Plastics Industry Association releases bioplastics report

The Plastics Industry Association, Washington, has released a Plastics Market Watch report titled “Watching: Bioplastics" that says bioplastics are in a growth stage and will outpace the economy as a whole by attracting new investments and entrants into the sector. The report also says new products and manufacturing technologies will be introduced to make bioplastics more competitive and dynamic.

The report finds growing interest in bioplastics but also a continued need for education. According to a survey the association conducted of U.S. consumers in January 2018, more consumers are “familiar” or “somewhat familiar” with bioplastics compared with a survey conducted just two years ago: 32 percent of consumers are familiar with bioplastics in 2018 compared with only 27 percent in 2016. The survey also indicates 64 percent of consumers would prefer to buy a product made with bioplastics, adding that they expect to see bioplastics in disposable plastic tableware, plastic bags, food and cosmetic packaging and toys.

As bioplastics product applications continue to expand, the growth dynamics of the industry will continue to shift, the association says. Looking at industry studies on market segmentation, packaging is the largest segment of the market at 37 percent, followed by bottles at 32 percent. Growth opportunities in bioplastics manufacturing are expected to continue from the demand and supply sides. While in the past growth in bioplastics was primarily driven by higher petrol-based polymers, changes in consumer behavior will be a significant factor for higher demand of bioplastics, the Plastics Industry Association’s study says.

“Changes in U.S. tax policy, particularly the full expensing of capital expenditure, should support research and development in bioplastics,” says Perc Pineda, chief economist with the association. “The overall low cost of energy in the U.S. complements nicely with research and development activities and manufacturing, which generates a stable supply of innovative bioplastic products.”

The research and partnerships with bioplastics are exemplified by efforts to develop a 100 percent biobased PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottle, the association says. Most PET bottles currently have approximately 30 percent biobased material, but a number of companies and collaborations are working to develop and launch at commercial scale a PET plastic bottle made from 100 percent biobased material.

Despite the industry’s embrace of bioplastics and their expanding presence in a wide range of products, Pineda says, “A high percentage of surveyed respondents believe they have not seen or used a product made from bioplastic—either biobased or biodegradable. Continuing to educate consumers on bioplastics would go a long way.”

The report is available for download here.