Biodegradable plastic companies leading the green revolution
As awareness of plastic pollution grows, pressure to move beyond traditional materials is being felt in every sector, from food and fashion to logistics and luxury. Brands and manufacturers are now more than ever looking for solutions that balance performance, aesthetics and responsibility.
Biodegradable plastic companies are playing a leading role in this transition. These innovators are redefining what packaging and product components can be: less harmful, more circular and designed to have a smaller environmental impact.
And the shift is accelerating.
The biodegradable plastics market was valued at USD 4.79 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 19.41 billion by 2034, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 15.28%. This evolution is fuelled by growing environmental awareness and regulatory pressure worldwide.
At mPackting, we believe that sustainability begins with practical design choices. We use biodegradable materials like our own mBlack™ insert in everything from perfume caps to refillable systems, proving that eco-design can be smart, beautiful and functional.
What does biodegradable plastic really mean?
The term “biodegradable plastic” is often used as a shorthand for 'eco-friendly', but the reality is more nuanced and understanding the differences is useful for making responsible material choices and communicating them effectively.
Biodegradable plastics are materials that can be broken down by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, into natural elements like water, carbon dioxide and biomass. However, the speed and conditions under which this breakdown occurs can vary greatly depending on the polymer structure and the surrounding environment.
Compostable plastics are a specific subset of biodegradable plastics that degrade under defined conditions.
Industrial compostable plastics require high temperatures, controlled humidity and specific microbial activity (available in industrial composting facilities);
Conversely, home-compostable plastics can break down in simpler conditions, such as a backyard compost bin, but they must meet stricter standards to earn this label.
Another distinction is between bio-based and fossil-based plastics:
Bio-based plastics are made (fully or partially) from renewable raw materials such as corn starch, sugarcane or cellulose;
Although a fossil-based biodegradable plastic is derived from petroleum, it is chemically structured to degrade over time. However, not all bio-based plastics are biodegradable, and not all biodegradable plastics are bio-based. These are two distinct characteristics that should not be confused.
This is why not all so-called “bioplastics” are sustainable by default. It depends on:
The origin of the raw material;
The environmental conditions required for degradation;
The real-world end-of-life scenarios.
For clarity and accountability, independent certifications are critical. Labels like OK Biodegradable, OK Compost (Home or Industrial), EN 13432 (Europe) and ASTM D6400 (USA) show what is good about biodegradability and compostability, which makes both manufacturers and consumers feel better.
Why biodegradable plastic companies are essential for the green transition
Biodegradable plastic companies are playing a central role in reshaping the future of packaging, design and materials science. Their work directly supports three key pillars of the global green transition.
✅ Reducing plastic waste: by replacing traditional polymers with materials that break down safely in the environment, biodegradable solutions mitigate the long-term impact of single-use plastics on oceans, landfills and ecosystems;
✅ Enabling a circular economy: many biodegradable plastics are designed with the end of their life in mind, supporting circular business models where packaging either returns to nature or is reintegrated into production cycles. This reduces reliance on virgin resources and fosters sustainable consumption;
✅ Complying with international regulations: as the EU and other global markets tighten restrictions on fossil-based plastics through initiatives such as the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive and California's compostability standards, brands must adapt.
These materials are not limited to simple, disposable applications. In fact, they are increasingly being used in premium sectors such as cosmetics and fragrances, where sustainability must align with aesthetics and functionality.
This is precisely the mindset behind mBlack™, mPackting’s proprietary biodegradable insert derived from production waste. Designed for fragrance caps and refillable packaging, mBlack™ provides structure, identity and performance without relying on fossil fuels
mBlack™: biodegradable innovation by mPackting
At the heart of mPackting’s approach to sustainable packaging lies mBlack™, a biodegradable insert system that combines circular thinking with high-performance engineering. Developed in-house from production waste, mBlack™ is certified OK Biobased by TÜV Austria, ensuring traceability and alignment with the most rigorous environmental standards.
What sets mBlack™ apart is its ability to enhance eco-design without compromising on aesthetics or functionality. Used in fragrance caps, lipstick closures and refillable skincare solutions, this material delivers:
Structural strength comparable to that of traditional plastic inserts;
An elegant appearance with customisable finishes for luxury positioning;
It contains no fossil-based content, supporting fully natural or hybrid construction;
It releases zero microplastics, even at the end of its life.
Cheeky Lipstick by La French Company
A bold product deserves a bold presentation. To launch its new Cheeky Lipstick, La French Company partnered with mPackting to design secondary packaging that would protect the product and enhance the customer experience.
The result? A patented, anti-crush wooden case that was custom-developed to reflect the brand’s identity and deliver practical innovation. Made from FSC-certified wood, the case features LegnaPin®, a 4-pin system adapted from our fragrance closures. This insert provides a firm hold on the lipstick tube, preventing it from slipping out of place while offering users a smooth and intuitive experience.
A biodegradable mBlack™ plaque bearing the brand's messaging adds a tactile and sustainable finishing touch. OK Biobased and OK Biodegradable certified, this detail adds a high-impact finish with a low environmental footprint.
Packaging created for La French Company, Cheeky Lipstick.
The role of biodegradable plastic manufacturers
In a future where circularity is a requirement, biodegradable plastic manufacturers will play a key role in setting a new standard across industries.
Acting as both material scientists and design enablers, these manufacturers transform sustainable intent into concrete solutions, whether in luxury packaging, personal care or other areas.
At mPackting, we are part of this movement by developing integrated systems that combine design, functionality and biodegradability.
Are you a brand looking for eco-friendly, high-performance packaging that aligns with the values of today's environmentally conscious consumers? We're here to help.
Explore mPackting’s range of biodegradable solutions and see how innovation, aesthetics and sustainability can come together beautifully.
