Disposable Cutlery Market Report 2026

The disposable cutlery market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.81 billion in 2025 to $7.23 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising use of disposable cutlery in food service outlets, increasing demand from hospitals and institutions, convenience and hygiene factors, adoption of plastic cutlery in retail and foodservice, growth in fast-food and quick-service restaurants.

The disposable cutlery market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $9.32 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for eco-friendly cutlery, expansion of online food delivery services, rising use in institutional and corporate food services, adoption of innovative materials and designs, growth in awareness about hygiene and single-use convenience. Major trends in the forecast period include rising adoption of biodegradable and compostable cutlery, increasing use of wooden and plant-based materials, expansion of plastic cutlery alternatives, growth in disposable cutlery demand in institutional food services, rising penetration of e-retail channels for disposable cutlery.

The escalating trend in fast-food consumption is poised to drive the growth of the disposable cutlery market in the coming years. Fast food, characterized by its quick preparation and immediate consumption or takeout, necessitates the use of disposable cutlery to mitigate the risk of disease transmission, contamination, and foodborne illnesses associated with reusable utensils. This serves to uphold hygiene standards while minimizing the need for utensil washing and cleanup. For instance, in August 2023, The Washington Post reported a 5.75% increase in sales for quick-serve restaurants and fast-food establishments in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Meanwhile, sit-down casual and fine-dining chains experienced a mean sales growth of 2.38%. Hence, the upward trajectory in fast-food consumption is a significant catalyst for the disposable cutlery market.

Prominent companies in the disposable cutlery market are actively engaged in introducing advanced and sustainable products, such as recyclable and compostable disposable cutlery, to gain a competitive advantage. These innovative products aim to offer customers durable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastic cutlery. For example, in June 2023, Sabert Corp., a US-based manufacturer of innovative food packaging products, launched its patented 'EcoEdge Paper Cutlery' product line. This line includes a sharp fork, spoon, serrated knife, and other items made from FSC-certified renewable resources. The EcoEdge paper cutlery products are designed to withstand various types of foods, including hot, warm, and cold items such as soups, ice cream, and oatmeal. With a smooth finish, natural look, and high strength, these sustainable cutlery goods enhance the dining experience for dine-in, to-go, and food-away-from-home customers.

In May 2023, Edible Cutlery Pty Ltd, an Australia-based provider of edible and sustainable disposable cutlery products, acquired Use N Eat for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Edible Cutlery seeks to broaden its range of edible disposable cutlery by incorporating Use N Eat’s product offerings and expertise in edible utensils. Use N Eat is an Australia-based company that supplies edible disposable cutlery, including spoons, sporks, and other utensils.

Major companies operating in the disposable cutlery market report are Huhtamaki Oyj, Pactiv LLC, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Dart Container Corporation, D&W Fine Pack, Biopac UK Ltd, Novolex Holdings Inc., Genpak LLC, Vegware Ltd., Gold Plast SpA, Hotpack Group, Dopla SpA, Anchor Packaging Inc., Fast Plast A/S, I.L.P.A. SpA Group, Plastico Limited, Isap Packaging Spa, Dixie Consumer Products LLC, Fuling Global Inc., Solia Inc., Lollicup USA Inc., Swantex A/S, Eco Guardian LLC, Bambu Home LLC, World Centric PBA, GreenGood USA, Bio Futura BV.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the disposable cutlery market in 2025. The regions covered in the disposable cutlery market are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the disposable cutlery market are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The disposable cutlery market consists of sales of PLA utensils, disposable bamboo utensils, and eco-friendly disposable utensils. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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