Bioplastic Films: Thick Growth in Thin Packaging

KONSTANZ, Germany - Aug. 31, 2023 - PRLog -- Wafer-thin films, often less than 1 millimeter thick, are one of the first areas of application in which bioplastics are able to establish themselves. Although foils made from petroleum products are still usually sold cheaper and in larger quantities, biobased materials such as starch or polylactic acid do not only offer a better public image, but often also tangible advantages: Food packaging made from biodegradable plastics does not have to be disposed of at high cost, but can be composted; organic mulch films can simply be left on the field and plowed under. Ceresana has studied the global market for films made from bioplastics: The new market report forecasts that revenues will increase to around USD 14.2 billion by 2032.

Increasing demand for biobased films

For films made of polyethylene or polypropylene, biobased alternatives have long since ceased to be made only from wood or waste paper cellulose. Researchers are working on futuristic-looking bioplastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from bacteria and polybutylene succinate (PBS) from fermentation residues. Increasingly, "biobased" components are also being added to conventional petrochemical plastics. Over the next ten years, the consumption of biobased films will increase significantly worldwide.

Biobased films mainly package food products

Bags, pouches and sacks currently are the best-known application for bioplastics. Food packaging is the most important market for films made from bioplastics. However, shrink and stretch films are by no means only used for packaging. Bioplastic films are also used, for example, for labels, adhesive tapes, technical insulating layers or medical wound dressings. In horticulture, forestry and agriculture, the consumption of films is increasing, as well as in the construction industry, the printing industry and other sectors of the economy. Increasingly, bioplastics are even conquering high-tech products: Membranes for water filters are made of polymer films, and plastic films are also used in batteries for electric cars.

Ceresana market study "Bioplastic Films":

Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive analysis of the global market for biobased plastic films - including forecasts up to 2032. In Chapter 2, the 11 countries with the largest revenues generated with films are considered individually. Demand and revenues are presented in each case. In addition, demand is broken down by application area: Packaging (Food and Beverages, Consumer Products, Other), Agricultural Films and Other Films. The study provides detailed data on the use of the different types of bioplastics in films: Polylactic acid (PLA), Starch-based plastics, other biodegradable plastics, Biobased, but non-biodegradable plastics. Chapter 3 provides useful company profiles of the 47 most important manufacturers of films made from bioplastics.
Further information: https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/bioplastic-films-market-r...