Bio-Degradable Polymers Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Biodegradable Polymers Market Report Segments the Industry by Type (Starch-Based Plastics, Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polyhydroxy Alkanoates (PHA), and More), Feedstock (Sugarcane and Sugar Beets, Corn and Other Starch Crops, and More), End-User Industry (Packaging, Consumer Goods, Textile, and More), and Geography (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Volume (Tons).

Bio-degradable Polymers Market Size and Share

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Bio-degradable Polymers Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Bio-degradable Polymers Market size is estimated at 1.11 Million tons in 2025, and is expected to reach 2.86 Million tons by 2030, at a CAGR of 20.85% during the forecast period (2025-2030). Heightened regulatory pressure, widening corporate sustainability goals, and rapid progress in microbial production technologies steer demand toward high-performance, low-carbon materials. Europe remains the largest regional consumer, while Asia-Pacific is advancing fastest due to industrial scale-up and supportive legislation. Product innovation now centers on marine-degradable grades and cost-efficient PHA, and competition is intensifying as petrochemical majors, specialty bioplastic firms, and start-ups invest simultaneously in capacity and research and development.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By polymer type, starch-based plastics led with 41.05% of bio-degradable polymers market share in 2024, while PHA is projected to expand at a 23.49% CAGR through 2030.
  • By feedstock, sugarcane and sugar beet commanded 38.14% share of the bio-degradable polymers market size in 2024; algal and microbial biomass are forecast to grow at a 24.56% CAGR.
  • By end-user industry, packaging held 62.51% revenue share in 2024, whereas consumer goods is set to grow fastest at 23.60% CAGR to 2030.
  • By geography, Europe captured a 39.19% share in 2024; Asia-Pacific is advancing at a 29.44% CAGR during 2025-2030. 

Segment Analysis

By Polymer Type: Starch Blends Retain Lead, While PHA Accelerates

Starch-based grades hold 41.05% of the bio-degradable polymers market share due to abundant feedstock and compatibility with existing blown-film and thermoforming lines. PLA maintains a robust position in rigid packaging and medical devices. The bio-degradable polymers market size for PHA is projected to grow at a 23.49% CAGR, aided by its rapid marine degradation profile and improvements in microbial fermentation yields. Polyester families such as PBS and PBAT are gaining share in cling films and hygiene backsheets, while cellulosic derivatives serve coatings and paper cups.

Cost parity remains elusive. Starch blends enjoy agricultural subsidies and simpler compounding, but PHA developers benefit from carbon-capture credits and high-margin medical sales. A foreseeable convergence toward blended systems may deliver balanced cost-performance.

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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Feedstock: Sugar Crops Dominant, Microbial and Algal Sources Surge

Sugarcane and beet processing chains account for 38.14% of global feedstock thanks to established mills in Brazil, Thailand, and France. The bio-degradable polymers market size derived from algal and microbial biomass is set to grow at 24.56% CAGR, reflecting non-food competition, high lipid productivity, and wastewater-tolerant cultivation. Lignocellulosic routes are advancing: carbon-dioxide/epoxide copolymerization using lignocellulose-derived monomers yields biodegradable polycarbonates with negative carbon footprints. 

Feedstock choice is becoming strategic; regions with surplus bagasse or forestry residue can secure low-cost monomers, while coastal nations exploit algae for both carbon sequestration and polymer output.

By End-User Industry: Packaging Commands Volume, Consumer Goods Race Ahead

Packaging held a 62.51% share in 2024, as regulatory bans and e-commerce expansion created an immediate pull for compostable films, trays, and laminates. The bio-degradable polymers market size allocated to consumer goods, spanning durable housewares, electronics casings, and toys, is forecast to grow at 23.60% CAGR, lifted by brand pledges for carbon-neutral products and improved heat-deflection grades. Textiles benefit from PLA-based staple fibers, giving apparel makers a low-shedding, low-carbon alternative. Agriculture continues to widen adoption of mulch and controlled-release films, while healthcare captures premium margins via implants and drug depots such as hybrid PLGA/pHEMA systems offering 32-day release profiles.

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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Geography Analysis

Europe’s 39.19% leadership stems from policy clarity and consumer eco-awareness. The EU regulation finalized in 2024 forces recyclable or compostable packaging, and landmark projects such as Fortum’s CO₂-to-polymer plant in Finland illustrate how carbon capture integrates with bio-based production.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region at 29.44% CAGR. China ramps up PHA and PBAT plants to meet national plastic-ban deadlines and to supply agriculture films. Japan innovates marine-degradable PBS incorporating disulfide bonds for ocean buoy applications[2]Ken-ichi Kasuya, “Marine biodegradation of PBS,” pubs.acs.org.

North America combines technological innovation with voluntary corporate targets. Dow’s agreement with New Energy Blue uses corn stover to make bio-ethylene for PE assets, opening a low-carbon drop-in path. South America and the Middle East remain nascent but show interest in biodegradable mulch to reduce field-burning. Lack of industrial composting facilities curbs immediate uptake yet signals long-term infrastructure opportunities.

Bio-degradable Polymers Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
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Competitive Landscape

The market displays high fragmentation. Novamont, a subsidiary of Eni S.p.A., continues to license Mater-Bi technology to film extruders across Europe. NatureWorks broke ground on a fully integrated PLA complex in Thailand, expected to be on-stream in 2025. CJ Biomaterials introduced PHA bottle caps displaying high barrier and twist-retention properties, addressing hot-fill beverage demands.

Bio-degradable Polymers Industry Leaders

  1. NatureWorks LLC

  2. TotalEnergies (Total Corbion)

  3. Eni S.p.A. (Novamont)

  4. BASF

  5. Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Bio-degradable Polymers Market - Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • March 2025: NatureWorks LLC launched Ingeo Extend PLA for biaxially oriented films and began construction of its Thailand PLA complex.
  • March 2025: TotalEnergies Corbion introduced the first recycled-content PLA grade and joined the Greco project to develop new copolymers for food packaging.

Table of Contents for Bio-degradable Polymers Industry Report

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Landscape

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Government Regulations Againts the usage of SingleUse Plastics
    • 4.2.2 Growing Demand for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging
    • 4.2.3 Increasing Adoption of Bio Degradable Plastics in the Healthcare Industry
    • 4.2.4 Surge in the Usage of Bio-Degradable Films in the Agricultural Industry
    • 4.2.5 Growing Innovations in the Manufacturing Processes of Bio-Degradable Polymers Improving its Yield
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 High Production Cost with Respect to Conventional Plastics
    • 4.3.2 Limited Mechanical Performance Restricting Consumption in Automotive
    • 4.3.3 Lack of Industrial Composting Facilities
  • 4.4 Value Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Outlook
  • 4.6 Porter's Five Forces
    • 4.6.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.6.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.6.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.6.5 Degree of Competition

5. Market Size and Growth Forecasts (Volume)

  • 5.1 By Type
    • 5.1.1 Starch-Based Plastics
    • 5.1.2 Polylactic Acid (PLA)
    • 5.1.3 Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
    • 5.1.4 Polyesters (PBS, PBAT and PCL)
    • 5.1.5 Cellulosic Derivatives
  • 5.2 By Feedstock
    • 5.2.1 Sugarcane and Sugar Beets
    • 5.2.2 Corn and Other Starch Crops
    • 5.2.3 Cellulose and Wood Biomass
    • 5.2.4 Waste Vegetable Oils and Fats
    • 5.2.5 Algal and Microbial Biomass
  • 5.3 By End-user Industry
    • 5.3.1 Packaging
    • 5.3.2 Consumer Goods
    • 5.3.3 Textile
    • 5.3.4 Agriculture
    • 5.3.5 Healthcare
    • 5.3.6 Others (Automotive, Construction, etc.)
  • 5.4 By Geography
    • 5.4.1 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.4.1.1 China
    • 5.4.1.2 India
    • 5.4.1.3 Japan
    • 5.4.1.4 South Korea
    • 5.4.1.5 ASEAN
    • 5.4.1.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.4.2 North America
    • 5.4.2.1 United States
    • 5.4.2.2 Canada
    • 5.4.2.3 Mexico
    • 5.4.3 Europe
    • 5.4.3.1 Germany
    • 5.4.3.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.4.3.3 France
    • 5.4.3.4 Italy
    • 5.4.3.5 Rest of Europe
    • 5.4.4 South America
    • 5.4.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.4.4.2 Argentina
    • 5.4.4.3 Rest of South America
    • 5.4.5 Middle-East and Africa
    • 5.4.5.1 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.4.5.2 South Africa
    • 5.4.5.3 Rest of Middle-East and Africa

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share (%)/Ranking Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles {(includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, Recent Developments)}
    • 6.4.1 BASF
    • 6.4.2 Biome Bioplastics
    • 6.4.3 BIOTEC Biologische Naturverpackungen GmbH & Co. KG.
    • 6.4.4 Braskem
    • 6.4.5 CJ CheilJedang Corp
    • 6.4.6 Danimer Scientific
    • 6.4.7 DuPont
    • 6.4.8 Evonik Industries AG
    • 6.4.9 FKuR
    • 6.4.10 GENECIS
    • 6.4.11 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
    • 6.4.12 NatureWorks LLC
    • 6.4.13 Eni S.p.A. (Novamont)
    • 6.4.14 Plantic
    • 6.4.15 PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.16 BEWI
    • 6.4.17 TEIJIN LIMITED
    • 6.4.18 TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    • 6.4.19 TotalEnergies (Total Corbion)
    • 6.4.20 Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials Co., Ltd.

7. Market Opportunities and Future Outlook

  • 7.1 White-Space and Unmet-Need Assessment
  • 7.2 Growing Inclination for Marine Degradable Polymers for Ocean Cleanups
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Global Bio-degradable Polymers Market Report Scope

Bio-degradable polymers are produced both naturally and synthetically, mostly consisting of different functional groups such as ester, amide, and other functional groups. These polymers are also increasingly used for various applications due to less or no carbon footprint.

The bio-degradable polymers market is segmented by product type, end-user industry, and geography. By product type, the market is segmented into starch-based plastics, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and cellulose derivatives. By end-user industry, the market is segmented into agriculture, textile, consumer goods, packaging, healthcare, and other end-user industries. The report also covers the market size and forecasts for the bio-degradable polymers market in 15 countries across major regions.

For each segment, the market sizing and prediction have been made based on volume (tons).

By Type Starch-Based Plastics
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
Polyesters (PBS, PBAT and PCL)
Cellulosic Derivatives
By Feedstock Sugarcane and Sugar Beets
Corn and Other Starch Crops
Cellulose and Wood Biomass
Waste Vegetable Oils and Fats
Algal and Microbial Biomass
By End-user Industry Packaging
Consumer Goods
Textile
Agriculture
Healthcare
Others (Automotive, Construction, etc.)
By Geography Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
South Korea
ASEAN
Rest of Asia-Pacific
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Rest of Europe
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Middle-East and Africa Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of Middle-East and Africa
By Type
Starch-Based Plastics
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
Polyesters (PBS, PBAT and PCL)
Cellulosic Derivatives
By Feedstock
Sugarcane and Sugar Beets
Corn and Other Starch Crops
Cellulose and Wood Biomass
Waste Vegetable Oils and Fats
Algal and Microbial Biomass
By End-user Industry
Packaging
Consumer Goods
Textile
Agriculture
Healthcare
Others (Automotive, Construction, etc.)
By Geography
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
South Korea
ASEAN
Rest of Asia-Pacific
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Rest of Europe
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Middle-East and Africa Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of Middle-East and Africa
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current size of the biodegradable polymers market?

The market reached 1.11 million tons in 2025 and is projected to climb to 2.86 million tons by 2030.

Which region leads the bio-degradable polymers market?

Europe holds the largest share at 39.19%, driven by stringent packaging regulations and strong consumer eco-awareness.

What polymer type is growing fastest?

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are forecast to expand at a 23.49% CAGR due to superior biodegradability across soil and marine environments.

Why are costs still a restraint?

Bio-degradable polymers generally cost more than commodity plastics because of smaller plant scales, specialized feedstocks, and complex processing.

Page last updated on: June 30, 2025

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