Cornstarch Packaging Market Size, Share & Growth Analysis Report 2025-2030

Name: Cornstarch Packaging Market Size, Share & Growth Analysis Report 2025-2030
Creator: Mordor Intelligence
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Cornstarch Packaging Market Size and Share

Market Overview

Study Period	2019 - 2030
Market Size (2025)	USD 269.65 Million
Market Size (2030)	USD 355.77 Million
Growth Rate (2025 - 2030)	5.70% CAGR
Fastest Growing Market	South America
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Concentration	Medium
Major Players *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Cornstarch Packaging Market (2025 - 2030) — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Cornstarch Packaging Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Cornstarch Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 269.65 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 355.77 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.70% during the forecast period (2025-2030). The cornstarch packaging market is benefiting from national bans on single-use plastics, the spread of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, and steady gains in composting infrastructure that collectively raise demand for bio-based formats. Continuous improvements in polylactic acid (PLA) processing and thermoplastic starch (TPS) compounding have closed historical performance gaps with conventional plastics, enabling wider substitution in food service, e-commerce, and personal-care applications. Asia-Pacific remains the pivotal production hub and end-market thanks to generous “green bond” subsidies for bio-plants and the commissioning of NatureWorks’ 75,000 tpa Ingeo PLA complex in Thailand. South America posts the fastest regional CAGR at 7.3% as abundant feedstock and circular economy funding unlock new capacity. Meanwhile, North American ethanol oversupply keeps corn prices subdued, lowering PLA feedstock costs and improving margins for the cornstarch packaging market.

Key Report Takeaways

By product type, bags dominated with 36.3% of the cornstarch packaging market share in 2024, while containers are projected to expand at a 7.2% CAGR by 2030.
By packaging format, flexible packaging held 61.3% revenue share in 2024; semi-rigid packaging records the fastest 7.8% CAGR through 2030.
By material composition, PLA-starch blends accounted for 42.1% share of the cornstarch packaging market size in 2024, whereas TPS leads growth at 7.5% CAGR.
By end-user industry, food and beverage led with a 37.6% share in 2024; retail and e-commerce exhibit the highest 7.0% CAGR to 2030.
By geography, Asia-Pacific commanded a 38.6% share in 2024, while South America is set to rise at a 7.3% CAGR over the forecast period.

Global Cornstarch Packaging Market Trends and Insights

Drivers Impact Analysis

Driver	(~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast	Geographic Relevance	Impact Timeline
Single-use-plastic bans and EPR laws	+1.2%	North America, EU	Medium term (2-4 years)
Food brands’ switch to compostable flexible packs	+0.8%	North America, Europe	Short term (≤ 2 years)
Retail demand for clear carbon-labelled packaging	+0.6%	Asia-Pacific, North America	Medium term (2-4 years)
Corn-ethanol oversupply lowering PLA feedstock cost	+0.9%	North America (global effect)	Short term (≤ 2 years)
Asia-Pacific “green-bond” subsidies for bio-plants	+0.7%	Asia-Pacific	Long term (≥ 4 years)
IoT-enabled smart bins certifying compostability	+0.4%	Global urban hubs	Long term (≥ 4 years)
Source: Mordor Intelligence

Single-use-plastic bans and EPR laws

Regulators are rewriting packaging economics by shifting end-of-life costs to producers. California’s SB 54 requires a 25% cut in single-use plastic packaging by 2032, and Minnesota’s newly approved EPR scheme launches Producer Responsibility Organizations in 2025. ^{[1]“Key EPR for Packaging Dates in 2025: United States,” Packaging School, packagingschool.com} In the EU, the forthcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation obliges all packaging to be recyclable by 2030 and stipulates industrial compostability for items such as coffee pods and fruit labels. These converging mandates reward the cornstarch packaging market because cornstarch-based formats can deliver dual compliance—recyclability and compostability—across jurisdictions.

Food brands’ switch to compostable flexible packs

Global food leaders are accelerating compostable rollouts to meet internal sustainability pledges. Mars introduced plant-based, industrial-compostable wrapping for M&M’s and aims for 100% compliant packaging by 2030. KFC Canada targets full home-compostable packaging by 2025, replacing 200 million pieces annually with corn- and sugarcane-derived materials. ^{[2]“KFC Canada Announces 100% Home Compostable Consumer Packaging by 2025,” KFC Canada, global.kfc.com} Starbucks is piloting compostable fiber cups in the U.K. that match conventional performance metrics. Brand-led shifts are translating directly into incremental volumes for the cornstarch packaging market in food service.

Retail demand for clear carbon-labelled packaging

Consumer studies show a 29.73% price premium for carbon-labelled agri-products in China, indicating widespread readiness to reward transparent environmental claims. Retailers are, therefore, requesting packaging that displays authenticated life-cycle metrics. Producers able to pair cornstarch substrates with third-party carbon labels gain shelf differentiation and higher margins, especially across Asia-Pacific, where sustainability cues are gaining weight in purchase decisions.

Corn-ethanol oversupply lowering PLA feedstock cost

The U.S. generated 25.22 billion RINs in 2024 as ethanol output exceeded mandated volumes, depressing corn pricing and shaving PLA raw-material costs. Average 2024 ethanol margins slipped to USD 0.08 per gallon, reinforcing abundant corn supply and positioning the cornstarch packaging market for improved cost competitiveness versus petro-plastics.

Restraints Impact Analysis

Restraint	(~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast	Geographic Relevance	Impact Timeline
High unit cost vs. fossil plastics	-1.8%	Global	Short term (≤ 2 years)
Limited industrial-composting infrastructure	-1.1%	Developing markets	Medium term (2-4 years)
Corn-price volatility from biofuel policy shifts	-0.7%	North America	Short term (≤ 2 years)
Marine-degradation labelling gap delaying uptake	-0.5%	Coastal regions	Medium term (2-4 years)
Source: Mordor Intelligence

High unit cost vs. fossil plastics

Cornstarch formats still carry a price premium. PLA resin prices tracked upward through early 2025 because of energy-intensive processes and restricted scale, widening the spread against low-density polyethylene in price-sensitive markets. Without regulatory incentives or consumer-funded premiums, uptake may stall in cost-focused segments.

Limited industrial-composting infrastructure

Only a fraction of global waste facilities provide the heat, humidity, and residence times needed to degrade PLA or TPS. The Biodegradable Products Institute reports acceptance of compostable packaging at merely 185 U.S. facilities, leaving large geographic gaps. Until infrastructure scales, claims of biodegradability can underdeliver in practice, curbing the expansion of the cornstarch packaging market.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Containers Drive Innovation Momentum

Bags retained 36.3% of the cornstarch packaging market share in 2024, anchored in grocery, produce, and carry-out channels. Demand stability comes from their lightweight and cost profile. Containers, however, are projected to grow 7.2% annually to 2030, fuelled by collaborations such as NatureWorks-IMA’s compostable coffee pod compatible with Keurig brewers. ^{[3]“Turn-Key Compostable Coffee Pod Solution,” NatureWorks, natureworksllc.com} This shift illustrates how rigid PLA bodies can now match brewing pressure and barrier requirements, unlocking fresh volume.

In parallel, advances from the Fraunhofer Institute in multilayer PLA films with in-line recyclability enhance cross-category potential. As a result, the cornstarch packaging market is blurring traditional boundaries: pouches integrate spouts, boxes adopt water-resistant coatings, and cups incorporate TPS-based lids. Containers’ rising share within the cornstarch packaging market size signals the sector’s pivot toward higher-margin, performance-critical niches.

Cornstarch Packaging Market: Market Share by Product Type — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

By Packaging Format: Semi-Rigid Gains Traction

Flexible formats captured 61.3% of revenue in 2024, extending the cornstarch packaging market’s early success in wraps, liners, and mailers. Yet semi-rigid variants are forecast to expand 7.8% annually as brands hunt for middle-ground solutions that combine form retention with material savings. Upfield’s plastic-free, recyclable plant-butter tub exemplifies this hybrid value and points to substitution potential for yogurt pots, deli trays, and salad bowls.

Research into PLA/PCL blends with antimicrobial additives shows semi-rigid packs can achieve food-safety shelf-life extensions previously reserved for PET or PS. Consequently, semi-rigid packaging’s growing contribution to the cornstarch packaging market size indicates that structural performance is no longer a barrier to broader adoption.

By Material Composition: TPS Emerges as Growth Leader

PLA-starch blends held a 42.1% share in 2024 due to balanced mechanical and processing properties. Thermoplastic starch is on track for a 7.5% CAGR, buoyed by breakthroughs such as the University of Copenhagen’s barley-based material that biodegrades in two months yet retains water resistance. These gains lower reliance on petro-derived co-polymers and enhance price competitiveness for the cornstarch packaging market.

Concurrently, novel PLA/PBAT films that pair high oxygen barriers with fast compostability broaden the appeal of snack and coffee packs. The evolution underscores how R&D is propelling the cornstarch packaging market from early-generation blends toward high-performance bio-polymer families.

Cornstarch Packaging Market: Market Share by Material Composition — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

By End-user Industry: Retail and E-commerce Acceleration

The food and beverage channel comprised 37.6% of demand in 2024 as hygiene rules and chilled-chain growth favored certified compostable wraps. Retail and e-commerce are slated for a 7.0% CAGR, underpinned by high-velocity order fulfillment that seeks curb-side recyclable or compostable dunnage. Vital Proteins cuts 4 million lb of plastic per year by shifting collagen-powder canisters from PET to 80% paperboard with cornstarch linings.

With 60% of consumers stating stronger climate concerns and favoring third-party certified packaging, online brands exploit the cornstarch packaging market to reinforce eco-branding while softening regulatory risk under emerging EPR schemes.

Geography Analysis

Asia-Pacific anchored the cornstarch packaging market with 38.6% revenue in 2024, sustained by Thai, Japanese, and Korean incentives that compress financing costs for PLA assets. Regional governments also link bio-packaging uptake to marine litter reduction targets, accelerating public procurement of compostable service ware. Public–private initiatives, such as the ADB-backed USD 500 million Indonesia program, add further momentum.

South America is the fastest-growing zone, expected to post 7.3% CAGR as Brazil, Argentina and Colombia leverage abundant corn and sugarcane residues to scale TPS and PLA production. Policy moves toward EPR in Chile and Colombia, plus emerging carbon-credit revenues for the bio-material displacement of petro-plastics, create a strong pull for the cornstarch packaging market across the continent.

North America enjoys stable growth, buoyed by state-level EPR laws and consistent corporate sustainability commitments. Ranpak’s 16% sales jump to USD 105 million in Q4 2024 exemplifies switching from bubble wrap to paper and cornstarch fillers among e-commerce accounts. Europe expands steadily as the pending Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation tightens design-for-recycling and compostability thresholds. The Middle East and Africa remain nascent but show rising pilot programs in Gulf Cooperation Council countries exploring biomass conversion.

Cornstarch Packaging Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Competitive Landscape

The cornstarch packaging market is moderately fragmented. NatureWorks, Total Corbion, and Novamont leverage integrated feedstock-to-resin footprints; their collective share keeps leadership but leaves space for nimble entrants. TIPA Corp pioneers home-compostable films for dry goods, while Danimer Scientific targets PHA-starch hybrids for marine-degradable applications. Traditional converters such as Stora Enso are restructuring toward renewable divisions, announcing a new board line in Finland capable of processing starch composites by 2027. ^{[4]“Stora Enso Interim Report January–March 2025,” Stora Enso, storaenso.com}

Investment flows validate the sector’s upside. B’Zeos attracted EUR 5 million to scale seaweed-based films, Eco-Vative raised USD 184 million for mycelium-based rigid forms, and Bpacks secured EUR 1 million for bark-fiber technologies. As substitution accelerates, incumbents are streamlining portfolios and entering joint ventures to fortify raw-material access, mitigate feedstock risk, and widen downstream market presence.

Cornstarch Packaging Industry Leaders

NatureWorks LLC
Total Corbion PLA bv
Novamont S.p.A.
Plantic Technologies (Kuraray)
Vegware Ltd.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Cornstarch Packaging Market Concentration — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Recent Industry Developments

June 2025: EPA proposed RFS volumes for 2026-2027, retaining corn-ethanol support that stabilizes PLA resin supply.
May 2025: Closed Loop Partners launched grants up to USD 50,000 to expand compostable packaging programs, tackling infrastructure gaps.
May 2025: Washington passed EPR legislation, becoming the seventh U.S. state to adopt producer-funded waste schemes.
March 2025: Stora Enso reorganized around renewable packaging, with a new consumer board line slated for 2027.
January 2025: NatureWorks appointed Erik Ripple as CEO to guide PLA expansion in Thailand.
December 2024: Bpacks closed a EUR 1 million seed round to commercialize bark-based rigid packaging.
November 2024: B’Zeos raised EUR 5 million for compostable seaweed films.
October 2024: AlterPacks secured USD 1.6 million to convert food by-products into rigid plant-fiber packs.

Table of Contents for Cornstarch Packaging Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.2.1 Single-use-plastic bans and EPR laws
- 4.2.2 Food brands’ switch to compostable flexible packs
- 4.2.3 Retail demand for clear carbon-labelled packaging
- 4.2.4 Corn-ethanol oversupply lowering PLA feedstock cost
- 4.2.5 Asia-Pacific “green-bond” subsidies for bio-plants
- 4.2.6 IoT-enabled smart bins certifying compostability
4.3 Market Restraints
- 4.3.1 High unit cost vs. fossil plastics
- 4.3.2 Limited industrial-composting infrastructure
- 4.3.3 Corn-price volatility from biofuel policy shifts
- 4.3.4 Marine-degradation labelling gap delaying uptake
4.4 Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.5 Regulatory Landscape
4.6 Technological Outlook
4.7 Industry Attractiveness – Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
- 4.7.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 4.7.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
- 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.8 Recycling and Sustainability Landscape
4.9 Industry Standards and Certifications
4.10 Impact of Macroeconomic Factors on the Market

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUES)

5.1 By Product Type
- 5.1.1 Containers
- 5.1.2 Bags
- 5.1.3 Pouches
- 5.1.4 Boxes
- 5.1.5 Cups and Cutlery
5.2 By Packaging Format
- 5.2.1 Flexible Packaging
- 5.2.2 Rigid Packaging
- 5.2.3 Semi-Rigid Packaging
5.3 By Material Composition
- 5.3.1 Pure PLA (Corn-derived)
- 5.3.2 PLA-Starch Blends
- 5.3.3 Thermoplastic Starch (TPS)
- 5.3.4 Starch-Cellulose Composites
5.4 By End-user Industry
- 5.4.1 Food and Beverage
- 5.4.2 Personal Care and Cosmetics
- 5.4.3 Pharmaceuticals
- 5.4.4 Retail and E-commerce
- 5.4.5 Industrial and Institutional
- 5.4.6 Other End-user Industries
5.5 By Geography
- 5.5.1 North America
- 5.5.1.1 United States
- 5.5.1.2 Canada
- 5.5.1.3 Mexico
- 5.5.2 South America
- 5.5.2.1 Brazil
- 5.5.2.2 Argentina
- 5.5.2.3 Chile
- 5.5.2.4 Rest of South America
- 5.5.3 Europe
- 5.5.3.1 Germany
- 5.5.3.2 United Kingdom
- 5.5.3.3 France
- 5.5.3.4 Italy
- 5.5.3.5 Spain
- 5.5.3.6 Russia
- 5.5.3.7 Rest of Europe
- 5.5.4 Asia-Pacific
- 5.5.4.1 China
- 5.5.4.2 India
- 5.5.4.3 Japan
- 5.5.4.4 South Korea
- 5.5.4.5 Singapore
- 5.5.4.6 Malaysia
- 5.5.4.7 Australia
- 5.5.4.8 Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 5.5.5 Middle East and Africa
- 5.5.5.1 Middle East
- 5.5.5.1.1 United Arab Emirates
- 5.5.5.1.2 Saudi Arabia
- 5.5.5.1.3 Turkey
- 5.5.5.1.4 Rest of Middle East
- 5.5.5.2 Africa
- 5.5.5.2.1 South Africa
- 5.5.5.2.2 Nigeria
- 5.5.5.2.3 Rest of Africa

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

6.1 Market Concentration
6.2 Strategic Moves
6.3 Market Share Analysis
6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
- 6.4.1 NatureWorks LLC
- 6.4.2 Total Corbion PLA bv
- 6.4.3 Novamont S.p.A.
- 6.4.4 Plantic Technologies (Kuraray)
- 6.4.5 Vegware Ltd.
- 6.4.6 BioPak Pty Ltd.
- 6.4.7 TIPA Corp Ltd.
- 6.4.8 Danimer Scientific Inc.
- 6.4.9 Futerro S.A.
- 6.4.10 BASF SE (Ecovio)
- 6.4.11 Eco-Products Inc.
- 6.4.12 Green Home Compostable Packaging
- 6.4.13 EarthFirst Films (PSI)
- 6.4.14 Genpak LLC (Harvest Fiber)
- 6.4.15 Qingdao Yongan Packaging Co.
- 6.4.16 Shenzhen Packmate Packaging Co.
- 6.4.17 Shanghai Disoxidation Technology
- 6.4.18 Biotrem Sp. z o.o.
- 6.4.19 Good Start Packaging LLC
- 6.4.20 Eco Guardian Inc.
- 6.4.21 Tipa Compostable Packaging India
- 6.4.22 Minima Technology Co. Ltd.
- 6.4.23 Traceless Materials GmbH
- 6.4.24 Nanjing MasterPack Bio-Tech Co.
- 6.4.25 L&P Packaging Co. Ltd.

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

7.1 White-Space and Unmet-Need Assessment

Global Cornstarch Packaging Market Report Scope

Cornstarch packaging utilizes polylactic acid (PLA), derived from cornstarch, to create a plastic-like material known as bioplastics. The rising demand for cornstarch-based packaging reflects a broader movement towards sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics. The research also examines underlying growth influencers and significant industry vendors, all of which help to support market estimates and growth rates throughout the anticipated period. The market estimates and projections are based on the base year factors and arrived at top-down and bottom-up approaches.

The cornstarch packaging market is segmented by product type (Containers, Bags, Pouches and Boxes), by end- user industry (Food, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Retail and Other End-User Industries) and by geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America and Middle East and Africa), The market sizing and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.

By Product Type

Containers

Bags

Pouches

Boxes

Cups and Cutlery

By Packaging Format

Flexible Packaging

Rigid Packaging

Semi-Rigid Packaging

By Material Composition

Pure PLA (Corn-derived)

PLA-Starch Blends

Thermoplastic Starch (TPS)

Starch-Cellulose Composites

By End-user Industry

Food and Beverage

Personal Care and Cosmetics

Pharmaceuticals

Retail and E-commerce

Industrial and Institutional

Other End-user Industries

By Geography

North America	United States
	Canada
	Mexico
South America	Brazil
	Argentina
	Chile
	Rest of South America
Europe	Germany
	United Kingdom
	France
	Italy
	Spain
	Russia
	Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific	China
	India
	Japan
	South Korea
	Singapore
	Malaysia
	Australia
	Rest of Asia-Pacific

Middle East and Africa	Middle East	United Arab Emirates
		Saudi Arabia
		Turkey
		Rest of Middle East

	Africa	South Africa
		Nigeria
		Rest of Africa

By Product Type	Containers
	Bags
	Pouches
	Boxes
	Cups and Cutlery
By Packaging Format	Flexible Packaging
	Rigid Packaging
	Semi-Rigid Packaging
By Material Composition	Pure PLA (Corn-derived)
	PLA-Starch Blends
	Thermoplastic Starch (TPS)
	Starch-Cellulose Composites
By End-user Industry	Food and Beverage
	Personal Care and Cosmetics
	Pharmaceuticals
	Retail and E-commerce
	Industrial and Institutional
	Other End-user Industries

By Geography	North America	United States
		Canada
		Mexico

	South America	Brazil
		Argentina
		Chile
		Rest of South America

	Europe	Germany
		United Kingdom
		France
		Italy
		Spain
		Russia
		Rest of Europe

	Asia-Pacific	China
		India
		Japan
		South Korea
		Singapore
		Malaysia
		Australia
		Rest of Asia-Pacific

	Middle East and Africa	Middle East	United Arab Emirates
			Saudi Arabia
			Turkey
			Rest of Middle East

		Africa	South Africa
			Nigeria
			Rest of Africa

Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current value of the cornstarch packaging market?

The cornstarch packaging market size stands at USD 269.65 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 355.77 million by 2030.

Which region is the largest consumer of cornstarch packaging?

Asia-Pacific leads the market with 38.6% share in 2024, supported by policy incentives and new PLA capacity.

Which product type is growing fastest?

Containers are forecast to grow at a 7.2% CAGR through 2030 thanks to improved rigid PLA designs suitable for coffee pods and meal trays.

What is the biggest restraint to market growth?

High unit costs versus fossil plastics remain the primary barrier, shaving an estimated 1.8 percentage points off forecast CAGR.

How do EPR laws influence demand?

EPR schemes transfer disposal costs to producers, making compostable and recyclable cornstarch solutions financially attractive and accelerating adoption.

Which material blend shows the most promise?

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is the growth leader with a 7.5% CAGR due to cost advantages and rapid biodegradability improvements.

Page last updated on: July 8, 2025