Biodegradable Plastics Market by Type (PLA, PHA, PBS, Starch-Based Plastics, Regenerated Cellulose, PCL), by Application (Packaging, Fibers, Agriculture, Injection Molding, and Others) - Global Trends & Forecasts to 2020

Biodegradable plastics are defined as plastics that undergo decomposition in a specified period of time under composting conditions in industrial facilities. The global biodegradable plastics market is still in its infancy and accounts for less than 1% of the overall plastics market. However, with continuous R&D activities undertaken by the market players, the market is growing at a fast pace. The high cost of biodegradable plastics acts as a major restraint in the growth of the market. But with increasing environmental awareness, supporting government policies, and continuous R&D efforts by the market players to balance the economies of scale, the cost of biodegradable plastics may be reduced and made more  cost effective.

The major drivers contributing towards the growth of biodegradable plastics market are:

• Use of renewable & bio-based raw material
• Biodegradability
• Positive attitude of government towards green procurement policies
• Shift in consumer preferences towards ecofriendly packaging

About the market

The global biodegradable plastics market is expected to grow at a rapid pace during the forecasted period (2015-2020). The market is mainly driven by increased environmental awareness and implementation of stringent environmental regulations.

Western Europe is the largest market for the biodegradable plastics. The region accounted for more than 45% of the global biodegradable plastics demand in 2014. The major driver for growth of biodegradable plastics market in Western European region is the growing environmental awareness among the general population. The growth is also boosted by the stringent  policies and regulations implemented by governments  in the region. Italy has banned the use of petroleum based plastic bags, whereas there is a tax levied on use of petroleum based plastic bags in countries like Ireland, Germany, and others.

This study estimates the global biodegradable plastics market for 2015 and projects the demand of the same by 2020. This market research study provides a detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the global biodegradable plastics market. It also includes a comprehensive review of the major market drivers, restraints, opportunities, winning imperatives, challenges, and key issues in the market. The market is segmented and forecasted based on major regions—Western Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). Various secondary sources such as encyclopedia, directories, and databases have been used to identify and collect information for this extensive commercial study of the biodegradable plastics market. The primary sources, experts from related industries and suppliers, have been interviewed to obtain and verify critical information as well as to assess the future prospects of the market.

Competitive scenario of the top players in the biodegradable plastics market has been discussed in detail. The top players of the industry are profiled in detail with their recent developments and other strategic industry activities. The top players include Metabolix Inc. (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), Corbion N.V. (Netherlands), Natureworks LLC (U.S.), Biome Technology Plc (U.K.), and others.

Scope of the report: This research report categorizes the global market for biodegradable plastics on the basis of type, application, and region and forecasts the market size in terms of value and volume. The report also analyzes the market trends in each of the regions.

On the basis of type: The biodegradable plastics market is segmented as follows:

• PLA
• Starch Blends
• PCL
• Regenerated Cellulose
• PBS, and
• PHA

On the basis of applications: The biodegradable plastics market is further segmented into the following categories:

• Packaging
• Fibers
• Agriculture
• Injection Molding, and
• Others

On the basis of region: The global biodegradable plastics market is segmented into four regions, namely,. Western Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and RoW.

Available Customizations: The following customization options are available for the report:

1. Cup Market Analysis: 

   Analysis of biodegradable plastics cup market (Global level data)

2. Paper Lamination Market:

   Analysis of biodegradable plastics lamination market (Global level data)

3. Company Information:

Analysis and profiling of additional global as well as regional market players (Up to 3)

Table of Contents

1 Introduction (Page No. - 15)
    1.1 Objectives of the Study
    1.2 Market Definition
    1.3 Market Scope
           1.3.1 Markets Covered
           1.3.2 Years Considered for the Study
    1.4 Currency
    1.5 Package Size
    1.6 Stakeholders

2 Research Methodology (Page No. - 18)
    2.1 Research Data
           2.1.1 Secondary Data
                    2.1.1.1 Key Data From Secondary Sources
           2.1.2 Primary Data
                    2.1.2.1 Key Data From Primary Sources
                    2.1.2.2 Key Industry Insights
                    2.1.2.3 Breakdown of Primaries
    2.2 Market Size Estimation
           2.2.1 Bottom Up Approach
           2.2.2 Top-Down Approach
    2.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation
    2.4 Research Assumptions and Limitations
           2.4.1 Assumptions
           2.4.2 Limitations

3 Executive Summary (Page No. - 26)

4 Premium Insights (Page No. - 30)
    4.1 Attractive Opportunities in the Biodegradable Plastics Market
    4.2 Biodegradable Plastics Market – Top Four Types
    4.4 U.S.: Largest Biodegradable Plastics Market
    4.5 Biodegradable Plastics Market, By Application and Region
    4.6 Biodegradable Plastics Market: Developed vs. Developing Nations
    4.7 Lifecycle Analysis, By Region (2015)

5 Market Overview (Page No. - 36)
    5.1 Introduction
    5.2 Market Evolution
    5.3 Market Segmentation
    5.4 Market Dynamics
           5.4.1 Drivers
                    5.4.1.1 Use of Renewable & Bio-Based Raw Materials
                    5.4.1.2 Biodegradability
                    5.4.1.3 Positive Attitude of Government Toward Green Procurement Polices
                    5.4.1.4 Shift in Consumer Preferences Toward Eco-Friendly Packaging
           5.4.2 Restraints
                    5.4.2.1 Cost Competitiveness of Biodegradable Plastics Over Conventional Plastics
                    5.4.2.2 Durability of Biodegradable Plastics
           5.4.3 Opportunities
                    5.4.3.1 Increasing Scope in End-Use Segment
                    5.4.3.2 Availability of Cheap Bio-Based Raw Materials
           5.4.4 Challenges
                    5.4.4.1 Performance Issues Related to Biodegradable Plastics
    5.5 Burning Issues

6 Industry Trends (Page No. - 46)
    6.1 Introduction
           6.1.1 PLA
           6.1.2 PHA
           6.1.3 PBS
           6.1.4 Regenerated Cellulose
           6.1.5 Starch-Based Plastics
           6.1.6 PCL
    6.2 Porter’s Five Forces
           6.2.1 Threat of New Entrants
           6.2.2 Threat of Substitutes
           6.2.3 Bargaining Power of Buyers
           6.2.4 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
           6.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
    6.3 Strategic Benchmarking
           6.3.1 Partnership, Agreement, and Collaboration are the Most Commonly Adopted Development Strategies
           6.3.2 New Product Launch: Upcoming Strategy to Increase Regional Footprint

7 Biodegradable Plastics Market, By Type (Page No. - 53)
    7.1 Introduction
    7.2 PLA
    7.3 Starch Blends
    7.4 PCL
    7.5 Regenerated Cellulose
    7.6 PBS
    7.7 PHA

8 Biodegradable Plastics Market, By Application (Page No. - 65)
    8.1 Introduction
    8.2 Packaging
    8.3 Fibers
    8.4 Agriculture
    8.5 Injection Molding
    8.6 Others

9 Biodegradable Plastics Market, By Region (Page No. - 76)
    9.1 Introduction
    9.2 Western Europe
           9.2.1 Germany
           9.2.2 France
           9.2.3 Italy
           9.2.4 Rest of Western Europe
    9.3 North America
           9.3.1 U.S.
           9.3.2 Canada
    9.4 Asia-Pacific
           9.4.1 China
           9.4.2 Japan
           9.4.3 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    9.5 RoW: Emerging Market
           9.5.1 Brazil

10 Competitive Landscape (Page No. - 107)
     10.1 Overview
     10.2 Competitive Situations and Trends
               10.2.1 Partnerships, Agreements, and Collaborations
               10.2.2 New Product Launches
               10.2.3 Expansions
               10.2.4 Mergers & Acquisitions

11 Company Profiles (Page No. - 112)
(Overview, Financial*, Products & Services, Strategy, and Developments)
     11.1 Introduction
     11.2 Metabolix Inc.
     11.3 BASF SE
     11.4 Corbion NV (PURAC)
     11.5 Natureworks LLC
     11.6 Biome Technologies PLC
     11.7 Mitsubishi Chemical Corp.
     11.8 Plantic Technologies Limited
     11.9 Bio-On SRL.
     11.10 Meredian Inc.
     11.11 Tianan Biologic Materials Co. Ltd.

*Details Might Not Be Captured in Case of Unlisted Companies.

12 Appendix (Page No. - 135)
     12.1 Related Developments
     12.2 Insights of Industry Expert
     12.3 Discussion Guide
     12.4 Introducing RT: Real Time Market Intelligence
     12.5 Available Customizations
     12.6 Related Reports

List of Tables (84 Tables)

Table 1 Packaging Laws in Europe
Table 2 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 3 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 4 PLA Market Size, By Region,2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 5 PLA Market Size, By Region,2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 6 Starch Blends Market Size, By Region, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 7 Starch Blends Market Size, By Region, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 8 PCL Market Size, By Region, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 9 PCL Market Size, By Region, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 10 Regenerated Cellulose Market Size, By Region,2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 11 Regenerated Cellulose Market Size, By Region, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 12 PBS Market Size, By Region, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 13 PBS Market Size, By Region, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 14 PHA Market Size, By Region,2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 15 PHA Market Size, By Region,2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 16 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application,2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 17 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application,2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 18 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size in Packaging Application,By Region, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 19 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size in Packaging Application,By Region, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 20 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size in Fibers Application, By Region, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 21 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size in Fibers Application, By Region, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 22 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size in Agriculture Application,By Region, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 23 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size in Agriculture Application,By Region, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 24 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size in Injection Molding Application, By Region, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 25 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size in Injection Molding Application, By Region, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 26 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size in Other Applications, By Region, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 27 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size in Other Applications, By Region, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 28 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Region,2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 29 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Region, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 30 Western Europe: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Country, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 31 Western Europe: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Country, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 32 Germany: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 33 Germany: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type,2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 34 Germany: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 35 Germany: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 36 France: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type,2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 37 France: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type,2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 38 France: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 39 France: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 40 Italy: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type,2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 41 Italy: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 42 Italy: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 43 Italy: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 44 Rest of Western Europe: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 45 Rest of Western Europe: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 46 Rest of Western Europe: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size,By Application, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 47 Rest of Western Europe: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size,By Application, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 48 North America: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Country, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 49 North America: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Country, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 50 U.S.: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type,2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 51 U.S.: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 52 U.S.: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application,2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 53 U.S.: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application,2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 54 Canada: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type,2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 55 Canada: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type,2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 56 Canada: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 57 Canada: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 58 Asia-Pacific: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Country, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 59 Asia-Pacific: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Country, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 60 China: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type,2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 61 China: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type,2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 62 China: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 63 China: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 64 Japan: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type,2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 65 Japan: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type,2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 66 Japan: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 67 Japan: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 68 Rest of Asia-Pacific: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 69 Rest of Asia-Pacific: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 70 Rest of Asia-Pacific: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 71 Rest of Asia-Pacific: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 72 RoW: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Country, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 73 RoW: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Country,2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 74 Brazil: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type,2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 75 Brazil: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type,2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 76 Brazil: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (USD Million)
Table 77 Brazil: Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, 2013–2020 (Kiloton)
Table 78 Partnerships, Agreements, and Collaborations (2011-2015)
Table 79 New Product Launches (2011-2015)
Table 80 Expansions (2011-2015)
Table 81 Mergers & Acquisitions (2011-2015)
Table 82 Partnerships, Agreements, and Collaborations (2011-2015)
Table 83 New Product Launch (2011-2015)
Table 84 Expansion (2011-2015)
 
 
List of Figures (52 Figures)
 
Figure 1 Biodegradable Plastics Market
Figure 2 Biodegradable Plastics: Research Design
Figure 3 Breakdown of Primary Interviews: By Company, Designation & Region
Figure 4 Market Size Estimation Methodology: Bottom-Up Approach
Figure 5 Market Size Estimation Methodology: Top-Down Approach
Figure 6 Market Size Estimation Methodology: Data Triangulation
Figure 7 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type, Snapshot (2015 vs. 2020)
Figure 8 Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Application, Snapshot (2015 vs. 2020)
Figure 9 Biodegradable Plastics Market Share, By Region, 2020 (Kilotons)
Figure 10 Attractive Growth Opportunities in the Biodegradable Plastics Market During the Forecast Period (2015-2020)
Figure 11 PLA is Expected to Grow at the Highest Rate , During the Forecast Period (2015-2020)
Figure 12 Rapid Growth Expectation in Asia-Pacific Region During the Forecast Period
Figure 13 Western Europe is Expected to Dominate the Biodegradable Plastics Market Across All Segments (2020)
Figure 14 Developing Markets are Expected to Grow Faster Than the Developed Ones During the Forecast Period (2015-2020)
Figure 15 Asia-Pacific Market to Witness Rapid Growth Between 2015 and 2020
Figure 16 Different Types of Biodegradable Plastics
Figure 17 Market Evolution
Figure 18 Growing Demand From the Automotive Industry is A Major Driving Factor of the Market
Figure 19 Value-Chain Analysis: Major Value is Added During R&D and Manufacturing
Figure 20 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
Figure 21 Strategic Benchmarking: Bio-On SRL, A Major Market Player That Adopted Partnership, Agreement, and Collaboration as Key Strategies
Figure 22 Strategic Benchmarking: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation With Major Product Launches
Figure 23 Western Europe Was the Key Market for Biodegradable Plastics In2014
Figure 24 PLA to Grow at the Highest CAGR ,By Volume, During the Projected Period
Figure 25 PHA to Grow at the Highest CAGR, By Value, From 2015 to 2020
Figure 26 Increasing Use of Biodegradable Plastics Drives the Growth of the Market
Figure 27 PHA Market to Grow at the Highest CAGR in Western Europe
Figure 28 Development of New Products is Expected to Continue Driving the Market Growth During the Projected Period
Figure 29 Fibers Application to Grow at the Higher Rate During the Projected Period
Figure 30 Injection Molding is the Fastest-Growing Application of Biodegradable Plastics in Terms of Value
Figure 31 Injection Molding is Projected to Be the Fastest-Growing Application in the Biodegradable Plastics Market
Figure 32 China to Grow at the Highest Rate in Other Applications of Biodegradable Plastics During the Period of Study
Figure 33 Emerging Economies to Witness High Growth During the Projected Period
Figure 34 China to Witness the Fastest Growth in the Global Biodegradable Plastics Market
Figure 35 Packaging: Largest Application of Biodegradable Plastics in Western Europe (2015)
Figure 36 Packaging: Largest Application of Biodegradable Plastics in Germany
Figure 37 U.S. is the Major Market of Biodegradable Plastics in North America In2015
Figure 38 China is the Key Market of Biodegradable Plastics in Asia-Pacific In2015
Figure 39 China: Largest Biodegradable Plastics Market Globally
Figure 40 Companies Primarily Adopted Partnership, Agreement, and Collaborations Their Key Growth Strategy (2011-2015)
Figure 41 Partnership, Agreement, and Collaboration: Key Strategy Adopted By Major Players for Expanding Their Product Portfolio
Figure 42 Regional Revenue Mix of Market Players
Figure 43 Metabolix Inc.: Company Snapshot
Figure 44 Metabolix Inc.: SWOT Analysis
Figure 45 BASF SE: Company Snapshot
Figure 46 BASF SE: SWOT Analysis
Figure 47 Corbion N.V.: Company Snapshot
Figure 48 Corbion NV: SWOT Analysis
Figure 49 Natureworks LLC: SWOT Analysis
Figure 50 Biome Technologies PLC: Company Snapshot
Figure 51 Biome Technology PLC: SWOT Analysis
Figure 52 Mitsubishi Chemical Corp.: Company Snapshot

The biodegradable plastics market is projected be reach 804.58 kilo tons by 2020, registering a CAGR of 12.5% between 2015 and 2020. In terms of value, the market is projected to reach USD 3.4 Billion by 2020, at a CAGR of 10.8% between 2015 and 2020.

Biodegradable plastics are increasingly gaining popularity over the past decade.  They are used in various applications, most importantly in packaging application. The biodegradable plastics market still accounts for less than 1% of the overall plastics market, but, with growing consumption, this trend is expected to change in the near future. The growing demand for biodegradable plastics is mainly attributed to increased environmental awareness. Biodegradable plastics are increasingly being used to manufacture packaging materials as consumers are showing preferences towards ecofriendly packaging. A major restraint faced in biodegradable plastics market is its high prices. Biodegradable plastics are not able to compete economically with the petroleum based plastics because of the high manufacturing cost involved. However, with more investment by market players towards balancing the economies of scale and development of new manufacturing processes, it may result in lower prices in the future.

The current biodegradable plastics market is facing challenges related to its impact on food supply. As most biodegradable plastics are bio-based, their feedstock is obtained from natural sources. This put excessive strain on food production and supply. This is a growing concern and a major challenge for market players in the biodegradable plastics market. But with continuous development of new technologies and search for new sources of feedstock by the market players, the problem may be solved in the future.

Western Europe and North America are the biggest consumers of biodegradable plastics globally. Italy and the U.S. are the key countries in Western Europe and North America, witnessing CAGRs of 11.9% and 12.9%, respectively, between 2015 and 2020. The developing countries are also growing at a rapid pace due to rising domestic demand.

Key participants in the global biodegradable plastics market include Metabolix Inc. (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), Corbion N.V. (The Netherlands), Natureworks LLC (U.S.), and Biome Technologies Plc (U.K.).