Vision of the future: bioplastics as the key to sustainability

Author: Monika Voigt

Natural, biodegradable bioplastics are a promising alternative to conventional plastics due to their lower consumption of fossil resources and their low CO2 footprint. Forecasts for the coming years predict increasing acceptance, higher production capacities and growing market shares for bioplastics worldwide. The research projects currently underway also point to greater potential and industrial use in various areas of application and the opportunity to advance the economy faster and more sustainably.

Market significance of bioplastics now and in the coming years up to 2028

A modern world without plastics is unthinkable, which is why many hopes are pinned on bioplastics. However, these still require development for product use and waste strategies to promote a sustainable economy [1]. Biopolymers comprise various groups of plastics, including, for example, synthetic, non-biodegradable derivatives such as bio-polyethylene (bio-PE) or composites [2, 3]. Polylactide (PLA) is a very good example of a biodegradable bioplastic based on lactic acid from corn, has already found applications in packaging and medical technology [1], but is thermally unstable and not suitable for some product areas.

In 2023, biodegradable plastics accounted for less than 1% of the total plastics market [4]. However, forecasts show steady growth. Almost half of bioplastics production was recently used for packaging, mainly PLA and starch blends, followed by bio-PE and other bio-modifications (Figure 1). Bioplastics are also used in textile production, especially bio-polyamide (bio-PA) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (bio-PTT). To a lesser extent, they are also used in consumer goods, transportation and agriculture. PLA production is expected to double by 2028, with increased use in various sectors. In the textile industry, the proportion of bio-PTT will decrease in favor of PLA fibers [5].

Land requirements of renewable raw materials for bioplastics and food cultivation

According to the Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (IfBB), there is no shortage of agricultural land for bioplastics, as the raw materials required are minimal compared to global bioplastics production. In 2023, 92% of agricultural land was mainly used for natural rubber and cellulose, while only 8% was used for bioplastics [5]. However, the issue is complex, as different biogenic sources have varying land requirements and intensification of agriculture can lead to ecological consequences such as eutrophication of soils [6]. However, land not suitable for food cultivation or waste streams (cascade use) could also be used. From a global perspective, the proportion of land used for bioplastics remains minimal, even if production doubles in the coming years [5].

IfBB forecasts show a shift in the regional cultivation of raw materials for bioplastics. While around 17% of bioplastics came from Europe and over 50% from Asia in 2023, only slight growth is expected in Europe and a reduction in North and South America in the coming years. At the same time, higher production is forecast in Asia and global production is expected to almost double (Figure 2, [5]). Due to EU legislation, bioplastics are on the rise. According to the Gesellschaft für Verpackungsmarktforschung (GVM) [7], there will already be a high demand for PET recyclates and recyclates with food approval in 2024, which will soon turn the market into a seller's market.