US demand for biodegradable and non-biodegradable bio-based resins is forecast to climb at a 20 percent annual pace through 2016 to 550 million pounds. Polylactic acid will remain the largest bioplastic segment, while bio-based polyethylene and degradable polyesters will grow the fastest at double-digit rates. Nonpackaging markets will outpace packaging uses.
This study analyzes the 220 million pound US bioplastic industry. It presents historical demand data for the years 2001, 2006 and 2011, with forecasts for 2016 and 2021 by resin (e.g., polylactic acid, starch-based plastics, cellulose films, bio-based polyethylene, bio-based polyamides, degradable polyesters), product (e.g., film, molded goods) and market (e.g., packaging, nonpackaging).
The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles 44 industry players, including NatureWorks, Innovia Films and Arkema.
