Summary

The global bioplastics market is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increased demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. As of the provided data, bioplastics represented approximately 1% of the overall plastics production, and the demand is expected to continue to rise, in part due to the push from regulations targeting the reduction of single-use plastics. Europe emerged as a key player in bioplastics production, with a quarter of the world's capacity, although Asia still leads in actual production, accounting for 45% of bioplastics manufactured.

The French market in this domain is also expanding. In terms of consumption, packaging remains the dominant sector, accounting for more than half of the bioplastics used. While regulatory changes are fueling bioplastics development by banning certain plastic products and mandating increased content of vegetable matter, challenges persist with the biodegradability and recyclability of these new materials.

The complexities of recycling bioplastics and blending materials that cannot be processed by traditional systems indicate that while the industry's growth is robust, innovation in the production and waste management processes is essential for its sustainable advancement beyond 2020.

Exploring the Bioplastics demand trends in the French Market

The French market demonstrates a burgeoning demand for bioplastics driven by an acute awareness of environmental issues and a push for more renewable and eco-friendly materials. As the market scurries to find alternatives to traditional plastics, which have been vilified for their polluting effects, bioplastics have emerged as a beacon of sustainable innovation. With France representing around 3 to 4 percent of the global plastics industry's revenue, it is no small player in the market. The national turnover hints at a significant domestic market with robust growth potential. The trend toward bioplastics translates to a French market size well over €800 million.

Bioplastics offer solutions in various applications, where they are now found in everything from car components to everyday items like plastic bags. One of the driving forces behind this shift is the packaging sector, where bioplastics have carved out a substantial slice of the market for both flexible and rigid packaging—accounting for over half of bioplastics consumption globally. The escalating scrutiny of plastic packaging has led to an increased interest in paper and other biodegradable materials, with significant growth seen in potable water bottles, soft drinks packaging, and shopping bags made from bioplastics. This shift illustrates a larger trend in consumer preferences, where the market is progressively leaning towards sustainable packaging solutions, thereby feeding into the demand for biosourced materials. Interestingly, the cost factor represents a considerable challenge, with bioplastics tending to be significantly more expensive—roughly two to three times—than their traditional plastic counterparts.

This premium is linked to the costlier recycling processes and alternative raw materials used in bioplastic production. Nevertheless, this has not curbed the enthusiasm for these materials, suggesting that environmental considerations are beginning to outweigh pure economic reasoning in the French market. Regulations in France have been dynamically adapting to promote environmentally friendly practices, phasing out single-use plastics, and supporting the rise of bioplastics. Progressive policies that ban certain plastic items and incentivize the use of compostable or biosourced materials reflect a determined legislative approach to fostering a greener future and thus fuelling market demand for these products.

In summary, while the French bioplastics market trails behind traditional plastics in terms of volume, it is gaining momentum at a remarkable pace.

Key players shaping the Bioplastics industry landscape

Within the dynamic realm of bioplastics, several companies emerge as prominent figures, orchestrating the market's evolution and growth. Their distinct roles and contributions weave a complex tapestry of innovation, sustainability, and technological prowess in an industry that stands at the frontier of environmental consciousness.

  • Total and Corbion Partnership : Embarking on an eco-friendly voyage, Total, a French multinational oil and gas giant, has charted a new course in the bioplastics sector. By allying with Corbion, a Netherlands-based global market leader in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, and lactides, Total has set its sights on ascending the industry with plant-based Polylactic Acid (PLA) products derived from renewable sugar cane resources. Their ambition is indicative of a tangible shift towards more sustainable plastics production, as they eye leadership in this burgeoning market.

  • Braskem : Hailing from Brazil, Braskem stands tall as a petrochemical powerhouse, which has embraced the green mantle through its bio-based productions. Renowned for spearheading the use of ethylene derived from sugarcane ethanol, Braskem's products embody a commitment to sustainability, as they reduce greenhouse gas emissions when contrasted with traditional petrochemical processes. This trailblazing approach has not only positioned Braskem as a key player but also as a flagbearer for environmental stewardship in the industry.

  • Novamont : An Italian innovator and pure player in the bioplastics industry, Novamont has carved a niche for itself with its extensive range of biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic materials. Their Mater-Bi product line exemplifies the blend of environmental friendliness with performance, offering solutions across various applications from agriculture to packaging and catering. Novamont's vision and ventures herald a steadfast commitment to an economy where materials flow in harmony with nature's cycles.

  • Akro-Plastic : With its dual expertise in both traditional plastics and bioplastics, Akro-Plastic encapsulates the transformational journey many large-scale manufacturers are undergoing. By integrating sustainable materials into its portfolio, Akro-Plastic offers nuanced options for customers making the transition towards greener alternatives, underpinning the company's adaptability and foresight in a market demanding ecological sensitivity.

  • Vegeplast : As a specialized small to medium-sized enterprise, France-based Vegeplast illustrates the innovative spirit of niche players who are pioneering bioplastic usage. 
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  • Last update : 13/07/2020
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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Presentation and definition

Bioplastics are a very broad category of plastics with special characteristics. A bioplastic is either biosourced that is to say, using manufacturing materials from biomass (sweet potato, sugar cane, etc.), or biodegradable i.e its decomposition reaches 90% after being in contact for six months with micro-organisms (bacteria, algae, fungi), oxygen, moisture or heat. Bioplastics may be both biosourced and biodegradable.

It is possible to use bioplastics at the same time during manufacturing :

  • Disposable plastic objects
  • Non-disposable plastic objects

The applications are numerous since bioplastics are present in many everyday objects (car parts, plastic bags...). The bioplastics market is currently in strong global growth This is encouraged by the desire of manufacturers to find solutions that are more renewable than traditional plastics and more environmentally friendly.

The French market is also booming with regulations concerning plastics that continue to evolve and should support the growth of the sector. The many applications and innovations in bioplastics should also contribute to sustainable growth in the sector for the coming years.

List of charts

  • Évolution de la capacité de production mondiale de bioplastiques
  • Répartition de la production de bioplastique par types de matériaux
  • Capacité de production mondiale de bioplastique
  • Évolution du chiffre d'affaires de la plasturgie
  • Répartition de la consommation de plastique par secteur
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Latest news

Historic turn at German giant BASF | BASF pivots towards the future - 08/12/2023
  • BASF is the world's largest chemical company, with 111,000 employees.
  • The group generated sales of 87.3 billion euros.
  • BASF makes three main activities commercially independent: crop protection, battery materials and coatings.
  • 230 production sites worldwide.
  • The world's largest chemical complex, with around 40,000 employees, is located in Ludwigshafen in Rhineland-Palatinate.
A new BASF boss to tackle a number of mammoth projects - 21/12/2023
  • BASF employs around 111,000 people
  • BASF is currently cutting 2,600 jobs
  • BASF has sales of €87.3 billion, but profits have fallen by 40%.
  • BASF has embarked on a far-reaching restructuring program that extends to its three main business sectors: crop protection, battery materials and coatings.
  • Construction of a new €10 billion site in China.
  • BASF generates 45% of its sales in Europe.
BASF: the Ludwigshafen giant sinks into crisis - 22/01/2024
  • BASF profits: 45% fall between 2022 and 2023.
  • BASF earnings before interest and taxes in 2023: 3.8 billion euros.
  • BASF sales in 2023: €68.9 billion, a decline of 20%.
  • Proposed transaction: sale of Wintershall Dea to Harbour Energy for approximately $2.15 billion.

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

BASF
Plastivaloire Groupe
Craemer France
Vegeplast
Bio-Fed
Braskem
Novamont
NaturePlast

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