Global biodegradable polymers market up 17% a year

-- Converting Magazine, 12/18/2007

Biodegradable polymers aren’t just for compost bags anymore. Think loose-fill packaging as well as medical/hygiene products, and agricultural and paper coatings, too, says a new study by Wellesley, MA-based BCC Research. The global market for biodegradable polymers reached 541 million lbs in 2007. This is expected to increase to more than 1.2 billion lbs by 2012, a compound average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.3 percent.

Compost bags do have the largest share of the market. At nearly 242 million lbs this year, the segment is expected to rise 19.4 percent annually to 586 million lbs in 2012.

Growth rates are very high because the base volumes of biodegradable polymers are still relatively low compared to petrochemical-based variants. The “average” growth rate for loose-fill packaging (23.4 percent) is mainly attributable to two factors: lack of an effective infrastructure for disposal, and the popularity of air-filled plastics and other materials for cushioning in packages.

The North American biodegradable polymer market has not progressed as rapidly as in Europe and Asia but is now beginning to show its potential. The major drivers for the US market are mandated legislation and prospective increases in landfill pricing—none of which are foreseen within the next five years, although recent price increases in petroleum-based plastics have rekindled interest in biodegradables.

Talkback

We would love your feedback!

Featured Company

OSRAM SYLVANIA

OSRAM SYLVANIA has been producing electric process air heaters for over 40 years to provide precise/repeatable heat that can be targeted where needed. New heater designs are constantly being added to meet changing requirements in the industry... more