This year’s edition of the European Bioplastics Conference started this morning in Berlin, Germany. Managing Director of European Bioplastics Hasso von Pogrell gave the traditional update of the bioplastics market alongside some of the key figures.
Improving on the growth of last year, after a period of stagnation in 2020, global bioplastics production rose to 1.79 million tonnes in 2023 from 1.51 million tonnes in 2022. PLA accounted for 27%, PA for 20%, PE for 14%, PTT for 13%, and APC for 7%.
Installed production capacity reached 2.18 million tonnes in 2023 and is set to grow to 7.43 million tonnes by 2028, according to the latest EUBP figures, compiled in collaboration with the Germany-based Nova Institute.
The comparison between the production capacities and actual production in 2023 shows that the bioplastics industry is producing at nearly full capacity. Although varying from one polymer to another, ranging from 60% to 100%, the average utilisation rate in 2023 was 82%.
“The growth in bioplastics production capacity should be understood in the broader global context of a climate crisis, escalating energy costs, and disrupted value chains," said von Pogrell. "Despite these challenges, the capacity for bioplastics production is on the rise, underscoring the resilience and significance of our industry."
While bioplastics are increasingly finding application in numerous sectors, the main application is still packaging, which accounted for 43% of the market in 2023 and is forecasted to grow to 48% in 2028. The fibre market is estimated to shrink from 21% in 2023 to 13% in 2028, with application in industries such as automotive and transport, agriculture and horticulture, and electrics and electronics expected to retain a relatively stable share of the market in the next five years.
In terms of materials, PLA is expected to account for 43.6% of production capacity in 2028, followed by PA with 18.5%, PHA with 13.5%, PP with 5.9%, and PTT with 5.3%.
In geographical terms, the focus continues to aggressively shift eastward. This year, Europe concentrated 12.8% of global production capacity, a figure which will contract to 7.3% in 2028, according to EUBP. Asia’s share, on the other hand, will increase from 55.3% this year to 71.5% in five years. Capacity in the Americas is also forecasted to diminish, from 18.7% to 17.0% in North America and more expressively from 13.0% to 3.9% in South America.
von Pogrell pointed out that transparent and consistent data are key for European stakeholders and the industry to make informed decisions, develop new products, and create a supportive legislative framework. Throughout the day, speakers praised Europe’s investment and success in bioplastics research and development but criticised the union’s lack of political support for the industry, which results in increasingly lack of competitiveness.