From Waste to Nutrition

Edible food wrappers and biodegradable containers are a novel way to eliminate landfill waste, such as Notpla’s “Ooho,” which encapsulates liquids in a wrapper made from seaweed. © David Lineton.

Edible Food Packages Redefine Sustainability

By Swapna Gawale, a Project Manager at Towards Packaging

Food packaging plays a crucial role in packaged food items’ overall hygiene, safety and quality, providing a protective barrier that ensures the preservation of freshness, color, odor, and other characteristics over an extended time. However, food packaging also comprises a significant portion of landfill waste.

The edible packaging market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by rising consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Major multinational corporations and startups are investing heavily in research and development to create innovative packaging materials that are safe for consumption and have desirable properties such as extended shelf life, moisture resistance, and flavor retention.

As a result, the market is witnessing the emergence of various types of edible packaging solutions, including films, coatings, and pouches, each catering to specific product requirements. These solutions are primarily made from natural ingredients such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids sourced from plants, seaweed, or fruit extracts. These materials ensure that the packaging is biodegradable, compostable, and non-toxic.

In fact, the global edible packaging market size is estimated to grow from $1.82 billion in 2024 at a 14.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach an estimated $5.26 billion by 2032.

Regional Insights And Packaging Applications

Regional market dynamics play a crucial role in shaping the edible packaging landscape. Developed economies, such as North America and Europe, have witnessed a higher adoption of edible packaging due to greater awareness of environmental issues and stringent regulations regarding single-use plastics. However, emerging economies in the Asia Pacific, such as China and India, are also witnessing rapid growth in the market, driven by changing consumer preferences and government initiatives to reduce plastic waste.

North America holds a dominant position in the global edible packaging market. The region’s largest market share can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the higher disposable income levels among consumers in North America drive significant demand for efficient packaging solutions, particularly for meat, poultry, and seafood products. As consumers have more disposable income, they are willing to invest in premium packaging that ensures the quality and freshness of their food.

The Advantages Of Edible Packaging

Edible film possesses several strengths that make it a significant change in the packaging industry. Firstly, its eco-friendly nature sets it apart as a sustainable packaging solution. Being fully biodegradable and not harmful to the environment, edible film reduces the waste generated by food packaging in both businesses and households.

Additionally, the processing method of edible film is relatively simple and efficient. It offers advantages such as lower processing costs, shorter processing times, and increased precision of operation. These benefits contribute to improved productivity and cost-effectiveness in comparison to traditional packaging methods.

From a consumer perspective, edible film provides convenience. Once in contact with saliva, the thin film dissolves, eliminating the need for disposal. This ease of use enhances the consumer experience.

Furthermore, the versatility of edible film allows for customization according to market demands. The films can be tailored to be tasteless, colorless, and odorless or can be infused with various flavors, colors, and even sweetness. This customization adds diversity and appeal to the packaged products, catering to consumer preferences.

Importantly, edible film not only acts as a protective layer for food but also adds nutritional value. As it is composed of natural ingredients, it can contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the packaged food, further enhancing its appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Challenges For Edible Packaging

Over time, as more consumers become aware of and understand the benefits of edible packaging, its acceptance and market demand are likely to grow. As a novel technology, many consumers are unfamiliar with edible packaging. This lack of awareness can lead to a lack of confidence or a perception that there is no immediate need for this technology in the current market.

The newness of the technology can also create skepticism or hesitation among consumers who may be accustomed to traditional packaging methods. They may question the safety, effectiveness, and reliability of edible packaging, which can hinder its adoption.

Raising awareness through effective marketing and communication strategies can help build trust and enhance the perceived value of edible packaging among consumers. Collaborating with industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and experts can also contribute to the establishment of standards, certifications, and guidelines that instill confidence in the technology.

Opportunities For Edible Film Technology

Edible film technology presents several opportunities and potentials in the food packaging industry. One significant opportunity arises from the industry’s substantial size, which is expected to continue growing. As the demand for packaged food products increases, a corresponding need for sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions like edible film exists.

The growing trend of sustainable consumption and eco-friendly practices further supports the potential for edible film technology. Consumers actively seek products that minimize their environmental footprint, and edible film offers a promising solution in food packaging.

In addition, the customizable nature of edible film presents opportunities for product differentiation and market appeal. By offering various flavors, colors, and customization options, edible film can cater to diverse consumer preferences and create unique selling points for packaged food products.

Furthermore, partnerships and collaborations between edible film manufacturers, food producers, and retailers can lead to innovative packaging solutions and market expansion. By working together, stakeholders can leverage the benefits of edible film technology and drive its adoption across a broader range of food products.

About the Author

Swapna Gawale is the Project Manager at Towards Packaging. Swapna is a seasoned research consultant with expertise in conducting and analysing complex research projects across various industries. With a deep passion for knowledge discovery and a commitment to delivering actionable insights, Swapna has successfully collaborated with numerous organisations to help them make informed decisions and drive strategic growth. Download the report at:

https://www.towardspackaging.com/insights/edible-packaging-market