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.
INTRODUCTION
Although biodegradable polymers have been commercial for well over 20 years, this niche market is beset with a variety of roadblocks led by high prices, lack of an industrial infrastructure in the United States, and a strong global legislative mandate to try to increase the usage of these materials.
New biodegradable polymers are being introduced, accompanied by a continuing withdrawal of other products, along with key companies entering and leaving this market. New technologies, tightening environmental restraints, unprecedented increases in pricing of petroleum-based resins, and unstable pricing of a barrel of oil, are among other issues which necessitate a realistic appraisal of the impact of these polymers over the next five years.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report contains:
- Descriptions of various biodegradable polymer applications including compost bags, loose-fill packaging, medical/hygiene products, agricultural and paper coatings
- The current market status of biodegradable polymers, trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
- Discussion of the major drivers for the U.S. market including mandated legislation and prospective increases in landfill pricing
- Analysis of the biodegradable polymers market on a worldwide basis, both from a market and application perspective
- Information on the major global biodegradable polymer players including NatureWorks LLC, Tellis, Inc. and Novamont.
SOURCES
Following a detailed analysis of available information which included trade literature, articles and technical/marketing presentations and papers, and company literature, interviews were conducted with key producers, marketers, and trade associations in order to realistically assess market size, growth rates, company involvement and other important factors impacting the market.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Research analyst Mel Schlechter has over 40 years in the chemical industry, and specializes in plastics market research. He has been with BCC Research for over 10 years and holds a B.S. in chemistry, M.S. in organic chemistry and a M.B.A. in marketing.
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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.
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