Global Biodegradable Polymer Market Size 2017 By Production (Starch-based, Polylactic acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), Synthetic), By Application (Packaging, Loose fill, Bags and sacks, Fibre, Others), By Region and Forecast 2018 to 2025
Apr 2019
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In 2017, the global biodegradable polymer market size was valued at USD 1.21 billion and is expected to grow by virtue of growing awareness regarding plastic waste. Protection of the environment coupled with the contribution towards conservation of natural resources is expected to increase the demand for biodegradable polymers over the coming years. The biodegradable polymer market is expected to be fulfilled by the virtue of regulatory framework put in place over the past decade across the world. A positive framework is expected to increase technology investment to ensure production efficiency.
Europe accounted for more than 50% of the global biodegradable polymer market demand in 2017. An increasing number of policies being implemented for placing a ban on non-biodegradable plastic in European countries has increased the demand for biodegradable polymers over the past few years, and the trend is expected to continue over the estimated period. For instance, restrictions on non-biodegradable plastic for shopping in France and Italy has increased demand for the biodegradable polymer.
Traditionally, biodegradable polymers are very niche products. However, continuous research in terms of reducing cost and product development over the recent years has resulted in biodegradable polymers posing as a substitute for petrochemical polymers, which now boast of properties almost equivalent to the synthetic counterparts in a wide range of applications. The starch-based biodegradable polymer is extensively used in the production of bags & sacks, containers, and trays. By 2025, the global plastic bags & sacks market is expected to be valued over USD 20 billion. Biodegradable polymers also find application in horticulture and agriculture industries such as plant pots, covering film, and mulching film. Rising awareness regarding the protection of the ecology is expected to provide the necessary impetus for the growth of the global biodegradable polymers market, which lacked over a few years back.
Key segments of the global biodegradable polymer market
Product Overview, 2015-2025 (Kilo Tons, USD Million)
- Starch-based
- Polylactic acid (PLA)
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
- Synthetic biodegradable polymers
Application Overview, 2015-2025 (Kilo Tons, USD Million)
- Packaging
- Loose fill
- Bags and sacks
- Fiber
- Others
Regional Overview, 2015-2025 (Kilo Tons, USD Million)
- North America
- U.S.
- Europe
- Germany
- Italy
- France
- UK
- Spain
- Poland
- Asia-Pacific
- India
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- Rest of the World
- Brazil
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
Reasons for the study
- The study provides an extensive view of the global biodegradable polymer industry
- Rising petrochemical polymer prices are likely to provide a significant opportunity for biodegradable polymer producers
- Development of a regulatory framework for the eco-friendly polymer to drive the demand
What does the report include?
- The global biodegradable polymer market report covers detailed information regarding the driving and restraining factors along with the long-term opportunities
- Additionally, Porter’s Five Forces’ analysis, PESTEL analysis, value chain analysis and vendor landscape analysis have been covered in the report
- The study includes market sizing and estimation on the basis of product, application, and region. Moreover, the study provides a deep-dive for key regions and countries.
- Information of key players have been covered in the study
Who should buy this report?
The report will benefit:
- Decision-makers of biodegradable polymer manufacturing firms
- Financial institution managers seeking to publish recent and forecast statistics on the biodegradable polymer market
- Government and financial institutions, policymakers and regulators
- Researchers & analysts and academic institutions that are looking at the varying dynamics of the market
The global biodegradable polymer industry is competitive in nature. Synthetic biodegradable polymers industry is dominated by well-established and vertically integrated chemical manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Gas Chemicals, DowDuPont, and BASF. Polylactic acid and starch industry are controlled by specialist biopolymer producers such as Rodenburg Biopolymers, Novamont, Pyramid Technologies, NatureWorks, Tejin, Hisun, Synbra Technology, and weforyou Group.
 Producers, 2017.png)
Manufacturers operating in this industry are adopting strategies to increase their presence through mergers & acquisitions (M&A) and production expansion strategies in order to gain a competitive advantage over other manufacturers. Some of the recent initiatives are given below:
- In December 2018, Total Corbion PLA, a joint venture between Corbion and Total, announced the establishment of a new plant facility in Rayong, Thailand. This plant will produce 75,000 tons/year polylactic acid resins. The product is expected to serve consumer goods, packaging, automotive, fibers, and 3D printing industry.
- In September 2018, Kaneka Corporation, a Japanese company engaged in the production of biodegradable polymers, announced production expansion of Kaneka Biodegradable Polymer PHBH. The growing demand followed by government regulations on the use of petrochemical polymer has prompted Kaneka Corporation to increase biodegradable polymer plant expansion. Production expansion will begin from December 2019.
- In June 2018, Bio-on, a bioplastic producer, opened its first biodegradable and natural bioplastic production plant in Italy. This plant is equipped with advanced research laboratories and the latest technologies.
- In November 2017, Aquapak Polymers Ltd. introduced a new biodegradable polymer Hydropol. Highly flexible, water soluble, recyclable, biodegradable, FDA approved, and non-toxic characteristics are expected to increase its adoption in the packaging industry.
- In November 2016, Evonik, a German manufacturer of specialty chemicals for coatings and adhesive applications, announced production capacity expansion for biomaterials. Production expansion of RESOMER biodegradable polymer is expected to fulfill the growing demand for medical devices.
- In March 2014, Novamont, an Italy based manufacturer engaged in biochemical and bioplastic acquired JV Mater-Biopolymer.
Starch-based biodegradable polymers accounted for more than 40% of the overall market share in 2017. Important industrial sources for starch polymers are tapioca, wheat, rice, corn, and potato. Over the past few years, a significant reduction in prices of potato and corn starch in North America and Europe has increased its adoption of biodegradable polymer. Easy availability, lower prices, and favorable environmental conditions has encouraged manufacturers to develop starch-based biodegradable polymers as an effective substitute for conventional polymers.
A broad range of physical properties make polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) ideal biodegradable polymer for wide range of applications such as food packaging, household appliances, electrical & electronics, consumer durables, adhesives, paints & coatings, disposable food service items, automotive, medical (surgical sutures, bone plates), and agriculture & soil stabilization. Traditionally, limited processability and high cost have proposed a strong barrier for the commercialization of PHA. However, over the past few years, these deficiencies have been resolved by Procter & Gamble and Metabolix by engaging PHA polymer development.
In 2017, the biodegradable polymer demand was dominated by polylactic acid. A highly versatile material coupled with its production from renewable sources such as wheat, corn, sugar beet, and other starch products has increased its popularity over the past few years. Polylactic acid unveils different properties that are equivalent to many conventional polymers, making them popular among manufacturers.
The global beauty and personal care products industry accounted for more than USD 400 billion in 2017. Evolving consumer lifestyle and increasing purchasing power in developing economies is expected to drive the personal care products industry over the coming years. Growing consumption of polylactic acid (PLA) in personal care products such as shampoos, creams, and other body care products is expected to increase its market expansion over the projected period.
Polylactic acid is extensively used in the packaging industry. The growth of the packaging industry is expected to increase the consumption of polylactic acid over the coming years. However, volatility of raw material prices, alternatives in the agriculture industry, and high prices as compared to conventional polymers is expected to be the restraints for the polylactic acid industry.
Synthetic biodegradable polymers offer a greater advantage over natural polymers by virtue of its flexibility and moldability. Growing healthcare & medical devices industry is expected to offer a potential market for synthetic biodegradable polymers. It is extensively used in drug delivery systems, sutures, staples, dental applications, tissue engineering, cardiovascular applications, orthopedic fixation devices, bone replacement, and intestinal applications.
The increasing cost of petrochemicals in the U.S. and Canada followed by the rising growth of composite infrastructure is expected to spur biodegradable polymer growth in North America. Reduction in prices followed by good physical properties of the biodegradable polymer has gained popularity among manufacturers. For instance, for the production of herbs and other products Walmart store selected NatureWorks PLA.
Growing packaging industry in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico is expected to offer a lucrative opportunity for biodegradable polymers over the coming years. In 2017, rigid plastic packaging market in North America was more than USD 40 billion. Presence of well-established packaging giants such as Ball Corporation, Tetrapak, Owens-Illinois, Reynolds Group, and International Paper is expected to increase biodegradable polymer demand.
In 2017, Europe accounted for more than 50% of the global biodegradable polymer market share. European biodegradable polymer market is driven by government directives on packaging waste in order to divert increasing packaging waste towards composting. In addition, the presence of leading biodegradable producers such as BASF, Rodenburg Biopolymers, and Novamont will further propel the market. Europe biodegradable polymer industry was dominated by starch-based polymers in 2017. Easy availability followed by declining prices is expected to increase market traction over the coming years.
Asia Pacific biodegradable polymer industry accounted for more than 15% of the global biodegradable market share. In the Asia Pacific, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea are the leading consumers of biodegradable polymers. In India, the biodegradable polymer industry is still in the nascent stage and very few manufacturers are operating in this country. Low awareness regarding benefits of biopolymers and high prices as compared to conventional polymers has lowered its adoption over the past few years. However, government support for eco-friendly products followed by increasing plastic waste is expected to increase its penetration over the coming years.
In 2017, the global biodegradable polymer market size was valued at USD 1.21 billion and is expected to grow by virtue of growing awareness regarding plastic waste. Protection of the environment coupled with the contribution towards conservation of natural resources is expected to increase the demand for biodegradable polymers over the coming years. The biodegradable polymer market is expected to be fulfilled by the virtue of regulatory framework put in place over the past decade across the world. A positive framework is expected to increase technology investment to ensure production efficiency.
Europe accounted for more than 50% of the global biodegradable polymer market demand in 2017. An increasing number of policies being implemented for placing a ban on non-biodegradable plastic in European countries has increased the demand for biodegradable polymers over the past few years, and the trend is expected to continue over the estimated period. For instance, restrictions on non-biodegradable plastic for shopping in France and Italy has increased demand for the biodegradable polymer.
Traditionally, biodegradable polymers are very niche products. However, continuous research in terms of reducing cost and product development over the recent years has resulted in biodegradable polymers posing as a substitute for petrochemical polymers, which now boast of properties almost equivalent to the synthetic counterparts in a wide range of applications. The starch-based biodegradable polymer is extensively used in the production of bags & sacks, containers, and trays. By 2025, the global plastic bags & sacks market is expected to be valued over USD 20 billion. Biodegradable polymers also find application in horticulture and agriculture industries such as plant pots, covering film, and mulching film. Rising awareness regarding the protection of the ecology is expected to provide the necessary impetus for the growth of the global biodegradable polymers market, which lacked over a few years back.
Key segments of the global biodegradable polymer market
Product Overview, 2015-2025 (Kilo Tons, USD Million)
- Starch-based
- Polylactic acid (PLA)
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
- Synthetic biodegradable polymers
Application Overview, 2015-2025 (Kilo Tons, USD Million)
- Packaging
- Loose fill
- Bags and sacks
- Fiber
- Others
Regional Overview, 2015-2025 (Kilo Tons, USD Million)
- North America
- U.S.
- Europe
- Germany
- Italy
- France
- UK
- Spain
- Poland
- Asia-Pacific
- India
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- Rest of the World
- Brazil
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
Reasons for the study
- The study provides an extensive view of the global biodegradable polymer industry
- Rising petrochemical polymer prices are likely to provide a significant opportunity for biodegradable polymer producers
- Development of a regulatory framework for the eco-friendly polymer to drive the demand
What does the report include?
- The global biodegradable polymer market report covers detailed information regarding the driving and restraining factors along with the long-term opportunities
- Additionally, Porter’s Five Forces’ analysis, PESTEL analysis, value chain analysis and vendor landscape analysis have been covered in the report
- The study includes market sizing and estimation on the basis of product, application, and region. Moreover, the study provides a deep-dive for key regions and countries.
- Information of key players have been covered in the study
Who should buy this report?
The report will benefit:
- Decision-makers of biodegradable polymer manufacturing firms
- Financial institution managers seeking to publish recent and forecast statistics on the biodegradable polymer market
- Government and financial institutions, policymakers and regulators
- Researchers & analysts and academic institutions that are looking at the varying dynamics of the market
Chapter 1. Executive Summary
Chapter 2. Research Methodology
2.1. Research approach
2.2. Scope, definition, and assumptions
2.3. Data sources
Chapter 3. Market Outlook
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Key trends
3.2.1. Market Drivers
3.2.2. Market Restraints
3.2.3. Market Opportunities
3.3. Porter’s Five Forces’ analysis
3.4. PESTEL Analysis
3.5. Value Chain Analysis
3.6. Vendor Landscape Analysis, 2017
Chapter 4. Market Overview, By Product
4.1. Global biodegradable polymer market share, by product, 2017 & 2025
4.2. Starch based
4.2.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
4.3. Polylactic acid (PLA)
4.3.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
4.4. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
4.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
4.5. Synthetic
4.5.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
Chapter 5. Market Overview, By Application
5.1. Global biodegradable polymer market share, by application, 2017 & 2025
5.2. Packaging
5.2.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
5.3. Loose fill
5.3.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
5.4. Bags and sacks
5.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
5.5. Fibre
5.5.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
5.6. Others
5.6.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
Chapter 6. Market Overview, By Region
6.1. Global biodegradable polymer market share, by region, 2017 & 2025
6.2. North America
6.2.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.2.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.2.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.2.4. U.S.
6.2.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.2.4.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.2.4.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.3. Europe
6.3.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.3.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.3.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.3.4. Germany
6.3.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.3.4.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.3.4.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.3.5. Italy
6.3.5.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.3.5.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.3.5.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.3.6. France
6.3.6.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.3.6.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.3.6.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.3.7. Spain
6.3.7.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.3.7.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.3.7.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.3.8. UK
6.3.8.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.3.8.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.3.8.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.3.9. Poland
6.3.9.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.3.9.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.3.9.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.4. Asia Pacific
6.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.4.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.4.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.4.4. India
6.4.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.4.4.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.4.4.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.4.5. China
6.4.5.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.4.5.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.4.5.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.4.6. Japan
6.4.6.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.4.6.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.4.6.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.4.7. South Korea
6.4.7.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.4.7.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.4.7.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.5. Rest of the World
6.5.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.5.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.5.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.5.4. Brazil
6.5.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.5.4.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.5.4.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.5.5. Saudi Arabia
6.5.5.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.5.5.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.5.5.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.5.6. Qatar
6.5.6.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.5.6.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.5.6.3. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
Chapter 7. Company Profiles
7.1. NatureWorks
7.1.1. Company overview
7.1.2. Product portfolio
7.1.3. Key developments
7.1.4. Financial performance
7.2. BASF
7.2.1. Company overview
7.2.2. Product portfolio
7.2.3. Key developments
7.2.4. Financial performance
7.3. Total Corbion PLA
7.3.1. Company overview
7.3.2. Product portfolio
7.3.3. Key developments
7.3.4. Financial performance
7.4. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
7.4.1. Company overview
7.4.2. Product portfolio
7.4.3. Key developments
7.4.4. Financial performance
7.5. Biome Bioplastics
7.5.1. Company overview
7.5.2. Product portfolio
7.5.3. Key developments
7.5.4. Financial performance
7.6. weforyou Group
7.6.1. Company overview
7.6.2. Product portfolio
7.6.3. Key developments
7.6.4. Financial performance
7.7. Synbra Technology bv
7.7.1. Company overview
7.7.2. Product portfolio
7.7.3. Key developments
7.7.4. Financial performance
7.8. Novamont
7.8.1. Company overview
7.8.2. Product portfolio
7.8.3. Key developments
7.8.4. Financial performance
7.9. Arkema
7.9.1. Company overview
7.9.2. Product portfolio
7.9.3. Key developments
7.9.4. Financial performance
7.10. List of other vendors