ASIA-PACIFIC EDIBLE PACKAGING IN FOOD & PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET FORECAST 2023-2032

The Asia-Pacific edible packaging in food & pharmaceutical market growth analysis includes the assessment of Australia & New Zealand, Thailand, China, South Korea, India, Japan, Philippines, and Rest of Asia-Pacific. The China edible packaging in food & pharmaceutical market growth is attributed to the rising consumer awareness of environmental issues and a growing preference for sustainable packaging solutions. The Chinese market encompasses edible packaging for foods and beverages with a specific focus on convenience products and snack foods. The country’s expanding middle-class segment and large population are driving the demand for such products. This is accredited to consumers’ rising health consciousness and concerns regarding food safety and waste reduction. 

In addition, companies in China are investing in R&D to create innovative edible packaging materials made from varied natural ingredients like soy protein, starch, and seaweed. Further, as China’s economy prospers, it emphasizes quality, aesthetics, lifestyle, quality, and convenience. Also, the country is a significant user of edible packaging, given the growing demand for frozen foods. Besides, the demand for frozen food is set to project continuous growth due to the government’s swift expansion of food outlets and minimal tariff barriers on frozen food imports. 

The Asia-Pacific edible packaging in food & pharmaceutical market segmentation includes application, component, and source. The component segment includes lipid, polysaccharide, protein, and other components. 

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates made of long chains of sugar molecules. Hydrogen bonds play important roles in film properties and formation due to the abundance of hydroxyl groups and certain hydrophilic moieties in their structure. When long-chain polymer segments are coacervated, new intermolecular hydrogen and hydrophilic bonding are generated since the solvent evaporates to facilitate a matrix for the polysaccharide film. The structural integrity and strength of polysaccharide coating are strengthened by its oil barrier, oxygen, and scent qualities. 

Further, polysaccharides are commonly found in plant-based materials like chitin, cellulose, pectinates, alginates, carrageenan, and starches. Polysaccharide films are mechanically strong despite a weak moisture barrier. Natural polysaccharides are used to create a novel edible film for the packaging of nutraceuticals, drinks, meals, etc. 

Whereas several protein types, including those derived from animals, like gelatin, casein, whey, keratin, and collagen and those originating from plants like soy, wheat, and maize, are used to create edible packaging. Edible packaging made of protein is considered a practical approach with regard to biodegradability. Whereas the addition of elements like natural antioxidants improves the antioxidant capabilities or strengthens the protein networks. 

Furthermore, the protein-based films’ water vapor permeability processed with ultrasound is lower than that of heated films. Also, strong oxygen blockers in the protein-based coatings can help prevent food from rotting. In addition, they may reduce food waste across the supply chain due to their use in packaging. 

Some of the leading companies in the Asia-Pacific edible packaging in food & pharmaceutical market are Tate & Lyle PLC, Notpla Limited, Pace International, Amtrex Nature Care Pvt Ltd, etc.

Amtrex Nature Care Pvt Ltd, based in Maharashtra, India, is a prominent manufacturer of plastics and packaging films. They specialize in offering a comprehensive range of water-soluble and biodegradable packaging films for use in waste source reduction and environmental-friendly applications. Their product portfolio includes biodegradable plastics, water-soluble films, edible films, synthetic non-tearable paper, and security anti-counterfeiting products. The company is headquartered in Mumbai, India.

Amtrex Nature produces edible films using starch, cellulose, and other materials, providing versatility in terms of color and taste options.