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Biodegradable Polymers: Global Markets and Technologies
Report Highlights
The global market volume of biodegradable polymers should grow from 1,012.2 kilotons in 2021 to reach 1,945.2 kilotons by 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.0% for the period of 2021-2026.
Report Includes
- 54 data tables and 51 additional tables
- An overview of the global markets for biodegradable polymers
- Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2020, estimates for 2021 and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2026
- Evaluation and forecast the overall biodegradable polymers market size in value and volumetric terms, and their corresponding market share analysis by chemical type, application and region
- Identification of market drivers, restraints and other forces influencing the progress of this market
- Detailed description of biopolymer and the synthetic polymer gap; discussion on integration of biodegradable plastics with disposal infrastructure, and information on non-uniform degradable tests such as ASTM D-6400
- Discussion on modes of degradation of biodegradable polymers and effect of environmental exposure conditions and polymer structure on biodegradation
- Coverage of recent developments in the biodegradable polymers market and insights into regulations and R&D activities
- Information about compostable vs. biodegradable polymers, key properties for compostable plastics, restrictions on compostable claims, standards and specifications and PLA problems associated with composting facilities
- Market share analysis of the key companies of the industry and coverage of events like mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations or partnerships, and other key market strategies
- Company profiles descriptions of the market leading participants, including BASF, Biomer, Danimer Scientific, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., PSM North America, Teijin Ltd., and Toray Industries Inc.
Report Scope
Although the term “biodegradable polymers” is well-known, the controversy within the industry as to which materials should be considered biodegradable continues. These resins currently include polyolefin-based compositions containing starch and polymers containing aromatic groups that microorganisms have difficulty utilizing in their metabolism.
There are additives said to convert petroleum-based resins to biodegradable versions. These resultant resins are said to be oxo-biodegradable.
Part of the current debate revolves around defining an acceptable period for biodegradation to be completed. Almost all carbon-based materials are biodegradable, if given enough time.
This report includes polymers that are fully biodegradable. Most define a “fully biodegradable polymer” as a polymer that is completely converted by microorganisms to carbon dioxide, water and humus.
In the case of anaerobic biodegradation, carbon dioxide, methane and humus are the degradation products. However, many within the industry insist on a period for degradation such that the terms “biodegradable” and “compostable” are not synonymous.
The issue concerning biodegradable versus compostable resins is an important issue that is discussed in detail in this report. Polymers derived from renewable resources (non-petroleum-based) are not covered unless they are considered biodegradable, since many polymers derived from renewable resources are not biodegradable. These materials are often called bio-based. Some polymers are both bio-based and biodegradable.
This report includes an overview and clear understanding of the global market for biodegradable polymers and analysis of global market trends, with 2020 considered as the base year and estimates provided for 2021 to 2026, with a projection of the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the forecast period.
This report covers the chemical types of biodegradable polymers along with their properties, production, producers and applications. Definitions, standards, market drivers, biodegradation testing, environmental issues, composting and relevant technologies will also be discussed.
The different chemical types of biodegradable polymers considered in the report include: polylactic acid (PLA), starch-based and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). A qualitative analysis of protein-based products, biodegradable polymers from soybeans, genetically modified (GM) biodegradable polymers and oxo-biodegradable polymers is also covered in the report. The report further includes a discussion of the application of biodegradable polymers such as packaging, fibers/fabrics, agriculture, medical, food service, electrical and electronics, and automotive, among others.
The report concludes with a special focus on the competitive landscape, the key strategies adopted by manufacturers and detailed profiles of the major manufacturers, their products, strategies, trade names and impact on the market.
Analyst Credentials
BCC Publishing Staff comprises expert analysts who are skilled in conducting primary research, secondary research and data analysis and have decades of combined experience covering a wide range of industries, including healthcare, advanced materials and emerging technologies. Collectively, the team represents a diverse set of educational achievements with individual graduate work completed in fields such as microbiology, electrical engineering, business administration and surgery, among others.
Report Highlights
The global market for biodegradable polymers reached 484.7 kilotons in 2017 and should reach 984.8 kilotons by 2022, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2% for the period of 2017-2022.
Report Includes
- 47 data tables and 50 additional tables
- An overview of the global markets for biodegradable polymers
- Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2016 and 2017, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2022
- Discussion of chemical types of biodegradable polymers along with their properties and production processes
- Evaluation of current and potential applications
- Comprehensive company profiles of major Players in the Market including Basf, Biomer, Cereplast, Danimer Scientific, Earthshell Container Corp., Mitsui Chemicals, Toray Industries, Inc., and Toyobo Co., Ltd.
Report Highlights
The global biodegradable polymer market should reach 5.6 billion pounds by 2021 from 2.4 billion pounds in 2016 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.0%, from 2016 to 2021.
Report Includes
- An overview of the global markets for biodegradable polymers, defined as polymers that are completely converted by microorganisms to carbon dioxide, water, and humus.
- Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2015, estimates for 2016, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2021.
- A discussion of how this niche market is beset with a variety of roadblocks, led by high prices and lack of industrial infrastructure in the United States.
- A look at the strong global legislative mandate to increase the usage of these materials.
- Coverage of the chemical types of biodegradable polymers along with their properties, production, producers, and applications.
- Characterization of the industry by new technologies, stringent environmental restraints, and very unstable oil prices, among other issues.
- Profiles of major players in the industry.
Report Highlights
The global biodegradable polymer market is expected to continue its high growth phase over the next five years. The market is projected to reach a volume of nearly 1.3 billion lbs in 2013. This market is expected to reach nearly 1.5 billion lbs by 2014 and 3 billion lbs by 2019, a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4%.
Report Includes
- An overview of the global market for biodegradable polymers, defined as polymers that are completely converted by microorganisms to carbon dioxide, water, and humus.
- Analyses of global market trends, with data estimates for 2013 and 2014, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2019.
- A discussion of how this niche market is beset with a variety of roadblocks, led by high prices, lack of industrial infrastructure in the United States, and a strong global legislative mandate to increase the usage of these materials.
- Characterization of the industry by new technologies, stringent environmental restraints, and very unstable oil prices, among other issues.
Report Highlights
The global biodegradable polymer market is expected to have its largest growth over the next 5 years, dominated by packaging and usage in fibers. The global biodegradable polymer market is estimated at 932 million pounds in 2011 and is expected to increase at a 22.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach nearly 2.6 billion pounds in 2016.
Report Highlights
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The global market for biodegradable polymers increased from 409 million pounds in 2006 to an estimated 541 by the end of 2007. It should reach an estimated 1,203 million pounds by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.3%.
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Growth rates are very high because of intense interest plus the fact that the base volumes of biodegradable polymers are still relatively low compared to petrochemical-based variants.
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The "average" growth rate for loose-fill packaging is mainly attributable to two factors: lack of an effective infrastructure for disposal, and the popularity of air-filled plastics and other materials for cushioning in packages.
Report Highlights
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The global market for biodegradable polymers exceeds 114 million pounds and is expected to rise at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 12.6% to 206 million pounds in 2010.
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Compost bags lead the market as well as growth, representing nearly 50% of the market and rising at AAGR of 14.9%.
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The North American market has not progressed as rapidly as those in Europe and Japan, and the major drivers in the U.S. are mandated legislation and increases in landfill pricing, which are not foreseen during the period.
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This market is still beset with several problems, the most important of which are high prices and lack of an infrastructure for effective composting.
Report Highlights
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The biodegradable polymer market in North America is estimated at 25 million pounds in 2000.
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This market will increase to almost 35 million pounds by 2005, growing at an average annual rate (AAGR) of 7%.
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Another 25 million pounds of the biodegradable product polylactic acid (PLA) are also expected by 2005, but in non-biodegradable applications.
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The market is dominated by loose-fill packaging and compost bags, the latter of which will feature the largest growth, climbing at an AAGR of 9.9% through 2005.
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Other applications such as agricultural films, hygiene-related products and paper coatings will represent 8% of the market in 2005.