Alexei Volkov
Biodegradable plastics are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional plastics, offering a more sustainable future. They are derived from renewable resources like starch, vegetable oils, and cellulose, and can be broken down by natural organisms such as bacteria and fungi. While biodegradable plastics are currently more expensive, with prices ranging from $2 to $7 per kilogram, experts predict that as production increases and technology advances, the cost will eventually equalize with traditional plastics. The market for biodegradable plastics is growing, with North America accounting for over 80% of the market share in 2021, and a variety of industries, including packaging, medical, and agriculture, adopting its use. However, challenges such as the lack of infrastructure for waste collection and composting, as well as the high cost of machinery and molds, may impact the growth of biodegradable plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of Biodegradable Plastic | Plastic that can break down at faster rates than standard plastics |
| Global Bioplastic Market Projection | $17 billion in 2022 to $44 billion |
| Plastic Generated in the US in 2018 | 35.7 million tons |
| Plastic Recycled in the US in 2018 | 3 million tons |
| Plastic Recycled in the US in 2018 (%) | 8.7% |
| Plastic Entering the Ocean Each Year | 9 million tons |
| Plastic in the Ocean | 165 million tons |
| Plastic Recycled (%) | 9% |
| Plastic Decomposition Time | Up to 500 years |
| Bioplastics Composition | 20% or more of renewable materials |
| Biodegradable Plastic Composition | Water, carbon dioxide, compost, inorganic compounds, and biomass |
| Biodegradable Plastic Benefits | Reduced use of fossil fuels, smaller carbon footprint, faster decomposition |
| Biodegradable Plastic Concerns | Require specific waste management methods, may release metals, may not fully biodegrade |
What You'll Learn
Biodegradable plastic costs
The price of biodegradable plastics can range between $3.35 and $4.69 per kg, making them slightly more expensive than conventional polymers. The production of biodegradable materials often requires advanced technology and skilled labor, resulting in higher initial investment costs. However, as the market for biodegradable plastics grows and technology advances, experts predict that the costs will eventually equalize with those of traditional plastics. The increasing demand and production values will contribute to more stable long-term costs for biodegradable options.
The adoption of biodegradable plastics has been slow, partly due to resistance from manufacturers who face pressure to minimize costs while maximizing quality and value. Additionally, the infrastructure for waste collection and composting biodegradable materials is still lacking in some regions, posing challenges to their implementation. Nevertheless, biodegradable materials offer significant environmental benefits, decomposing through the action of naturally occurring organisms and reducing the accumulation of waste.
While biodegradable plastics are a step towards sustainability, they are not a perfect solution. Bio-based plastics have their own set of challenges, including the vast amounts of land and water needed to grow the required plants. Additionally, they can still contain toxic additives, and their durability is lower than that of conventional plastics. However, as research continues and more manufacturers adopt biodegradable options, we can expect improvements in production processes and costs, bringing us closer to a more sustainable future.
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Bioplastics market growth
The global bioplastics market is growing, with an estimated size of USD 15,575.9 million in 2023, projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.5% from 2025 to 2030. Bioplastics currently represent approximately 0.5% of the almost 414 million tonnes of plastics produced globally. Bioplastics are gaining importance as an alternative to conventional plastics as consumers seek more environmentally friendly options. This shift in consumer behaviour, coupled with government initiatives to restrict the use of single-use plastics, is stimulating market growth.
The biodegradable segment of the bioplastics market accounts for the largest market share, driven by significant demand from industries such as textiles, packaging, consumer goods, and agriculture & horticulture. The demand for biodegradable plastics in these industries is fuelled by their performance, sustainability, and eco-friendly nature.
The packaging industry, in particular, remains the largest market segment for bioplastics, with 45% of the total bioplastics market in 2024. The increasing usage of biodegradable plastic in packaging is anticipated to supplement the growth of this segment. Companies are undertaking strategic initiatives to meet the rising demand, such as SKC's plan to build the world's largest biodegradable plastic plant in Vietnam, with an annual capacity of 70,000 tons of polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT).
The consumer goods segment of biodegradable plastics is also growing, with more brands and consumers prioritizing sustainability. Products such as utensils, plates, cups, and toys are increasingly being made from biodegradable materials. Additionally, advancements in bioplastics technology have made biodegradable housewares more durable, affordable, and environmentally friendly, further contributing to the market growth.
Bioplastics derived from renewable sources such as corn, potatoes, and tapioca offer sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. Starch blends, in particular, are highly accepted in the market due to their eco-friendly and versatile nature. The heightened demand for bioplastics in automotive applications, driven by their superior properties, is also expected to create favourable growth prospects for companies in the market.
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Plastic recycling costs
The cost of recycling plastic varies depending on the country, state, and local conditions. For instance, government-sponsored recycling facilities can absorb non-profitable batches more easily. The cost of recycling plastic is influenced by the global restructuring of the scrap market, the low value of scrap, high recycling costs, and low oil prices.
The price of recycled plastic has been increasing, with some types of plastic packaging being considered for a recyclability downgrade. For example, the price of recycled PET containers increased by nearly 30% in 2021, and the national average price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars has continued to rise, reaching 15.09 cents per pound in 2024.
Despite the higher costs of recycling, there is a growing demand for recycled plastic as manufacturers of consumer products prioritize sustainability and shift away from virgin materials. As new technologies and infrastructure are developed, the price of recycling is expected to decrease, making it more cost-effective to recycle plastic in the future.
Biodegradable plastics, derived from renewable resources like starch and cellulose, are generally 20-30% more expensive than traditional plastics due to the use of natural raw materials and complex production processes. However, as the market for bioplastics expands and production scales up, the cost of biodegradable plastics is predicted to equalize with that of conventional plastics.
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Compostable biopolymers
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, biodegradable materials are gaining popularity as a viable alternative to traditional plastic. Compostable biopolymers are a subcategory of biodegradable materials that break down into nutrient-rich compost under controlled conditions, offering environmental advantages like soil enrichment and supporting the growth of healthy plant life.
Biopolymers are derived from biological sources and are a broader class of materials that include all polymers derived from these sources. Bioplastics, on the other hand, are a subset of biopolymers specifically designed to be used as plastics. In other words, all bioplastics are biopolymers, but not all biopolymers are bioplastics. Biologically-derived biopolymers resemble plastics visually but are biodegradable and may be recovered in organics processing infrastructure.
The use of compostable biopolymers in food packaging is becoming increasingly popular. For example, INZEA offers a range of compostable biopolymers for food packaging and grocery bags that can be processed using conventional methods. These biopolymers provide a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastics and help solve the problem of waste from single-use products.
As the market for bioplastics continues to grow and technology advances, the costs of biodegradable materials are expected to eventually equalize with those of traditional plastics.
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Biodegradable plastic applications
Biodegradable plastics are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional plastics, offering a more sustainable future and helping to reduce our environmental footprint. They are derived from renewable resources, including plant-based raw materials such as starch, vegetable oils, and cellulose, which fully break down into harmless constituents over time. This process is facilitated by microorganisms, which break the plastic down into water, carbon dioxide, or methane, and biomass under specified conditions.
The applications of biodegradable plastics are wide-ranging, and they can be found in many market segments. In the food and catering industry, biodegradable plastics are used for cups, mugs, trays, plates, and cutlery, as well as food packaging and bottles. They are also used in the cosmetics industry for packaging creams, lipsticks, and other cosmetic products. Biodegradable plastics are further applied in agriculture and horticulture, where compostable products can enrich the soil and support the growth of healthy plant life.
Biodegradable plastics are also used in consumer electronics, automotive and transport, consumer goods, and household appliances. In building and construction, they can be used for coating and adhesives, and they are also found in the fibres used for clothing. The versatility of biodegradable plastics means they can be foamed into packing materials, extruded, and injection-moulded using conventional machines.
While biodegradable plastics are a positive step towards sustainability, it is important to note that their adoption has been slow, with manufacturers facing pressure to provide low-cost, high-quality products. Additionally, biodegradable plastics should be brought to the proper facilities to ensure they are disposed of correctly, or the advantages they offer may be lost.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2021, the US accounted for more than 80% of the North American biodegradable plastic market share in terms of revenue. The global biodegradable plastic market is growing, and prices are expected to level with conventional plastics as production increases and technology advances.
Biodegradable plastic is made from renewable bio-based materials such as starch, vegetable oils, cellulose, and sugarcane.
Biodegradable plastic breaks down through the action of naturally occurring organisms such as bacteria, mould, or fungi. It can also be broken down in a compost, creating nutrient-rich compost that can be used for soil enrichment.
