European Bioplastics sees global bioplastics production at 7.5M tons by 2026

In Germany, European Bioplastics says global bioplastics production capacity is set to increase significantly from around 2.4 million metric tons in 2021 to 7.5 million tons in 2026. Biodegradable PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate), the production of which will almost quadruple, but also PBS (polybutylene succinate) and bio-based PAs (polyamides) are the main drivers of this impressive growth. The production of polylactic acid (PLA) will also continue to grow due to further investments in PLA production sites in Asia, the US, and in Europe. Production capacities of bio-based polyolefins, such as PE (polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene), increased as well.

Biodegradable plastics, including PBAT, PLA, and polybutylene succinate (PBS) currently account for slightly over 64 percent (1.5 million tons) of the global bioplastics production capacities. Bio-based, non-biodegradable plastics, including the drop-in solutions bio-based PE and bio-based PET (polyethylene terephthalate), as well as bio-based PA (polyamides), make up for almost 36 percent (0.8 million tons).

Packaging remains the largest field of application for bioplastics with almost 48 percent (1.2 million tons) of the total bioplastics market in 2021. The data also confirms that bioplastics materials are already being used in many other sectors, and the portfolio of application continues to diversify. Segments, such as consumer goods, fiber or agriculture and horticulture products, continue to increase moderately in their relative share.

With a view to regional capacity development, Asia further strengthened its position as major production hub with almost 50 percent of bioplastics currently being produced in the region. Presently, almost a fourth of the production capacity is still located in Europe. However, Europe’s share and the share of other world regions will significantly decrease within the next five years. In contrast, Asia is predicted to have passed the 70 percent by 2026.