Worldwide Biodegradable Polymers Industry to 2026 - Drivers, Restraints and Other Forces Impacting the Market

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May 13, 2021, 15:30 ET

DUBLIN, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Biodegradable Polymers: Global Markets and Technologies 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global market volume of biodegradable polymers should grow from $1.0 kilotons in 2021 to $1.9 kilotons by 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.0% for the period of 2021-2026.

Report Scope:

Although the term "biodegradable polymers" is well-known, the controversy within the industry as to which materials should be considered biodegradable continues. These resins currently include polyolefin-based compositions containing starch and polymers containing aromatic groups that microorganisms have difficulty utilizing in their metabolism.

There are additives said to convert petroleum-based resins to biodegradable versions. These resultant resins are said to be 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 are fully biodegradable. Most define a "fully biodegradable polymer" as a polymer that is completely converted by microorganisms to 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 an important issue that is discussed in detail in this report. Polymers derived from renewable resources (non-petroleum-based) are not covered unless they are considered biodegradable, since many polymers derived from renewable resources are not biodegradable. These materials are often called bio-based. Some polymers are both bio-based and biodegradable.

This report includes an overview and clear understanding of the global market for biodegradable polymers and analysis of global market trends, with 2020 considered as the base year and estimates provided for 2021 to 2026, with a projection of the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the forecast period.

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

The different chemical types of biodegradable polymers considered in the report include polylactic acid (PLA), starch-based and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). A qualitative analysis of protein-based products, biodegradable polymers from soybeans, genetically modified (GM) biodegradable polymers and oxo-biodegradable polymers is also covered in the report. The 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.

The report concludes with a special focus on the competitive landscape, the key strategies adopted by manufacturers and detailed profiles of the major manufacturers, their products, strategies, trade names and impact on the market.

The Report Includes:

54 data tables and 51 additional tables
An overview of the global market and technologies for biodegradable polymers
Estimation of the market size and analyses of global market trends, with data from 2020, estimates for 2021 and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2026
Characterization and quantification of market potential for biodegradable polymers by application, chemical type, and geographical region
Identification of market drivers, restraints and other forces impacting the global market and evaluation of current market size and forecast
A detailed description of biopolymer and the synthetic polymer gap; discussion on the 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

Biodegradable polymers are comprised of monomers that are linked to another functional group and have unstable links behind the functional group. Biodegradable polymers break down into carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water, biomass, and inorganic salts. Biodegradable polymers are decomposed under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions by enzymes and the presence of microorganisms.

The global market for biodegradable polymers is expected to grow because of high demand in a broad range of end-user industries across the globe. Although biodegradable polymers have been commercially available for several years, they are still considered early in their product life cycle. This market faces several major problems; most importantly are relatively high prices and the lack of infrastructure for effective composting, an extremely critical aspect for biodegradable polymers market success.

The biodegradable polymers market is expected to continue its high growth over the next five years and be dominated by packaging, followed by fibers/fabrics. Most of the remaining applications of biodegradable polymers will experience considerable growth rates partly because of the low market numbers. The fibers/fabrics and agriculture markets will experience substantial growth, especially from the hygiene and agricultural end uses, including mulching films. The medical application segment is anticipated to experience the highest growth rate among all the biodegradable polymer applications in the coming years.

Increasing use of biodegradable products due to strict governmental laws prohibiting the use of conventional plastics and growing awareness among the public toward their ill effects is boosting the market growth.

The polylactic acid (PLA) segment led the global biodegradable plastic market due to its use in applications such as 3D printing, mulch film and packaging. The starch-based segment is also one of the most consumed products and is used in packaging, consumer electronics, agriculture, automotive applications and textiles.

Europe accounted for the largest share in terms of value and volume. The European Commission's ban on plastics is expected to fuel the packaging sector growth over the study period. Biodegradable product applications in the medical industry, such as medication encapsulation and medical surgeries, are becoming more common.

Plastics require hundreds of years to decompose. To combat this issue, many countries have banned the use of single-use plastics in favor of eco-friendly biodegradable alternatives. Bans on non-recyclable traditional plastics are expected to boost consumer demand in many regions, especially in Europe and North America. Furthermore, rising living standards and disposable income in developed countries are expected to bode well for the Asia-Pacific and South American markets.

Key Topics Covered:

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Summary and Highlights

Chapter 3 Terminology

Background
Environmental Issues
Bio-based
Degradable and Biodegradable
Compostable vs. Biodegradable

Chapter 4 Background/Historical

Overview
The Biopolymer/Synthetic Polymer Gap
Niche Market
A New Emphasis
Environmental Problems Persist
Integration of Biodegradable Plastics with Disposal Infrastructure
Early Starch-Based Materials
Continued R&D
Early Entrants
The Importance of Loose Fill
Other Factors
Biopolymers, Conventional Plastics and Plastics
Natural or Synthetic
The Move to Renewable Sources
Extending the Recycling Loop
Processing
Properties
Defining Biodegradable Polymers
Public Attitudes
Environmental Issues
Composting

Chapter 5 Definitions and Standards

Overview
Confusion Regarding Definitions of Biodegradable
Technical Aspects
Background
The Term "Bio-Based" is Often Confusing to Consumers
Nonuniform Degradable Tests
Overview
Oxo-Bio Standards
Hydro-Bio Standards
AS D-6400
Conclusions
Summary of Standards

Chapter 6 Technical Aspects of the Degradability of Resins

Polyolefins
Polystyrene
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Other Thermoplastics and Thermosets
Modes of Degradation of Selected Biodegradable Polymers
Effect of Polymer Structure on Biodegradation
Background
Morphology
Effects of Environmental/Exposure Conditions on Biodegradation
Background
Early Regulations
Significance of Moisture, Temperature and/or Oxygen
Role of Microorganisms
Presence of Methane
Increasing Decomposition in Landfills
Function of Compost Operations
Other Factors
Conclusions
More Details on the Concept of Composting
Overview
Background
Key Properties for Compostable Plastics
Materials that Meet Specifications
Compost Stream and Infrastructure
Compostable Plastics
Biodegradability and Compostability
Restrictions on Compostable Claims
Standards and Specifications
What are the Challenges of Using Compostable Plastics?
U.S. Activities
European Activities
Japanese Activities
Mutual Interests of the Green Plastics Industry and Composting
PLA Problems in Composting Facilities
An Interesting/Baffling Set of Definitions
A Recent Development
Third-Party Certification Program

Chapter 7 Patents Related to Biodegradable Polymers

Chapter 8 Market Overview

Overview
Effect of COVID-19 on the Biodegradable Polymers Market
Market Dynamics
Drivers
Restraints
Opportunities

Chapter 9 Market Breakdown by Chemical Type

Overview
Background
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
The Process
Background
Technology Overview
Grades
Properties
Producers
Modifications
Issues with PLA
Use of Blends
Applications
Biodegradability
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)
Background
Chemistry
Technology Details
Applications
Process
Properties
Biodegradability
Compostability
Recycling
Certification and Testing
Review of Recent Advances in the Biodegradability of PHA Bioplastics and Their Composites
Other Important Biodegradable Polyesters
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH)
Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Materials
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Starch-Based Biodegradable Polymers
Agro-Polymers
Sustainable/Biodegradable Corn Starch Products
Mixtures of Starch and Biodegradable Polymers
Application of Thermoplastic Starch Polymers
Environmental Issues
Starch-Filled Polymer Composites
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Other Types of Biodegradable Polymers

Chapter 10 Market Breakdown by Application

Overview
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Packaging
Background
Choice of Resin is the First Step in Sustainable Packaging
Issues
Targeted Applications
Sheet Extrusion Applications
Clear Rigid Packaging
Stretch Blow Molding Packaging
Food Packaging
Thermoformed Packaging
Cups and Utensils
New Bottle Development in Biodegradable Polymer Packaging
Foam Packaging
Loose-Fill Packaging
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Fibers/Fabrics
Overview
Nonwovens
Biodegradable Drug-Loaded Fibers
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Agriculture
Overview
Positive Aspects Cited by Proponents of Biodegradable Film Usage in Agriculture
A Recent Update on Biodegradable Mulches for Agricultural Applications
Production of Biodegradable Plastic Mulches
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Medical
Overview
Background
Properties Required
Breadth of Applications
Criteria for Polymer Selection
Orthopedic Fixation Devices
Details on the Types of Biodegradable Polymers Used in Medical Field
Packaging and Sterilization Implications
Degradation of Medical Plastics
Commercial Biodegradable Medical Devices
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Food Service
Overview
Examples of Biodegradable Commercial Products for Paper Coating Applications
Biodegradable Polymer Coated Paper and Paperboard
Paper Cups
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Electrical and Electronics
Overview
Current Status of Electronics Applications
Biodegradable Electronics Research
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Automotive
Overview
Current Status of Auto Applications
Biomaterials in the Automotive Industry
Challenges and New Developments
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Others
Overview
Market Size Estimation and Forecast

Chapter 11 Market Breakdown by Region

Overview
Europe
Market Overview
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
North America
Market Overview
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Asia-Pacific
Market Overview
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
South America
Market Overview
Market Size Estimation and Forecast
Middle East and Africa
Market Overview
Market Size Estimation and Forecast

Chapter 12 Competitive Landscape

Industry Structure and Overview
Key Drivers of the Global Biodegradable Polymers Market
Global Biodegradable Polymer Producers
PLA Production Capacity
PHA Production Capacity
Recent Developments in the Market for Biodegradable Polymers

Chapter 13 Company Profiles

BASF
Bewisynbra Group
Biologische Naturverpackungen Gmgh & Co. Kg (Biotec)
Biome Bioplastics Ltd.
Biomer
Cereplast
Danimer Scientific
Fkur Kunststoff Gmbh
Futerro
Galactic Sa
Huhtamaki Group
Mitsui Chemicals
Mitsubishi Chemical 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.

Chapter 14 Appendix: Acronyms

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/pdxlw3

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