Biodegradable Foodservice Disposable Sales in Europe and Opportunity Analysis

Study on Biodegradable Foodservice Disposables in Europe by Plates, Trays & Containers, Clamshells, Cups & Bowls, and Cutlery for Hospitality, Restaurants, Cafés, and Pubs from 2024 to 2034

Analysis of Biodegradable Foodservice Disposable Industry Covering 30+ Countries Including Analysis of US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Nordics, GCC countries, Japan, Korea and many more

Sales Outlook for Biodegradable Foodservice Disposables in Europe (2024 to 2034)

Sales of biodegradable foodservice disposables in Europe are estimated at US$ 1.67 billion in 2024. According to a new report compiled by skilled analysts at Fact.MR, the market has been forecasted to increase at a CAGR of 4.5% to reach a value of US$ 2.59 billion by the end of 2034.

Biodegradable foodservice disposables are cutlery-related products that are used in the food and beverage industry. These products are made from innovative, renewable materials, or bioplastics. Unlike traditional plastic foodservice disposables, biodegradable alternatives break down in the environment in a shorter period and thereby align well with sustainable practices and needs.

Strict European Union regulations and policies on sustainable practices and environmental protection are driving more consumers and businesses toward adopting biodegradable alternatives. Several foodservice establishments in Europe are adopting corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies, emphasizing sustainability, and driving the use of biodegradable products. Biodegradable cutlery products are thus expected to exhibit healthy demand growth in the region, also being driven by higher tourist visits as the years go by.

  • Sales of biodegradable cutlery products in Europe are projected to reach US$ 586.3 million by the end of 2034.
Report Attribute Detail
Biodegradable Foodservice Disposable Sales in Europe (2024E) US$ 1.67 Billion
Forecasted Sales (2034F) US$ 2.59 Billion
Demand Growth (2024 to 2034) 4.5% CAGR
Market Share of Clamshells (2024E) 22.1%
Key Companies Profiled Biopac Ltd; The Jim Pattison Group; Gold Plast S.p.A; Huhtamaki Group; Bionatic GmbH & Co. KG; I.L.P.A. S.p.A. Group; Graphic Packaging International, L.L.C.; Sonoco Products Company; Vegware; Berry Global Inc.; Eco Guardian; Bunzl Plc.

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Which Market Trends are Positively Influencing Sales of Biodegradable Foodservice Disposables in Europe?

“Enhancement in Biodegradable Material Properties Driving Use in Food Packaging and Foodservice”

Advancements in sustainable materials are set to drive the sales of biodegradable foodservice disposables in Europe. Biodegradable foodservice disposable products are made from plant-based materials such as cornstarch, sugarcane, and bamboo. They are also manufacturers using other renewable sources, including bioplastics.

Manufacturers are investing heavily to produce biodegradable materials with high functionality and durability. They are also focusing on advancing biopolymers derived from sources such as sugarcane, potato starch, corn starch, and cellulose. Enhancements in biodegradable material properties such as heat tolerance, water resistance, and flexibility are expected to increase their use in food packaging in several countries in Europe.

“Surging Tourists Visits Doubling Profits of Biodegradable Foodservice Disposable Manufacturers”

Tourism directly influences the hospitality sector. High tourism activities typically lead to a surge in foodservice sales growth. Europe has plentiful attractive areas to explore. High number of tourist visits year-round in Europe is pushing the demand for disposable foodservice products. Biodegradable foodservice disposables offer an attractive option for foodservice establishments to cater to tourists and meet sustainability goals. Also, in several tourist destinations in different countries in Europe, governments have set up well-developed waste management infrastructure, which has made it easier for foodservice providers to adopt biodegradable disposable products.

Country-wise Analysis

What is the Sales Outlook for Biodegradable Foodservice Disposables in the United Kingdom?

“Strict Ban on Single-Use Plastic Products”

Attribute United Kingdom
Market Value (2024E) US$ 232.2 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 4.8% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F) US$ 371 Billion

Strict regulations in the United Kingdom on single-use plastics are pushing the sales and usage of biodegradable alternatives in the country. More and more foodservice businesses in the U.K have started utilizing biodegradable catering disposables such as plates, cutlery, and spoons to align with environmental protection rules.

  • On 22 January 2024, the United Kingdom government published a list and guidance on single-use plastic bans and restrictions.

According to this released list, some of the banned online and over-the-counter single-use plastic items were drink stirrers, balloon sticks, polystyrene food and drink containers, and cutlery.

Is France an Attractive Market for Biodegradable Foodservice Disposables?

“Anti-Waste and Circular Economy Law Aimed at Reducing Plastic Waste”

Attribute France
Market Value (2024E) US$ 207.1 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 5.1% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F) US$ 339.8 Million

Similar to the United Kingdom, France has also implemented stringent regulations and bans on the use of plastic. Legislative measures banning single-use plastics are pushing the need for eco-friendly alternatives. As such, this is further driving the sales of biodegradable foodservice disposables across the country.

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Category-wise Analysis

Which Type of Biodegradable Foodservice Disposable Accounts for Higher Revenue?

“Biodegradable Disposable Plates Leading Usage Rates in Europe”

Attribute Biodegradable Disposable Plates
Segment Value (2024E) US$ 439.3 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 4.2% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F) US$ 664.1 Million

Regulatory pressures are pushing the use of biodegradable foodservice disposables in several parts of Europe. Biodegradable disposable plates are expected to hold a leading global market share compared to other products throughout the forecast period. Effective waste management is a significant concern in Europe. Many foodservice establishments in the region, to align with anti-waste regulations, are making high use of biodegradable catering disposables, including plates. Furthermore, continuous advancements in biodegradable materials and rising tourism are contributing to the sales growth of biodegradable disposable plates across the continent.

Who is a Key End User of Biodegradable Foodservice Disposables?

“High Use of Biodegradable Foodservice Disposables by Restaurant Businesses”

Attribute Restaurant
Segment Value (2024E) US$ 486.1 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034) 4.3% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F) US$ 741.9 Million

The hospitality industry includes hotels, restaurants, and catering services. European Union regulations and national policies restrict the use of traditional plastics and promote the use of biodegradable alternatives. This regulatory framework necessitates restaurants to adopt biodegradable disposables and comply with sustainability standards to avoid any sort of penalty. Thus, the combination of regulatory pressure and corporate responsibility drives the use of biodegradable foodservice disposables in restaurants.

Competitive Landscape

Leading manufacturers of biodegradable foodservice disposables in Europe are focused on product innovations to increase their application areas. They are investing heavily in research and development activities to improve the design and functionality of biodegradable foodservice disposable products to expand their consumer base and drive up revenue.

  • In January 2024, Biffa launched a nationwide recycling service in the United Kingdom to keep takeaway beverage cups out of general waste.

Fact.MR provides detailed information about the price points of key producers of biodegradable foodservice disposables positioned across Europe, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in this new market report.

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Segmentation of Biodegradable Foodservice Disposables Study in Europe

  • By Product Type :

    • Plates
    • Trays & Containers
    • Clamshells
    • Cups & Bowls
    • Cutlery
  • By Distribution Channel :

    • B2B
    • e-Commerce
    • Specialty Stores
    • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
    • Convenience Stores
  • By End User :

    • Hospitality
    • Restaurants
    • Cafés & Bistros
    • Bars & Pubs
    • Institutions
    • Foodservice Providers
  • By Country :

    • Germany
    • Italy
    • France
    • Spain
    • United Kingdom
    • Nordic
    • Russia
    • BENELUX
    • Rest of Europe

- FAQs -

What is the estimated size of the European market?

Sales of biodegradable foodservice disposables are approximated at US$ 1.67 billion in 2024.

What is the projected valuation of biodegradable foodservice disposables in Europe?

The European market is forecasted to reach US$ 2.59 billion by 2034.

What is the future of biodegradable foodservice disposables in Europe?

Demand for biodegradable foodservice disposables is foreseen to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2034.

Which European country is offering lucrative opportunities for market players?

The United Kingdom is a most beneficial marketplace and is expected to capture 13.9% of the European market share in 2024.

Which type of biodegradable foodservice disposable product is widely demanded in Europe?

Biodegradable plate sales are calculated to reach US$ 664.1 million by 2034.

Who are the top 3 market players?

The prime manufacturers are Huhtamaki Group, Bionatic GmbH & Co. KG, and I.L.P.A. S.p.A. Group.

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Biodegradable Foodservice Disposable Sales in Europe and Opportunity Analysis

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