Biodegradable Plastics Market Report 2025

The biodegradable plastics market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $6.79 billion in 2024 to $7.97 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growing concerns for the environment, increasing use of biodegradable plastic and emerging markets growth.

The biodegradable plastics market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $15.26 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to new product launches, a rise in environmental awareness and government initiatives. Major trends in the forecast period include product innovation, integrating antimicrobial technology in biodegradable polymers, use of biodegradable plastics lightweighting, increasing mergers and acquisitions, use of artificial intelligence and upcycled packaging materials.

The increasing consumer demand for sustainable products is anticipated to drive the growth of the biodegradable plastics market in the future. Sustainable products are defined as goods that are designed, produced, and utilized in a manner that minimizes their environmental impact, conserves resources, and fosters social responsibility throughout their lifecycle - from sourcing to disposal. This rising consumer demand for sustainable options stems from heightened awareness of environmental issues, ethical concerns, and a desire to lessen carbon footprints while supporting eco-friendly practices. Biodegradable plastics serve as sustainable products because they decompose naturally, reducing environmental pollution and lessening the strain on landfills and ecosystems. For example, in April 2024, a survey conducted by PDI Technologies, a US-based software development company, with 1,200 US consumers indicated that the percentage of consumers willing to pay a premium for sustainable products increased from 68% in 2023 to 80% in 2024. Thus, the growing demand for sustainable products is expected to fuel the biodegradable plastics market.

An increase in government funding initiatives is projected to drive the growth of the biodegradable plastics market in the coming years. This rise in funding is linked to the growing awareness of the environmental advantages of biodegradable plastics and the urgent need to mitigate plastic pollution. Government funding bolsters research and development in biodegradable plastics by offering financial resources for innovation, facilitating pilot projects, and promoting collaboration between academia and industry. For instance, in February 2023, researchers at Virginia Tech received a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop bioplastics from food waste. This three-year project aims to assess the scalability and feasibility of converting food waste into bioplastics at both national and global levels while maintaining low production costs. The initiative includes an innovative pilot project designed to create an affordable modular bioprocessing system for producing biodegradable bioplastics from food waste.

Major companies in the biodegradable plastics market are concentrating on developing innovative solutions, such as production conversion technology, to improve the efficiency and quality of biodegradable plastics. This production conversion technology allows traditional plastic manufacturing systems to efficiently create eco-friendly, compostable alternatives without the need for significant equipment overhauls. For example, in December 2023, Sulzer, a US-based engineering and manufacturing company, introduced SULAC Technology, a groundbreaking process for converting lactic acid into lactide, which is a crucial precursor for the production of polylactic acid (PLA), a type of biodegradable plastic. This technology enhances both the efficiency and quality of lactide production, enabling PLA manufacturers to incorporate new capabilities into their processes. By facilitating the production of sustainable bioplastics, SULAC Technology aligns with global sustainability objectives and the growing demand for eco-friendly materials, thereby reinforcing Sulzer's leadership in the bioplastics sector.

Companies within the biodegradable plastics market are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize their manufacturing processes and reduce plastic waste. AI and machine learning technologies are instrumental in accelerating the development of materials, including plastics, designed for rapid disintegration without causing environmental harm. These technologies contribute to the creation of super-strong, lightweight plastics suitable for various applications, such as satellites and aircraft. AI's capabilities extend to waste elimination in design processes by leveraging engineering data to identify and eliminate repetitive and inefficient development cycles. Furthermore, AI streamlines packaging operations, optimizing dimensions and weight to enhance sustainability and reduce shipping costs. Notably, companies such as L’Oréal, a French cosmetics company, are utilizing AI to ensure that plastic packaging is either recycled or bio-based by 2030. The implementation of predictive tools aids in estimating the performance of product and packaging designs more efficiently, thereby minimizing material usage and maximizing sustainability in each product.

In October 2023, Versalis SpA, an Italy-based chemical company, acquired Novamont for an undisclosed sum. The purpose of this acquisition is to strengthen Versalis's renewable chemistry strategy by merging the portfolios of both companies. This integration utilizes unique technology platforms and broadens a low-carbon product portfolio, aligning with Versalis's objectives to promote sustainable bioplastics and assist Eni in its energy transition journey. Novamont is an Italy-based manufacturer of biodegradable bioplastics.

Major companies operating in the biodegradable plastics market include BASF SE, Mitsubishi Chemical Holding Corporation, Kaneka Corporation, Novamont SpA, Corbion N.V. (Total Corbion PLA), Eastman Chemical Company, Danimer Scientific, NatureWorks LLC, Biome Technologies plc, Fkur Kunstsoff, BioPak, UFlex, EsselPropack, Balson Industries, Kingfa Sci. & Tech Co. Ltd, GuangDong Huazhilu Biological Material Co. Ltd, Plantic Technologies Limited, Huhtamaki, Greatview Aseptic Packaging, Shanghai PRECISE Packaging Co, Qingdao Likang Packing, Tidetron, CB Material, Red Avenue New Materials, Bio-On, RadiciGroup, Tetra Pak, GOGLIO, Biochemtex, Mondi Group, Gualapack Group, AVANTIUM N.V, SULAPAC, AMSilk GmBH, CARBIOS, Amcor, Sealed Air, Plastic Suppliers, International Paper, Smurfit Kappa, DS Smith, Green Dot Bioplastics, Kruger Inc, Klabin SA, BioBag, Nova Envirocom Inc, Braskem, Biocycle, Minima, Brazilian Plastics, Rotopak LLC, Gulf East Paper and Plastic Industries LLC, Arabian Packaging LLC, Amber Packaging Industries LLC, Diamond Packaging Industries LLC, Corys Packaging LLC, Astrapak Ltd (RPC Group), Nampak Ltd, Mpact Pty Ltd, Bonpak (Pty) Ltd, bioplastics Egypt, Al Ahram Plastic Co.

North America was the largest region in the biodegradable plastics market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the biodegradable plastics market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the biodegradable plastics market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

Biodegradable plastics, derived from petrochemicals with biodegradable additives, undergo decomposition into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass when broken down by microorganisms. These plastics find application in organic waste management, food packaging, agriculture, horticulture, and disposable tableware. They are utilized in packing materials, injection-molded products, and other sectors.

The primary varieties of biodegradable plastics available include polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), starch blends, and others. Polylactic Acid (PLA), a thermoplastic biopolymer, forms biodegradable plastic sheets, providing a foundation for manufacturing eco-friendly plastic products. Key industries utilizing biodegradable plastics include packaging, agriculture, consumer goods, and various other sectors.

The biodegradable plastics market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides biodegradable plastics market statistics, including biodegradable plastics industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a biodegradable plastics market share, detailed biodegradable plastics market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the biodegradable plastics industry. This biodegradable plastics 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 biodegradable plastics market consists of sales of biodegradable plastics, including hydro-biodegradable and oxo-biodegradable plastics. 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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