Eastern Europe is set to lead growth in the global biodegradable packaging sector up to 2011, as food processors in the region look to meet growing demand for more sustainable alternatives, according to a new report by consultancy group Pira International.

The report on the Future of Global Markets for Biodegradable Packaging predicts that the region will undergo the most dynamic growth over the next four years, despite being substantially less developed compared to other markets

In 2006, 821 tonnes of biodegradable packaging were consumed by Eastern European companies, falling short of rates in North America and Western Europe at 16,047 tonnes and 19,350 tonnes respectively.

However, this figure is expected to increase rapidly within Eastern Europe, with average annual growth predicted at 24.6 per cent upto 2011, increasing consumption in the region to 2,463 tonnes.

Pira attributes the growth 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) .

Studies into the use of biodegradable materials for food packaging have found that energy consumption and CO2 emissions resulting from their use are a significant improvement over those offered by conventional plastics.

Along with the sustainable and environmental impacts of products, the report adds that scientific advancements in biodegradable materials will both reduce costs and increase the applications they afford to packagers.

Currently, fresh food products dominate biodegradable packaging use, with a 41 per cent share of the market, due in part to such produce having a short shelf life.

With advancements like multi-layered packaging - which can be used with 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.