Degradable Plastics Trending Positive
- Published: December 01, 2010
CLEVELAND, OH | The degradable plastic industry is showing positive trends driven by continuing interest in environmental issues as well as the increasing availability of biodegradable plastics. These conclusions are from a new report by The Freedonia Group.
US demand for degradable plastics is forecast to rise 16.6%/yr to 325 million lb in 2014, valued at $380 million. Opportunities will reflect continued capacity growth, efforts to reduce pollution and US reliance on petroleum products, and consumer demand for sustainable, environmentally friendly packaging and manufactured goods.
Polylactic acid (PLA) and starch-based plastics dominate the market, and both are expected to see strong growth. PLA will register the faster gains due to increased availability, greater processor familiarity, and performance enhancements that will expand potential applications. Starch-based resins will benefit from the introduction of improved resin grades, blending with other biopolymers and an increasing number of suppliers.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a new product, had negligible sales in 2009, but the report predicts rapid growth over the next ten years.
For more information on Degradable Plastics, visit www.freedoniagroup.com.
| US Degradable Plastic Demand (million pounds) | % Annual Growth | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item | 2004 | 2009 | 2014 | 04-09 | 09-14 |
| Polylactic Acid | 20 | 55 | 140 | 22.4 | 20.5 |
| Starch-Based | 25 | 50 | 85 | 14.9 | 11.2 |
| Cellulose | 16 | 20 | 25 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Petroleum-Based | 12 | 19 | 30 | 9.6 | 9.6 |
| Polyhydroxyalkanoates | — | 1 | 35 | — | 103.6 |
| Other | 4 | 6 | 10 | 8.4 | 10.8 |
| Total | 77 | 151 | 325 | 14.4 | 16.6 |
©2010 by The Freedonia Group
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