growing demand, the region seems poised to lead growth in the global biodegradable packaging sector up to 2011, as per a report by Pira International. The region is predicted to undergo the most dynamic growth over the next four years, despite being substantially less developed compared to other markets.
In 2006, consumption rates of biodegradable packaging in North America and Western Europe stood at 16,047 tons and 19,350 tons respectively and 821 tons was consumed by Eastern European companies. However, this figure is expected to increase rapidly within Eastern Europe, with average annual growth predicted at 24.6% upto 2011, increasing consumption in the region to 2,463 tons, largely attributed to increasing demand amongst major retail chains and brand owners for more environmentally friendly alternatives to existing food packaging materials, like biodegradable polymers such as starch and Polylactic acid (PLA) . Currently, fresh food products dominate biodegradable packaging use, with a 41% share of the market, due in part to such produce having a short shelf life.
With advancements like multi-layered packaging used for products demanding a longer shelf life, biodegradable packaging is expected to become more accessible and efficient for use throughout all aspects of the packaging sector.
07-Feb-07 
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