Biodegradable Polymers

Global Biodegradable Polymers Market to Reach US$27.0 Billion by 2030

The global market for Biodegradable Polymers estimated at US$9.3 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$27.0 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.4% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Polylactic Acid, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 22.5% CAGR and reach US$11.2 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Polyhydroxyalkanoates segment is estimated at 16.2% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$2.5 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 26.7% CAGR

The Biodegradable Polymers market in the U.S. is estimated at US$2.5 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$6.5 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 26.7% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% and 17.5% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 16.3% CAGR.

Global Biodegradable Polymers Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Biodegradable Polymers Gaining Strategic Relevance Across Packaging, Agriculture, and Medical Applications?
Biodegradable polymers are emerging as vital alternatives to conventional plastics as industries face mounting pressure to reduce environmental impact, comply with evolving regulations, and transition toward circular material systems. Derived from renewable or fossil-based sources, these polymers decompose naturally under microbial action—minimizing persistent plastic waste and mitigating landfill overflow, marine pollution, and microplastic contamination. As global scrutiny intensifies around single-use plastics and non-degradable materials, biodegradable polymers offer a scalable solution aligned with sustainability mandates.

Applications span across key sectors such as food packaging, agricultural films, disposable consumer goods, and biomedical devices, where short product lifecycles and end-of-life degradation are essential. In packaging, compostable films, molded containers, and shopping bags are replacing legacy petrochemical plastics, while in healthcare, biodegradable sutures, drug delivery systems, and implants offer both biocompatibility and environmental advantage. This wide applicability—combined with regulatory support and shifting brand strategies—continues to drive demand for biodegradable polymer solutions globally.

How Are Feedstock Innovations and Processing Technologies Enhancing Biodegradable Polymer Performance?
Technological innovation is enabling biodegradable polymers to meet or exceed conventional material standards in strength, barrier properties, thermal resistance, and cost-effectiveness. Key advancements include the development of high-performance aliphatic–aromatic copolyesters, starch blends, polylactic acid (PLA) composites, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) produced through microbial fermentation. Blending technologies and additive optimization are improving flexibility, printability, and moisture resistance—expanding the suitability of these materials for more demanding industrial and commercial use cases.

Process compatibility with existing extrusion, injection molding, and thermoforming equipment is reducing adoption barriers for manufacturers, while scalable production techniques are lowering per-unit costs. R&D in enzyme-triggered degradation, multilayer compostable packaging, and water-soluble polymer systems is also opening new frontiers in single-use applications and medical-grade products. As industry requirements shift toward functional biodegradability with controlled shelf life and degradation kinetics, polymer science continues to deliver more targeted and application-specific formulations.

Where Is Demand for Biodegradable Polymers Accelerating and Which End-Use Sectors Are Leading Adoption?
Europe leads global adoption, driven by progressive plastic bans, composting infrastructure, and robust sustainability legislation under the EU Green Deal and Single-Use Plastics Directive. North America is witnessing steady growth, particularly in foodservice packaging and agricultural mulch films, supported by growing consumer awareness and state-level regulatory actions. Asia-Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region, with countries like China, India, South Korea, and Japan investing in biopolymer capacity amid rising environmental policy momentum and urban waste challenges.

Packaging remains the dominant application segment, particularly in food, retail, and e-commerce sectors transitioning to certified compostable materials. Agriculture follows with growing use of biodegradable mulch films that eliminate the need for removal and disposal post-harvest. Medical and personal care applications are expanding rapidly, with biodegradable polymers used in wound care products, tissue engineering scaffolds, and hygiene disposables. The growing alignment of ESG priorities with procurement decisions across sectors is further accelerating demand across both B2C and B2B channels.

What Is Fueling the Global Growth of the Biodegradable Polymers Market?
The global growth of the biodegradable polymers market is driven by tightening environmental regulations, consumer demand for sustainable materials, and brand-level commitments to reduce plastic footprints. Public bans on non-degradable plastic products, compostability certifications, and waste management directives are enforcing market shifts toward bio-alternatives. Additionally, increased investment in biorefinery infrastructure, feedstock diversification, and polymer innovation is improving availability and commercial viability.

Corporate sustainability roadmaps, especially in FMCG, retail, agriculture, and healthcare, are prioritizing bio-based packaging and disposables to meet compliance and reputational goals. Strategic partnerships between polymer manufacturers, converters, and end-users are enabling rapid prototyping and market entry. As material performance converges with price competitiveness and regulatory clarity, the defining question for this evolving sector is: Can biodegradable polymer suppliers deliver scalable, cost-efficient, and end-of-life-verified solutions to support global plastic reduction goals across diverse industrial ecosystems?

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Biodegradable Polymers market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Material (Polylactic Acid, Polyhydroxyalkanoates, Starch Blends, Polybutylene Succinate, Polyhydroxyurethanes); Application (Packaging, Agriculture, Medical, Consumer Goods, Textile, Other Applications)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 44 Featured) -

• AMSilk GmbH
• API S.p.A.
• Arkema S.A.
• BASF SE
• BioBag International AS
• Bio-On S.p.A.
• Biome Bioplastics Ltd.
• Bioplastics International
• Braskem S.A.
• Cardia Bioplastics
• Cereplast Inc.
• Corbion N.V.
• Danimer Scientific
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• Eastman Chemical Company
• Evonik Industries AG
• FKuR Kunststoff GmbH
• Futerro S.A.
• Green Dot Bioplastics Inc.
• Kaneka Corporation

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