Biodegradable Cutlery Market (By Raw Material: Wood, Husk, Paper) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2023-2032

The global biodegradable cutlery market was valued at USD 39.27 million in 2022 and it is predicted to surpass around USD 77.47 million by 2032 with a CAGR of 7.03% from 2023 to 2032.

Key Pointers

• Europe was the largest market for biodegradable cutlery with a market share of around 36.03% in 2022. The market is projected to reach USD 26.16 million by 2032. 
• Asia Pacific is projected to become the fastest-growing region owing to the increasing number of restaurants, and food joints and stringent regulations mandating plastic bans by the government of various countries such as China, India, and Australia.

Report Scope of the Biodegradable Cutlery Market

The increasingly stringent regulations against non-biodegradable plastic across the globe are the primary factor expected to drive the market growth of biodegradable cutlery over the forecast period.

Most countries around the world are expected to ban plastic usage in any form as it has become a prominent global issue. According to a press release by the European Commission in December 2018, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union framed policies and rule to reduce marine litter through the ban on single-use plastics. In addition to this, in 2015, European Commission proposed a ‘plastic bags’ directive to regulate and restrict the usage of plastic bags. According to this directive, the 28 EU countries were required to adopt any one of the two proposals either to ensure that the usage of plastic bags was reduced to 40 units per year per person from 90 units per year per person. These regulations will increase the awareness as well as the demand for biodegradable cutleries over the forecast period.

The usage of biodegradable tableware is increasing as the global trend to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and plastic waste makes rapid progress. Cutlery such as spoons, bowls, plates, and other products that can degrade within weeks of being thrown away, is referred to as biodegradable tableware. The amount of packaging trash in municipal solid garbage has been noted to be high, which has raised environmental concerns. Oil-based polymers, a common component of modern packaging, are essentially non-biodegradable. Certain packaging options are also challenging to discard and cannot be used again.

Europe was the largest market in 2022 accounting for around 36% of the total market share globally. On the other hand, North America is expected to become the fastest-growing market with a CAGR of 7.2% from 2023 to 2030. Over the past few years, North America has witnessed a substantial reduction of plastics by major food chains. For instance, Starbucks Corporation, one of the largest coffeehouse chain targets phased out the use of plastic straws and lids, key components of its drinks, conventionally. This initiative will ensure significant growth in the demand for biodegradable cutlery over the forecast period.

Raw Material Insights

Husk, wood, bamboo, and bagasse are some of the best materials for manufacturing cutlery. Many companies are carrying out extensive R&D to make biodegradable utensils at an affordable cost. For instance, in March 2019, Green Science Alliance, a chemical company, invented natural biomass made up of paper waste wood, plants, and scrap trees. The material is fully biodegradable and recyclable owing to its natural ingredients. This innovative material will fuel the compostable cutlery market and will generate opportunities in the market.

For the development of affordable biodegradable cutlery, several government entities as well as private players continue to make large investments in R&D. Some of the new entrants in the market are coming up with innovative options such as edible cutlery. For instance, Bakeys Foods Private Limited, an India-based edible cutlery manufacturing startup company launched edible tableware including forks, spoons, and bowls to reduce plastic waste. Such innovations boost the demand as well as increase the awareness of biodegradable utensils.

Regional Insights

Europe was the largest market for biodegradable cutlery with a market share of around 36.03% in 2022. The market is projected to reach USD 26.16 million by 2032. Many startup companies, as well as major manufacturers of biodegradable utensils, are focused on new product development and innovation in raw materials. For instance, leaf republic gmbh, a Germany-based Startup introduced an entire set of leaf tableware. The product is manufactured from leaves, and leaf-made paper with no synthetic additives, coloring, and any type of glue. These products are biodegradable within 28 days after use. This innovative product launch is anticipated to fuel the market over the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is projected to become the fastest-growing region owing to the increasing number of restaurants, and food joints and stringent regulations mandating plastic bans by the government of various countries such as China, India, and Australia. Furthermore, China, Japan, and some eastern countries have a tradition of using wooden cutlery such as Chopsticks. This tradition increases the scope of biodegradable utensils in the region. Startup companies are launching new innovative products to gain a competitive edge in the market. This will provide a boost to the demand for compostable cutlery in the region.

Biodegradable Cutlery Market Segmentations:

By Raw Material

• Wood
• Husk
• Paper
• Plastic
• Others

By Regional

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • Germany
  • France
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
• Central & South America
  • Brazil
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa