Global Polylactic Acid Market is valued at approximately USD 587.50 million in 2022 and is anticipated to grow with a healthy growth rate of more than 21.4% during the forecast period 2024-2032. Polylactic acid, commonly referred to as PLA, represents a thermoplastic monomer sourced from renewable organic materials such as corn starch or sugar cane. The utilization of biomass resources distinguishes PLA production from most plastics, typically derived from fossil fuels via the processes of petroleum distillation and polymerization. The market is strongly influenced by the demand for polylactic acid (PLA) biodegradable resin in packaging. Bioplastics, serving as eco-friendly substitutes for conventional plastics in flexible and rigid packaging, are driving this trend. Additionally, PLA's exceptional mechanical properties, including strength and durability, make it increasingly sought-after in construction applications. Its biocompatibility further enhances its appeal for use in construction materials, with the growth of the construction industry significantly boosting market expansion.
The demand for bioplastics, driven by its environmentally friendly characteristics and ease of recyclability, has been experiencing consistent growth across various industries, particularly in the packaging sector. According to European Bioplastics e.V., In 2023, bioplastics comprised approximately 0.5% of the total annual plastic production, which exceeded 400 million tons worldwide. The global bioplastics production capacity is projected to witness substantial growth, escalating from approximately 2.18 million tons in 2023 to an estimated 7.43 million tons by 2028. The anticipated rise in demand for thermoplastics within the automotive sector presents a significant opportunity for market growth, driven by the increasing preference for lightweight and energy-efficient vehicles. Furthermore, the biodegradability of PLA products, capable of decomposing into natural components when disposed of in industrial composting facilities, alleviates the strain on landfills. Moreover, the recyclability of PLA, enabling its transformation into new products, serves to further mitigate waste accumulation. This waste management attribute of polylactic acid represents a vital opportunity for market expansion. However, the high cost of Polylactic Acid when compared with the other conventional polymers pose a challenge that stifles market growth throughout the forecast period of 2024-2032. Moreover, the manufacturing process of Polylactic acid (PLA) is both costly and intricate, relying on the precise execution of numerous subfactors to meet industry standards.
The key regions considered for the Global Polylactic Acid Market study includes Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominated the market in 2022 driven by the growing demand for bioplastics and a strong demand for sustainable applications which has also been promoted by the Governments in this region. Asia Pacific is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period, owing to increased demand for thermoplastics in the automotive industry due to increased volume in the production of energy-efficient and lightweight vehicles. Furthermore, global environmental and climate change apprehensions are compelling nations to opt for biodegradable packaging materials.
Major market player included in this report are:
TotalEnergies Corbion
NatureWorks LLC
Jiangsu Supla Bioplastics Co., Ltd.
Futerro
COFCO International
Jiangxi Keyuan Biopharm Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Tong-jie-liang Biomaterials Co., LTD.
Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials Co., Ltd.
BASF SE
Danimer Scientific
Recent Developments in the Market:
In March 2024, TotalEnergies Corbion finalized the installation of solar panels at its facility in Rayong, Thailand. This endeavor is following the principles outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, which underscores the importance of fostering responsible consumption and production practices in the Polylactic Acid Market.
In October 2023, NatureWorks announced the advancement of construction on its new fully integrated Ingeo PLA biopolymer manufacturing facility in Thailand. With an annual capacity of 75,000 tons, the facility is advanced to produce the complete range of Ingeo grades, reflecting the company's commitment to providing global downstream packaging and fiber markets with fully biobased, low-carbon biomaterials.
In December 2022, Futerro is planning to establish a new fully integrated PLA biorefinery in Normandy, France. This facility comprises D a lactic acid unit for processing agricultural raw materials, a PLA conversion unit, and a dedicated unit for molecular recycling of PLA.
Global Polylactic Acid Market Report Scope:
Historical Data - 2020 - 2021
Base Year for Estimation - 2022
Forecast period - 2024-2032
Report Coverage - Revenue forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth factors, and Trends
Segments Covered - Raw material, Application, End User, Region
Regional Scope - North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa
Customization Scope - Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analyst's working hours) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope*
The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values to the coming years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within countries involved in the study.
The report also caters detailed information about the crucial aspects such as driving factors & challenges which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, it also incorporates potential opportunities in micro markets for stakeholders to invest along with the detailed analysis of competitive landscape and product offerings of key players. The detailed segments and sub-segment of the market are explained below:
By Raw Material:
Corn starch
Sugarcane
Cassava
Others
By Application:
Rigid thermoform
Film & sheets
Bottles
Others
By End Use:
Packaging
Agriculture
Automotive & transportation
Electronics
Textile
Consumer goods
Bio-medical
Others
By Region:
North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
UK
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
ROE
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea
RoAPAC
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
