Bioplastic Packaging Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2019-2024

This research report on the global bioplastic packaging market covers sizing and forecast, share, industry trends, growth drivers, and vendor analysis. The study includes insights on segmentation by packaging type (flexible and rigid), application (food and beverage, personal care, and other applications), bioplastic type (biobased and non-biodegradable and biodegradable), and geography (North America, APAC, Latin America, MEA, and Europe).

Market Dynamics

The global bioplastic packaging market growth is expected to be steady, with the supply side parameters affecting the industry cost structure more than the demand side. Europe is leading the market with the consumption of bioplastic being the highest in the region. The market is expected to be volume-driven, mainly on account of high range of products in the F&B sector, with each requiring a different packing based on its contents and processing nature.

In terms of types, biobased and non-biodegradable bioplastic is expected to witness significant growth. The use of recyclable and reusable bioplastic is one of the sustainable methods adopted in the industry. By 2030, the European Commission plans to ensure that all plastic-based packing will be either reusable or recyclable. Therefore, increased government regulations and the high pressure on vendors to opt environment-friendly packing products are likely to increase applications during the forecast period.

Developed countries are leading the charge with several new rules framed in the form of directives or regulations for the packaging industry. Brands are also facing enormous pressure for the usage of non-recyclable and single other single-use plastics. Hence, the application of bioplastic is increasing as they are biodegradable and do not impact the environment. Another reason for the increasing traction is innovations with respect to the material.

The global bioplastic packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 4% during the period 2018−2024.

 Bioplastic Packaging Market: Segmentation

The research report includes detailed segmentation by bioplastic, packaging, application, and geography.

Market by BioplasticType

The biobased and non-biodegradable packaging segment has grown at a steady rate driven by the use of three types of polymers: Bio-polyethylene terephthalate, Bio-polyethylene, and Bio-polyamide. The demand for bio-polyamides is expected to increase during the forecast period as they are environment-friendly and provide a high barrier resistance to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other similar gases. The price of Bio-polyethylene terephthalate is higher in the APAC region on account of limited production capacities in the region, especially China.

Biodegradable bioplastic has a wide application in Europe than in other regions. The development of new materials such as polylactide, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and cellulose or starch-based material offers robust functionalities such as barrier properties, composability, and biodegradability. Hence, the production capacity of the biodegradable segment is expected to increase during the forecast period.  However, the market is inhibited by the lack of scope for economies of scale.

Market by Packaging Types

With increased emphasis on the circular economy, the market is exploring several eco-friendly alternatives, both flexible and rigid types. The rise in beverage manufacturers is offering a major impetus to the application of bioplastic in rigid form. Europe and North America are the major markets on account of strict legislative emphasis. Currently, APAC is the regional leader in the conventional rigid plastic packing.

The F&B industry dominated the flexible packaging market in North America. The increase in quick-service restaurants and retail sectors has boosted the consumption of food items, thereby driving the sector. The US, along with China and India, is expected to drive the global flexible packaging market demand by the food industry during the forecast period. The growth of several F&B outlets such as QSR, coffee shops, ice cream shops, and full-service restaurants has provided new impetus to the industry.

Market by Application

The food industry is growing across the world. The industry has a wide variety of products that requires sustainable and health-friendly packing – fresh food, dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, bakery to processed, and RTE food. All these types require different packing (monolayer, multi-layer, multi-material, foil-based, and paper-based). Hence, the rise in the food and beverage industry is a major factor responsible for the growth of the market. The personal care industry is growing rapidly, with a major focus on rigid packaging. The bioplastic demand for bottle and container-based personal care products is growing in the premium category of personal care products as customers can afford this type of packaging.

Other application areas include pharmaceuticals and foodservice. Films used in plastic packaging can be a combination of various film materials. The exploration of biobased and nonbiodegradable films in the pharmaceutical sector is a major driver for the growth of the segment.

 Market by Geography

The packaging demand in Europe is expected to grow on account of EU directives and the changing industry and customer perception. The growth of stringent regulations and legislation is likely to push the procurement of bioplastic during the forecast period. However, one of the major drivers is the growing awareness of the use and purchase of sustainable practices to reduce harmful effects on the environment. Sustainable business emphasis is expected to have a major impact on the plastic industry as they are the latest stakeholders.

In North America, the shift to sustainable packing due to the low recycling rate of plastic material is expected to gain traction during the forecast period as the commercial aspect of bioplastic is fine-tuned with disruptions in supply chain rectified. The market in the US is having a steady growth rate on account of ample support from government agencies and a robust supply chain of bioplastic. Fierce competition in the F&B and personal care industry has put more pressure on brands for differentiation, aiding the demand for sustainable packing.

The growing demand for environment-friendly products, increasing packaging volumes, and plastic waste control rules are expected to aid the growth in APAC. China and Japan exhibit strong growth potential for bioplastic packaging polymers. The increased consumption of food and beverages is increasing the demand in the APAC region. However, the availability of low-cost alternatives in the form of fossil fuel-based plastics is a hindrance for the growth of the market in APAC.

Key Profiled Countries

• Argentina
• Australia
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• China
• France
• Germany
• India
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Mexico
• Saudi Arabia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Turkey
• UAE
• UK
• US

 Key Vendors Analysis

A majority of vendors are small and medium-sized enterprises. The demand is not uniform, hence regional level vendors are higher in number than global vendors. Since bioplastic is the premium raw material, the cost often passes on to consumers. The scaling up options is also limited. The demand is not steady and is mostly infrequent, hence, the challenge for the vendors is to manage resources accordingly. The market is characterized by established conventional plastic vendors, providing packaging as a service. Many vendors are shifting to sustainable and biodegradable practices. Adherence to regulations limits the use of single-use plastics, thereby driving vendors to shift toward eco-friendly and sustainable methods. Vendors have launched bioplastic products in the flexible packaging sector, followed by the rigid segment. The trade issues between the US and China are expected to adversely affect the economy of APAC, leading to a negative impact on the bioplastic packaging market.

Key Vendors

• Amcor
• Clondalkin
• Coopbox Air
• Futamura
• Huhtamaki
• Sealed Air
• Sonoco
• Sphere
• Tagleef Industries

 Renewable Raw Material Suppliers

• Cargill
• Corbion
• Reverdia
• Roquette
• Tereos
• Total

Bioplastic Manufacturers

• BASF
• Biotec
• Braskem
• DowDuPont
• Eastman Chemical Company
• Greendot
• Koninklijke DSM N.V
• NatureWorks
• Novamont
• Perstorp

 Key Market Insights

The report provides the following insights into the bioplastic packaging market for the forecast period 2019–2024.

• Offers sizing and growth prospects of the market for the forecast period 2019–2024.
• Provides comprehensive insights on the latest industry trends, forecast, and growth drivers.
• Includes a detailed analysis of growth drivers, challenges, and investment opportunities.
• Delivers a complete overview of the segments and the regional outlook of the market.
• Offers an exhaustive summary of the vendor landscape, competitive analysis, and key strategies to gain competitive advantage.