Polyglycolic Acid Market Report 2025

The polyglycolic acid market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $5.22 billion in 2024 to $5.75 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to advancements in polymer chemistry, medical applications, regulatory support for biodegradable materials, research and development initiatives, increasing demand in oil and gas industry.

The polyglycolic acid market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $8.64 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expanding bioplastics market, rising demand in packaging industry, increasing surgical procedures, growing awareness of environmental issues, demand in electronics industry, medical device innovations. Major trends in the forecast period include advancements in PGA production technology, increasing use in oil and gas industry, growing demand for PGA in agriculture, shift towards synthetic bio-based polymers, research on PGA for drug delivery systems.

The rising demand in the packaging industry is projected to drive growth in the polyglycolic acid market. Packaging plays a crucial role in branding and providing extra protection for food products, and it is highly sought after by various end-use industries, including healthcare, food, cosmetics, and personal care. Polyglycolic acid is particularly favored for high-gas barrier packaging applications. For example, in April 2023, Trivium Packaging, a Netherlands-based packaging company, reported that 82% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, marking a 4 percentage point increase from 2022. The report also noted that 71% of consumers actively select products based on the sustainability of their packaging, while 63% are less likely to purchase items with environmentally harmful packaging. Thus, the growing demand in the packaging sector is fueling the growth of the polyglycolic acid market.

The ongoing expansion of the oil and gas industry is expected to drive growth in the polyglycolic acid market in the coming years. The oil and gas sector encompasses the global activities related to the exploration, extraction, refining, transportation, and distribution of oil and natural gas resources. Polyglycolic acid (PGA) is extensively used in this industry, particularly for producing biodegradable frac balls and plugs that serve as closures. For instance, in May 2023, the Energy Information Administration, a US government entity responsible for collecting, evaluating, and disseminating energy data, reported that US crude oil production increased by 0.6 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2022 compared to 2021, reflecting a 5.6% rise. Consequently, the growth of the oil and gas sector is driving demand for polyglycolic acid.

Product innovations in food packaging represent a significant trend gaining traction in the polyglycolic acid market. Key players in this sector are concentrating on developing sustainable packaging solutions to enhance their market position. For example, in December 2022, Notpla, a UK-based food container manufacturer, introduced seaweed-coated packs that offer a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastic packaging. This innovative product aims to minimize plastic waste in the food industry while promoting sustainability through its natural, compostable materials.

Leading companies in the polyglycolic acid market are prioritizing innovations in material production processes, such as the synthesis gas-based production of polyglycolic acid (PGA), to boost revenues and secure a competitive edge. The synthesis gas-based production method for PGA involves creating biodegradable polymer PGA using synthesis gas derived from carbon monoxide and hydrogen, highlighting a sustainable approach to material manufacturing. For instance, in June 2022, Yulin Chemical Co., Ltd., a Chinese national energy company, began constructing a pioneering 50,000-ton/year polyglycolic acid (PGA) demonstration project. Yulin achieved a notable milestone when the 50,000-ton/year PGA demonstration unit started loading the methyl glycolate synthesis catalyst, officially initiating the world's first synthesis gas-based production of PGA degradable materials. This 50,000-ton/year PGA industrial project is distinguished as the first industrial demonstration unit featuring proprietary intellectual property technology developed by the National Energy Group, with an estimated investment of 1 billion yuan.

In August 2023, PureTech Scientific LLC, backed by Iron Path Capital and a US-based producer specializing in the organic synthesis of high-purity alpha hydroxy acids, completed the acquisition of The Chemours Company's Glycolic Acid business for $137 million. This strategic move aligns with PureTech Scientific's objective to diversify its product portfolio and reinforce its standing within the specialty chemicals market. The Chemours Company, a US-based chemical firm, was the previous owner of the Glycolic Acid business acquired by PureTech Scientific.

Major companies operating in the polyglycolic acid market are Kureha Corporation, Shenzhen Polymtek Biomaterial Co. Ltd., BMG Incorporated, Huizhou Foryou Medical Devices Co. Ltd., Teleflex Incorporated, Unisur Lifecare Pvt. Ltd., Meta Biomed Co. Ltd., Samyang Biopharm Corporation, Merck Group, DuPont de Nemours Inc., BASF SE, Boen Healthcare Co. Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, Shanghai Pujing Chemical Technology Co. Ltd., Danhua Chemical Technology Co. Ltd., Orion Sutures India Pvt. Ltd., Shandong Haidike Medical Products Co. Ltd., Advanced Medical Solutions Group PLC, Lotus Surgicals Private Limited, Biomaterial Co. Ltd., Toray Industries Inc., SK Chemicals Co. Ltd., Zhonglan Industry Co. Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the polyglycolic acid market in 2024. The regions covered in the polyglycolic acid market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the polyglycolic acid market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Polyglycolic acid represents a group of polymers designed for degradation through chemical hydrolysis, offering surgical sutures with enhanced strength and flexibility. These synthetic sutures are absorbable within the human body, undergoing metabolism without eliciting significant inflammatory reactions. Their extended absorption period contributes to minimal inflammatory responses. Applications for polyglycolic acids span across various medical fields like general surgery, plastic surgery, wound closure, ligatures, pediatric procedures, and cuticular applications.

The primary forms of polyglycolic acid include films, fibers, and other variations. The film format of polyglycolic acid stands out for its biodegradable and biocompatible nature. These films exhibit homogeneous distribution of titanium oxide (TiO2), with subtle variances based on molecular weight. Notably, their hygroscopic and anatase material properties enable water absorption. These products are available through online and offline distribution channels, catering to industries such as pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, packaging, among others.

The polyglycolic acid market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides polyglycolic acid market statistics, including polyglycolic acid industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a polyglycolic acid market share, detailed polyglycolic acid market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the polyglycolic acid industry. This polyglycolic acid market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The polyglycolic acid market consists of sales of industrial-grade and medical-grade polyglycolic acid. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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