Rising bioplastic output in Asia

Global bioplastics production capacity is expected to more than double from 2010 to 2015. Capacity is projected to breach the one million tonne mark already in 2011, according to a study presented by the industry association European Bioplastics in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Hanover. From a figure of around 700,000 tonnes in 2010, the production capacity for bioplastics will increase to an estimated 1.7 million tonnes by 2015. This year alone will see capacity hitting an important threshold: the first half of 2011 already recorded production capacity exceeding 900,000 tonnes.
The report further noted that the composition of global production volume. In 2010, the bioplastics branch primarily produced biodegradable materials, totalling around 400,000 tonnes (compared to 300,000 tonnes of biobased commodity plastics). This ratio will be reversed in the coming years – despite overall growth. "Our market study shows that biobased commodity plastics, with a total of around one million tonnes, will make up the majority of production capacity in 2015. Biodegradable materials will, however, also grow substantially and will reach about 700,000 tonnes by then," explains Professor Dr. (Eng.) Hans-Josef Endres of the Unirversity of Applied Sciences and Arts of Hanover.
The bioplastics market in Southeast Asia is developing fast and demand for bioplastics has been on the rise. The large population in the region provides an impetus to producers to explore opportunities. Producers are encouraged by the huge market potential of the region, which primarily stems from the market's novelty and current low penetration in target applications. The market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 129.8% in the next 5-7 years until 2015, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan.
The swift expansion of bioplastics is more visible in the rising number of applications – from packaging to automotive manufacture, toys, household products, electronic components, and many more other products. The growing group of durable biobased bioplastics appeals strongly to the packaging market that several well-known brands have introduced their products in biobased containers and packaging to the market. 

Thailand leads in bioplastic production
NatureWorks LLC, the world's leading bioplastics manufacturer, announced that Thailand's largest chemical producer, PTT Chemical Public Company Limited (PTT Chemical) is investing $150 million in NatureWorks. NatureWorks supplies its broad family of renewable Ingeo biopolymers made from plants to plastics and fibres markets worldwide. PTT Chemical's investment in NatureWorks, until now wholly owned by Cargill, is subject to regulatory approval.
"The Thai Government encourages investment in green chemicals, and particularly bioplastics, which have high growth potential in the Southeast Asian market," said Thailand's Minister of Energy H.E. Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan. "By attracting what could be the most advanced biopolymer processing plant in the world to Thailand, PTT Chemical has made a significant step in achieving Thailand's strategic objectives of becoming a regional hub for green technologies and solutions."

"This is a significant investment by a leading chemical company, which will allow NatureWorks to continue its aggressive growth whilst expanding its capacity to meet global demand for bio-based products. PTT Chemical's investment demonstrates a significant milestone in moving Ingeo bio-based plastics and fibres to the polymer mainstream," said MFootwear