Customer Logins

Obtain the data you need to make the most informed decisions by accessing our extensive portfolio of information, analytics, and expertise. Sign in to the product or service center of your choice.

Customer Logins

My Logins

All Customer Logins
S&P Global Commodity Insights
  • S&P Global
  • S&P Dow Jones Indices
  • S&P Global Market Intelligence
  • S&P Global Mobility
  • S&P Global Commodity Insights
  • S&P Global Ratings
  • S&P Global Sustainable1
Close
Discover more about S&P Global’s offerings.
Investor Relations
  • Investor Relations Overview
  • Presentations
  • Investor Fact Book
  • News Releases
  • Quarterly Earnings
  • SEC Filings & Reports
  • Executive Committee
  • Merger Information
  • Governance
  • Stock & Dividends
  • Shareholder Services
  • Contact
English
  • Español
  • 中文网站
  • Português
  • 한국어
  • हिंदी
  • English (Australia)
  • 日本語
Support
  • Get Support
  • System Notifications
  • Delivery Platforms
  • Regulatory Engagement
Login
  • Commodity Insights Login
  • Access IHS Markit Products
login
Register
logo
  • Commodities
  • Products & Services
  • Methodology
  • Market Insights
  • Energy Transition
  • Events
  • S&P Global
  • S&P Dow Jones Indices
  • S&P Global Market Intelligence
  • S&P Global Mobility
  • S&P Global Commodity Insights
  • S&P Global Ratings
  • S&P Global Sustainable1
  • Oil Upstream LNG Natural Gas Electric Power Coal Shipping Petrochemicals Metals Agriculture
    Latest in Commodities
    Listen: The wait is (still) on at the Panama Canal

    A reduction in daily transits at both the Neopanamax and Panamax lock systems have resulted in...

    COP28: Nigeria sets up committee to fast track national carbon plan

    Nigeria is to set up a special committee to help draft a national carbon market strategy, President...

    COP28: US, Czech Republic among nations committing to phase out coal power

    Seven countries including the US and the Czech Republic have joined a coalition calling for the...

  • Oil LNG Natural Gas Electric Power Coal Shipping Petrochemicals Metals Agriculture Energy Transition
    I Need
    Advisory Solutions/Consulting Market Insights and Analytics Commodity Prices and Essential Market Data Real-Time News, Prices and Analysis Maps and Geospatial Data Forward Curves and Risk Valuation Data
    Latest Release Notes
    Data and Distribution
  • Our Methodology Methodology & Specifications Price Assessments Subscriber Notes Price Symbols Symbol Search & Directories Corrections Complaints
    References
    Market On Close Index Sourced Data (Survey) Methodology Review & Change MOC Participation Guidelines Holiday Dunl.org SEE ALL REFERENCE TOOLS
  • Latest News Headlines All Topics Videos Podcasts Special Reports Infographics Insights Magazine Insight Blog    Research & Analysis Top 250 Rankings   
    Latest in Market Insights
  • PLATTS ANALYTICS PRODUCT PLATFORM
    ACCESS ANALYTICS HUB
  • All Events Webinars Conferences Methodology Education Training and eLearning Forums Global Energy Awards    Global Metals Awards   
    Featured Events
    Excellence in Energy Conference
    Aluminum Symposium
    Caribbean Energy Conference

Biodegradable Polymers

Chemical Economics Handbook

View Report for existing customers Go to Customer Login for existing customers
Learn more about Biodegradable Polymers
Contact Sales
Contact Sales +1 844 301 7334

Published June 2021

Biodegradable polymers, as defined in this report, are bio-based or synthetic polymers that undergo microbial decomposition to carbon dioxide and water in industrial compost facilities. A few of these polymers decompose in backyard compost bins or in soil, freshwater, or saltwater.

Major biodegradable polymers include polylactic acid (PLA); polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), including polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and related copolymers; cellulose diacetate; regenerated cellulose; copolyesters such as polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA); polybutylene succinate (PBS); polycaprolactone (PCL); polyglycolic acid (PGA); and starch compounds (mixtures of starch and other biodegradable polymers such as PBAT or PLA).

The following chart shows world consumption of biodegradable polymers in 2020. Consumption is expected to increase significantly in 2020–25, driven by surging demand for biodegradable polymers in mainland China.

Northeast Asia—mainland China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan—is now the world’s largest producer and consumer of biodegradable polymers. Mainland Chinese capacity for biodegradable polymers has expanded significantly since 2017, driven mainly by legislation designed to reduce the volume of plastic waste. Additional expansion—especially of PLA and PBAT capacity—is expected during 2020–25, assuming that adequate supplies of feedstocks such as 1,4-butanediol, lactic acid, and lactide are available.

Western Europe remains a major producer and consumer of biodegradable polymers. Legislation is an important market driver; key initiatives include plastic bag bans in Italy and France, and EU waste disposal laws that limit the disposal of organic waste in landfill and allow the collection of biodegradable and compostable packaging with organic waste. The EU’s Single-Use Plastic Directive—which limits the uses of disposable cups, plates, food containers, drinking straws, and other items—has the potential to drive additional demand for biodegradable polymers.

Starch compounds, PLA, and PLA compounds accounted for the bulk of global biodegradable polymers consumption in 2020. The food packaging, dishes, cutlery, and bags market was the largest end-use segment, as well as the major growth driver for biodegradable polymers consumption.

For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.

S&P Global’s Chemical Economics Handbook – Biodegradable Polymers is the comprehensive and trusted guide for anyone seeking information on this industry. This latest report details global and regional information, including

Key benefits

S&P Global’s Chemical Economics Handbook – Biodegradable Polymers has been compiled using primary interviews with key suppliers and organizations, and leading representatives from the industry in combination with S&P Global’s unparalleled access to upstream and downstream market intelligence and expert insights into industry dynamics, trade, and economics.

This report can help you

  • Identify trends and driving forces influencing chemical markets
  • Forecast and plan for future demand
  • Understand the impact of competing materials
  • Identify and evaluate potential customers and competitors
  • Evaluate producers
  • Track changing prices and trade movements
  • S&P Global | Biodegradable Polymers
  • Analyze the impact of feedstocks, regulations, and other factors on chemical profitability
Buy individual report now Contact:
customercare@ihsmarkit.com
Find the chemical expertise you need Contact a chemical expert or request a demo today.
GET STARTED

Table of Contents

Section Page Number

Executive summary 8
Summary 10
Introduction 18
Compostability standards 19
ASTM standards 19
ASTM D6400 1919
ASTM D6691 2020
ASTM D6868 2020
ASTM D7081 2020
EN standards 20
EN 13432 2020
EN 14995 2020
EN 17033 2121
ISO standards 21
ISO 17088 2121
ISO 18606 2121
ISO 19679 2121
Bio content test methods 22
ASTM D6866 2222
CEN/TS 16137:2011 2222
ISO 16620 2222
Certifying organizations 22
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) 22
DIN CERTCO 23
Japan BioPlastics Association 23
National Plastics Standardization Center 24
TÜV Austria 24
US Department of Agriculture 25
Manufacturing processes 26
Cellulose acetate 26
Polybutylene adipate terephthalate 26
Polybutylene succinate 27
Polybutylene succinate adipate 28
Polycaprolactone 28
Polyglycolic acid 29
Polyhydroxyalkanoates 29
Polylactic acid 29
Compounding 30
End of life 30
Starch compounds 30
Environmental issues and legislation 32
North America 32
Solid waste disposal patterns 32
Legislation 35
Central and South America 36
Solid waste disposal patterns 36
Legislation 37
Western Europe 37
Solid waste disposal patterns 37
Legislation 39
Central Europe 41
Solid waste disposal patterns 41
Legislation 43
CIS and Baltic States 44
Solid waste disposal patterns 44
Legislation 46
Middle East 46
Solid waste disposal patterns 46
Legislation 48
Africa 48
Solid waste disposal patterns 48
Legislation 48
India 48
Legislation 49
Consumer attitudes and behavior 50
Northeast Asia 50
Mainland China 50
Legislation 50
Consumer attitudes and behavior 52
Japan 52
Legislation 52
Consumer attitudes and behavior 53
Taiwan 54
Southeast Asia and Oceania 55
Malaysia 55
Philippines 56
Thailand 57
Vietnam 58
Oceania 59
Supply and demand by region 61
North America 61
Producing companies 61
Salient statistics 65
Production 66
Consumption by type 66
Consumption by market 68
Food packaging, dishes, and cutlery 69
Foam packaging 70
Compost bags 71
Paper coatings 72
Agriculture and horticulture 73
Other 73
Price 74
Trade 75
Central and South America 76
Producing companies 76
Consumption 76
Trade 77
Western Europe 78
Producing companies 78
Salient statistics 82
Production 84
Consumption by type 85
Consumption by market 86
Shopping and produce bags 88
Compost bags 88
Food packaging, dishes, and cutlery 88
Foam packaging 88
Agriculture and horticulture 89
Paper coatings 89
Other 89
Price 90
Trade 90
Central Europe 91
CIS and Baltic States 92
Middle East 94
Africa 94
Indian Subcontinent 95
Producing companies 95
Salient statistics 97
Consumption by type 97
Consumption by market 98
Trade 99
Northeast Asia 100
Mainland China 100
Producing companies 100
Salient statistics 107
Production 108
PLA 109
PBS, PBSA, and PBAT 109
Others 110
Consumption by type 110
Consumption by market 112
Shopping and produce bags 113
Food packaging, dishes, and cutlery 113
Compost bags 113
Others 113
Price 114
Trade 114
Japan 115
Producing companies 115
Polylactic acid producers and processors 116
PBS and PBSA producers 118
PHBH, PGA, and copolyester producers 118
Starch- and cellulose-based biodegradable polymer producers 120
Nonbiodegradable bio-based polymers and bio-based chemical precursor producers 120
Salient statistics 122
Consumption 124
Consumption by type 124
Consumption by market 125
Price 126
Other Northeast Asia 126
Producing companies 126
South Korea 128
Taiwan 129
Salient statistics 129
Consumption 130
Consumption by type 131
Consumption by market 132
Trade 132
Southeast Asia and Oceania 133
Producing companies 133
Thailand 133
PLA 134
PBS 135
Other biodegradable polymers 135
Other Southeast Asia and Oceania 135
Salient statistics 137
Consumption by type 138
Consumption by market 140
Trade 141
Appendix I—Bio-based polymers 143
Appendix II—Geographic regions 145
Additional resources 146
Revisions 148
Data Workbook 149

Products & Solutions from related industries

Chemical Image

Acetaldehyde - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Acetic Anhydride - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Acetic Acid - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Acetone - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Acetonitrile - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Acetylene - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Acrylamide - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Acrylic Acid, Acrylate Esters and Polymers - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Acrylic and Modacrylic Fibers - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Acrylic Surface Coatings - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Resins -Chemical Economics Handbook-CEHl Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Acrylonitrile - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Adipic Acid - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Activated Carbon - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Air Separation Gases - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Alkyd/Polyester Surface Coatings - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Alkyl Acetates - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

Chemical Image

Alkylamines (C1-C6) - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH)

{"items" : [ {"name":"share","enabled":true,"desc":"<strong>Share</strong>","mobdesc":"Share","options":[ {"name":"facebook","url":"https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3a%2f%2fwww.spglobal.com%2fcommodityinsights%2fen%2fci%2fproducts%2fbiodegradable-polymers-chemical-economics-handbook.html","enabled":true},{"name":"twitter","url":"https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.spglobal.com%2fcommodityinsights%2fen%2fci%2fproducts%2fbiodegradable-polymers-chemical-economics-handbook.html&text=Biodegradable+Polymers+-+Chemical+Economics+Handbook+(CEH)+%7c+S%26P+Global","enabled":true},{"name":"linkedin","url":"https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.spglobal.com%2fcommodityinsights%2fen%2fci%2fproducts%2fbiodegradable-polymers-chemical-economics-handbook.html","enabled":true},{"name":"email","url":"?subject=Biodegradable Polymers - Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH) | S&P Global&body=http%3a%2f%2fwww.spglobal.com%2fcommodityinsights%2fen%2fci%2fproducts%2fbiodegradable-polymers-chemical-economics-handbook.html","enabled":true},{"name":"whatsapp","url":"https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=Biodegradable+Polymers+-+Chemical+Economics+Handbook+(CEH)+%7c+S%26P+Global http%3a%2f%2fwww.spglobal.com%2fcommodityinsights%2fen%2fci%2fproducts%2fbiodegradable-polymers-chemical-economics-handbook.html","enabled":true}]}, {"name":"rtt","enabled":true,"mobdesc":"Top"} ]}
Filter Sort
  • About S&P Global Commodity Insights
  • Media Center
  • Advertisers
  • Locations
  • Get Support
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Corporate Responsibility
  • History
  • Investor Relations
  • Leadership
  • Glossary
  • © 2023 by S&P Global Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Privacy Policy & Cookie Notice
  • Site Map