European Bioplastics’ Market Development Update, presented at EBC23 in Berlin, reveals a promising future for the bioplastics industry in Europe. After a period of stagnation caused by the impact of Covid-19, the production of bioplastics is experiencing a significant boom.
The report highlights a surge in global bioplastics production capacity, projected to rise from 2.18 million tonnes in 2023 to approximately 7.43 million tonnes in 2028. This growth can be attributed to increased demand and the development of advanced applications and products.
Hasso von Pogrell, the Managing Director of European Bioplastics (EUBP), recognizes the significance of this growth, stating, The capacity for bioplastics production is on the rise, underscoring the resilience and significance of our industry. This expansion comes amidst a climate crisis, escalating energy costs, and disrupted value chains.
Thanks to the development of polymers such as PLA (polylactid acid), PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates), PAs (polyamides), and the continuous growth of Polypropylene (PP), bioplastics now offer viable alternatives to conventional plastic materials across various applications. In the next five years, production capacities are expected to continue their significant growth trend.
The growing adoption of bioplastics extends to diverse sectors, including packaging, consumer products, electronics, automotive, and textiles. Packaging remains the largest market segment for bioplastics, accounting for 43 percent (934,000 tonnes) of the total bioplastics market in 2023.
Von Pogrell emphasizes the potential role of bioplastics in the packaging sector, stating, Data shows that bioplastics have a future in the packaging sector, replacing non-recyclable applications and aiding in the phasing out of fossil-based options.
In the latest report, production data is included for the first time, allowing an examination of the utilization rate. The findings indicate that the bioplastics industry is operating at nearly full capacity in 2023, with an average utilization rate of 82 percent (1.79 million tonnes production vs. 2.18 million tonnes production capacities). However, utilization rates vary depending on the polymer type, ranging from 60 percent to 100 percent.
The significant growth in bioplastics production capacity reflects the increasing recognition of the environmental challenges posed by traditional plastics. With the ability to replace and outperform conventional materials, bioplastics have emerged as a sustainable solution to combat the climate crisis and reduce reliance on fossil-based options.
As the market expands, it presents exciting opportunities for industries to incorporate bioplastics into their operations, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. With a projected increase in production and advances in applications, bioplastics are set to play an essential role in transforming the plastic landscape.
The bioplastics boom in Europe marks a promising turning point and sets the stage for substantial growth and innovation in the coming years. The future of sustainable plastic production has never looked brighter.
