From a modest 2.1 million tonnes produced globally last year to a projected $30 billion market by 2030, the bioplastics industry is undergoing a rapid expansion as it redefines the materials of our future.
Key Takeaways
- Global bioplastics market was valued at USD 10.46 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.1% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 29.80 billion by 2030
- European bioplastics production capacity is projected to reach 2.2 million tonnes by 2024, up from 1.6 million tonnes in 2020
- Bioplastics market in Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 15.2% during 2023-2030 due to rising demand in packaging
- Global bioplastics production capacity grew from 2.11 million tonnes in 2022 to 2.43 million tonnes planned for 2023, primarily in Asia
- Europe held 25% of global bioplastics production capacity in 2022 at 0.53 million tonnes
- Asia produced 1.2 million tonnes of bioplastics in 2022, accounting for 57% of global capacity
- PLA is the dominant bioplastic type with global production of 280,000 tonnes in 2022
- Starch-based plastics production totaled 350,000 tonnes in 2022, used mainly in loose-fill and bags
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production at 5,000 tonnes in 2022, fully biodegradable
- Bioplastics reduce CO2 emissions by 1.5-3.0 tonnes per tonne compared to fossil plastics
- PLA production emits 0.8-2.2 kg CO2 eq/kg vs 3.4 for PET, 80% reduction
- Biodegradable bioplastics like PBAT compost in 3-6 months, reducing landfill waste by 90%
- Bioplastics packaging applications dominate with 65% market share in 2022
- Flexible packaging uses 1.1 million tonnes bioplastics annually, mainly bags and pouches
- Rigid packaging bioplastics 0.3 million tonnes in 2022, bottles and trays
The bioplastics industry is rapidly expanding due to strong demand and stricter environmental regulations worldwide.
Applications and Markets
- Bioplastics packaging applications dominate with 65% market share in 2022
- Flexible packaging uses 1.1 million tonnes bioplastics annually, mainly bags and pouches
- Rigid packaging bioplastics 0.3 million tonnes in 2022, bottles and trays
- Agriculture/horticulture bioplastics 0.15 million tonnes for mulches
- Consumer goods like toys and electronics 0.1 million tonnes bioplastics in 2022
- Automotive sector uses 50,000 tonnes bioplastics for interiors
- Textiles bioplastics 20,000 tonnes, bio-based fibers
- Food service disposables 0.25 million tonnes compostable cutlery/plates
- Medical applications bioplastics 10,000 tonnes for syringes and implants
- Electronics housings 15,000 tonnes bio-nylons and PLA
- 3D printing filaments 80% PLA, 30,000 tonnes market
- Personal care packaging 40,000 tonnes bio-PE tubes
- Furniture and construction 25,000 tonnes biocomposites
- Sports equipment 5,000 tonnes bio-based composites
- Bags and sacks 700,000 tonnes compostable, 40% of packaging
- Coffee capsules 50 billion units potential, 20,000 tonnes PLA
- Mulch films biodegrade 100,000 tonnes/year in Europe
- Catering trays 150,000 tonnes pulp and starch
- Shoe soles bio-TPU 10,000 tonnes
- Toys market 30,000 tonnes PLA and starch, EU regulations drive
- Beverage bottles bio-PET 100,000 tonnes, PlantBottle tech
- Fishing nets bio-nylon pilot 1,000 tonnes
- Hygiene products 20,000 tonnes compostable diapers/backing
- Luggage and bags 15,000 tonnes bio-based
- Building insulation foams bio-based 5,000 tonnes
Applications and Markets Interpretation
While bioplastics are boldly marching into every corner of our lives—from the coffee capsule in your morning brew to the mulch in the fields and even the soles of your shoes—the industry's loudest and clearest message is still, "We’ve got your packaging covered."
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
- Bioplastics reduce CO2 emissions by 1.5-3.0 tonnes per tonne compared to fossil plastics
- PLA production emits 0.8-2.2 kg CO2 eq/kg vs 3.4 for PET, 80% reduction
- Biodegradable bioplastics like PBAT compost in 3-6 months, reducing landfill waste by 90%
- Starch blends save 1.6 tonnes CO2/tonne vs PE, LCA cradle-to-gate
- PHA bioplastics have 0.5-1.0 kg CO2 eq/kg footprint, fully biodegradable in soil/ocean
- Bio-PE reduces fossil use by 85%, GHG emissions down 1.8 tonnes/tonne
- Cellulose films recyclable 100%, energy use 50% less than PP films
- Bioplastics divert 1.2 million tonnes waste from landfills annually via composting
- PLA water use 20-50 m3/tonne vs 100 for cotton, efficient biomass
- PBAT biodegradation in marine environment 90% in 6 months vs microplastics persistence
- Bio-based plastics reduce oil dependency by 2.0 million tonnes/year globally
- Compostable bioplastics cut methane emissions from landfills by 70%
- PHA soil biodegradation 6 months, no microplastics, ecotoxicity 95% lower
- Starch plastics energy demand 40% less than PS foam
- Bio-PET bottles recyclable like PET, 30% lower carbon if bio-sourced
- Bioplastics agriculture uses non-food crops 80%, avoiding food competition
- Lignin bioplastics utilize waste, zero net emissions potential
- Biodegradable mulching films reduce tillage emissions by 25%
- PLA end-of-life composting emits 0.2 tonnes CO2/tonne avoided vs incineration
- Global bioplastics save 4.5 million tonnes CO2 eq annually in 2022
- Mycelium materials biodegrade in 45 days, zero waste
- Chitosan films antimicrobial, reduce food waste 20%, indirect env benefit
- Bio-nylon PA11 60% bio-based, 30% less GHG than PA12
- PEF bottles O2 barrier 10x PET, extend shelf life, reduce food waste
- Bioplastics recycling rate 15% higher compatibility in mixed streams
- Alginate bioplastics seawater degradable 100% in 4 weeks
- Overall bioplastics LCA GWP 1.3-2.8 kg CO2 eq/kg average
- Compostable bags reduce litter persistence by 95% vs PE
- Bioplastics from waste streams cut eutrophication 40%
- Bio-TPU energy recovery 25 MJ/kg, similar to fossil, but bio-offset
Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation
Bioplastics offer a compelling, data-driven rebuke to our petro-plastic habits by demonstrating that smarter materials can substantially lighten our environmental footprint, from slashing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste to cutting oil dependency and even cleaning up our oceans.
Market Size and Growth
- Global bioplastics market was valued at USD 10.46 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.1% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 29.80 billion by 2030
- European bioplastics production capacity is projected to reach 2.2 million tonnes by 2024, up from 1.6 million tonnes in 2020
- Bioplastics market in Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 15.2% during 2023-2030 due to rising demand in packaging
- North American bioplastics market size was USD 3.2 billion in 2022, expected to reach USD 8.5 billion by 2030 at CAGR 13.0%
- Global bioplastics production reached 2.1 million tonnes in 2022, with packaging accounting for 47% of demand
- Biodegradable plastics segment dominated the market with 52% share in 2022, valued at USD 5.4 billion
- Starch-based bioplastics market expected to grow from USD 2.1 billion in 2023 to USD 4.8 billion by 2030 at CAGR 12.5%
- PLA bioplastics market size was USD 1.8 billion in 2022, projected to hit USD 5.2 billion by 2030, CAGR 14.0%
- Bio-based but non-biodegradable plastics like bio-PE grew to 0.4 million tonnes in 2022
- Global bioplastics market CAGR forecasted at 15.5% from 2023-2028, driven by regulatory bans on single-use plastics
- U.S. bioplastics market valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2022, expected to grow to USD 6.3 billion by 2030, CAGR 14.8%
- China bioplastics production capacity reached 0.9 million tonnes in 2022, targeting 3 million by 2025
- Bioplastics packaging market to grow from USD 6.5 billion in 2023 to USD 18.2 billion by 2030, CAGR 15.9%
- Latin America bioplastics market projected at CAGR 16.2% from 2023-2032 due to agricultural waste utilization
- Drop-in bioplastics market size estimated at USD 1.2 billion in 2022, growing to USD 3.5 billion by 2028
- Middle East & Africa bioplastics market to reach USD 1.1 billion by 2030 from USD 0.4 billion in 2022, CAGR 14.5%
- Bioplastics market in India valued at USD 0.3 billion in 2022, projected CAGR 18.4% to 2030
- Global bioplastics R&D investment reached USD 1.5 billion in 2022, up 20% YoY
- Europe bioplastics market share 35% of global in 2022, valued at USD 3.7 billion
- Bio-PET segment market size USD 0.8 billion in 2022, CAGR 13.8% to 2030
- Bioplastics production capacity in 2023 estimated at 2.5 million tonnes globally
- Automotive bioplastics market to grow at CAGR 12.7% from USD 1.0 billion in 2023 to 2030
- Cellulose-based bioplastics market valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2022, CAGR 11.5%
- Bioplastics e-commerce packaging segment CAGR 17.1% to 2032
- Global bioplastics trade volume 0.6 million tonnes in 2022, up 15% YoY
- PHA bioplastics market from USD 0.1 billion in 2022 to USD 1.2 billion by 2030, CAGR 35.2%
- Bioplastics in consumer goods market CAGR 13.9% 2023-2030
- World bioplastics market revenue projected USD 25 billion by 2027
- Brazil bioplastics market CAGR 19.5% from 2023-2030
- Bioplastics film & sheet market USD 2.4 billion in 2022, CAGR 14.3%
Market Size and Growth Interpretation
The global bioplastics industry is charging out of its niche like a sprinter off the starting blocks, racing towards a $30 billion future on a wave of regulatory pressure, packaging demand, and the undeniable fact that Mother Earth is now a major shareholder.
Production and Capacity
- Global bioplastics production capacity grew from 2.11 million tonnes in 2022 to 2.43 million tonnes planned for 2023, primarily in Asia
- Europe held 25% of global bioplastics production capacity in 2022 at 0.53 million tonnes
- Asia produced 1.2 million tonnes of bioplastics in 2022, accounting for 57% of global capacity
- PLA production capacity worldwide reached 0.28 million tonnes in 2022, with major plants in Thailand and USA
- Starch blends production at 0.35 million tonnes in 2022, mainly in Europe and Asia
- Bio-based PE production capacity 0.15 million tonnes in 2022, led by Braskem in Brazil
- PBAT production capacity expanded to 0.75 million tonnes in 2022, with China contributing 70%
- PHA global production capacity was 0.005 million tonnes in 2022, with pilot plants scaling up
- Cellulose acetate production for bioplastics at 0.25 million tonnes annually in 2023
- USA bioplastics production capacity 0.22 million tonnes in 2022, focused on PLA and starch
- China announced 1.5 million tonnes new bioplastics capacity by 2025
- BASF's PBAT plant in Germany produces 0.1 million tonnes/year, operational since 2022
- NatureWorks PLA plant in Nebraska, USA, capacity 0.15 million tonnes/year, expanded in 2023
- Total Mater-Bi production capacity by Novamont at 0.09 million tonnes/year in 2023
- Roquette's wheat-based starch bioplastics capacity 0.12 million tonnes in Europe
- Danimer Scientific PHA plant in Kentucky, USA, 0.02 million tonnes capacity online 2023
- Total global PBS/PBAT capacity reached 1.0 million tonnes in 2023
- Biome Bioplastics UK facility produces 0.005 million tonnes PHA/year, scaling to 0.02 by 2025
- TotalEnergies Corbion PLA plant in Thailand, 0.075 million tonnes/year capacity
- Mitsubishi Chemical's bio-PP pilot plant capacity 0.001 million tonnes, commercializing 2024
- Sulapac wood-based bioplastic production capacity expanding to 0.01 million tonnes by 2025
- Genomatica bio-based BDO plant capacity 0.035 million tonnes for PBAT precursors
- Avantium's PEF bottle plant pilot 0.0005 million tonnes, full scale 2024
- Arkema's RILSAN bio-nylon capacity 0.05 million tonnes/year
- UPM Raflatac bio-based labels adhesive capacity supports 0.02 million tonnes equivalent
- PTT Global Chemical PLA plant Thailand 0.03 million tonnes planned 2024
- Kaneka PHA production Japan 0.005 million tonnes/year commercial
- RWDC Industries PHA plant Singapore 0.05 million tonnes by 2025
- Global PLA capacity utilization rate 75% in 2022
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) represent 0.2% of total bioplastics capacity in 2023 at 0.01 million tonnes
- Polylactic acid (PLA) accounts for 22% of global bioplastics production capacity in 2023
- Starch blends hold 28% share of bioplastics capacity globally in 2023
- Bio-based PE/PT/PP capacity at 15% of total bioplastics in 2023
- PBAT capacity dominates biodegradable polyesters at 35% in 2023
Production and Capacity Interpretation
The global bioplastics industry is buzzing with ambition, yet for all its impressive announcements and expansions, it remains a landscape where a handful of conventional workhorses like starch blends and PBAT carry the cart, while promising newcomers like PHA are still just hopeful foals in the stable.
Types and Materials
- PLA is the dominant bioplastic type with global production of 280,000 tonnes in 2022
- Starch-based plastics production totaled 350,000 tonnes in 2022, used mainly in loose-fill and bags
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production at 5,000 tonnes in 2022, fully biodegradable
- Bio-PE production 150,000 tonnes in 2022, drop-in bio-based polyethylene
- PBAT production 450,000 tonnes in 2022, used in compostable bags
- Cellulose-based films production 250,000 tonnes annually, cellophane type
- Bio-PET share 5% of bio-based non-biodegradables, 80,000 tonnes in 2022
- PBS production 200,000 tonnes in 2022, aliphatic-aromatic copolyester
- Bio-PA (nylon) production 50,000 tonnes, mainly PA11 from castor oil
- PEF (polyethylene furanoate) pilot production 100 tonnes in 2023, superior to PET
- Mater-Bi starch-based blends 90,000 tonnes capacity, compostable
- Bio-PP production 20,000 tonnes in 2022, polypropylene from bio-sources
- PHA copolymers like PHBV 2,000 tonnes produced, tailored properties
- Regenerated cellulose 120,000 tonnes for packaging films
- Bio-based PVC negligible at <1,000 tonnes, challenges in production
- Protein-based bioplastics like casein 5,000 tonnes niche use
- Lignin-based plastics emerging, 10,000 tonnes pilot scale
- Chitin/chitosan from shellfish 15,000 tonnes for films
- Mycelium-based materials 1,000 tonnes experimental, fungal bioplastics
- Alginate from algae 8,000 tonnes for biodegradable films
- Bio-based TPU 5,000 tonnes, thermoplastic polyurethane
- PLA/PHA blends 20,000 tonnes to improve properties
- Bio-ABS pilot 2,000 tonnes, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
- Polybutylene succinate (PBS) 250,000 tonnes projected 2025
Types and Materials Interpretation
It seems the bioplastics industry is having an identity crisis, with PLA flexing as the popular leader, starch still doing the heavy lifting for bags, and a host of niche, experimental materials patiently waiting in the lab for their moment to shine.
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