Biodegradable materials are widely talked about as we all do our bit to save the planet. Today we delve into the detail of exactly what these biodegradable materials are, what they are called, and what they are used for. In total we have found 19 biodegradable materials widely used in our green packaging and labels. Lets explore.
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
PLA is a widely used bioplastic derived from the fermentation of plant starches such as corn or sugarcane. It is industrially compostable and used extensively in food packaging, disposable cutlery, containers, and films. The material is popular in the United States, Europe, and increasingly in Asia due to plastic reduction regulations. PLA exhibits good clarity and strength, making it an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. It is occasionally used in biodegradable label films. Market growth is strong, projected at 15% CAGR, driven by regulatory pressure and corporate sustainability targets. However, its dependency on industrial composting remains a limiting factor.
Seaweed
Seaweed-based packaging, made from species like red or brown algae, is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic films. The seaweed is processed into a gelatinous substance and cast into films or moulded products. It is naturally biodegradable, sometimes edible, and suitable for food sachets, wrappings, and single-portion liquid containers. Countries such as Indonesia, the UK, and Japan are investing in this technology. Though currently niche, seaweed packaging is projected to grow significantly due to its marine renewability and low carbon footprint. It is not yet commonly used for product labels but may serve future roles in flexible labelling.
Pulp Thermoforming
Pulp thermoforming involves converting recycled paper or natural fibres into rigid packaging forms by applying heat and pressure. The result is a moulded structure commonly used for clamshells, trays, and protective packaging. It is compostable and recyclable, depending on coatings used. Pulp packaging is durable and increasingly adopted in electronics and food service sectors. Although not designed for labels, it replaces polystyrene and plastic clamshells. Market growth is expected to continue at 6–8% annually due to its cost-effectiveness and rising demand for plastic-free formats.
Bagasse
Bagasse is a fibrous residue left after extracting juice from sugarcane. It is moulded into biodegradable packaging using heat and pressure without chemical additives. Commonly used in plates, bowls, trays, and food containers, it is compostable under both home and industrial conditions. India, Brazil, and Southeast Asian nations are major producers, with increasing export to Western markets. Bagasse is safe for direct food contact and microwave use. While not used for product labels, it significantly displaces polystyrene and plastic alternatives. The market is growing rapidly with a CAGR of 7%, driven by the food service sector’s shift toward sustainable packaging.
Starch-Based Bioplastic
Starch-based bioplastics are produced from crops like corn, potatoes, or wheat. They are often blended with other biodegradable polymers and processed into films, bags, and loose-fill packaging. These materials are compostable, usually under industrial conditions. Europe, China, and the United States lead in adoption due to environmental legislation. Starch-based plastics are occasionally used in label substrates, especially in the food and retail sectors. The market is one of the largest within the bioplastics category, with growth projected at 10–12% annually. Its widespread availability and relatively low cost make it a key replacement for polyethylene-based films and bags.
Cellulose-Based Film
Cellulose films are made from regenerated plant fibres, primarily wood pulp or cotton. These films are transparent, flexible, and breathable, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastic films. Used in food wraps, pharmaceuticals, and personal care packaging, cellulose films are biodegradable and compostable, often even at home. Europe and Japan are key producers, with growing global demand. These films are used in product labelling, particularly for eco-friendly and premium brands. Market growth is moderate but steady, supported by bans on non-degradable films and increasing consumer awareness of microplastic pollution.
Chitosan
Chitosan is a natural polymer derived from chitin, found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. It has film-forming and antimicrobial properties, making it suitable for perishable food packaging, wound care, and pharmaceutical applications. Research and limited commercial use are focused in Asia and parts of Europe. Chitosan films are biodegradable and water-resistant but not widely used in labelling due to their moisture sensitivity. The material is still in early adoption stages, with potential growth in the bioactive packaging sector. Sustainability concerns regarding shellfish sourcing limit its broader application in vegan and allergen-conscious markets.
Mushroom Packaging
Mushroom packaging is created by growing mycelium—the root structure of fungi—around agricultural waste in moulds. Once fully formed, it is dried to stop growth, resulting in a rigid, lightweight, and compostable material. Used primarily for protective packaging in electronics and luxury goods, it is gaining traction in the United States and Europe. It is not suited for flexible labelling due to its rigid, fibrous structure. Mushroom packaging is currently niche, but growth is projected at 6–8% CAGR due to its carbon-negative production and strong performance. It presents a novel solution to replace expanded polystyrene and rigid plastic.
Cotton and Jute
Cotton and jute are natural plant-based fibres commonly used in textile packaging like reusable bags, wraps, and pouches. Both materials are biodegradable and compostable, providing sturdy, eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags. While they aren’t typically used for printed product labels, cotton paper does occasionally feature in high-end branding and premium packaging.
The demand for cotton and jute packaging has remained steady, supported by growing regulations and initiatives encouraging the shift from disposable to reusable packaging solutions. These materials play an important role in helping both businesses and consumers move toward more circular, low-impact packaging systems, offering durable, sustainable options that look good, feel good, and reduce waste.
Biodegradable Polyesters (PBAT, PBS)
Biodegradable polyesters such as PBAT and PBS are synthetic, petroleum-derived polymers designed to break down under industrial composting conditions. They are commonly used in plastic films, shopping bags, and mulch films. Often blended with starch or PLA, they improve flexibility and performance. These materials are widely adopted in Asia and Europe and increasingly in North America. Though occasionally used in label films and liners, their primary disruption lies in replacing LDPE films. Strong market growth is projected, supported by both regulatory and technological advances in compostable packaging.
Palm Leaves
Palm leaf packaging is made by collecting naturally shed leaves from areca palm trees, which are then sterilised and heat-pressed into shape. No additives or binders are used, making the products entirely biodegradable and compostable at home. These are primarily used in food service as plates, bowls, and containers. Though it isn’t used for product labelling, palm leaf packaging is making waves in the single-use disposables market. It offers a completely plastic-free, natural alternative that requires minimal processing while delivering strong, organic visual appeal.
Hemp
Hemp packaging is made from the stalks of the hemp plant, using both the inner core and fibres. These get pulped or shaped into things like moulded fibre products, paper, and biodegradable materials. You’ll mostly find it in eco-friendly boxes, cartons, and sturdy packaging options
While it’s not super common for product labels yet, hemp paper does pop up in premium packaging and high-end print projects. What makes hemp such a great material is that it grows quickly, needs very little water or chemicals, and has strong, durable fibres — making it a smart, sustainable alternative to traditional wood pulp and synthetic packaging.
Natural Fibre Composites
Natural fibre composites combine plant fibres such as flax, kenaf, or rice husks with biodegradable or recyclable resins. These materials are used in durable packaging, trays, automotive parts, and rigid containers. They are biodegradable under specific conditions and offer high strength-to-weight ratios. Adoption is growing in Europe and Asia, where industrial applications and automotive sectors seek sustainable alternatives. These composites are not used in flexible labels but may form the structural base for labelled packaging. Their potential lies in replacing rigid plastics in high-performance applications, with growth expected as bio-composite technologies mature.
Gelatine Films
Gelatine films are created from animal-derived collagen, primarily from bovine or porcine sources. These films are edible, biodegradable, and used in pharmaceutical capsules, food coatings, and packaging for single-dose items. Common in the pharmaceutical industry globally, their use in packaging is being revisited for sustainable innovations. They are not typically used in product labels due to sensitivity to moisture and heat. Ethical and dietary limitations restrict broader use. Nevertheless, gelatine films provide an ultra-thin biodegradable barrier, especially where edible or dissolvable packaging is desired.
Milk Protein Films
Milk protein films, typically made from casein, are a revisited innovation once used before plastic became dominant. These films are edible, biodegradable, and offer good oxygen barriers, making them suitable for cheese wraps and perishable food coatings. The United States and European Union are investing in research and development. While not standard in product labels, they could serve as inner wraps or edible label elements in food packaging. Market uptake is currently limited, but with increasing demand for food-safe, zero-waste packaging, milk protein films are poised for niche growth in specific food segments.
Pectin-Based Packaging
Pectin is a natural polysaccharide derived from citrus peels and other fruit waste. It can be processed into biodegradable films that are flexible, edible, and suitable for wrapping fresh produce or forming sachets. Most development is at the research or pilot stage, with growing interest in Europe and North America. Pectin films offer potential for bio-based labelling in the food industry, especially for perishable items. Though still emerging, pectin packaging aligns with circular economy goals by using fruit-processing by-products, potentially transforming waste into valuable packaging.
Soy Protein-Based Plastics
Soy protein-based plastics are created from soy protein isolate and blended with plasticisers to form biodegradable films. These materials are water-sensitive but offer excellent oxygen barrier properties. Research is concentrated in the United States and China, with applications in food packaging and agricultural films. Soy plastics are not widely used in labelling due to durability concerns, though they may support coated applications. Their biggest innovation is turning agricultural by-products into compostable plastics, offering an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based materials. While growth in this area has been gradual, it’s steadily finding a place within niche markets focused on sustainable packaging.
Silk Protein (Fibroin)
Silk fibroin is a protein extracted from silkworm cocoons, used to create biodegradable and biocompatible films. Silk offers high tensile strength and natural transparency, making it a good fit for niche uses in areas like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. However, it’s still in the experimental phase as a packaging material and hasn’t been adopted for product labelling just yet. Research in Japan, the US, and South Korea is exploring its potential in flexible electronics and premium packaging. Growth is limited by production costs and raw material constraints. However, it represents an ultra-high-performance alternative for sectors requiring both biodegradability and advanced material properties.
Algae Polymers
Algae polymers are derived from microalgae or macroalgae biomass and processed into films, gels, or foams. These materials are biodegradable, carbon-efficient, and potentially edible. Still emerging, algae-based packaging is being piloted for food wraps, bio-containers, and coatings. Not yet standard for labels, their transparency and flexibility may eventually allow for printed labelling. The technology is advancing in Europe and Southeast Asia, with potential to scale due to low input requirements and rapid growth cycles of algae. Their environmental credentials and versatility position them as strong candidates for the next generation of bio-packaging.
