Biodegradable Polymer Market 
 

Biodegradable polymers are polymers that disintegrate after usage, releasing natural byproducts such as CO2, N2, water, biomass, and inorganic salts. These polymers exist in both natural and synthetic forms and are mostly made of ester, amide, and ether functional groups. Their unique structure dictates their properties and breakdown mechanism. Condensation methods, ring opening polymerization, and metal catalysts are commonly utilized to produce these materials. Biodegradable polymers have a variety of examples and applications. Environmentally acceptable degradable polymers are those that disintegrate in the environment via many paths, ultimately resulting in complete biodegradation with no remnants leaving in the environment. Polymeric biomaterials are biodegraded through the breakage of hydrolytically or enzymatically sensitive links in the polymer, leading
 

Market Dynamics

Driver

• Biodegradable polymers are used in the creation of packaging bags, which is driving the market forward. According to a National Geography survey, packaging accounts for 40% of all plastic produce, and these plastic bags are only used once before being disposed. The growing usage of plastic is extremely harmful to the environment; roughly 500 million plastic bags are used annually, generating huge pollution; instead, many consumers and manufacturers are shifting their preference to biodegradable and ecofriendly packaging bags; biodegradable polymers are free of harmful elements, breakdown readily, and are recyclable; this factor pushes the market.
• Increased need for biodegradable polymers mitigates the detrimental effects of toxic materials on health and the environment.  Packaging made of biodegradable materials can boost a brand's image by appealing to environmentally conscious customers and contributing to positive consumer perception.
   

Restraints 

• Cost of biodegradable polymers is higher than that of ordinary plastic, which limits business growth. In comparison to ordinary plastic, biodegradable plastic manufacture necessitates extra procedures and unique equipment, raising the cost of producing biodegradable polymers. As a result, the whole production cost is rather high. 
• Biodegradable polymers are made from plant-based resources like maize starch and sugarcane. These renewable resources have higher manufacturing and processing costs when compared to the extraction and refining of fossil fuels used in traditional plastics. 
• Price of biodegradable polymers is influenced by fluctuations in oil prices. It would be a long-term challenge. 
   

Opportunity 

• Owners and retailers are campaigning for more sustainable packaging composed of biodegradable materials rather than conventional plastics. Sustainable packaging provides an opportunity for producers and merchants to differentiate their products while simultaneously portraying a more environmentally responsible image to consumers. Biodegradable packaging is an ideal match for organic products, which are in high demand. Several retailers now sell organically cultivated fruits and vegetables, as well as other foods, in biodegradable containers.
• PLA is finding new applications in specialized cards including credit cards, membership cards, retail cards, and gift cards. Biodegradable polymers enable merchants and brand owners to take a more environmentally responsible approach than ordinary plastics like PVC in these applications. PLA sheet's stiffness makes it easy to score, and its surface is great for printing and varnishing. Company Unitika, for example, claims that PLA's antifungal properties, combined with its ability to be adjusted for biodegradability, make it suited as a landscape fabric. Unitika sees the possibility for a complete geotextile system, including rope, plant coverings, plant pots, and fertilizer bags.

Key Players
Evonik Industries AG (Germany)
DuPont de Nemours Inc. (United States)
Novamont SpA (Norway)
Koninklijke DSM NV (Netherlands)
Braskem SA Arkema SA (United States)
BASF (Germany)
NatureWorks (United States)
Total Corbion (Netherland)
Novamont (Italy)
Biome Bioplatics (United Kingdom)
Mitsubishi Chemical Holding Corporation (Japan)
Toray Industries (Japan)
Plantic Technologies (Australia)
Danimer Scientific (United States)
Fkur Kunstsoff (Germany)
Galactic Sa (Belgium)
Bewisynbra Group (Sweden)
Cereplast  (United States)
Danimer Scientific ((United States)
Futerro (Belgium)
Mitsui Chemicals (Japan)
Rodenburg Biopolymers B V (Netherlands)
Teijin LTD (Japan)
 

• Market Segmentation
• By Type

Starch-based Plastics

Polylactic Acid, Polyhydroxy Alkanoates

Polyesters

Cellulose Derivatives

• By End-User Industry

Agriculture

Textile

Consumer Goods

Packaging, Healthcare

Other End-User Industries

•  By Geography

Asia-Pacific

North America

Europe

Rest of World
 

Recent Industry Insight

• In 2022, a ream of scientist of India developed an ecofriendly polymer for packaging applications. Using the solution casting method,  the polymer is made of guar gum and chitosan. The films are fabricated with high mechanical strength to resist environmental condition. 
• On April 2021, NatureWork announced new starergic partnership with IMA Coffee,whichis market leader in coffee handling processing and packging. This partnership aims at increasing the market reachfor high performing compostable K-cup in North America.
   

Recent Merger and Acquisition

• On Aug 2021, animer Scientific, Inc. announced the completion of its acquisition of Novomer, Inc., a leading developer of conversion technology that enables the creation of PHA-based resins and other biodegradable materials with transformable, functional, and low net carbon inputs. 
• On February 2023, Arlington Capital announced that Tex Tech Industries, a global supplier of materials science-based solutions for demanding end use markets such as aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial, has completed a transaction with SGL Carbon to acquire the operating assets of its Gardena, California site, as well as certain assets of SGL Composites Inc.
   
• Key Target Audience
  End User
  Potential Investors
  New Entrants
  Innovation and R&D
  Suppliers and Manufacturers
  Others