Pet Waste Bags Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Non-Biodegradable, Biodegradable), By Pet Type (Dog, Cat, Others), By Size (Small, Medium, Large), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Region, By Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 178.29 Million
CAGR (2026-2031)	3.72%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	Europe
Market Size (2031)	USD 221.97 Million

Market Overview

The Global Pet Waste Bags Market will grow from USD 178.29 Million in 2025 to USD 221.97 Million by 2031 at a 3.72% CAGR. The Global Pet Waste Bags Market comprises the production and sale of sanitary pouches specifically engineered for the containment and hygienic disposal of companion animal excrement. Growth in this sector is primarily fueled by stringent municipal regulations mandating immediate waste cleanup and rapid urbanization which reduces available open land for natural decomposition. Furthermore, heightening public awareness regarding zoonotic diseases and community hygiene standards necessitates the routine use of these containment solutions among responsible pet owners.

A significant challenge impeding market expansion is the environmental impact of single use plastics which has precipitated strict regulatory scrutiny and consumer demand for sustainable alternatives. Manufacturers face difficulties in balancing the production of certified compostable bags with cost efficiency, as high raw material prices often lead to premium retail costs that deter price sensitive buyers. Despite these economic hurdles, the fundamental demand for waste management supplies remains robust due to rising ownership rates. According to the American Pet Products Association, in 2025, it was reported that 94 million households in the United States owned at least one pet.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Global Pet Adoption and Ownership Rates act as the primary catalyst for the pet waste bags market, fundamentally increasing the volume of waste requiring hygienic disposal. As ownership expands, particularly in urban environments where open ground is scarce, the daily necessity for containment solutions intensifies. This demand is directly correlated with dog population figures, as canine owners are the principal consumers of waste bags. According to FEDIAF, July 2025, in the 'European Pet Industry Annual Report 2025', the total number of dogs in Europe reached approximately 89.6 million, highlighting the vast customer base necessitating daily waste management products.

Concurrently, the Consumer Shift Toward Biodegradable and Compostable Materials is reshaping product development and retail strategies. Environmentally conscious pet owners are increasingly rejecting single-use plastics in favor of plant-based alternatives like cornstarch and PBAT, compelling manufacturers to certify their products as eco-friendly. This preference is driving a premiumization of the category, where sustainability claims become a key differentiator. According to DC Pet Distribution, May 2025, in the 'Sustainable Packaging Trends in the 2025 Pet Industry' article, nearly 70% of U.S. pet owners prefer to buy from brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. The broader financial health of the sector supports this transition; according to the American Pet Products Association, March 2025, in the '2025 State of the Industry Report', total U.S. pet industry expenditures reached $152 billion in 2024.

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Key Market Challenges

The environmental impact of single use plastics presents a formidable obstacle to the growth of the Global Pet Waste Bags Market. Intense regulatory scrutiny regarding plastic pollution compels manufacturers to substitute conventional polyethylene with certified compostable or biodegradable materials. While this transition aligns with tightening environmental standards, it heavily impacts production economics by necessitating the use of expensive raw materials. Consequently, companies must raise retail prices to maintain margins, creating a financial barrier for a substantial portion of the customer base.

High retail costs for sustainable waste bags deter consumers who are sensitive to price and prioritize affordability over ecological benefits. This reluctance limits the market penetration of premium compliant products and hampers overall volume expansion, as buyers may reduce consumption or seek non compliant alternatives. The magnitude of the plastic waste issue underscores why this regulatory pressure is so acute. According to the Pet Sustainability Coalition, in 2025, the pet industry generates over 300 million pounds of plastic packaging annually. This significant environmental footprint ensures that strict oversight will continue to challenge manufacturers to balance regulatory compliance with cost efficiency.

Key Market Trends

The Rise of Direct-to-Consumer Subscription Services is fundamentally altering the distribution landscape for pet waste bags by capitalizing on the high-frequency, non-discretionary nature of the product. Unlike discretionary accessories, waste bags are a daily necessity, making them an ideal candidate for "set-and-forget" auto-replenishment models that lock in customer loyalty and stabilize revenue streams for retailers. This model mitigates the volatility of one-off purchases and allows brands to bypass traditional retail intermediaries, capturing higher margins while offering convenience to urban pet owners who require consistent supplies. The massive scale of this channel shift is evident in the financial performance of major category players; according to Chewy, Inc., March 2025, in the 'Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results', Autoship customer sales—which represent recurring subscription orders—reached $9.39 billion, marking a 10.6% increase from the prior year.

Simultaneously, the Incorporation of Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics is emerging as a critical manufacturing response to circular economy demands, offering a pragmatic alternative to the compostable materials sector. While biodegradable options often struggle with disposal infrastructure compatibility, integrating recycled content allows manufacturers to reduce reliance on virgin fossil fuels and immediately lower the carbon footprint of their existing polyethylene lines. This trend is heavily incentivized by tightening fiscal policies in key markets that penalize the use of virgin plastics, compelling producers to reformulate their supply chains to include recycled pellets to maintain cost-competitiveness. For instance, according to Law Print, April 2025, in the 'Plastic Packaging Tax Update April 2025', the UK government increased the tax rate for plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled plastic to £223.69 per tonne, creating a direct financial imperative for companies to adopt PCR materials.

Segmental Insights

The Online segment currently represents the fastest-growing distribution channel within the Global Pet Waste Bags Market, driven by increasing consumer demand for convenience and bulk buying options. Major e-commerce platforms provide shoppers with extensive access to specialized eco-friendly and biodegradable products that are often limited in physical retail outlets. Additionally, the proliferation of subscription services allows pet owners to automate the replenishment of these essential disposable items, ensuring consistent availability. This structural shift in consumer purchasing habits supports the rapid expansion of digital sales channels globally.

Regional Insights

Europe dominates the Global Pet Waste Bags Market, driven by a convergence of high pet ownership rates and rigorous environmental standards. The region’s market leadership is sustained by strict regulatory measures, such as the European Union’s directives regarding single-use plastics, which have accelerated the transition toward biodegradable and compostable product variants. Furthermore, the strong enforcement of municipal sanitation by-laws combines with widespread consumer awareness to ensure consistent demand for hygiene solutions. This established culture of responsible pet guardianship, supported by government initiatives promoting sustainability, solidifies Europe’s status as the key revenue generator in this sector.

Recent Developments

• In August 2025, Pet Impact unveiled its latest product innovation, the "ReSEAcled Poo Bags," which the company marketed as the world's first plastic-negative dog waste bags. During an announcement regarding an upcoming industry exhibition, the company revealed that the bags are manufactured from 95% recycled materials and that the sales would directly fund the recovery of ocean-bound plastic. The founders emphasized that this initiative ensures the removal of more plastic from the environment than the product introduces, creating a net positive environmental impact. This launch highlighted the growing trend of circular economy solutions within the pet waste management industry.
• In December 2024, Novolex, a leading manufacturer in the packaging industry and parent company of the BioBag brand, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pactiv Evergreen Inc. in a transaction valued at approximately $6.7 billion. This major corporate development was intended to combine two complementary businesses, creating a more diverse portfolio of fiber and resin-based packaging products. The acquisition, expected to close in mid-2025, was described as a strategic move to enhance innovation and sustainability capabilities. As a key player in the pet waste bag sector through its subsidiaries, this consolidation is anticipated to strengthen the company's manufacturing resources and market reach.
• In October 2024, EcoTopia introduced a new line of home compostable dog poop bags, aiming to address the environmental challenges associated with traditional plastic waste disposal. The company highlighted that these bags are certified to break down effectively in domestic composting environments, distinguishing them from products that require industrial facilities. This product launch was positioned as a direct response to the increasing consumer demand for truly sustainable pet care alternatives. By offering a solution that facilitates easier composting at home, the company sought to reduce the reliance on single-use plastics within the global pet waste bags market.
• In August 2024, Earth Rated announced a significant expansion of its retail footprint through a strategic partnership with PetSmart, a major pet specialty retailer in the United States. The collaboration involved the introduction of the company’s popular dog waste bags and new grooming collection to over 800 store locations and the retailer's online platform. The Chief Commercial Officer of Earth Rated stated that this initiative was designed to make their responsibly crafted products more accessible to a wider audience of pet owners. The launch included prominent end-cap displays, underscoring the brand's commitment to providing durable and high-quality solutions for pet waste management.

Key Market Players

• Earth Rated
• BioBag International
• Houndscoop
• Crown Poly
• Manna Pro Products
• The Sustainable People GmbH
• beyondGREEN biotech
• The Original Poop Bags
• Arlington Brands LLC
• Dog Waste Depot

By Type	By Pet Type	By Size	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Non-Biodegradable Biodegradable	Dog Cat Others	Small Medium Large	Offline Online	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Pet Waste Bags Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Pet Waste Bags Market, By Type:

• Non-Biodegradable
• Biodegradable

• Pet Waste Bags Market, By Pet Type:

• Dog
• Cat
• Others

• Pet Waste Bags Market, By Size:

• Small
• Medium
• Large

• Pet Waste Bags Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Offline
• Online

• Pet Waste Bags Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE