The market for biodegradable and compostable packaging is forecast to grow at 8.8% CAGR to reach 1.17 million tonnes in 2029.
China is the largest consumer of biodegradable and compostable packaging in 2023, with a consumption share of 30%.
Consumption of biodegradable and compostable polymers for packaging will continue growing at a faster rate than petrochemical-based thermoplastic materials. Demand is driven by the growing desire of consumers, brand owners and governments to replace single-use fossil-based plastics with more sustainable packaging alternatives.
Definition:
In this report, biodegradable means polymers that can be broken down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass by the natural action of microorganisms to significantly biodegrade within six months, a much shorter time period than the decades or centuries it takes conventional polymers to biodegrade.
For this report, compostable denotes a material that is able to be broken down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass within a specific timeframe under specific conditions.
Key Questions:
Is there a viable future for biodegradable and compostable packaging that can match materials based on fossil fuels?
How are technical developments driving the market?
How will biodegradable and compostable packaging compete with 'traditional' materials when it comes to performance properties?
What does the end-of-life process look like for biodegradable and compostable packaging?
This report is essential to:
Packaging raw material suppliers
Packaging converters and manufacturers
Retailers and brand owners
Table of Contents
Executive summary
Introduction and methodology
Introduction
Objectives
Report scope
Biodegradable and compostable polymer product types
End use markets
Geographic markets
Definition
Data
Methodology
List of polymer abbreviations
Exchange rates
Market drivers and trends
Introduction
Sustainable programmes of retailers and brand owners
Bioplastics' relative price competitiveness
Massive increase in biodegradable polymer production capacities
Global packaging market growth
Framework conditions
Bio-based
Compostable
EN 13432:2000 Packaging:
EU regulatory developments for bioplastics
Waste management for biodegradable and compostable packaging
Plastic bag bans and taxes
The competitive landscape
Overview
Biodegradable and compostable polymers directly extracted from biomass
Novamont Group
Rodenburg Biopolymers Ltd
Biotec GmbH & Co
Ticinoplast launches 'NextFilm' line of compostable packaging film
Pilot plant for TPS production launched in Poland
Bioplastics starch plant opened in Russia
Biodegradable plastics produced directly by natural/ genetically modified organisms
Danimer Scientific
Yield10 Bioscience Inc.
CJ Biomaterials
Lummus Technology and RWDC Industries to cooperate on PHA development
Kaneka to expand PHBH production
MAP Group buys insolvent Bio-on
Paques Biomaterials and Loop to jointly produce polyhydroxyalkanoate
Biodegradable plastics synthesised from bio-derived monomers
NatureWorks LLC
TotalEnergies Corbion
PLA plant to be built on the Arabian Peninsula
Futerro plans to build vertically integrated PLA plant in Europe
New subsidiary unit for the production of flexible PLA copolymers
Balrampur Chini Mills to enter PLA production in India
Biodegradable polymers synthesized from petrochemical feedstock
BASF AG
SK Chemicals invests in new Vietnamese PBAT / PBS plant
SK Capital Partners acquires majority stake in PVOH packaging producer
Camm Solutions to expand PVOH production
Cutting-edge technology developments
Overview
Biodegradable plastics directly extracted from biomass
Current starch-based biodegradable and compostable technologies
Current cellulose-based biodegradable and compostable technologies
Technology developments for biodegradable and compostable technologies directly extracted from biomass
Novamont launches new Mater-Bi grade for extrusion coating
Development of degradable bioplastic film with tapioca starch
LG Chem and Gevo jointly developing a technology that creates 100% bio-based plastics from renewable sources of carbohydrates
Biodegradable straw developed from new type of bioplastic film
Gaia Biomaterials develops compostable material for drinking straws
Biodegradable plastics synthesised from bio-derived monomers
Current polylactic acid (PLA) technologies
PLA technology developments
Innovative flexible PLA film developed
Bio-based cups from rPLA
Launch of recycled PLA grades
PLA-based thermoformable films
Biodegradable polymers synthesized from petrochemical feedstock
Current technology for aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters