Biodegradable polymers are a unique class of polymer that breaks down after its intended purpose by bacterial decomposition process to result in natural byproducts such as gases (CO2, N2), biomass, water and inorganic salts. Biodegradable polymers are returned to the soil and are enriched by being composted with microorganisms. Usage of biodegradable polymers decomposition stabilizes the environment and enhances the longevity of the landfills by reducing the garbage volume.
The polymers can also be reprocessed into useful oligomers by enzymatic, microbial, and hydrolytic treatment for other applications. Biodegradable polymers can be classified into synthetic polymers, natural polymers and modified natural polymers. Various types of biodegradable polymers are described with respect to their composition, structure, properties and applicability.
Demand for biodegradable polymers has been rising due to environmental concerns about the use of nonrenewable materials. Biodegradable polymers are being integrated into the countries and becoming a norm in plastic packaging that promotes a sustainable lifestyle.
The global biodegradable polymer market growth is driven by increasing research & developments for biodegradable plastics and strict government norms on non-biodegradable polymers.
Strict government norms on non-biodegradable polymers
The biodegradable polymer market is expected to drive with government efforts to reduce the use of harmful plastics and to support biodegradable polymers. Various countries have been aiming to reduce single-use plastic items such as bags, straws and cutlery. For instance, Since 2018, China has imposed a ban on plastic waste imports. Also, India is looking at a three-phased ban on the use, manufacture, sale, import and handling of single-use plastic items.
The countries have invested in research and development to use eco-friendly polymers for different fields and applications, such as agriculture, packaging, and healthcare. Mango Materials is among the firms attempting to create an industry around polyhydroxyalkanoates, a biodegradable, biobased polymers class. In addition, The University of California has shared a new process for making 'biodegradable' plastics truly compostable with Polymer-eating enzymes embedded in plastic, allowing programmed degradation in 2021. In 2018, A new Tel Aviv University study also described a process to make bioplastic polymers that do not require land or freshwater resources. Instead, the polymer is derived from microorganisms that are fed on seaweed.
High cost of biodegradable polymer
The biodegradable polymer market is impacted by the higher price when compared to petroleum-based polymers. Biodegradable polymers are are comparatively expensive than petroleum-based non-biodegradable counterparts due to and higher raw material cost and limited availability, which impose a serious threat to its gobal acceptance. Their cost for manufacturing depends upon several factors including type of polymer, amount of material, raw material cost, availability etc.
Moreover, biodegradable polymers obtained from renewable sources have low mechanical properties, high hydrophilic capacity, rapid degradation rate, and poor mechanical properties in humid environments are the factors responsible for restraining the market. These scenarios are expected to restraint the maket in the forecast period.
Europe region holds the largest market for the global biodegradable polymer globally
Europe region holds the largest market share for the biodegradable polymer market globally and is expected to continue its dominance in the forecast period. According to the recent study by European Bioplastics, global bioplastics production is set to increase from approximately 2.11 million tons in 2020 to 2.87 million tons in 2025. Moreover, the strict government regulations towards the use of plastics have boosted the biodegradable polymer market. For instance, European Union has approved a ban on certain single-use plastics, which will create opportunities for new and innovative biopolymers, such as polylactic acid, bio-based polypropylene and polyhydroxyalkanoates.
The region has been observing new product launches and partnerships between leading market players to surge the demand for biodegradable polymers. For example, in 2020, Packaging firm DS Smith formed a partnership with biodegradable polymer manufacturer Aquapak for developing the “next generation” of packaging solutions. The two UK-based companies are looking to develop fibre-based products, which will replace hard-to-recycle packaging.
Moreover, in 2020, Danimer Scientific, a company focused on developing and producing biodegradable materials, and Live Oak Acquisition Corp announced a definitive agreement for a business combination that would result in Danimer Scientific becoming a public company.
Competitive Landscape
The biodegradable polymer market is consolidated with the local player’s presence, followed by the global companies, contributing to the significant share in the market growth. In addition, some of the key players contributing to the growth of the market are Toyochem Co., Ltd, BASF SE, TerraVerdae Bioworks, NatureWorks LLC, Novamont S.p.A, Novamont SpA, Total Corbion PLA bv, Rodenburg Biopolymers, LG Chem, Sigma Aldrich and others. Furthermore, the major players are adopting various new strategies to dominate the market, such as expansions, acquisitions and collaborations, contributing to the growth of the biodegradable polymer market globally.
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