Growth Rate of the Edible Films and Coating Market Expected to Reach 7.9% by 2034
The global edible films and coatings market is set for significant expansion over the coming decade, driven primarily by growing demand for sustainable food packaging and preservation solutions. According to a recent report, the market is projected to grow from approximately USD 2.6 billion in 2025 to USD 5.7 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of approximately 8.2% (source: [2]).
Key market segments include natural polymer-based edible coatings made from proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids, which are widely used for extending shelf life by reducing moisture loss, oxidative damage, and microbial growth on diverse food products such as fresh produce, meat, dairy, and baked goods. Innovations like nanoemulsions and bio-nanocomposites are enhancing performance (source: [3]). The edible coated paper packaging segment is also growing, expected to reach USD 1.46 billion by 2030 with a 6.21% CAGR, driven by anti-plastic legislation and sustainability efforts in Europe, North America, and APAC (source: [4]).
Regionally, Europe and North America lead due to stringent plastic waste laws and corporate sustainability pledges. Asia-Pacific is an emerging market benefiting from increasing awareness and regulations promoting eco-friendly packaging (sources: [2], [4]). Market growth is supported by technological advances in bio-polymer barriers, integration of antimicrobial and antioxidant additives, and expansion into zero-waste grocery and meal-kit channels (source: [4]).
Notable developments in the market include Evonik Industries AG's introduction of a lipid-based edible coating that improves the shelf life of cheeses and baked goods. Companies such as Apeel Sciences have successfully doubled the shelf life of products like avocados with plant-based edible coatings (source: [4]). Other innovations include Heliatek GmbH's organic photovoltaic-integrated edible coatings for smart food packaging. Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. has developed a starch-polysaccharide blend edible film for processed foods, reducing plastic waste (source: [4]).
The economic impact of the edible films and coatings market includes reduced food waste, job creation, and enhanced food security. Government support remains instrumental, with the Organic Trade Association reporting that organic food sales exceeded USD 60 billion in 2022, including USD 22 billion from organic produce alone. Businesses must focus on cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions to capitalize on the trend of sustainable packaging (source: [4]).
In 2024, North America led the edible films and coatings market, capturing a 42.9% share with a market value of approximately USD 1.2 billion. Fruits and vegetables held a dominant market position, capturing more than 32.9% of the global edible films and coatings market. BASF SE has launched innovative protein-based edible coatings for fruits and vegetables, enhancing moisture retention and reducing spoilage (source: [4]).
In conclusion, the edible films and coatings market reflects broader global shifts toward sustainability in food systems, with innovations and regulatory frameworks strongly shaping its rapid expansion over the coming decade. However, challenges such as high production costs and fluctuating raw material prices pose challenges, particularly in developing markets. The market's economic impact, including reduced food waste, job creation, and enhanced food security, underscores its importance in fostering sustainable practices and contributing to the global economy.
- Science is playing a crucial role in the development of sustainable food packaging solutions, with the edible films and coatings market set to expand significantly over the coming decade.
- The growing concern for climate change has led to a rise in demand for environmental-science-driven, eco-friendly packaging solutions, such as edible films and coatings.
- The manufacturing sector, particularly in the industry of food packaging, is witnessing a shift towards sustainable practices with the increasing use of edible coatings in various food products.
- The financial sector is taking notice of the edible films and coatings market, recognizing the potential for investing in businesses that focus on sustainable practices and personal-finance management.
- Wealth-management firms and banking-and-insurance institutions are increasingly considering the environmental impact of their investments, with the edible films and coatings market being one of the areas of interest in fintech.
- Retail businesses can benefit from the edible films and coatings market by offering products that are packaged in a sustainable manner, catering to the growing consumer demand for environmentally-friendly options.
- Technology is at the forefront of innovation in the edible films and coatings market, with developments in data-and-cloud-computing enabling the creation of smart food packaging solutions.
- Transportation and logistics industries can also contribute to reducing their environmental footprint by adopting sustainable packaging solutions like edible coatings, aligning with global efforts aimed at mitigating climate-change effects.
