Propelled by potential demand from the chemical, agricultural and plastic sectors as well as environmental concerns, the market for biodegradable polymers to about 392 million pounds by 2013, according to a study by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
The largest market for biodegradable polymers is Europe with 140 million pounds in 2007. The U.S. is the second largest market followed by Japan according to Global Industry Analysts. These three markets account for over 90% of the global market.
As far as growth is concerned, Europe will continue to grow the fastest with global growth predicted at 9%.
The packaging market should hit 110 million pounds in 2007 while the use of biodegradable polymers in compost bags is expected to reach 154 million pounds by 2010.
The global marketplace is characterized by the presence of participants such as Absorbable Polymers International, American Excelsior Co., BIOgroupUSA Inc., BASF AG, Biotec GmbH UND CO. KG, CEREPLAST Inc., Cortec Corp., E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Daicel Chemical Industries, Eastman Chemicals Co., EarthShell Corp., ECM BioFilms Inc., FP International, IRe Chemicals Limited, KTM Industries Inc., Metabolix Inc., Mitsubishi Plastics Inc., Mitsui Chemicals Inc, National Starch and Chemical Co., NatureWorks LLC, Novamont S.p.A, Planet Technologies Inc., Rodenburg Biopolymers, Showa High Polymer Co. Ltd, Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH, Solvay Caprolactones Ltd, and Toyobo Co.
