Today, public concern regarding the environment, increasing desire of manufacturing companies to develop more sustainable products, limited fossil fuel resources, and climate change are important reasons for governments and companies to find substitutes to crude oil-based products. Bio-based plastics present huge potential to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and the related environmental impacts. In recent years, PLA has emerged as one of the most popular bio-degradable plastics available in the market. PLA finds major applications in the food packaging industry, especially in frozen foods, ready-to-eat meals, and cutlery. Increasing awareness regarding the environmental consequences by the use of conventional plastic packaging is expected to drive the demand for PLA in the near future. This surge in PLA demand is expected to reflect in demand for lactic acid as PLA is the largest application market for it. The technical developments in emerging bio-based plastics have substantially improved the properties of novel bio-based plastics such as heat resistance of PLA, enabling a much wider range of applications.

This study estimates the global capacity of PLA and lactic acid by the end of 2016. Europe is the most dominant market for PLA while Asia-Pacific, owing to significant domestic demand, is expected to be the fastest growing market in the next five years. Cost competitiveness against alternatives is a key challenge for industry participants along with the growing mismatch in the supply demand scenario. The global PLA market is currently witnessing supply restraints as there are only a few major suppliers on a global platform. However, market players are increasingly focusing on increasing production capacities; especially in the Asia-Pacific region owing to the cheap availability and wide abundance of starting raw materials such as sugarcane, sugar beet, and tapioca in the region for lactic acid production. Growing demand for PLA is expected to drive the lactic acid market in the near future. Lack of supply capabilities on the part of market players is perceived to be a key issue for the lactic acid market in the near future.

The global lactic acid market is dominated by North America, accounting for 35.8% of the overall market in 2010. Europe and Asia-Pacific are the second and third largest markets for lactic acid; accounting for 29.9% and 29.2% of the overall market respectively in 2010. Industrial applications are the largest for lactic acid, accounting for 42.4% of the overall market in 2010. In the last few years, industrial applications have surpassed food and beverages as a leading application for the consumption of lactic acid. This has primarily been a result of strong growth in the PLA and solvents markets for which lactic acid is the primary raw material.

The report provides a comprehensive review of major market drivers, challenges, opportunities, and key issues in the market. The market is further segmented and forecasted for major geographic regions; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World that include key growth regions such as Brazil. The key countries covered include U.S., U.K., China, and Japan. The report estimates the market size for lactic acid and PLA; both in terms of volumes and revenue. The market has been further segmented on the basis of applications. The various applications for PLA such as packaging, textiles, electronics, and medical have been discussed in detail in the report. Market share for major market players has been calculated on the basis of announced production capacities and is described in detail for both lactic acid and PLA. The report also consists of profiles of leading players of this industry with their recent developments and the other strategic industry activities. The key players included in the report are NatureWorks LLC (U.S.), Purac (The Netherlands), Pyramid Bioplastics Guben GmBH (Germany), Archer Daniels Midland Company (U.S.), and Henan Jindan (China).

Scope of the report

Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) Market and Lactic Acid Market research report categorizes the global market for PLA and lactic acid on the basis of applications, raw materials, and geography; forecasting volumes, revenues, and analyzing trends in each of the following submarkets:

On the basis of applications: The PLA market is segmented on the basis of applications such as packaging, textiles, electronics, medical, agriculture, transportation, and the other applications. The packaging application for PLA is further segmented on the basis of packaging types such as rigid packaging, loose fill packaging, compost bags, and others. The lactic market is segmented on the basis of applications such as industrial applications, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and others.

On the basis of raw materials: Corn (maize), sugarcane and sugar beet, tapioca, and others.

On the basis of geography: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, ROW, and key countries in every region

TABLE OF CONTENTS    
     
1 INTRODUCTION  
  1.1 KEY TAKE-AWAYS  
  1.2 REPORT DESCRIPTION  
  1.3 STAKEHOLDERS  
  1.4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY  
      1.4.1 MARKET SIZE  
      1.4.2 KEY DATA POINTS FROM SECONDARY SOURCES  
      1.4.3 KEY DATA POINTS FROM PRIMARY SOURCES  
      1.4.4 ASSUMPTIONS MADE FOR THIS REPORT  
      1.4.5 LIST OF COMPANIES COVERED DURING PRIMARIES  
  1.5 KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED  
   
2 SUMMARY  
   
3 MARKET OVERVIEW  
  3.1 INTRODUCTION  
  3.2 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS  
  3.3 BURNING ISSUES  
      3.3.1 ECONOMIES OF SCALE REQUIRED TO MEET DEMAND  
  3.4 WINNING IMPERATIVES  
      3.4.1 FOCUS ON AGREEMENTS & COLLABORATIONS  
  3.5 PLA (POLYLACTIC ACID)  
      3.5.1 DRIVERS  
            3.5.1.1 Increasing awareness towards sustainability and greener products  
            3.5.1.2 Regulatory push towards bioplastics  
            3.5.1.3 Rising oil prices  
            3.5.1.4 Shifting consumer preferences towards eco-friendly packaging  
      3.5.2 RESTRAINTS  
            3.5.2.1 Price competitiveness against conventional polymers  
            3.5.2.2 Supply limitations hampering market growth  
            3.5.2.3 Limited performance capabilities compared to conventional plastics  
      3.5.3 OPPORTUNITIES  
            3.5.3.1 Production of PLA from lignocellulose feedstocks  
            3.5.3.2 Co-polymers with synthetic plastics  
            3.5.3.3 Films & fibers  
            3.5.3.4 Increasing scope of application in end-user segments  
  3.6 LACTIC ACID  
      3.6.1 DRIVER  
      3.6.1.1 Growth in the end-user applications  
      3.6.2 RESTRAINT  
            3.6.2.1 Raw material price volatility  
      3.6.3 OPPORTUNITY  
            3.6.3.1 Growing PLA market  
  3.7 RAW MATERIAL ANALYSIS  
      3.7.1 CORN (MAIZE)  
      3.7.2 SUGARCANE  
      3.7.3 TAPIOCA (CASSAVA)  
      3.7.4 WHEAT  
  3.8 PORTER’S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS  
      3.8.1 DEGREE OF COMPETITION  
      3.8.2 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYER  
      3.8.3 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS  
      3.8.4 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES  
      3.8.5 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS  
  3.9 COST ANALYSIS  
  3.10 MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS  
  3.11 PATENT ANALYSIS  
   
4 LACTIC ACID MARKET  
  4.1 INTRODUCTION  
  4.2 GLOBAL LACTIC ACID MARKET  
  4.3 GLOBAL LACTIC ACID MARKET, BY APPLICATIONS  
      4.3.1 INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS  
      4.3.2 FOOD & BEVERAGES  
      4.3.3 PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS  
      4.3.4 PHARMACEUTICALS  
      4.3.5 OTHERS  
  4.4 LACTIC ACID MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHY  
      4.4.1 NORTH AMERICA  
            4.4.1.1 U.S.  
      4.4.2 EUROPE  
            4.4.2.1 Germany  
            4.4.2.2 U.K.  
            4.4.2.3 France  
      4.4.3 ASIA-PACIFIC  
            4.4.3.1 China  
            4.4.3.2 Japan  
      4.4.4 ROW  
            4.4.4.1 Brazil  
   
5 PLA MARKET  
  5.1 INTRODUCTION  
  5.2 GLOBAL PLA MARKET  
  5.3 GLOBAL PLA MARKET, BY APPLICATIONS  
      5.3.1 PACKAGING  
            5.3.1.1 Rigid packaging  
            5.3.1.2 Compost bags  
            5.3.1.3 Loose fill packaging  
            5.3.1.4 Others  
      5.3.2 TEXTILE  
      5.3.3 AGRICULTURE  
      5.3.4 TRANSPORTATION  
      5.3.5 ELECTRONICS  
      5.3.6 OTHERS  
  5.4 GLOBAL PLA MARKET, BY RAW MATERIALS  
  5.5 PLA MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHY  
      5.5.1 NORTH AMERICA  
            5.5.1.1 U.S.  
      5.5.2 EUROPE  
            5.5.2.1 Germany  
            5.5.2.2 U.K.  
            5.5.2.3 France  
      5.5.3 ASIA-PACIFIC  
            5.5.3.1 China  
            5.5.3.2 Japan  
      5.5.4 ROW  
            5.5.4.1 Brazil  
   
6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE  
   
7 COMPANY PROFILES  
  7.1 BASF  
      7.1.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.1.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.1.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.1.4 STRATEGY  
      7.1.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
  7.2 DANIMER SCIENTIFIC LLC  
      7.2.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.2.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.2.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.2.4 STRATEGY  
      7.2.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
  7.3 FUTERRO  
      7.3.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.3.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.3.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.3.4 STRATEGY  
      7.3.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
  7.4 GALACTIC  
      7.4.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.4.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.4.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.4.4 STRATEGY  
      7.4.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
  7.5 HENAN JINDAN LACTIC ACID COMPANY LIMITED  
      7.5.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.5.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.5.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.5.4 STRATEGY  
  7.6 MUSASHINO CHEMICAL (CHINA) CO. LTD.  
      7.6.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.6.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.6.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.6.4 STRATEGY  
      7.6.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
  7.7 NATUREWORKS LLC  
      7.7.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.7.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.7.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.7.4 STRATEGY  
      7.7.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
  7.8 NINGXIA HYPOW BIOTECHNOLOGY CO. LTD.  
      7.8.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.8.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.8.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.8.4 STRATEGY  
  7.9 PHUSIS  
      7.9.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.9.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.9.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.9.4 STRATEGY  
  7.10 PURAC  
      7.10.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.10.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.10.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.10.4 STRATEGY  
      7.10.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
  7.11 PYRAMID BIOPLASTICS GUBEN GMBH  
      7.11.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.11.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.11.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.11.4 STRATEGY  
      7.11.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
  7.12 SYNBRA TECHNOLOGY B.V.  
      7.12.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.12.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.12.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.12.4 STRATEGY  
      7.12.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
  7.13 TEIJIN LTD  
      7.13.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.13.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.13.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.13.4 STRATEGY  
      7.13.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
  7.14 TONG-JIE-LIANG BIOMATERIALS COMPANY LIMITED  
      7.14.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.14.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.14.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.14.4 STRATEGY  
      7.14.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
  7.15 WEI MON INDUSTRY CO. LTD.  
      7.15.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.15.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.15.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.15.4 STRATEGY  
      7.15.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
  7.16 WILKINSON INDUSTRIES INC  
      7.16.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.16.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.16.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.16.4 STRATEGY  
      7.16.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
  7.17 ZHEJIANG HISUN BIOMATERIALS CO. LTD.  
      7.17.1 OVERVIEW  
      7.17.2 FINANCIALS  
      7.17.3 PRODUCTS & SERVICES  
      7.17.4 STRATEGY  
      7.17.5 DEVELOPMENTS  
   
APPENDIX   
  U.S. PATENTS  
  EUROPE PATENTS  
  JAPAN PATENTS  
    
   
LIST OF TABLES   
   
TABLE 1 GLOBAL LACTIC ACID MARKET, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 2 GLOBAL POLYLACTIC ACID MARKET, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 3 IMPACT OF GLOBAL POLYLACTIC ACID MARKET DRIVERS, 2010 – 2016  
TABLE 4 CRUDE OIL PRICES,BY CRUDE TYPES, 2009 - 2016 ($/BARREL)  
TABLE 5 IMPACT OF GLOBAL POLYLACTIC ACID MARKET RESTRAINTS, 2010 – 2016   
TABLE 6 IMPACT OF GLOBAL POLYLACTIC ACID MARKET OPPORTUNITIES, 2010 – 2016   
TABLE 7 CORN: PRODUCTION (MILLION TONS) & PRICE TRENDS ($/TON), 2008 – 2010   
TABLE 8 SUGARCANE: PRODUCTION (MILLION TONS) & PRICE TRENDS ($/TON), 2008 – 2010  
TABLE 9 TAPIOCA (CASSAVA): PRODUCTION (MILLION TONS) & PRICE TRENDS ($/TON), 2008 – 2010  
TABLE 10 WHEAT: PRODUCTION (MILLION TONS) & PRICE TRENDS ($/TON), 2008 – 2010  
TABLE 11 MAJOR PLA PRODUCTION CAPACITY, BY COMPANY (TONS/YEAR)  
TABLE 12 GLOBAL LACTIC ACID MARKET, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 13 LACTIC ACID MARKET FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 14 LACTIC ACID MARKET FOR FOOD & BEVERAGE APPLICATIONS, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016   
TABLE 15 LACTIC ACID MARKET FOR PERSONAL CARE PRODUCT APPLICATIONS, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 16 LACTIC ACID MARKET FOR PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016   
TABLE 17 LACTIC ACID MARKET FOR OTHER APPLICATIONS, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016   
TABLE 18 NORTH AMERICA: LACTIC ACID MARKET, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 19 U.S: LACTIC ACID MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)  
TABLE 20 U.S: LACTIC ACID MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
TABLE 21 EUROPE: LACTIC ACID MARKET, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 22 GERMANY: LACTIC ACID MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 23 GERMANY: LACTIC ACID MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)   
TABLE 24 U.K: LACTIC ACID MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)  
TABLE 25 U.K: LACTIC ACID MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
TABLE 26 FRANCE: LACTIC ACID MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 27 FRANCE: LACTIC ACID MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)   
TABLE 28 ASIA-PACIFIC: LACTIC ACID MARKET, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 29 CHINA: LACTIC ACID MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 30 CHINA: LACTIC ACID MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)   
TABLE 31 JAPAN: LACTIC ACID MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 32 JAPAN: LACTIC ACID MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)   
TABLE 33 ROW: LACTIC ACID MARKET, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 34 BRAZIL: LACTIC ACID MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 35 BRAZIL: LACTIC ACID MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)   
TABLE 36 GLOBAL PLA MARKET, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 37 GLOBAL PLA MARKET FOR PACKAGING, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 38 PLA MARKET FOR RIGID PACKAGING, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 39 PLA MARKET FOR COMPOST BAGS PACKAGING, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016   
TABLE 40 PLA MARKET FOR LOOSE FILL PACKAGING, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 41 PLA MARKET FOR OTHER PACKAGING, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 42 GLOBAL PLA MARKET FOR TEXTILE, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 43 GLOBAL PLA MARKET FOR AGRICULTURE, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 44 GLOBAL PLA MARKET FOR TRANSPORTATION, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 45 GLOBAL PLA MARKET FOR ELECTRONICS, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 46 GLOBAL PLA MARKET FOR OTHER APPLICATIONS, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016   
TABLE 47 GLOBAL PLA MARKET VOLUME BY RAW MATERIAL TYPES, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)  
TABLE 48 GLOBAL PLA MARKET REVENUE, BY RAW MATERIAL TYPES, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)   
TABLE 49 NORTH AMERICA: PLA MARKET, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 50 U.S: PLA MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 51 U.S: PLA MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
TABLE 52 U.S: PLA PACKAGING MARKET VOLUME, BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 53 U.S: PLA PACKAGING MARKET REVENUE, BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)   
TABLE 54 EUROPE: PLA MARKET, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 55 GERMANY: PLA MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)  
TABLE 56 GERMANY: PLA MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
TABLE 57 GERMANY: PLA PACKAGING MARKET VOLUME,BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)  
TABLE 58 GERMANY: PLA PACKAGING MARKET REVENUE, BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
TABLE 59 U.K: PLA MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 60 U.K: PLA MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
TABLE 61 U.K: PLA PACKAGING MARKET VOLUME, BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 62 U.K: PLA PACKAGING MARKET REVENUE, BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)   
TABLE 63 FRANCE: PLA MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 64 FRANCE: PLA MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
TABLE 65 FRANCE: PLA PACKAGING MARKET VOLUME, BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)  
TABLE 66 FRANCE: PLA PACKAGING MARKET REVENUE, BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
TABLE 67 ASIA-PACIFIC: PLA MARKET, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 68 CHINA: PLA MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 69 CHINA: PLA MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
TABLE 70 CHINA: PLA PACKAGING MARKET VOLUME, BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 71 CHINA: PLA PACKAGING MARKET REVENUE, BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)   
TABLE 72 JAPAN: PLA MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 73 JAPAN: PLA MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
TABLE 74 JAPAN: PLA PACKAGING MARKET VOLUME, BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 75 JAPAN: PLA PACKAGING MARKET REVENUE, BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
TABLE 76 ROW: PLA MARKET, BY VOLUME (KILO TONS) & REVENUE ($MILLION), 2009 – 2016  
TABLE 77 BRAZIL: PLA MARKET VOLUME, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)   
TABLE 78 BRAZIL: PLA MARKET REVENUE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
TABLE 79 BRAZIL: PLA PACKAGING MARKET VOLUME, BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 (KILO TONS)  
TABLE 80 BRAZIL: PLA PACKAGING MARKET REVENUE, BY PACKAGING TYPES, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
TABLE 81 NEW PRODUCTS LAUNCH, FEBRUARY 2009 – AUGUST 2011  
TABLE 82 GEOGRAPHIC EXPANSIONS, APRIL 2009 – SEPTEMBER 2011  
TABLE 83 MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS, JULY 2009 – JULY 2010  
TABLE 84 AGREEMENTS & COLLABORATIONS, FEBRUARY 2009 – MAY 2011   
    
    
LIST OF FIGURES   
   
FIGURE 1 PLA GROWTH TRENDS, BY GEOGRAPHY, 2009 – 2016 ($MILLION)  
FIGURE 2 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS FOR PLA  
FIGURE 3 PORTER’S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS  
FIGURE 4 GLOBAL PLA MARKET, BY COMPANY MARKET SHARE, 2010 (BASED ON PRODUCTION CAPACITY)   
FIGURE 5 GLOBAL LACTIC ACID MARKET, BY COMPANY MARKET SHARE, 2010 (BASED ON PRODUCTION CAPACITY)  
FIGURE 6 PATENT ANALYSIS, BY GEOGRAPHY, JANUARY 2008 - AUGUST 2011  
FIGURE 7 PATENT TRENDS, BY GEOGRAPHY, JANUARY 2008 – AUGUST 2011  
FIGURE 8 PATENT ANALYSIS, BY COMPANY, JANUARY 2008 – AUGUST 2011  
FIGURE 9 LACTIC ACID & PLA PATENT ANALYSIS, BY GEOGRAPHY, JANUARY 2008 – AUGUST 2011   
FIGURE 10 LACTIC ACID MARKET SHARE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2010  
FIGURE 11 LACTIC ACID MARKET SHARE, BY GEOGRAPHY, 2010  
FIGURE 12 EUROPE: LACTIC ACID CONSUMPTION, BY COUNTRY, 2010  
FIGURE 13 PLA APPLICATIONS  
FIGURE 14 PLA MARKET SHARE, BY APPLICATIONS, 2010  
FIGURE 15 PLA MARKET FOR PACKAGING, BY TYPES, 2010  
FIGURE 16 PLA MARKET SHARE, BY RAW MATERIALS, 2010  
FIGURE 17 PLA MARKET SHARE, BY GEOGRAPHY, 2010  
FIGURE 18 MAJOR GROWTH STRATEGIES IN THE GLOBAL PLA MARKET, JANUARY 2009 – SEPTEMBER 2011   
FIGURE 19 GLOBAL TRENDS IN GROWTH STRATEGIES, JANUARY 2009 – SEPTEMBER 2011   
FIGURE 20 GROWTH STRATEGIES, BY GEOGRAPHY, JANUARY 2009 – SEPTEMBER 2011   
FIGURE 21 GROWTH STRATEGIES, BY COMPANY, JANUARY 2009 – SEPTEMBER 2011

The global biodegradable plastics market has been witnessing the fastest growth among all plastic and polymer markets in recent times. This high growth is driven by several factors such as increasing awareness and the strengthening push for sustainable solutions, government support for bio-based and biodegradable products, and increasing landfill waste in various geographies. Polylactic acid (PLA) has emerged as a key product in this group. It is not only a biodegradable polymer, but also a complete bio-based polymer. The physical and mechanical properties of PLA make it a good candidate for replacement of petroleum-based plastics in several application areas.

The global market for bio-based biodegradable plastics is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20.52% from 2011 to 2016 to reach 2,250 thousand metric tons by 2016. Subsequently, demand for PLA is expected to continue in the same pattern in the next five years. Increasing demand for PLA is expected to result in a similar surge in demand for lactic acid as PLA is almost exclusively derived from lactic acid.

The global demand for lactic acid was estimated to be 482.7 kilotons in 2010 and is expected to reach 1,076.9 kilotons in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 14.2% from 2011 to 2016. In terms of revenue, the demand was estimated to be worth $772.3 million in 2010 and is expected to reach $2,261.5 million in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 20.6% from 2011 to 2016. It is expected in the industry that the supply of lactic acid will tighten in a few years owing to the inability to meet demand of PLA producers that will result in price hikes of over 30% by 2016. With NatureWorks LLC (U.S.) PLA plant expanding its production capacity by 70 Kilo tons in 2009; North America replaced Europe as the largest consumer of lactic acid. The demand for lactic acid in North America is expected to reach 358.6 Kilo tons by 2016, growing at a CAGR of 12.9% from 2011 to 2016. Increasing production capacities of major PLA producers such as Purac (The Netherlands) in Asia-Pacific is expected to result in significant demand growth for lactic acid. Demand for lactic acid in Asia-Pacific is expected to reach $735.0 million by 2016, growing at a CAGR of 23.0% from 2011 to 2016.

Given the strong market demand and expected PLA Market growth, many companies have embarked on polylactic acid production with increased production capacities and building new plants. For example, Purac (The Netherlands) started a lactic acid plant in Thailand in 2007 with a capacity of 100,000 tons/year. The equivalent lactide production unit that is incorporated with this lactic acid plant with a production capacity of 75,000 tons/year is planned in combination with developing long-term contract with the clients using PLA. The global demand for PLA was estimated to be 248.8 kilo tons in 2010 and is expected to reach 870.8 kilo tons in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 20.8% from 2011 to 2016. In terms of revenue, the demand was estimated to be worth $1,194.0 million in 2010 and is expected to reach $3,831.3 million in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 18.7% from 2011 to 2016.

In recent years, PLA has overpowered the food and beverage industry as the largest application market for lactic acid. Owing to increasing regulatory concerns, PLA usage, especially in the plastics packaging, containers and cutlery markets, is being highly promoted owing to its environmentally friendly characteristics.

Europe is the largest consumer of PLA, mainly owing to stringent packaging regulations, especially in the European Union. Demand for PLA in Europe is expected to reach $1,432.9 million in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 18.3% from 2011 to 2016.

PLA GROWTH TRENDS, BY GEOGRAPHY, 2009 – 2016

Source: ICIS, NNFCC, European Bioplastics, Purac, Galactic, Total Petrochemicals, Primary Interviews, MarketsandMarkets

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing Poly Lactic Acid Market, owing to participants shifting and enhancing production capacities in China and Thailand. NatureWorks LLC (U.S.) is in the process of commissioning a PLA plant in Thailand with capacity of over 140 Kilo tons. The demand for PLA in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.1% from 2011 to 2016. Key players in the PLA market include NatureWorks LLC (U.S.), Purac (The Netherlands) and Pyramid Bioplastics Guben GmBH (Germany).