GLOBAL: Biopackaging poised to challenge PET? - research

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 15 February 2011

The use of biopackaging in the drinks industry leapt in West Europe and North America last year, albeit from a small base, according to a recently-released report.

The '2011 Zenith Report on Drinks Biopackaging', released late last week, noted that compostable bottles in the two markets rose by 47% in 2010 to over 100m litres, but volumes remain small as a proportion of total volume.

The report also notes that biopackaging has the potential to improve sustainability in beverage packaging, while growing interest in locally-available renewable crops could bring additional scope.

“While the environmental credentials of compostable bottles sit well with increasingly green-minded consumers, challenges such as price, separation from PET and composting facilities persist,” said Zenith's senior analyst, Jenny Foulds.

“Despite the difficulties, we foresee continuing strong growth in development projects. If the challenges can be answered, then volume can gain serious market share.”

For further details on Zenith's report, click here.

Expert analysis

Drinks Biopackaging Still Holds Potential for Growth

Compostable bottles present an increasingly attractive alternative to recycled PET for beverage companies, according to this new Drinks Biopackaging report. Biopackaging use in the combined markets of West Europe and North America rose by 47% in 2010 to over 100 million litres, but volumes remain small as a proportion of total volume. The report provides a full investigation of issues and trends.

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