Summary

India has been making significant strides in the adoption of biodegradable packaging materials as part of its broader efforts to address environmental concerns and reduce plastic waste. Management of plastic waste is becoming a growing nuisance for policy makers and town planners and emerging as a formidable challenge to address for the scientific community. The government of India has notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, which prohibited the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of single-use plastics (SUPs), intended to phase out the single-use Plastic Carry Bags of thickness less than 120 microns by December 2022. The sudden shift in policy by the Government of India (GOI) has opened new vistas for the promotion of the development of biodegradable plastic products including packaging materials to replace the single-use plastics. These biodegradable products are the need of the hour and thus require credible certification of biodegradability. Many Indian businesses, particularly in the food and hospitality sectors, have started to embrace biodegradable packaging materials. This adoption was partly driven by consumer demand but also by the desire to enhance corporate sustainability and eco-friendliness. Growing biodegradable packaging in a sustainable way, in 2023, An innovation uses Mycelia to transform paddy straws into an alternative to plastic and thermocol. Go Do Good Studio is at the forefront of India's sustainable packaging revolution. They have created a versatile film derived from algae harvested along India's coastal regions. They have also empowered local farmers and replaced over 200,000 plastic pouches. ZeroCircle, A Maharashtra-based startup that created a biodegradable packaging solution made from seaweed.

According to the research report "India Biodegradable Packaging Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the market is anticipated to grow with more than 9% CAGR from 2023-2028. The Biodegradable Packaging Market in India is experiencing a remarkable and accelerating expansion, emblematic of the nation's growing commitment to environmental sustainability and the urgent need to combat plastic pollution. With India being one of the world's most populous countries and having a burgeoning consumer market, the adoption of biodegradable packaging materials is of paramount significance. The Indian government, cognizant of the ecological challenges posed by conventional plastics, has taken decisive steps to promote the use of biodegradable alternatives. Regulations and incentives have been implemented to curb the production and consumption of single-use plastics, driving the demand for eco-friendly packaging materials. These policies have catalyzed innovation and investment in the packaging industry, fostering the development of high-quality, biodegradable options that align with both stringent quality standards and environmental responsibility. Furthermore, there is a discernible shift in consumer preferences in India, with an increasing number of individuals seeking out products and brands that prioritize environmental sustainability. This changing consumer behavior is prompting businesses to adopt biodegradable packaging materials not only to meet regulatory compliance but also to cater to a conscientious consumer base that values eco-friendliness. The robust expansion of the Biodegradable Packaging Market in India signifies a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship. As technology and research continue to advance, the market is poised for further growth. India is actively contributing to the global effort to mitigate plastic pollution and create a more sustainable and eco-conscious packaging industry, ensuring a cleaner and greener future for the country.

In India, the biodegradable packaging materials market presents a highly segmented landscape, with material types such as biodegradable paper, biodegradable plastics, and bagasse taking the forefront. Remarkably, biodegradable papers emerge as the dominant force within this dynamic market, reflecting India's growing commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious packaging solutions. Biodegradable paper, renowned for its renewability and minimal environmental impact, is extensively preferred across various industries, ranging from food packaging to consumer goods. It is favored not only for its biodegradability but also its recyclability, aligning with the country's focus on reducing the ecological footprint of packaging materials. Following closely, biodegradable plastics assert their significant presence, attesting to the technological advancements and innovation in creating eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. These materials, designed to decompose more readily in natural environments, address concerns related to plastic pollution and have gained prominence in India's packaging industry. Meanwhile, bagasse, a natural byproduct of sugarcane processing, also holds a noteworthy share of the market, typically used in specific packaging applications, known for its biodegradable attributes and renewable sourcing. The dominance of biodegradable papers underscores their pivotal role in India's sustainability efforts, while the presence of biodegradable plastics and bagasse reflects the country's diversity and adaptability in adopting and manufacturing diverse eco-friendly packaging materials. As the market continues to evolve and meet the demands of a burgeoning eco-conscious consumer base, India's biodegradable packaging materials market is poised for further expansion, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future in the packaging industry.

In India, the realm of biodegradable papers is intricately subdivided into distinct categories, including corrugated fiberboards, kraft paper, paperboards, flexible paper, box board, and other variations, each serving specific packaging requirements. Notably, corrugated fiberboards emerge as the leading choice within the market, underscoring their versatile applications and robust nature. Corrugated fiberboards are highly regarded for their protective properties, making them indispensable for safeguarding products during transportation and storage, a critical attribute in a country with diverse industries and a significant focus on packaging. Following closely are kraft papers, appreciated for their durability, versatility, and sustainability, making them a valuable resource for a range of packaging solutions. In India, the biodegradable packaging materials market demonstrates a well-defined segmentation based on the utilization of biodegradable plastics, encompassing an array of options, each contributing to the nation's growing emphasis on sustainability and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Leading the charge in this diverse landscape are cellulose-based plastics, asserting their dominance within the market. These materials, derived from abundant and renewable sources, stand out for their biodegradability and eco-friendly attributes, making them a preferred choice across various applications, from food packaging to consumer goods. Following closely is polylactic acid (PLA), recognized for its versatility and sustainable nature, as it is derived from renewable resources like corn starch. PLA exhibits strong growth in response to increasing consumer and industry demands for eco-conscious alternatives to traditional plastics. Starch-based bioplastics also contribute significantly to the market's diversity, owing to their renewable and environmentally friendly sourcing, catering to specific packaging needs. Moreover, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are gaining traction, underlining India's ongoing commitment to innovation and technological advancements in the realm of biodegradable plastics. The "others" category, which includes protein-based and genetically modified bioplastics, further underscores the market's dynamism and adaptability to a wide range of industry requirements.

The market is segmented based on the Applications, into Food Packaging, Beverage Packaging, Personal/Homecare Packaging, Healthcare/Pharmaceutical, and Logistic, Others (Agriculture). By providing an environmentally beneficial substitute for conventional, non-biodegradable packaging materials, biodegradable packaging materials have changed the food packaging business, beverage packaging industry, and personal care industries. Biodegradable materials, such as compostable cornstarch-based polymers and biodegradable films, have grown in popularity in the food packaging sector since they minimize environmental effect and food waste. These components increase the supply chain's overall sustainability while extending the shelf life of items and maintaining freshness. In the beverage packaging sector, biodegradable materials are used in the production of bottles, caps, and labels, offering a greener solution to the plastic pollution crisis. These materials also ensure that beverages remain uncontaminated while being environmentally responsible. In the personal care industry, biodegradable packaging materials are employed for items like shampoos, soaps, and cosmetics, contributing to reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy. This shift towards biodegradable packaging materials is a testament to the growing global commitment to environmental preservation, as they not only reduce the carbon footprint but also align with consumer demands for sustainable products, making them an integral component of a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible packaging industry. Biodegradable packaging plays a role in agriculture for seed packaging, mulch films, and even biodegradable pots for seedlings. It contributes to sustainable farming practices and reduces plastic waste in the agricultural sector.

In India, the distribution of biodegradable packaging materials primarily relies on a well-established network of wholesalers, underlining the pivotal role they play in the supply chain of eco-friendly packaging solutions. Wholesalers serve as the crucial intermediaries, connecting manufacturers of biodegradable packaging materials with retailers, businesses, and even consumers. This distribution model is deeply ingrained in India's business landscape, given the vast and diverse market. Wholesalers ensure that a wide range of biodegradable packaging options, from bags and containers to cutlery and wrapping materials, are readily available to meet the demands of retailers and businesses of all sizes. Retailers, constituting the next significant distribution channel, are essential touchpoints for consumers, and they often stock biodegradable packaging materials on their shelves, offering eco-conscious alternatives to conventional plastics. Consumers increasingly seek out these sustainable products, creating a demand-pull effect that propels the growth of biodegradable packaging materials. Additionally, other distribution channels, including e-commerce platforms and specialized eco-friendly stores, are emerging as influential players in the distribution landscape, offering convenient access to a wide variety of biodegradable packaging options. India's distribution model for biodegradable packaging materials, led by wholesalers and complemented by retailers and a growing array of outlets, reflects the nation's evolving commitment to sustainability and the responsiveness of the market to consumer preferences for more responsible and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. This multi-pronged distribution approach fosters the accessibility and availability of biodegradable packaging materials, contributing to a more eco-conscious and sustainable future in the country.


Considered in this report:
• Geography: India
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report:
• India Biodegradable Packaging market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Material Type:
• Paper
• Plastic
• Bagasse

By Paper:
• Corrugated Fiberboard
• Kraft Paper
• Paperboard
• Flexible Paper
• Boxboard
• Others (Greaseproof paper, Corrugated BubbleWrap)

By Plastic:
• Cellulose-based plastics
• Polylactic acid (PLA)
• Starch Based
• Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate (PHB)
• Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
• Others (protein-based bioplastics, genetically modified bioplastics)

By Application:
• Food Packaging
• Beverage Packaging
• Personal/Homecare Packaging
• Healthcare/Pharmaceutical
• Logistic
• Others (Agriculture)

By Distribution Channel:
• Wholesalers
• Retailers
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Biodegradable Packaging industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.

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