Global Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized
Why Is Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) Emerging as a Key Biodegradable Polymer?
Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) is gaining significant attention as a biodegradable, compostable, and eco-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. PBS is part of the aliphatic polyester family and is known for its excellent biodegradability, thermal stability, and mechanical properties, making it an ideal material for applications in packaging, agriculture, textiles, consumer goods, and biomedical sectors.With the rising global push to eliminate single-use plastics, PBS has emerged as a sustainable substitute for traditional polymers like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It can fully decompose in industrial composting environments, making it attractive for food packaging, disposable tableware, and agricultural mulch films. The European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), China’s plastic ban policies, and India’s sustainable packaging regulations are driving the rapid adoption of PBS-based materials.
Furthermore, advancements in bio-based PBS production from renewable feedstocks such as bio-succinic acid and bio-butanediol (BDO) are strengthening its market potential as a truly sustainable biopolymer. Companies are investing in bio-derived PBS production to further reduce carbon footprints, supporting the circular economy and carbon neutrality goals of industries worldwide.
How Are Technological Advancements Driving PBS Market Growth?
The PBS industry is undergoing rapid technological advancements, improving its cost-efficiency, biodegradation properties, and mechanical strength to expand its commercial applications.One of the biggest innovations in PBS production is the shift toward bio-based raw materials. Traditionally, PBS has been synthesized from petrochemical-derived succinic acid and butanediol (BDO), but recent breakthroughs have enabled the commercial production of 100% bio-based PBS using fermentation-based bio-succinic acid. Companies like BASF, Mitsubishi Chemical, and Reverdia are pioneering this transition, making PBS a fully renewable and biodegradable polymer.
Another key advancement is the development of PBS copolymers and blends, which enhance PBS’s flexibility, heat resistance, and processability for high-performance applications. Blending PBS with polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and starch-based biopolymers improves its tensile strength, biodegradability, and barrier properties, making it suitable for food-grade packaging, medical applications, and textile fibers.
Injection molding and 3D printing with PBS are also gaining momentum. PBS’s ability to be thermoformed, extruded, and injection-molded into complex shapes is enabling its use in biodegradable automotive components, consumer electronics casings, and customized biomedical implants. Additionally, PBS-based 3D printing filaments are being developed for sustainable additive manufacturing, opening new opportunities in customized packaging and biodesign engineering.
Furthermore, improvements in composting technology and enzymatic degradation research are helping optimize PBS’s biodegradation behavior in various environments. Scientists are exploring microbial enzymes that accelerate PBS decomposition in soil and marine conditions, addressing concerns about biodegradable plastics leaving microplastic residues.
Why Is Demand for PBS Expanding Across Multiple Industries?
The demand for PBS is rising across key industries, driven by sustainability regulations, corporate green initiatives, and consumer preferences for biodegradable products.- Packaging Industry: PBS is increasingly used in biodegradable food containers, compostable bags, cling films, and beverage cartons. Global brands are integrating PBS-based films into flexible packaging solutions to replace conventional petroleum-based plastics.
- Agriculture & Mulch Films: PBS-based mulch films are gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to polyethylene mulch films, which contribute to soil contamination and plastic waste accumulation. PBS decomposes naturally in soil, eliminating the need for manual collection and disposal, particularly in China, India, and Europe, where eco-friendly agricultural policies are being implemented.
- Textiles & Fibers: PBS fibers are being developed for biodegradable nonwoven fabrics, eco-friendly sportswear, and compostable shopping bags. The shift toward sustainable fashion and bio-based synthetic fibers is expected to boost PBS demand in the apparel and footwear industries.
- Biomedical Applications: Due to its biocompatibility and controlled degradation, PBS is being used in biodegradable surgical sutures, drug delivery carriers, and tissue engineering scaffolds. PBS-based polymers are also being researched for dissolvable wound dressings and bioabsorbable stents.
- 3D Printing & Automotive Components: The lightweight, high-strength properties of PBS are making it a suitable material for eco-friendly automotive parts, electronics casings, and sustainable consumer goods.
The expansion of e-commerce and sustainable logistics has also increased demand for PBS-based compostable mailers, void-fill packaging, and protective wrapping films, as companies seek biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging.
What Factors Are Driving the Growth of the PBS Market?
The growth in the PBS market is fueled by global sustainability policies, corporate ESG commitments, and increasing technological advancements in biopolymer production.- Government Regulations & Plastic Bans: Regulations such as the EU Green Deal, China’s plastic waste policies, and the U.S. Biodegradable Plastics Initiative are compelling industries to adopt PBS-based alternatives to comply with eco-friendly mandates.
- Corporate Sustainability Initiatives: Leading companies in FMCG, retail, and logistics (e.g., Nestlé, Unilever, Amazon, and Coca-Cola) are integrating PBS-based biodegradable packaging into their sustainability roadmaps to reduce plastic waste and meet net-zero targets.
- Advancements in Bio-Based Feedstock Production: The cost reduction of bio-succinic acid and bio-BDO has made bio-based PBS commercially viable, encouraging its widespread adoption. As biorefineries scale up production, bio-based PBS is expected to compete more effectively with conventional plastics.
- Increasing Consumer Demand for Sustainable Products: With consumers prioritizing eco-friendly packaging, compostable disposables, and biodegradable materials, PBS is gaining traction in household goods, cosmetics packaging, and personal care applications.
- Expansion of Bioplastic Manufacturing Capacity: Companies are scaling up PBS production plants and forming strategic collaborations to enhance global supply chains. For example, Mitsubishi Chemical, Total Corbion, and BASF are investing in PBS production infrastructure to meet rising market demand.
- Growing Investment in Circular Economy Solutions: The push for compostable plastics and closed-loop waste management systems is accelerating PBS development. Companies are exploring PBS recycling, enzymatic degradation, and biorefinery-based polymer synthesis to align with circular economy principles.
With ongoing innovations in bio-based PBS production, increasing regulations on plastic waste, and expanding applications across diverse industries, the PBS market is set for rapid growth. As governments, corporations, and consumers shift toward sustainable alternatives, PBS will play a pivotal role in advancing the global transition to biodegradable and compostable materials.
Report Scope
The report analyzes the Polybutylene Succinate market, presented in terms of market value (US$ Thousand). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below.Segments: Type (Bio-based, Petro-based); Application (Mulch Films, Packaging, Tissue Engineering, Others)
Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.
Key Insights:
- Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Bio-based segment, which is expected to reach US$742.7 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of a 16.3%. The Petro-based segment is also set to grow at 21.0% CAGR over the analysis period.
- Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $125.4 Million in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 23.5% CAGR to reach $273.9 Million by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.
Why You Should Buy This Report:
- Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Polybutylene Succinate Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
- Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
- Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Polybutylene Succinate Market.
- Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.
Key Questions Answered:
- How is the Global Polybutylene Succinate Market expected to evolve by 2030?
- What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
- Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
- How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
- Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?
Report Features:
- Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
- In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
- Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Packaging Industry: PBS is increasingly used in biodegradable food containers, compostable bags, cling films, and beverage cartons. Global brands are integrating PBS-based films into flexible packaging solutions to replace conventional petroleum-based plastics.
- Agriculture & Mulch Films: PBS-based mulch films are gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to polyethylene mulch films, which contribute to soil contamination and plastic waste accumulation. PBS decomposes naturally in soil, eliminating the need for manual collection and disposal, particularly in China, India, and Europe, where eco-friendly agricultural policies are being implemented.
- Textiles & Fibers: PBS fibers are being developed for biodegradable nonwoven fabrics, eco-friendly sportswear, and compostable shopping bags. The shift toward sustainable fashion and bio-based synthetic fibers is expected to boost PBS demand in the apparel and footwear industries.
- Biomedical Applications: Due to its biocompatibility and controlled degradation, PBS is being used in biodegradable surgical sutures, drug delivery carriers, and tissue engineering scaffolds. PBS-based polymers are also being researched for dissolvable wound dressings and bioabsorbable stents.
- 3D Printing & Automotive Components: The lightweight, high-strength properties of PBS are making it a suitable material for eco-friendly automotive parts, electronics casings, and sustainable consumer goods.
The expansion of e-commerce and sustainable logistics has also increased demand for PBS-based compostable mailers, void-fill packaging, and protective wrapping films, as companies seek biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging.
What Factors Are Driving the Growth of the PBS Market?
The growth in the PBS market is fueled by global sustainability policies, corporate ESG commitments, and increasing technological advancements in biopolymer production.
- Government Regulations & Plastic Bans: Regulations such as the EU Green Deal, China’s plastic waste policies, and the U.S. Biodegradable Plastics Initiative are compelling industries to adopt PBS-based alternatives to comply with eco-friendly mandates.
- Corporate Sustainability Initiatives: Leading companies in FMCG, retail, and logistics (e.g., Nestlé, Unilever, Amazon, and Coca-Cola) are integrating PBS-based biodegradable packaging into their sustainability roadmaps to reduce plastic waste and meet net-zero targets.
- Advancements in Bio-Based Feedstock Production: The cost reduction of bio-succinic acid and bio-BDO has made bio-based PBS commercially viable, encouraging its widespread adoption. As biorefineries scale up production, bio-based PBS is expected to compete more effectively with conventional plastics.
- Increasing Consumer Demand for Sustainable Products: With consumers prioritizing eco-friendly packaging, compostable disposables, and biodegradable materials, PBS is gaining traction in household goods, cosmetics packaging, and personal care applications.
- Expansion of Bioplastic Manufacturing Capacity: Companies are scaling up PBS production plants and forming strategic collaborations to enhance global supply chains. For example, Mitsubishi Chemical, Total Corbion, and BASF are investing in PBS production infrastructure to meet rising market demand.
- Growing Investment in Circular Economy Solutions: The push for compostable plastics and closed-loop waste management systems is accelerating PBS development. Companies are exploring PBS recycling, enzymatic degradation, and biorefinery-based polymer synthesis to align with circular economy principles.
With ongoing innovations in bio-based PBS production, increasing regulations on plastic waste, and expanding applications across diverse industries, the PBS market is set for rapid growth. As governments, corporations, and consumers shift toward sustainable alternatives, PBS will play a pivotal role in advancing the global transition to biodegradable and compostable materials.
SCOPE OF STUDY:The report analyzes the Polybutylene Succinate market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:
Segments:
Type (Bio-based, Petro-based); Application (Mulch Films, Packaging, Tissue Engineering, Others)
Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.
Select Competitors (Total 42 Featured\):
- Anhui Sealong Biotechnology Co., Ltd., BASF SE, BIOZOL Diagnostica Vertrieb GmbH, Chang Chun Group, Corvay Specialty Chemicals GmbH and more.
- Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.
Select Competitors (Total 42 Featured):
- Anhui Sealong Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
- BASF SE
- BIOZOL Diagnostica Vertrieb GmbH
- Chang Chun Group
- Corvay Specialty Chemicals GmbH
- GYC Group
- Hengli Chemical
- Hengli Group
- Hexing Chemical
- IRe Chemical Ltd.
- Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
- Peijin Chemical Co., Ltd.
- PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd.
- Roquette
- Shandong LanDian Biological Technology Co., Ltd.
- Showa Denko K.K.
- Succinity GmbH (JV between BASF & Corbion)
- Unilong Industry Co., Ltd.
- Vizag Chemicals
- Xinfu Pharmaceutical
Tariff Impact Analysis: Key Insights for 2025
Global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries are reshaping supply chains, costs, and competitiveness. This report reflects the latest developments as of April 2025 and incorporates forward-looking insights into the market outlook.The analysts continuously track trade developments worldwide, drawing insights from leading global economists and over 200 industry and policy institutions, including think tanks, trade organizations, and national economic advisory bodies. This intelligence is integrated into forecasting models to provide timely, data-driven analysis of emerging risks and opportunities.
What’s Included in This Edition:
- Tariff-adjusted market forecasts by region and segment
- Analysis of cost and supply chain implications by sourcing and trade exposure
- Strategic insights into geographic shifts
Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with:
- Finalized tariff impacts and new trade agreement effects
- Updated projections reflecting global sourcing and cost shifts
- Expanded country-specific coverage across the industry
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- Anhui Sealong Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
- BASF SE
- BIOZOL Diagnostica Vertrieb GmbH
- Chang Chun Group
- Corvay Specialty Chemicals GmbH
- GYC Group
- Hengli Chemical
- Hengli Group
- Hexing Chemical
- IRe Chemical Ltd.
- Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
- Peijin Chemical Co., Ltd.
- PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd.
- Roquette
- Shandong LanDian Biological Technology Co., Ltd.
- Showa Denko K.K.
- Succinity GmbH (JV between BASF & Corbion)
- Unilong Industry Co., Ltd.
- Vizag Chemicals
- Xinfu Pharmaceutical