Global demand for biobased and biodegradable plastics will rise 19 percent per year to 960,000 metric tons in 2017. Starch-based resins and polylactic acid (PLA) will remain the leading products, while the most rapid gains in demand are expected for biobased commodity resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene.This study analyzes the 408,000 metric ton world bioplastic industry. It presents historical demand data for 2002, 2007 and 2012, and forecasts for 2017 and 2022 by product (e.g., starch-based resins, polylactic acid, biobased polyethylene, polyester bioplastics, biobased polyamides), market (e.g., containers, packaging film, loose-fill packaging, nonpackaging bags, foodservice disposables, automotive and electronics, agriculture), world region, and for 17 countries.The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles 35 industry players, including NatureWorks, Arkema and Novamont.
