Global bioplastics capacity to hit 7.8 million tons in 2019

Low oil prices augur well for the global bioplastics industry as results of European Bioplastics' annual market data update presented during the 10th European Bioplastics Conference in Berlin indicate substantial growth in bioplastics capacity. The market is predicted to grow by more than 350% in the mid-term, according to François de Bie, Chairman of European Bioplastics.

Data compiled in cooperation with IfBB (Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites) and nova-Institute indicates that the global bioplastics production capacity will increase from around 1.7 million tons in 2014 to about 7.8 million tons in 2019. Biobased, non-biodegradable plastics, such as bio-PE and bio-PET, are the main drivers of this growth.

Production capacities of biodegradable plastics, such as PLA, PHA, and starch blends, are also growing steadily, nearly doubling until 2019. Packaging remains the single largest field of application for bioplastics with almost 70% of the total bioplastics market. The data reflects a trend where packaging now moves toward to becoming more resource efficient, which is driven by a growing consumer demand for products with a reduced environmental impact, according to Mr. de Bie.

Asia will further expand its role as major production hub with more than 80% of bioplastics produced in Asia by 2019, while Europe will account for less then 5% of the production capacities.