United Kingdom (UK) Biodegradable Packaging Market Research Report, 2028

The United Kingdom has been making significant strides in the adoption of biodegradable packaging materials as part of its broader commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This transition is driven by various factors, including regulatory changes and a growing consumer preference for eco-friendly options. The UK uses the EN 13432 standard to define biodegradable and compostable packaging. This standard requires packaging to be made from renewable materials such as Starch, Cellulose, and Other natural fibers. In recent years, there have been several important developments in the country; the UK introduced a Plastic Packaging Tax that came into effect in April 2022. This tax places a fee on plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content, encouraging businesses to use more sustainable materials, including biodegradable alternatives. Numerous UK-based companies and organizations have been actively exploring and implementing biodegradable packaging solutions to meet consumer demands and reduce their environmental footprint. These efforts include replacing single-use plastics with compostable or biodegradable alternatives. The UK government has set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reduce plastic waste. As part of this commitment, there has been a push for more sustainable packaging options, including biodegradable materials. There has been ongoing research and innovation in the field of biodegradable packaging materials in the UK. A UK startup "Polymateria" has developed a technology that makes plastic biodegradable and recyclable. Their thin, flexible plastic breaks down in 226 days and can be recycled into products like flowerpots or pallets. In 2023, The UK's funding agency for science and research, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), revealed that 17 projects are being funded by its Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging (SSPP) Challenge to improve the use and management of plastic packaging. According to the research report "The United Kingdom Biodegradable Packaging Market Overview, 2028," published by Actual Research, the market is anticipated add more than USD 1.2 Billion from 2023 to 2028. The market for biodegradable packaging materials in the United Kingdom has been experiencing significant growth and transformation in recent years, emblematic of the country's strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Driven by an increasingly eco-conscious consumer base, stringent regulatory measures, and the proactive engagement of both businesses and the government, the adoption of biodegradable packaging has gained considerable momentum. In response, many UK-based businesses and organizations have been actively investing in research and development to produce sustainable packaging materials that align with consumer demands for greener, more environmentally friendly options. The public's growing environmental awareness and preference for eco-friendly products have not only sparked a shift in consumer behavior but also encouraged companies to invest in biodegradable packaging solutions. As a result, the United Kingdom's Biodegradable Packaging Market is on an upward trajectory, poised for continued expansion as it plays a pivotal role in the nation's broader sustainability efforts and the global movement toward a more environmentally responsible future.

What's Inside a Actual Market Research`s industry report?

Asia-Pacific dominates the market and is the largest and fastest-growing market in the animal growth promoters industry globally

Download Sample

In the United Kingdom, the biodegradable paper market exhibits a detailed segmentation based on various types of biodegradable paper materials, encompassing corrugated fiberboards, kraft paper, paperboards, flexible paper, box boards, and other diverse variations. Significantly, corrugated fiberboards stand out as the dominant force within this market, primarily due to their robust and versatile composition, making them an ideal choice for a wide array of packaging needs. These materials, with their structured design, provide exceptional protection and durability, making them particularly suitable for safeguarding products during transit and storage. Following closely behind, kraft paper holds a substantial share of the market, is renowned for its sturdiness and environmentally friendly attributes, and is often utilized in various packaging applications. Meanwhile, the "others" category also commands a significant portion of the market, emphasizing the broad spectrum of biodegradable paper materials available, each tailored to address specific packaging requirements. The presence of a variety of biodegradable paper options contributes to the growth and diversification of the market, ensuring that it remains adaptable to the diverse packaging demands of the United Kingdom, from sustainable e-commerce solutions to eco-conscious food packaging. This diverse landscape highlights the nation's dedication to eco-friendly practices and its commitment to providing sustainable and responsible packaging solutions, which in turn, fosters a greener and more environmentally conscious future for the packaging industry in the UK. In the United Kingdom, the biodegradable packaging materials market exhibits a robust segmentation based on the types of biodegradable plastics in use, comprising cellulose-based plastics, polylactic acid (PLA), starch-based bioplastics, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and other innovative bioplastics, such as protein-based and genetically modified variants. Notably, cellulose-based plastics assert their dominance within the market, showcasing their versatility, renewable sourcing, and strong eco-friendly attributes. These materials are highly favored for their biodegradability, aligning with the UK's focus on sustainability and eco-conscious packaging solutions. Polylactic acid (PLA), derived from renewable resources, is another substantial contender in the market, renowned for its adaptability and sustainable nature. Starch-based bioplastics, sourced from abundant agricultural materials, contribute to the market's diversity, catering to various packaging needs. Additionally, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) demonstrate their growing presence, highlighting continuous innovation and technological advancements within the field of biodegradable plastics. The "others" category, encompassing protein-based and genetically modified bioplastics, further underscores the market's dynamic nature and adaptability to emerging technologies. The dominance of cellulose-based plastics not only highlights their significance within the UK's sustainability efforts but also positions the nation as a driving force behind the global shift toward greener and more eco-conscious packaging solutions, promising a more sustainable and responsible future for the industry. In the United Kingdom, the biodegradable packaging materials market displays a noteworthy segmentation, primarily categorized by material types, encompassing biodegradable paper, biodegradable plastics, and bagasse. Among these categories, biodegradable papers emerge as the dominant force within the market, reflecting the country's profound commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions. Biodegradable paper materials are highly favored for their renewable sourcing, biodegradability, and versatility, offering a comprehensive solution for an array of applications, from food packaging to retail products. Following closely behind are biodegradable plastics, which are engineered to decompose more readily in natural environments, addressing growing concerns related to plastic pollution. These materials offer an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional plastics while maintaining durability and functionality. Bagasse, derived from sugarcane processing, also claims a significant share of the market, typically utilized for specific packaging needs, due to its eco-friendly attributes and biodegradability. The dominance of biodegradable papers underscores their pivotal role in the UK's ongoing sustainability efforts, while the presence of biodegradable plastics and bagasse highlights the diversity and innovation within the market. The UK's commitment to eco-conscious packaging is reflected in the market's structure, promising a more sustainable and responsible future in the packaging industry, where biodegradable materials continue to play a vital role in environmental stewardship and waste reduction. Based on the Application the market is segmented into Food Packaging, Beverage Packaging, Personal/Homecare Packaging, Healthcare/Pharmaceutical, and Logistic, Others (Agriculture). Biodegradable Packaging Market hold the high application in food packaging industries, followed by beverages, healthcare and others.

Make this report your own

We're excited to discuss your needs and our solutions. Let's schedule a call.

Ask an Expert

Kripa Shah

Senior Analyst

In the United Kingdom, the distribution of biodegradable packaging materials primarily occurs through a well-established network of wholesalers, underlining the pivotal role these intermediaries play in the supply chain. Wholesalers act as key conduits between manufacturers and retailers, offering a diverse range of biodegradable packaging solutions to meet the varying needs of businesses across different sectors. They provide an extensive catalog of products, enabling retailers and businesses to access a wide array of biodegradable packaging options conveniently and efficiently. This distribution channel serves as a one-stop-shop for businesses looking to align with sustainable packaging practices. Following wholesalers, retailers themselves have emerged as a significant distribution avenue for biodegradable packaging materials, driven by increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Retailers stock their shelves with an assortment of biodegradable packaging materials, making them readily accessible to consumers seeking sustainable choices. Furthermore, the "others" category in distribution encompasses various channels, including direct sales from manufacturers, e-commerce platforms, and specialty suppliers, each contributing to the accessibility and diversification of biodegradable packaging materials. The UK's robust distribution network reflects the nation's dedication to environmentally responsible packaging solutions, fostering the ease of access to biodegradable materials and further promoting sustainable practices throughout the country. This multifaceted distribution approach is poised to play a pivotal role in driving the adoption of biodegradable packaging materials across a spectrum of industries and sectors in the United Kingdom, reinforcing the nation's commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible consumption. Considered in this report: • Geography: United Kingdom • Historic year: 2017 • Base year: 2022 • Estimated year: 2023 • Forecast year: 2028 Aspects covered in this report: • United Kingdom 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

Don’t pay for what you don’t need. Save 30%

Customise your report by selecting specific countries or regions

Specify Scope Now

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. Keywords: United Kingdom, paper, plastic, bagasse, corrugated fiberboard, kraft paper, paperboard, flexible paper, boxboard, others (greaseproof paper, corrugated bubblewrap), cellulose-based plastics, polylactic acid (PLA), starch based, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), others (protein-based bioplastics, genetically modified bioplastics), food packaging, beverage packaging, personal/homecare packaging, healthcare/pharmaceutical, logistic, others (agriculture), wholesalers, retailers, and others.