable both on land and in marine environments and non-toxic to marine life. This innovative bioplastic mimics the properties of traditional plastics but without environmental harm, making it suitable for disposable packaging in the food sector, beverage can holders, and cosmetics packaging.

Key Players

• Bluecraft Agro
• Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH
• Cargill
• Biogreen Bags
• Amtrex Nature Care Pvt. Ltd.
• Easy Green Eco Packaging Co., Ltd.
• PakFactory Inc.
• Ecolastic
• Packman Packaging
• PaperFoam
• Oimo
• Bharat Compostables
• LeKAC Sourcing Limited
• Unique Packaging Solutions Ltd

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Conclusion

The starch-based packaging market is poised for substantial growth in the coming years as industries and consumers increasingly shift toward sustainable and biodegradable materials. Driven by environmental concerns, government initiatives, and technological advancements in biopolymer processing, starch-based packaging is becoming a viable alternative to conventional plastics. The rising demand from the food and beverage industry, coupled with the global push for eco-friendly solutions, will continue to propel market expansion. As innovation accelerates and economies of scale improve, starch-based packaging is expected to become more cost-competitive, reinforcing its role in building a greener, more sustainable packaging ecosystem worldwide.