Bioplastics production capacities to grow by more than 400% by 2018

European Bioplastics, the association representing the interests of Europe’s bioplastics industry, has presented its annual market update at the 9th European Bioplastics Conference in Brussels. The data was compiled in cooperation with European Bioplastics’ scientific partners - the IfBB (Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites) and the nova-Institute - both based in Germany.

The update finds that there will be an extremely positive growth trend in global bioplastics production capacities, with European Bioplastics Chairman François de Bie stating, “The market is predicted to grow by more than 400% in the mid-term.” Indeed, capacity is set to increase from around 1.6 million tonnes in 2013 to approximately 6.7 million tonnes by 2018.

Bio-based, non-biodegradable plastics, such as bio-based PE and bio-based PET, are said to be gaining the most, driven by the growth of polylactic acid (PLA). Furthermore, renewable and compostable plastics produced locally are likely to benefit from the new EU directive on the reduction of shopping bags. Flexible and rigid packaging remains by far the leading application field for bioplastics.

“Besides this, a decisive growth can be observed in textiles and automotive applications,” said de Bie. “From functional sports garments with enhanced breathability to fuel lines, bioplastics are constantly spreading into new markets.”

Asia will expand its role as a major production hub, with most of the currently planned projects being implemented in Thailand, India and China. By 2018, about 75% of bioplastics will be produced in Asia; in comparison, Europe, at the forefront of research and development, will be left with roughly 8% of the production capacities. European Bioplastics explained that other regions of the world, such as the USA and Asia, invest in measures ‘closer to market introduction’, which results in a faster market development than in Europe.

“We urge the EU legislators to consider and make efficient use of the immense environmental, economic growth and job creation potential of our industry,” said de Bie. “In this context, the Circular Economy Package should remain in the commission’s 2015 Work Programme and the Waste Target Review should proceed as planned.”

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