The bioplastic market - Italy

The global bioplastics market, valued at $9.17 billion in 2020, has been experiencing robust growth with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1% from 2021 to 2028. By 2022, global bioplastics production reached 4,719 thousand tons and is estimated to hit 7,593 thousand tons by 2026, indicating a staggering 263% growth over the period of 2020-2026. Asia dominates production, accounting for 49.9% in 2021, a figure expected to climb to 70.8% by 2026, while Europe and North America's shares are predicted to decline to 16.9% and 8.5%, respectively. Packaging leads in application, comprising nearly 47% of the market in 2020 and poised to retain the majority of usage by 2026. Within the bioplastics category, biodegradable polymers such as PBAT, starch-based plastics, and PLA have the most substantial market shares. Italy's biodegradable and compostable plastics sector surpassed 1 billion euros in turnover by 2021. Despite the global pandemic's impact, the packaging market flourished owing to the rise of e-commerce and heightened demand for single-use and hygiene-oriented products. Novamont, Italy's largest bioplastics chemical company, exemplifies the growth and investment in the sector with continuous innovation, an international presence, and strategic acquisitions such as BioBag International.

Navigating the Growth of Bioplastics Market in Italy: Trends and Key Figures

The Italian bioplastics market has witnessed significant growth and is at the forefront of environmental sustainability, with an industry that includes approximately 275 companies employing around 2,645 workers. The industry saw a notable increase in production volume which surpassed 100,000 tons, marking a rise of roughly 14% compared to the previous year. The country's foray into bioplastics is clearly segmented into basic and intermediate chemical producers, granule producers and distributors, first processors, and second processors. A substantial portion of Italy's bioplastics production is directed towards the packaging sector, which represents nearly half of the market usage. This is largely driven by strong environmental initiatives and a demand for recyclable solutions, particularly seen in the sector of wet-bags, boosted by exports and the enhancement of separate waste collection across Europe.

Italian leaders in bioplastics manufacturing, like BetaLife, Agromateriae, and Novamont, are innovating with bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable products that cater to a wide range of everyday applications. In examining these efforts, it's clear that packaging solutions continue to dominate the market, with the industry capitalizing on a trend toward more sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic. Looking at the figures, Italy has shown a commitment to the bioplastics industry, with revenues soaring above 1 billion euros, growing by nearly 190% over the past decade and 30% from the preceding year alone. Notably, the "first processing" holds the lion's share of revenue in the Italian market, indicating a strong value addition within the country itself. The demand for bioplastics is also reflected in the significant investments tracked within various sectors, particularly in single-use bioplastics for food service and fast-moving consumer goods, witnessing an 89% rise, and in non-food and food packaging films, with increases of 35% and 26%, respectively.

The agriculture sector has also embraced the advantages of bioplastics, with an increase in the use of mulching sheets that not only meet environmental standards but also enhance the quality of organic waste collection. Analyzing the pricing structure reveals that biodegradable bioplastics are priced at a premium, often exceeding the cost of bio-based counterparts, with notable examples like PBAT and PHA reaching up to around 90 euros per kilogram. It's worth acknowledging the role of regulations in shaping this market. 

Leading Innovators in the Bioplastics Industry

The bioplastics market is home to several pioneering companies, each contributing to the growth and development of sustainable plastic alternatives. These front-runners are vital cogs in the complex machinery of bioplastics, assuring a greener future through their innovative approaches to production, research, and product applications. Let's dive into the profiles of these key players, detailing their unique contributions to the field.

• Novamont is an Italian giant in the bioplastics sector, boasting not just a remarkable portfolio of proprietary technologies and patents but also a significant commitment to research and development. With a workforce where one-fifth is dedicated solely to innovation, Novamont has established a robust presence across the globe, including production sites and research centers. Their acquisition of BioBag International underscores the company's ambition to lead the market in the development of biodegradable and compostable products.
• BetaLife is another Italian trailblazer specialising in biodegradable and compostable products. By focusing on the end-of-life of plastic products, BetaLife is able to create alternatives that breakdown under specific environmental conditions, alleviating the issue of plastic waste accumulation.
• Agromateriae distinguishes itself by turning agroindustrial waste into new plastic materials. By utilizing by-products of agriculture that would otherwise go unused, Agromateriae contributes to a circular economy, reducing waste and making the plastics industry more sustainable.
• A key distributor in the field, Natureplast specializes in the supply of bioplastics, operating internationally. Their vast network supports a multitude of applications, from foodservice ware to industrial components, promoting the switch to bioplastics across various sectors.
• Kanèsis ventures into the innovative territory by developing composite materials that harness the benefits of hemp. By leveraging the structural properties of natural fibers, Kanèsis improves the environmental footprint of products without compromising on quality and durability.
• Cereplast is a manufacturer that has made its mark by producing a range of bioplastic resins. Their materials are used in a wide array of applications, from cutlery to packaging – a testimony to the versatility and potential for widespread adoption of bioplastics in everyday use.

Together, these actors form a dynamic network, continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible in bioplastics. Their efforts are not just shaping an industry but are also redefining our approach to sustainability, eco-friendliness, and the circular economy.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 05/12/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• World production of bioplastics
• World production by region
• Sectors of bioplastics use
• Polymers for bioplastics for use
• Turnover of the bioplastics industry
• Bioplastics processing and transformation sectors by turnover
• Plastic consumption by region
• Plastic use in Europe
• Use of plastic by sector
• Plastic packaging by product
• Italian freight envelopes market
• Biodegradable polymer applications sector
• Food delivery market value
• Sustainability and Generations
• Production of bioplastics
• Operators and employees industrial bioplastics supply chain
• Application segments of bioplastics with the highest growth rate
• Oil price trend
• Plastic collection in Italy