South Korea Biodegradable Packaging Market SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025-2032)

South Korea Biodegradable Packaging Market Size - Analysis

The South Korea Biodegradable Packaging Market is estimated to be valued at USD 619.9 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 976.1 Mn by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2025 to 2032.

South Korea Biodegradable Packaging Market Trends

There has been steady growth in the awareness among South Korean consumers regarding the importance of environment protection and sustainability. More and more people understand how conventional plastic packaging is creating waste and polluting the land and water bodies. Young population in particular is concerned about the threat plastic poses to the environment. Rising education levels and access to internet have enabled effective information dissemination around plastic pollution crisis. People are realizing small changes in their daily routine like refusing plastic bags or straws, reducing usage of disposable cutlery and items can contribute significantly towards waste management. Growing popularity of slow living concept has motivated consumers to make responsible choices and switch to eco-friendly alternatives.

Government of South Korea has acknowledged plastic waste as serious environmental challenge. Issuing strict regulations has become important tool to curb plastic pollution and move the country towards circular economy. Mandating biodegradability standards for packaging is a significant step taken to phase out harmful single use plastics. Manufacturers and retailers now have limited time to ensure their product wrappings and carry bags meet the specified degradation time limits under organic conditions. Ban on specific petroleum-based plastics like Polystyrene food containers and shopping bags below certain microns has come into effect from past year.

Market Challenge – High Packaging Cost

However, packaging producers are constantly working on improvements to bring down the price differential through economies of scale, innovation in production techniques and supply chain optimization.

Market Opportunity – Developing Startups in Biodegradable Materials

Some startups are focusing on utilizing agricultural waste and byproducts to manufacture bioplastics, thus reducing manufacturing costs. There is an active accelerator and incubator ecosystem in South Korea that is guiding and mentoring new businesses. The Korean government is also supporting these startups through funding programs and technical assistance. If successful, these startups can help dramatically accelerate the commercialization of advanced biodegradable solutions and drive widespread adoption across different end-use industries.

Segmental Analysis of South Korea Biodegradable Packaging Market

Insights, By Material: Paper Sub-segment Dominates the Material Segment

In terms of material, paper sub-segment contributes the highest share of 91.9% in the South Korea biodegradable packaging market, owing to its widespread acceptability and sustainability. Paper is a natural and renewable resource that is easily recyclable, compostable, and breaks down quickly without harmful toxins. It is perceived by consumers as an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic that leaves little environmental impact.

Beyond consumer preferences, paper also meets the needs of Korean brands. Many want to build sustainability into their business strategies and brand positioning to gain a competitive edge. Paper packaging visibly demonstrates corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts to reduce waste and carbon footprint. It strengthens relationships with socially-conscious and eco-friendly customers. From a production perspective, paper is readily available domestically compared to other materials, keeping supply chain costs low.

Within applications, food packaging sub-segment accounts for the highest share of 33.8% in the South Korea biodegradable packaging market. As a highly food-centric culture, Koreans purchase groceries and prepared meals frequently in small amounts. Effective and convenient packaging is essential to preserve freshness, portion meals, and enable on-the-go consumption. Biodegradable materials like paper prevent plastic pollution from all the individual food items that are purchased daily.

Individual food packaging is also strongly influenced by new lifestyles. Long work schedules leave less time for home-cooked meals, driving demand for ready-to-eat options. Well-packaged snacks and mini-meals are convenient to grab on the go. Younger consumers especially expect transparency into ingredients and eco-friendly values from the brands they choose. Biodegradable materials fulfill all these emerging needs and preferences for high-quality yet sustainable on-the-go packaging in South Korea's dynamic food industry.

Competitive overview of South Korea Biodegradable Packaging Market

The major players operating in the South Korea Biodegradable Packaging Market include Hanchang Paper Co., Ltd, Amcor Specialty Cartons South Korea, Mondi Plc, Smurfit Kappa, Green Whale Global Co., Ltd., Green Dot Bioplastics, serimbng co.,ltd., and ANKOR Bioplastics.

Recent Developments in South Korea Biodegradable Packaging Market

South Korea Biodegradable Packaging Market Segmentation

• By Material
  • Paper
  • Plastic
• By Application
  • Food Packaging
  • Beverage Packaging
  • Personal/Homecare Packaging
  • Other Applications
  • Pharmaceutical Packaging