Biodegradable Polymers Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Application in the packaging industry: The shift towards sustainable options for packaging has enlarged the biodegradable polymers market. Driven by consumer demand, packaging for consumer goods, particularly food, is switching to eco-friendly options. Companies are prioritizing the usage of biodegradable packaging to obtain sustainability. Many utilize this alternative to distinguish their branding by portraying themselves as environmentally responsible brands. This further encourages other competitors to invest in these biodegradable solutions. For instance, in September 2022, Amcor invested USD 0.25 million in Bloom and Nfinite to utilize their recyclable and biodegradable polymers.
• Government initiatives to promote adoption: Strict regulatory policies on banning plastic usage in every sector have forced consumers to switch to alternatives. This further derives greater acceptance and demand in the biodegradable polymers market. Worldwide governing authorities are implementing regulations to promote the usage of these non-conventional polymers through incentives and mandates. Governments are also setting standards to maintain the quality of polymers, building consumer trust. For instance, the Plastic Waste Management Rules mandate certification of all biodegradable plastics. Under this act, the products shall comply with Indian Standard IS: 17088 before supplying, according to the PIB Delhi article, March 2023.

Challenges

• Expensive market price: The high cost of products may become a hurdle for the biodegradable polymers market. These often rely on renewable sources such as starch, PLA, and PHA, which can be more expensive than fuel-based feedstocks. On the other hand, the complexity of the manufacturing process requires extensive equipment, resulting in additional expenses. As the industry is still developing, there are limitations in sufficient investments for research and development.
• Conditional degradation: Many biodegradable polymers require specific disposal conditions, such as moisture, temperature, and microbial activity. Lack of composting facilities may hinder the process of effective degradation. Thus, polymers can fail to serve their purpose of a shorter presence in the environment. This further violates the regulatory framework and affects consumer trust. The inconsistent degradation rates can also limit the product’s end-of-life options. This may lead to less biodegradable polymers market acceptance, pushing consumers to switch to alternatives.