US demand for biodegradable plastic will grow 15.5 percent annually through 2012. Gains will be driven by escalating costs for petroleum-based resins and growing initiatives that favor renewable resources. Polyester-based and polylactic acid resins will grow the fastest, while starch-based types remain the largest segment.
This study analyzes the 350 million pound US biodegradable plastic industry. It presents historical demand data (1997, 2002 and 2007) and forecasts for 2012 and 2017 by type (e.g., starch-based, polylactic acid, cellophane, polyester-based, photodegradable, polyvinyl alcohol), and market (e.g., packaging, nonpackaging film, fiber, medical).
The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles 32 industry players, including NatureWorks, Innovia Films and ITW Hi-Cone.