Biodegradable Polymers: Global Markets and Technologies Through 2022

Report Highlights

The global market for biodegradable polymers reached 484.7 kilotons in 2017 and should reach 984.8 kilotons by 2022, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2% for the period of 2017-2022.

Report Includes

• 47 data tables and 50 additional tables
• An overview of the global markets for biodegradable polymers
• Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2016 and 2017, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2022
• Discussion of chemical types of biodegradable polymers along with their properties and production processes
• Evaluation of current and potential applications
• Comprehensive company profiles of major Players in the Market including Basf, Biomer, Cereplast, Danimer Scientific, Earthshell Container Corp., Mitsui Chemicals, Toray Industries, Inc., and Toyobo Co., Ltd.

Report Scope

Although the term biodegradable polymers is well known, the controversy within the industry as to which materials should be considered biodegradable continues unabated. These resins currently include polyolefin-based compositions containing starch and polymers containing aromatic groups that microorganisms have difficulty utilizing in their metabolism. 

Furthermore, there are additives said to convert petroleum-based resins to biodegradable versions. These resultant resins are said to be oxo-biodegradable. 

Part of the current debate revolves around defining an acceptable period for biodegradation to be completed. Almost all carbon-based materials are biodegradable, if given an acceptable period. 

This report includes polymers that producers market as fully biodegradable. Most define a fully biodegradable polymer as a polymer that is completely converted by microorganisms to carbon dioxide, water and humus. 

In the case of anaerobic biodegradation, carbon dioxide, methane and humus are the degradation products. However, many within the industry insist on a period for degradation such that the terms biodegradable and compostable are not synonymous.

The issue concerning biodegradable versus compostable resins is a very important issue that is discussed in detail. Polymers derived from renewable resources (non-petroleum-based) are not covered unless they are considered biodegradable since many polymers derived from renewable resources are not biodegradable. These materials are often termed as bio-based. Some polymers are both bio-based and biodegradable. 

The scope of the report covers the overview and clear understanding of the global market scenario of biodegradable polymers and analysis of global market trends, with market data from 2016, considering 2016 as the base year and estimates for 2017 to 2022 with projection of the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the forecast period. 

This report covers the chemical types of biodegradable polymers along with their properties, production, producers and applications. Definitions and standards, market drivers, biodegradation testing, environmental issues, composting and relevant technologies will also be discussed. 

The different chemical type of biodegradable polymers is considered in the report which include: polylactic acid (PLA), starch based and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Qualitative analysis of protein based products, biodegradable polymers from soybeans, genetically modified (GM) biodegradable polymers and oxo-biodegradable polymers are also covered in the report.  The report further includes a discussion of the application of biodegradable polymers such as packaging, fibers/fabrics, agriculture, medical, food service, electrical and electronics and automotive, among others. 

The report concludes with a special focus on the competitive landscape which includes the key strategies adopted by the manufacturers and detailed profiles of the major manufacturers, their product offerings, strategies, including trade names and their impact on the market.

Analyst Credentials

BCC Research Team possesses expertise and experience in life and physical science domains. They specialize in offering valuable business insights, including industry analysis, competitor intelligence, strategic and financial analysis, and opportunity assessment. The team has in-depth knowledge of various sectors, including healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, IT, automation, advanced materials, and energy. They are proficient in qualitative and quantitative market intelligence providing clients with actionable insights. With a vast understanding of the competitive landscape, the team can support clients in making data-driven decisions to help them achieve a competitive edge in their respective markets.

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