Zero-Waste Grocery Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Pantry Supplies & Dry Goods, Personal Care & Hygiene Products, Cleaning Supplies, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

Zero-waste grocery stores eliminate unnecessary product packaging to reduce waste in waterways and landfills and protect the environment. Moreover, these stores promote sustainability by offering a diversified range of environmentally friendly products. The growing consumer emphasis on minimizing their environmental impact triggers global market growth.

Zero-waste grocery stores include refill stations for products such as lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. These stores also do not provide plastic packaging, and the shoppers take items home in their reusable containers. Furthermore, a significant amount of waste is generated from plastic packaging, which leads to pollution. For instance, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a Nairobi, Kenya-based authority emphasizing environmental issues and sustainable development, plastic waste of around 19-23 million tonnes is disposed into rivers, lakes, and seas yearly, increasing water pollution. In this respect, growing awareness regarding plastic pollution is expected to increase the popularity of zero-waste grocery stores in the near term.

However, the limited accessibility of zero-waste grocery stores compared to traditional grocery shops affects market growth. In addition, the COVID-19 outbreak led to the provisional closure of numerous zero-waste grocery stores due to lockdowns across countries to curb the spread of coronavirus. This factor significantly hampered global market expansion, notably in 2020.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Overview of the overall retail industry
• Supply Chain Analysis
• Industry SWOT Analysis
• Porter's Five Forces Analysis
• Recent Technological Advancements

Analysis by Type

Based on type, the global zero-waste grocery market is divided into pantry supplies & dry goods, personal care & hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and others. The pantry supplies & dry goods segment dominated the market share in 2023. The segment includes cooking oil, flour, spices, dry beans, rice, and tea. These essential grocery items used daily in kitchens are the basis of various meals. As a result, numerous consumers prioritize stocking them, which fuels their adoption. The personal care and hygiene products segment will grow at a significant rate in the coming years, supported by rising knowledge regarding the significance of personal hygiene and health, which will boost the sales of hygiene and personal care products.   

Analysis by Distribution Channel

Based on distribution channel, the global market is bifurcated into online and offline. The offline segment will lead the market throughout the forecast period. The advantages of offline zero-waste grocery stores, such as immediate purchases and recommendations from store staff, make them an appealing option. Moreover, the easy accessibility and increasing development of new offline zero-waste grocery shops across countries contribute to segmental growth. The online segment will grow at the highest CAGR. The online stores ship products without plastic packaging and save users' time and transportation costs, increasing consumers' interest in them. 

Regional Analysis

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The global market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa. Europe held the highest market share in 2023, backed by a rapidly growing sustainability trend across the region, increasing consumer inclination toward zero-waste grocery stores. In addition, high plastic pollution in the region will increase demand for zero-plastic grocery shops that do not provide plastic bags and reduce plastic pollution. For instance, according to the Plastic Soup Foundation, a Netherlands-based non-profit organization emphasizing marine conservation, the average European disposes of packaging waste of around 172.2 kilos yearly, nearly 19.5% of which is plastic.

The market in North America will provide growth opportunities for zero-waste grocery market players due to the increasing number of eco-conscious consumers prioritizing reducing their environmental impact and plastic use. Furthermore, recent years have witnessed an increasing opening of new zero-waste grocery stores across the region. For instance, in May 2022, Byrd's Filling Station, a zero-waste grocery store, was launched in San Mateo, California, U.S. that provides sustainable options and does not use single-use plastics, including shopping bags, packaging materials, and plastic bottles. It also offers a diversified range of home goods and personal items in bulk, which consumers can take home in their containers.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players, such as EarthHero, EcoRoots, Package Free, Etee, Plastic Free Pursuit, ZeroWasteStore.com, Battle Green, Tiny Yellow Bungalow, Zerovana, and Simply Zero.

Key Industry Developments

• November 2023: Seed + Oil, a new zero-waste grocery store, was unveiled in Woodside, Queens, New York, U.S. It was the first zero-waste grocery store in the neighborhood providing various sustainable products.
• August 2023: A new zero-waste grocery store was launched in Bedford, New Hampshire, U.S., with a grand opening ceremony. The new store provides biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable packaging and offers products such as dry goods, dairy, cleaning supplies, and body care items.