Biopolymers Market Estimated to Witness High Growth Owing to Increasing Demand for Biodegradable and Sustainable Packaging Materials
Biopolymers, also known as natural polymers, are polymers produced by living organisms. They include polysaccharides such as cellulose and starch, and proteins such as silk and wool. Biopolymers have a wide range of applications ranging from pharmaceuticals to packaging. For packaging applications, biopolymers provide an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics as they are biodegradable and compostable. Increasing environmental concerns about plastic pollution have boosted the demand for biodegradable and sustainable packaging materials, driving the growth of the biopolymers market.
The global biopolymers market is estimated to be valued at US$ 17428.96 Mn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 13% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market Dynamics
Increasing demand for biodegradable and sustainable packaging materials is one of the major drivers propelling the growth of the biopolymers market. Various regulations banning single-use plastics and policies mandating the use of biodegradable alternatives have also fueled the adoption of biopolymers in packaging industry. However, high production costs of biopolymers compared to traditional plastics remains a major challenge for market players. Ongoing research and development activities to reduce production costs and improve functional properties of biopolymers are expected to unlock more growth opportunities for biopolymers market over the forecast period.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: Biopolymers are made from renewable sources like corn, sugarcane or microorganisms and thus are renewable and sustainable in nature. They provide an eco-friendly alternative to petrol-based plastics and hence have lesser environmental impact. Biopolymers also exhibit properties similar to conventional plastics like durability, flexibility and printability.
Weakness: Biopolymers have certain limitations with respect to mechanical and thermal properties as compared to conventional plastics. Their production costs are also currently higher than traditional plastics. Biopolymers also have limited applications and lesser product availability in the market.
Opportunity: Rising environmental concerns and stringent regulations regarding use of conventional plastics provide a huge market opportunity for biopolymers. Growing consumer preference for sustainable products along with initiatives by governments worldwide to promote use of renewable materials will further boost demand. Rapid technological innovations to improve properties and lower production costs of biopolymers present new opportunities.
Threats: Established petrochemical industry poses stiff competition to biopolymers in terms of pricing and existing product portfolio. Uncertain crude oil prices affect raw material prices for conventional plastics as well as some biopolymers like polylactic acid (PLA). Limitations in feedstock availability and dependency on agricultural commodities expose biopolymers market to supply chain risks.
Key Takeaways
The Global Biopolymers Market Size is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period. North America currently dominates the market owing to strong government support and presence of leading biopolymer manufacturers in the region. The Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest growing market on account of significant increase in manufacturing activities and rising research & development efforts in the biopolymers industry.
Regional analysis: North America is currently the largest and most advanced regional market for biopolymers due to presence of major biopolymer companies and supportive regulatory environment encouraging use of sustainable alternatives. Asia Pacific region is emerging as a high potential market backed by rapid industrialization, growing population and increasing polymer consumption in the region. China, India and South Korea are some of the major biopolymer producing nations in Asia Pacific.
Key players: Key players operating in the biopolymers market are BASF SE, NatureWorks LLC, Braskem S.A., Novamont S.p.A., Du Pont, Plantic Technologies Ltd, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Danimer Scientific, Bio-on S.p.A., and Rodenburg Biopolymers B.V. Leading market participants are focusing on new product launches, capacity expansions and collaborations to strengthen their market position.
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