Plant-based Colors from Food Waste Market Size & Share 2026-2035

Plant-based Colors from Food Waste Market Size

The global plant-based colours from food waste market were valued at USD 53.3 million in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 58.8 million in 2026 to USD 141.1 million in 2035, at a CAGR of 10.2 % according to the latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

• Plant-based colors from food waste refer to natural pigments extracted from discarded or unused parts of fruits, vegetables, and other plant materials generated during food processing and consumption. The pigments which include anthocyanins and carotenoids and chlorophylls and betalains are extracted from peels and seeds and pomace and pulp which would otherwise be discarded.
   
• The process of converting food waste into usable colorants promotes sustainability by decreasing environmental harm and offering safer options compared to synthetic dyes used in food and textiles and cosmetics and packaging.
   
• Food waste contains abundant natural pigments than the edible parts of plants. The bright pigments found in grape skins, onion peels, pomegranate rinds, beetroot pomace, and mango peels also include special properties that fight oxidation and bacteria. Agricultural and food-processing industries achieve economic benefits through new revenue streams which result from their waste material processing because these operations prevent landfill waste.
   
• Plant-based colors derived from food waste are increasingly favored because consumers demand products which have clean labels and non-toxic ingredients and environmentally friendly features. Natural pigments provide biodegradable properties which people associate with health advantages while synthetic dyes remain non-biodegradable. The application extends beyond food products to textiles and pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and biodegradable packaging materials.
   
• The development of modern technology has brought significant progress to the fields of extracting and stabilizing plant-based colors which come from food waste. The extraction process is improved through the implementation of ultrasound-assisted extraction and microwave-assisted extraction and supercritical fluid extraction and enzyme-assisted methods. The green extraction technologies implement circular economy principles that achieve optimal resource usage while creating minimal environmental effects.
   
• Natural pigment stability and shelf-life problems are now solved through extraction innovations and enhanced performance of encapsulation and nanotechnology together with biopolymer-based carrier systems. Encapsulation techniques help to protect pigments from oxidation, temperature fluctuations, and light exposure, which makes them better suited for industrial uses. Natural color systems use food waste to produce pigments through digital monitoring and biotechnology.

Plant-based Colors from Food Waste Market Trends

• The market for plant-based colors that use food waste as their source material is rapidly growing as manufacturers nowadays use by-products like fruit peels and vegetable skins as natural pigment production materials thus results in the waste and emissions reduction together with more consumer interest in environmentally friendly products which increases the demand.
   
• User preferences determine market trends. Natural colorants are produced from food waste that provides safer and healthier product options which gives customers complete transparency regarding their ingredients. Producers use these benefits to create environmental stories which help them stand out against their competitors in premium food and personal care markets.
   
• Market growth accelerates because technological progress enables better extraction methods which produce more stable colors at larger production scales. New extraction methods based on enzymes and fermentation together with microencapsulation technology enable manufacturers to create natural pigments with longer shelf life and better heat and light protection. The recent progress in food-waste-derived color technology now enables its use in commercial applications at a large scale.
   
• Using food waste material as a feedstock for production processes creates a circular economy system which brings down disposal costs for food processing companies. To create a supply chain system, food companies partner with color manufacturers and waste management companies which guarantees raw material supply throughout production. The joint effort between companies has two benefits for their business operations because it decreases production expenses while it helps them reach their environmental goals and reduce waste.
   

Plant-based Colors from Food Waste Market Analysis

The plant-based colors from food waste market by pigment type is segmented into anthocyanins, betalains, carotenoids, chlorophylls and phycobiliproteins. Anthocyanins hold the largest market value of USD 21.1 million in 2025.
 

• The market for plant-based colours derived from food waste is experiencing significant expansion because of various functional and aesthetic requirements which different industries need. The two most important pigments, anthocyanins and carotenoids, remain prominent because their intense colors match numerous food and beverage products. Consumers now prefer health-oriented products, which creates demand for anthocyanins that produce red to purple colors and maintain strong antioxidant properties. Carotenoids, which exist in high quantities within carrot peels and tomato skins and other vegetable residues, serve as yellow to orange colorants because their properties allow manufacturers to obtain reliable natural alternatives which withstand processing procedures.
   
• The market currently recognizes betalains and chlorophylls and phycobiliproteins as niche products which experience rapid growth driven by market demands and sustainability trends. The functional beverage and confectionery industries increasingly use betalains derived from beet and cactus waste to produce plant-based clean-label products which deliver unique red and violet colours. The extraction of chlorophylls from leafy vegetable by-products provides a natural source of green pigment which fulfils increasing market requirements for health food and cosmetic products.
   
• Phycobiliproteins serve as specialized colorants which originate from food waste materials, including algae and seaweed processing residues, to produce exceptional blue shades that other plant-based colorants cannot match. The pigment categories combine to create a selection of environmentally friendly colors which brands use for product development in food items and personal care products.
   

The plant-based colors from food waste market by extraction technology is segmented into conventional solvent extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), pulsed electric field (PEF), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), precision fermentation & biotechnology and hybrid & integrated extraction systems. Conventional solvent extraction holds the largest market value of USD 23.7 million in 2025.
 

• The market for plant-based colors derived from food waste has seen new extraction methods developed to achieve economical operations and sustainable procedures while maintaining high pigment quality. The market relies on traditional solvent extraction because it provides simple operations and requires low initial investments which particularly benefits developing markets, yet companies now restrict its use because of their solvent residuals and environmental damage.
   
• Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) and Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) have gained popularity because these techniques decrease extraction duration and solvent requirements and power usage while increasing pigment extraction efficiency from food waste materials which include fruit peels and vegetable scraps. The methods show efficiency for anthocyanins, betalains, and carotenoids because these pigments require both effective extraction methods and strong pigment color.
   
• Companies that want to enter premium and clean-label markets now adopt advanced sustainable technologies which include Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), Enzyme-Assisted Extraction (EAE), Pulsed Electric Field (PEF), and Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE). The industry utilizes SFE because it produces high-purity pigments through processes which avoid using any toxic solvents.
   
• The process of precision fermentation together with biotechnology has become a major disruptive innovation because it enables the production of pigments at constant levels throughout the year, regardless of seasonal changes in waste. The companies need to achieve better operational performance and higher production capacity, so they select extraction systems which use multiple methods that help them achieve their business objectives while maintaining their circular economy commitments.

The plant-based colors from food waste market by application is segmented into food & beverage, cosmetics & personal care, textile & fashion, pharmaceutical & nutraceutical and others. Food & beverage hold the largest market value of USD 34.4 million in 2025.
 

• The food & beverage industry is experiencing rapid growth of food waste-derived plant-based colours because consumers now demand clear label information and product traceability. Brands today use natural pigments which they obtain from beet peels and carrot tops and fruit skins as their replacement for synthetic dyes to attract health-focused customers who want to comply with restrictions on synthetic food additives. The industry uses plant-based colorants to create bright colours for beverages and snacks and dairy products and confectionery items while supporting their sustainable brand stories.
   
• The cosmetics & personal care, textile & fashion, pharmaceutical & nutraceutical and other specialized applications show increased interest in plant-based colours which are no longer limited to food products. Natural pigments from food waste serve cosmetics and personal care products because they maintain mild properties and clean beauty standards for use in makeup and skincare and hair products. Sustainable dyes enable fashion brands to use eco-friendly colorants which help create circular textile production systems.
   
• The pigments serve as natural tablet coatings which provide aesthetic appeal and functional properties through their antioxidant protection. Plant-derived colorants demonstrate their widespread industry appeal through their use in environmentally friendly inks and packaging coatings and biodegradable materials which support sustainability goals.

The market in the North America is expected to experience significant and promising growth from USD 22 million in 2025 to USD 50.8 million in 2035. The U.S. plant-based colors from food waste market accounted for USD 17.1 million in 2025.
 

• North America market for plant-based colors sourced from food waste is growing because consumers prefer natural ingredients while food and beverage and cosmetics industries maintain their commitment to environmental sustainability. Manufacturers in the United States use agricultural by-products such as beet pulp and fruit peels and spent grains to produce pigments which help them achieve their circular economy targets. Consumer health awareness and regulatory efforts decrease synthetic additive usage drives the market forward.
   
• Companies are investing in improved extraction technologies to enhance stability and scalability of colours. The market demand along with product innovation and environmentally sustainable practices makes plant-based colors derived from food waste essential for product development and branding activities across the region.

The market in the Europe is expected to experience significant and promising growth from USD 18.6 million in 2025 to USD 43.7 million in 2035.
 

• Europe's market for plant-based colors from food waste operates under strict sustainability requirements that enforce full bans on synthetic dyes used in food and cosmetics products. German consumers exhibit strong demand for clean-label products which organizations use to establish their commitment to environmental protection.
   
• The food processing industry together with ingredient suppliers produces stable natural pigments from their extensive supply of vegetable skins and fruit residues and other by-products to support circular economy practices. Investment in research and development supports improved extraction efficiency and product consistency. German brands use eco-friendly color solutions to meet both regulatory requirements and consumer demand for natural health-conscious products which strengthens sustainability throughout their entire supply chain.
   

The plant-based colors from food waste market in Asia Pacific is expected to experience increasing growth from USD 11.9 million in 2025 to USD 32.6 million in 2035 with a CAGR of 10.6%.
 

• The Asia-Pacific region experiences fast-growing demand for plant-based colors derived from food waste because people now have higher disposable incomes and more urban areas and they understand food quality and health better. Due to large food processing industry that is generating agricultural by-products which is suitable for pigment extraction, China is one of a major contributor.
   
• Food and beverage companies are exploring technologies to turn fruit peels, vegetable waste, and other residues into vibrant natural colors. The trend toward artificial additive reduction and enhanced food safety regulations and supports natural pigment. The growing consumer demand for healthful and sustainable products has made China a vital force in developing plant-based colors which come from food waste.
   

Middle East & Africa market is expected to experience significant and promising growth from USD 1.7 million in 2025 to USD 5.4 million in 2035.
 

• Consumers in the Middle East and Africa region are increasingly interested in plant-based colors derived from food waste because of their health benefits and natural ingredients. The Saudi Arabian market for processed foods and beverages is now starting to use natural pigments which come from fruit and vegetable by-product extraction. Sustainability goals and manufacturing expansion push companies towards adopting circular practices which convert waste into color solutions with added value. People are more interested in food-waste-derived plant colors for food and cosmetics products because they know about clean-label trends and have invested in local ingredient innovation.
   

Latin America is expected to experience significant and increasing growth from USD 2.8 million in 2025 to USD 8.6 million in 2035.
 

• Latin America is using plant-based colors from food waste at an accelerating rate because the food processing and beverage industries are expanding their operations. Brazil produces natural pigments from its agricultural output which includes beet pulp and citrus peels and other vegetable waste. Rising consumer interest in clean-label and health-oriented products is encouraging manufacturers to shift away from synthetic dyes. The partnerships between local businesses and ingredient companies help build supply chain networks while they create sustainable color solutions which should be more accessible to the market. Brazil's market initiatives support regional efforts which aim to decrease waste and improve agricultural value recovery through eco-friendly product development.
   

Plant-based Colors from Food Waste Market Share

• Plant-based Colors from Food Waste industries are moderately consolidated with players like Sensient Technologies, Chr. Hansen (Oterra), Givaudan SA, GNT Group, Archroma (EarthColors) holding 40.2% market share and Sensient Technologies being the market leader holding the market share of 11.2% in 2025.
   
• Companies maintain their competitive edge by focusing on research and technological advancements. The research team develops extraction techniques which use both enzymatic and green solvent methods to achieve better results in yield, color stability, and scalability. The company's technological improvements allow them to deliver constant product quality which matches synthetic materials, enabling them to secure extended contracts with important food and beverage clients. Companies who conduct continuous research and development can create personalized pigment profiles which exceed their competitors' abilities to produce less effective traditional methods.
   
• Companies establish strategic alliances with partners from all sections of their supply chain. Food processors and waste aggregators research institutions and technology providers work together to establish reliable food waste collection systems while improving their operational processing procedures. Upstream supplier connections enable companies to achieve three benefits which include decreasing raw material expenses, obtaining consistent supply, and establishing sustainability traceability systems that now serve as essential brand client requirements. The research labs establish partnerships with universities to develop new products while enabling companies to access advanced scientific knowledge without needing to fund all expenses on their own.
   
• Sustainable development and transparent operations establish the primary foundations which brands use to create their market position. The company uses its marketing and labelling to show how turning food waste into natural colors decreases landfill waste and cuts carbon emissions. Businesses which adopt circular economy principles as their core identity attract clients who need to prove their responsible sourcing activities while they attempt to create product distinctions in competitive marketplaces.
   
• Companies use application portfolio diversification as a method to maintain their market share against competitive threats. The market for natural plant-based ingredients is growing in multiple sectors including cosmetics and textiles and nutraceuticals and pet food. The company diversifies its operations through multiple industry sectors which enables it to establish new revenue sources while reducing operational hazards. The company demonstrates its expertise by developing pigments that can serve both beverage and skincare product markets.
   
• The top companies use their operational efficiency improvements to create competitive advantages which lead to higher profit margins. They achieves lower production expenses and faster delivery times through its system which outperforms smaller organizations and less integrated competitors. Some companies establish vertical integrations by purchasing or building their food waste collection systems to gain better cost control and supply protection. The combination of these approaches enables companies to remain competitive while they handle changing consumer needs and new regulatory requirements.

Plant-based Colors from Food Waste Market Companies

Major players operating in the plant-based colors from food waste industry are:

• Sensient Technologies Corporation
• Chr. Hansen Holdings (Oterra)
• Givaudan SA
• Givaudan Sense Colour
• GNT Group
• Archroma (EarthColors)
• Prodalim (Upcycled Colors)
• E. & J. Gallo Winery (Natural Colorants Division)
• KAIKU (UK)
   

Sensient Technologies company provides colors and flavors and specialty ingredients which customers use in their food and beverage and pharmaceutical and cosmetic and personal care products. The company creates custom sensory solutions which enhance product visual appeal and flavor and operational capabilities through its dedication to natural and plant-based components. The company operates a global network of manufacturing facilities and research centers which enables it to deliver specialized solutions to both international and regional clients.

Chr. Hansen (Oterra) specializes in producing natural color solutions which primarily use plant-based resources to create products for food and beverage manufacturers across the globe. The company develops industrial materials which utilize naturally derived colorants as replacements for artificial colorants while maintaining product performance and scalability. Oterra uses its historical experience in natural ingredient development to create sustainable product development methods which help brands establish transparent sourcing practices and traceability systems.

Givaudan provides its customers with flavors and fragrances and sensory solutions which serve multiple industries including food and beverages and cosmetics and personal care and household products. The company develops customized solutions which improve customer experiences through its combination of creativity and scientific expertise and technological resources. The company operates worldwide through its research and manufacturing and customer collaboration networks while it emphasizes sustainability and natural ingredients and responsible sourcing practices.

GNT Group is a family-owned business which produces plant-based coloring solutions derived from fruits and vegetables and other edible plants. The company uses its EXBERRY brand to supply clean-label colors which meet consumer demand for natural and recognizable ingredients. GNT maintains control over its entire supply chain operation which includes raw material acquisition and processing activities to guarantee food and beverage manufacturers receive products with consistent quality and sustainable availability.

Archroma (EarthColors) develops specialty chemicals which deliver color and performance solutions for textile and apparel and related industries. The EarthColors product line of Archroma provides dyes which use agricultural and plant waste materials to create environmentally friendly solutions that support circular economy systems. The company develops eco-friendly coloring solutions which enable brands to meet their sustainability goals without compromising product performance and design options.
 

Plant-based Colors from Food Waste Industry News

• In July 2025, Prodalim introduced its new Coloring Foodstuffs and Natural Colors product lines to expand its presence in plant-based and upcycled color solutions for the food and beverage industry. The portfolio contains two product lines which include VivaPro Coloring Foodstuffs, obtained through gentle processing methods from fruits and vegetables and algae and spices, and NaturaPro Natural Colors, which offers high-performance pigments that include anthocyanins and carotenoids and chlorophylls for better stability and usability.
   
• In February 2025 Oterra launched a new color blending and application facility in Kochi, Kerala, India to meet the increasing need for natural food colors in India and the Asia Pacific and Middle East markets.

The plant-based colors from food waste market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million and volume in terms of kilo tons from 2022–2035 for the following segments:

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Market, By Pigment Type

• Anthocyanins
• Betalains
• Carotenoids
• Chlorophylls
• Phycobiliproteins
   

Market, By Extraction Technology

• Conventional solvent extraction
• Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)
• Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)
• Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)
• Enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE)
• Pulsed electric field (PEF)
• Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE)
• Precision fermentation & biotechnology
• Hybrid & integrated extraction systems
   

Market, By Application

• Food & beverage
• Cosmetics & personal care
• Textile & fashion
• Pharmaceutical & nutraceutical
• Others
   

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa