Biodegradable Polymers: Global Markets and Technologies

Jul 2022| PLS025J| BCC Publishing

Report Highlights

The global market of biodegradable polymers should grow from $3.7 billion in 2022 to $9.5 billion in 2027, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.6% during the forecast period of 2022 through 2027.

Report Includes

  • 62 data tables and 47 additional tables.
  • An overview of the global markets and technologies for biodegradable polymers
  • Estimation of the market size and analyses of global market trends, with data from 2021, estimates for 2022, with projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2027
  • Highlights of the market potential for biodegradable polymers market both in terms of value and volume, 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, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Company (MCHC) and Rodenburg Biopolymers B.V.

Report Scope

Controversy within the industry as to which materials should be considered biodegradable continues. Biodegradable currently includes polyolefin-based compositions containing starch and polymers containing aromatic groups that microorganisms have difficulty metabolizing.

Additives convert petroleum-based resins to biodegradable versions. The resultant resins are 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 producers market as fully biodegradable. Most define a fully-biodegradable polymer as a polymer that is completely converted by microorganisms into 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 a very important issue that is discussed in detail. Polymers derived from renewable resources (non-petroleum-based) are not covered unless considered biodegradable; many polymers derived from renewable resources are not biodegradable. These materials are often termed biobased. Some polymers are both bio-based and biodegradable.

The scope of the report covers the overview and clear understanding of the global market scenario for biodegradable polymers and the analysis of global market trends, with market data from 2021, considering 2021 as the base year and estimates for 2021 to 2027 with projection of the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period.

This report covers the chemical types of biodegradable polymers: properties, production, producers and applications. Definitions and standards, market drivers, biodegradation testing, environmental issues, composting and relevant technologies will also be discussed.

Different chemical types of biodegradable polymers considered in this report are polylactic acid (PLA), starch-based and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Qualitative analysis of protein-based products, biodegradable polymers from soybeans, genetically modified (GM) biodegradable polymers and oxo-biodegradable polymers are also covered in the report. This 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.

This report concludes with a special focus on the competitive landscape, key strategies adopted by manufacturers and detailed profiles of major manufacturers, product offerings, strategies (including trade names) and impact on the market

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Analyst Credentials

BCC Research Team possesses expertise and experience in life and physical science domains. They specialize in offering valuable business insights, including industry analysis, competitor intelligence, strategic and financial analysis, and opportunity assessment. The team has in-depth knowledge of various sectors, including healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, IT, automation, advanced materials, and energy. They are proficient in qualitative and quantitative market intelligence providing clients with actionable insights. With a vast understanding of the competitive landscape, the team can support clients in making data-driven decisions to help them achieve a competitive edge in their respective markets.

Report Synopsis

Report Metrics Details
Base year considered 2021
Forecast period considered 2027
Base year market size $3.3 billion
Market size forecast $9.6 million
Growth rate CAGR of 20.6% for the forecast period of 2022-2027
Units considered $ Millions and Kilotons
Segments covered type, application, and region
Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa
Countries covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, U.K., China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa
Key Market Drivers
  • 3D Printing Medical Equipment.
  • Consumer Preference.
  • Favorable Government Policies.
  • Development of New Bio-Based and Renewable Raw Materials.
Companies studied
  • BASF SE
  • BEWISYNBRA GROUP
  • BIOLOGISCHE NATURVERPACKUNGEN GMGH & CO. KG (BIOTEC)
  • BIOME BIOPLASTICS LTD.
  • BIOMER
  • CEREPLAST
  • DANIMER SCIENTIFIC
  • FKUR KUNSTSTOFF GMBH
  • FUTERRO
  • GALACTIC S.A.
  • HUHTAMAKI GROUP
  • MITSUI CHEMICALS INC.
  • MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL GROUP CORP.
  • NATUREWORKS LLC.
  • Novamont S.P.A.
  • PLANTIC TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
  • PSM NORTH AMERICA
  • RODENBURG BIOPOLYMERS B.V.
  • TEIJIN LTD.
  • TIANAN BIOLOGIC MATERIAL CO. LTD.
  • TIANJIN GREENBIO MATERIALS CO. LTD.
  • TORAY INDUSTRIES INC.
  • TOTAL CORBION PLA BV
  • TOYOBO CO. LTD.
  • ZHEJIANG HISUN BIOMATERIALS CO. LTD.

Table of Contents

All reports provided in PDF format. For shared licensing options (5+ Users), please call a representative at (+1) 781-489-7301 or contact us at info@bccresearch.com
Title/Chapter NamePagesMember Price
Full Report: Biodegradable Polymers: Global Markets and Technologies213Free
Chapter- 1: Introduction9Free
Chapter- 2: Summary and Highlights3Free
Chapter- 3: Terminology2Free
Chapter- 4: Background/History7Free
Chapter- 5: Definitions and Standards12Free
Chapter- 6: Technical Aspects of the Degradability of Resins13Free
Chapter- 7: Market Overview10Free
Chapter- 8: Market Breakdown by Chemical Type34Free
Chapter- 9: Market Breakdown by Application42Free
Chapter- 10: Market Breakdown by Region31Free
Chapter- 11: Competitive Landscape19Free
Chapter- 12: Company Profiles30Free
Chapter- 13: Appendix: Acronyms1Free
Published - May-2021| Analyst - BCC Publishing| Code - PLS025H

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.
Published - Jun-2018| Analyst - BCC Publishing| Code - PLS025G

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.
Published - Feb-2017| Analyst - Andrew McWilliams| Code - PLS025F

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.
Published - Oct-2013| Analyst - Melvin Schlechter| Code - PLS025E

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.
Published - May-2011| Analyst - Melvin Schlechter| Code - PLS025D

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.

Published - Dec-2007| Analyst - Melvin Schlechter| Code - PLS025C

Report Highlights

  • 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%.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Published - Dec-2005| Analyst - Melvin Schlechter| Code - PLS025B

Report Highlights

  • 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.
  • Compost bags lead the market as well as growth, representing nearly 50% of the market and rising at AAGR of 14.9%.
  • 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.
  • This market is still beset with several problems, the most important of which are high prices and lack of an infrastructure for effective composting.

Published - Aug-2001| Analyst - Melvin Schlechter| Code - PLS025A

Report Highlights

  • The biodegradable polymer market in North America is estimated at 25 million pounds in 2000.
  • This market will increase to almost 35 million pounds by 2005, growing at an average annual rate (AAGR) of 7%.
  • Another 25 million pounds of the biodegradable product polylactic acid (PLA) are also expected by 2005, but in non-biodegradable applications.
  • 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.
  • Other applications such as agricultural films, hygiene-related products and paper coatings will represent 8% of the market in 2005.

Biodegradable Polymers: Global Markets and Technologies

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