Global Bioplastics Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Type (Biodegradable Bioplastics (Polyester, Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates, Starch Blends, Others), Non-Biodegradable Bioplastics (Bio-PE (Polythene), Bio-PET (Polythene Terephthalate), Bio-PA (Polyamide), Others)), By Application (Construction, Packaging, Agriculture, Textile, Automotive, FMCG, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2025 To 2030

Bioplastics Market Size:

The global bioplastics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.57% during the forecast period, reaching US$94.824 billion in 2030, up from US$48.049 billion in 2025.

Bioplastics Market Highlights:

• The bioplastics market grows with demand for sustainable packaging, driven by consumer eco-awareness.
• EU policies and subsidies boost bioplastics adoption in packaging and agriculture.
• Innovations in PHA production using waste feedstocks enhance cost-effectiveness.
• High production costs and limited composting infrastructure challenge widespread bioplastics adoption.

Introduction to the Bioplastics Market:

The bioplastics market is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by heightened environmental awareness, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences toward sustainable materials. Bioplastics, defined as plastics derived from renewable biomass sources or designed to be biodegradable, represent a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. These materials, which include bio-based polymers like polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and biodegradable polyesters, are gaining traction across industries such as packaging, agriculture, automotive, and consumer goods. The global push for a circular economy and reduced carbon footprints has positioned bioplastics as a critical component of sustainable industrial strategies. This introduction explores the current state of the bioplastics market, its key drivers, and the challenges it faces, providing a comprehensive overview for industry experts.

Bioplastics are categorized into two primary types: bio-based plastics, which are made from renewable resources like corn, sugarcane, or cellulose, and biodegradable plastics, which can break down naturally through microbial action. Some bioplastics, such as PLA and PHA, are both bio-based and biodegradable, while others, like bio-based polyethylene (PE), are derived from renewable sources but are not biodegradable. The versatility of bioplastics has led to their adoption in diverse applications, from single-use packaging to durable automotive components. The market is characterized by dynamic growth, with increasing demand driven by product innovation and supportive regulatory frameworks. For instance, the European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive, implemented in 2021 and expanded in subsequent years, has spurred demand for biodegradable alternatives in packaging and foodservice applications.

The bioplastics market is also benefiting from advancements in production technologies. Innovations in fermentation processes and enzyme engineering have improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of bio-based polymer production. For example, companies are now able to produce PHA using waste feedstocks, such as agricultural residues or wastewater, reducing reliance on virgin biomass and lowering production costs. A notable development in 2024 was the scaling up of PHA production by a European consortium, which utilized methane from industrial emissions as a feedstock, demonstrating a closed-loop approach to bioplastics manufacturing.

The bioplastics sector is witnessing rapid innovation and strategic partnerships. In 2025, a collaboration between academic institutions and industry players in Japan resulted in a novel bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with improved recyclability, reducing dependency on fossil-based PET in beverage bottles. Additionally, the adoption of bioplastics in agriculture is expanding, with biodegradable mulch films gaining popularity in Europe to reduce plastic waste in farming. These developments underscore the market’s potential to address environmental challenges while meeting industry needs.

Bioplastics Market Drivers:

• Environmental Awareness and Consumer Demand

Heightened public awareness of plastic pollution and its environmental impact is a primary driver for bioplastics adoption. With an estimated 400 million tons of plastic waste generated annually, of which less than 10% is recycled globally, consumers are increasingly favoring sustainable alternatives. This shift is evident in the rising demand for eco-friendly packaging in sectors like food and beverage, where brands are responding to consumer preferences for biodegradable or bio-based materials. For example, Unilever’s 2023 commitment to transition select product lines to bio-based packaging by 2025 reflects this trend, with the company reporting a 15% increase in consumer preference for sustainable packaging in recent surveys. Similarly, the rise of eco-conscious consumer movements, particularly in Europe and North America, has pushed retailers to adopt bioplastics in single-use items like cutlery, straws, and shopping bags, further accelerating market growth.

• Regulatory Support and Policy Initiatives

Governments worldwide are enacting policies to reduce reliance on fossil-based plastics, creating a favorable environment for bioplastics. The European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan, updated in 2024, promotes the use of bio-based and biodegradable materials through incentives such as tax breaks and research grants for manufacturers. The EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive, expanded in 2024 to include stricter bans on conventional plastic items, has driven demand for biodegradable alternatives, particularly in packaging and foodservice applications. In Asia, Japan’s 2025 Plastic Resource Circulation Strategy includes subsidies for bioplastics research, aiming to achieve a 25% market share for sustainable plastics by 2030. South Korea has also introduced tax incentives for companies adopting biodegradable plastics, fostering innovation in the sector. These policies not only stimulate demand but also encourage investment in bioplastics infrastructure.

• Technological Advancements

Innovations in biopolymer production and processing are expanding the functionality and affordability of bioplastics. Advances in fermentation technologies have reduced production costs for bio-based polymers like PLA and PHA. For instance, a 2024 breakthrough in PHA production by a European consortium utilized methane from industrial emissions as a feedstock, lowering costs by 20% compared to traditional methods. Additionally, a 2025 study published in ScienceDirect reported the development of a high-performance PLA variant with enhanced thermal stability, making it suitable for automotive and industrial applications. These advancements are enabling bioplastics to compete with conventional plastics in terms of performance, thereby broadening their market applications.

• Corporate Sustainability Goals

Multinational corporations are increasingly integrating bioplastics into their supply chains to meet ambitious sustainability targets. The automotive industry, for instance, is adopting bio-based composites to reduce carbon emissions. In 2024, BMW announced the use of bio-based materials in its electric vehicle interiors, achieving a 20% reduction in manufacturing-related emissions. Similarly, the packaging sector is seeing significant adoption, with companies like Nestlé piloting bio-based PET bottles in 2025 to align with their net-zero goals. These corporate commitments are driving demand for bioplastics while encouraging supply chain innovations, such as closed-loop recycling systems for bio-based materials.

Bioplastics Market Restraints:

• High Production Costs

Bioplastics are generally more expensive to produce than conventional plastics due to the cost of renewable feedstocks and complex manufacturing processes. For example, PLA production costs are estimated to be 20–30% higher than those of petroleum-based polyethylene, primarily due to the reliance on agricultural feedstocks like corn or sugarcane. While second-generation feedstocks, such as agricultural waste, are reducing costs, their scalability remains limited. This cost differential poses a challenge in price-sensitive markets, particularly in developing economies where cost considerations often outweigh environmental benefits.

• Limited Infrastructure for Disposal

The environmental benefits of biodegradable bioplastics depend on proper disposal systems, such as industrial composting facilities, which are scarce in many regions. A 2025 study highlighted that only 15% of global municipal waste management systems are equipped to handle compostable plastics, leading to improper disposal and reduced efficacy of biodegradable materials. In regions lacking composting infrastructure, biodegradable bioplastics may end up in landfills or incinerators, undermining their environmental value and creating confusion among consumers about their disposal.

• Feedstock Competition

The reliance on agricultural feedstocks raises concerns about competition with food production and land use. Crops like corn and sugarcane, commonly used for bio-based plastics, compete with food and feed supply chains, potentially driving up food prices in certain regions. A 2024 OECD report emphasized the risk of land-use conflicts, noting that scaling bio-based plastic production could exacerbate pressure on arable land. While second-generation feedstocks like agricultural residues or algae offer a solution, their commercial scalability is still in early stages, limiting their immediate impact.

• Performance Limitations

Some bioplastics, such as PLA, exhibit inferior mechanical properties compared to conventional plastics, restricting their use in high-performance applications. For example, PLA’s low heat resistance makes it unsuitable for certain industrial or automotive uses without modification. Although recent advancements, such as the 2025 PLA variant with improved thermal stability, are addressing these issues, widespread adoption in sectors like construction or electronics remains challenging. Additionally, the variability in bioplastics’ performance across different environmental conditions can complicate their integration into existing manufacturing processes.

Bioplastics Market Segmentation Analysis:

• By Type: Biodegradable Bioplastic – PLA is leading the market

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is the leading biodegradable bioplastic due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and established production processes. Derived from renewable resources like corn, sugarcane, or cassava, PLA is both bio-based and biodegradable under industrial composting conditions. It is widely used in packaging, foodservice items, and medical applications due to its transparency, rigidity, and compostability. PLA accounts for a significant share of the biodegradable bioplastics market, driven by its compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure and increasing demand for sustainable materials.

The PLA market is expanding rapidly, fueled by advancements in production efficiency and growing applications in single-use items like cups, trays, and films. In 2025, researchers developed a high-performance PLA variant with enhanced thermal stability, enabling its use in high-temperature applications such as automotive components. The material’s low carbon footprint—estimated to be 50–70% lower than petroleum-based plastics—makes it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious brands. Companies like Nestlé have adopted PLA for compostable coffee capsules, reflecting its growing adoption in consumer goods. However, PLA’s dependence on industrial composting facilities for effective biodegradation remains a challenge, as many regions lack such infrastructure.

The PLA market is driven by regulatory bans on single-use plastics, particularly in Europe and North America, and consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging. For instance, the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive has accelerated PLA adoption in foodservice applications. Additionally, innovations in feedstock diversification, such as using agricultural waste, are reducing production costs and mitigating food security concerns. The global PLA market is expected to grow significantly, with packaging applications leading due to PLA’s suitability for films and containers.

• By Type: Non-Biodegradable Bioplastic - Bio-PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) segment is expected to grow significantly

Bio-PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is the dominant non-biodegradable bioplastic, valued for its durability, recyclability, and compatibility with existing PET recycling streams. Unlike biodegradable bioplastics, Bio-PET is derived from renewable feedstocks, such as sugarcane-based ethanol, but retains the same chemical structure as fossil-based PET, making it non-biodegradable. It is widely used in beverage bottles, food containers, and textiles due to its strength and clarity.

Bio-PET’s market growth is driven by its seamless integration into existing plastic supply chains, particularly in the beverage industry. In 2025, a Japanese research consortium developed a bio-based PET with improved recyclability, reducing dependency on fossil-based PET for bottle production. Major brands like Coca-Cola have expanded their use of Bio-PET in their PlantBottle initiative, with over 30% of their global bottle production now incorporating bio-based materials. Bio-PET’s recyclability aligns with circular economy goals, making it a preferred choice for companies aiming to reduce carbon emissions without compromising performance.

The Bio-PET market benefits from the global push for sustainable packaging and the material’s ability to replace fossil-based PET without requiring new infrastructure. Regulatory incentives, such as tax breaks for bio-based materials in the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, further support its adoption. However, high production costs and competition with recycled PET pose challenges to scalability.

• By Application, the packaging segment is rising considerably

Packaging is the largest application segment for bioplastics, accounting for approximately 45% of the total bioplastics market volume in 2024. Bioplastics like PLA, PHA, and Bio-PET are extensively used in food packaging, beverage bottles, and flexible films due to their environmental benefits and compatibility with consumer demands for sustainability.

The packaging sector is driven by regulatory pressures and consumer preferences for eco-friendly alternatives. The EU’s ban on single-use plastics has spurred demand for biodegradable packaging, such as PLA-based trays and cups, in foodservice applications. Additionally, major retailers like Unilever have committed to using bio-based packaging for select product lines by 2025, boosting market demand. Innovations in bioplastic films, such as PHA-based flexible packaging, are also expanding applications in e-commerce and retail.

The packaging segment benefits from stringent regulations, such as Japan’s Plastic Resource Circulation Strategy, which promotes bio-based packaging. Technological advancements in barrier properties and shelf-life extension for bioplastic packaging are further driving adoption. However, the segment faces challenges related to cost competitiveness and the need for improved recycling and composting infrastructure.

Bioplastics Market Geographical Outlook:

• Europe is predicted to dominate the market

Europe is the leading region in the global bioplastics market, driven by robust regulatory frameworks, advanced infrastructure, and high consumer awareness. The region accounts for a significant share of bioplastics production and consumption, with countries like Germany, France, and Italy at the forefront.

Europe’s dominance is underpinned by policies like the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, which provides incentives for bio-based and biodegradable materials. In 2024, a European consortium scaled up PHA production using methane emissions, showcasing the region’s leadership in innovative bioplastics manufacturing. The adoption of biodegradable mulch films in European agriculture is also a key growth area, reducing plastic waste in farming. Germany, in particular, leads in bioplastics research, with universities and companies collaborating on next-generation materials.

Europe’s market leadership is supported by stringent regulations, such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive, and significant R&D investments. Consumer demand for sustainable products and well-developed composting infrastructure further drive growth. However, the region faces challenges in harmonizing regulations across member states and scaling second-generation feedstock production.

Bioplastics Market Key Developments:

• August 2022: BASF Venture Capital GmbH of BASF SE, Germany, and Aqua-Spark of the Netherlands are investing in Sea6 Energy Pvt. Ltd. Sea6 Energy is globally recognized as one of the leading companies in the cultivation, processing, and marketing of Tropical Red Seaweed. It is also utilized with bioplastics and biofuels from red seaweed at Sea6 Energy.
• April 2022: Trinseo introduced MAGNUM BIO ABS for automotive use. This new product is a step in expanding the company’s product range with its more sustainable portfolio position. It also helps customers work towards sustainability agendas whenever the company provides viable, environmentally friendly solutions.
• March 2022: ABB technology will automate NatureWorks's new bioplastics plant in Thailand, helping to meet the increasing global demand for sustainable materials. The new site is set to produce 75,000 tons of Ingeo PLA biopolymer per year—an integrated process from fermentation to polymerization enhances supply chain reliability. ABB technology will help improve the energy and production efficiency of bioplastic manufacturing, which is expected to grow by over 260% by 2026. 

Bioplastics Market Scope:

Report Metric	Details
Bioplastics Market Size in 2025	US$48.049 billion
Bioplastics Market Size in 2030	US$94.824 billion
Growth Rate	CAGR of 14.57%
Study Period	2020 to 2030
Historical Data	2020 to 2023
Base Year	2024
Forecast Period	2025 – 2030
Forecast Unit (Value)	USD Billion
Segmentation	Type Application Geography
Geographical Segmentation	North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific
List of Major Companies in Bioplastics Market	BASF SE Corbion NatureWorks LLC Novamont S.P.A. Cardia Bioplastic
Customization Scope	Free report customization with purchase

 

The global bioplastics market is analyzed into the following segments:

• By Type
  • Biodegradable Bioplastic
    • Polyester
    • Polylactic Acid (PLA)
    • Polyhydroxyalkanoates
    • Starch Blends
    • Others
  • Non-biodegradable bioplastic
    • Bio-PE (Polythene)
    • Bio-PET (Polythene Terephthalate)
    • Bio-PA (Polyamide)
    • Others
• By Application
  • Construction
  • Packaging
  • Agriculture
  • Textile
  • Automotive
  • FMCG
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • United Kingdom
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Rest of Europe
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Saudi Arabia
    • United Arab Emirates
    • Rest of the Middle East and Africa
  • Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Indonesia
    • Rest of Asia-Pacific

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Market Overview

1.2. Market Definition

1.3. Scope of the Study

1.4. Market Segmentation

1.5. Currency

1.6. Assumptions

1.7. Base and Forecast Years Timeline

1.8. Key benefits for the stakeholders

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY  

2.1. Research Design

2.2. Research Process

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3.1. Key Findings

3.2. Analyst View

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1. Market Drivers

4.1.1. Environmental Factors Encouraging a Paradigm Shift

4.1.2. Growing Demand for Bioplastics in Packaging

4.2. Market Restraints

4.2.1. Availability of Cheaper Alternatives

4.2.2. Threats from Substitutes

4.3. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

4.3.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.3.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers

4.3.3. The Threat of New Entrants

4.3.4. Threat of Substitutes

4.3.5. Competitive Rivalry in the Industry

4.4. Industry Value Chain Analysis

5. GLOBAL BIOPLASTICS MARKET BY TYPE

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Biodegradable Bioplastic

5.2.1. Polyester

5.2.2. Polylactic Acid (PLA)

5.2.3. Polyhydroxyalkanoates

5.2.4. Starch Blends

5.2.5. Others

5.3. Non-biodegradable bioplastic

5.3.1. Bio-PE (Polythene)

5.3.2. Bio-PET (Polythene Terephthalate)

5.3.3. Bio-PA (Polyamide)

5.3.4. Others

6. GLOBAL BIOPLASTICS MARKET BY APPLICATION

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Construction

6.3. Packaging

6.4. Agriculture

6.5. Textile

6.6. Automotive

6.7. FMCG

6.8. Others

7. GLOBAL BIOPLASTICS MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY

7.1. Global Overview

7.2. North America

7.2.1. United States

7.2.2. Canada

7.2.3. Mexico

7.3. South America

7.3.1. Brazil

7.3.2. Argentina

7.3.3. Rest of South America

7.4. Europe

7.4.1. United Kingdom

7.4.2. Germany

7.4.3. France

7.4.4. Italy

7.4.5. Spain

7.4.6. Rest of Europe

7.5. Middle East and Africa

7.5.1. Saudi Arabia

7.5.2. United Arab Emirates

7.5.3. Rest of the Middle East and Africa

7.6. Asia-Pacific

7.6.1. China

7.6.2. India

7.6.3. Japan

7.6.4. South Korea

7.6.5. Taiwan

7.6.6. Thailand

7.6.7. Indonesia

7.6.8. Rest of Asia-Pacific

8. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT AND ANALYSIS

8.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis

8.2. Market Share Analysis

8.3. Mergers, Acquisitions, Agreements, and Collaborations

8.4. Competitive Dashboard

9. COMPANY PROFILES

9.1. BASF SE

9.2. Corbion

9.3. NatureWorks LLC

9.4. Novamont S.P.A.

9.5. Cardia Bioplastic

9.6. Biome Bioplastic

9.7. Braskem

9.8. Nature Plast

9.9. PlastoBag

BASF SE

Corbion

NatureWorks LLC

Novamont S.P.A.

Cardia Bioplastic

Biome Bioplastic

Braskem

Nature Plast

PlastoBag