Europe Bioplastics Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Europe Bioplastics Market Report Segments the Industry by Type (Bio-Based Biodegradables, Bio-Based Non-Biodegradables), Feedstock (Sugarcane/Sugar Beet, Corn, and More), Processing Technology (Extrusion, Injection Molding, Blow Molding, and More), Application (Flexible Packaging, Rigid Packaging, Automotive and Assembly Operations, and More), and Country (Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Netherlands, and More).

Europe Bioplastics Market Size and Share

Europe Bioplastics Market (2025 - 2030)
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Europe Bioplastics Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The European bioplastics market is currently 0.67 million tons in 2025 and is on track to reach 1.54 million tons by 2030, supported by a forecast compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.96% between 2025 and 2030. Policymakers across the EU are tightening rules on fossil-based polymers, so manufacturers are treating bio-based alternatives as an essential rather than optional upgrade, a shift that is filtering through procurement departments in food, retail, automotive, and consumer-goods value chains.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By type, Bio-based Biodegradables accounted for the largest share, holding 59% of the total revenue in 2024, and are also expanding at a CAGR of 22.56% through 2030. 
  • By feedstock, sugarcane accounted for 44% of the total revenue, while cellulosic and wood waste are the fastest-growing segments with a CAGR of 22.3%.
  • By processing technology, extrusion held the largest share in 2024 with 47% of the total market, while 3D printing is expanding at a CAGR of 21.5%.
  • By application, flexible packaging with a 43% share of the market in 2024, is also the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of 22.89%.
  • By country, Germany held the largest share in 2024 with 25% of the total market, while the United Kingdom is growing at a CAGR of 19.71%. 

Segment Analysis

By Type: Bio-based Biodegradables Lead Innovation Wave

Bio-based biodegradables command 49% Europe Bioplastics market share in 2024 and are forecast to post a 22.56% CAGR through 2030, reinforcing their leadership position. High throughput lines producing PLA and emerging PHA grades use advantaged feedstock sourcing and license plate technologies that compress production costs as volumes ramp. Early-stage evidence from fast-food chains adopting compostable cutlery shows that product-quality perception improves when functionality matches petro-based equivalents, leading to repeat orders and predictable scale-up. A telling inference is that cost-parity looks achievable earlier than once feared because rising fossil feedstock prices narrow the gap faster than forecast.

Bio-based non-biodegradables, while representing a smaller slice of Europe's Bioplastics market size, provide drop-in compatibility with existing PET and PE recycling streams, which appeals to beverage brands reluctant to alter reverse-logistics systems. Announced investments in plant-based PET confirm that supply constraints, rather than demand hesitation, remain the growth limiter.

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

By Feedstock: Sugarcane Dominates While Cellulosic Surges

Sugarcane accounts for roughly 44% Europe Bioplastics market share by feedstock in 2024 because industrial fermenters in Brazil and Thailand run at world-scale and supply Europe via integrated logistics. Stable sucrose yields and established certification schemes keep procurement risks low, so buyers lock multi-year contracts. Cellulosic residues from forestry and straw hold a smaller base today but expand at a rapid 22.3% CAGR as projects such as DEEP PURPLE demonstrate the feasibility of turning municipal wastewater sludge into PHA intermediates. A current market inference is that cellulosic routes will diversify geopolitical supply, dampening price volatility linked to sugar cycles.

By Processing Technology: Extrusion Maintains Lead

Extrusion holds 47% of the European bioplastics market size by processing method in 2024 because film, sheet, and profile applications depend on its high-throughput capability. Machine vendors such as Coperion have updated screw designs to cope with biopolymer shear-sensitivity, enabling processors to hit productivity targets without thermal degradation. Investment patterns reveal that converters bundle new extruders with in-line lamination to integrate barrier coatings in a single pass, a choice that boosts operational efficiency. 

3D printing represents a smaller base but is growing at 21.5% CAGR, introducing PLA, PCL, and composite filaments into medical implants, dental aligners, and aerospace brackets. Material suppliers formulate tuned molecular-weight distributions to balance flowability with layer adhesion, allowing parts to meet mechanical standards once limited to engineering polymers. 

By Application: Flexible Packaging Drives Volume and Innovation

Flexible formats account for 43% of Europe's Bioplastics market share in 2024 and maintain the fastest growth at 22.89% CAGR because film weight per pack is low, yet unit counts are high, unlocking rapid scale. Annual volume jumps through resin demand when a global snack brand converts even one flagship SKU to a bio-based film. Technology such as monomaterial PP pouches proves that barrier targets and recyclability are not mutually exclusive, changing the design calculus for new launches. The inference is that flexible packaging acts as the demand flywheel, creating feedstock certainty that underwrites upstream plant financing.

Rigid packaging, automotive, agriculture, construction, and textile segments each follow bespoke adoption curves shaped by mechanical and regulatory requirements. Bio-composites that pair flax fibre with bio-based epoxy are already trimming vehicle weight in motorsport, illustrating how performance and sustainability can reinforce rather than compromise each other. Agricultural film trials in Spain confirm that biodegradable mulch reduces field clean-up costs, which positions growers to recoup material premiums within one season. A notable inference is that cost-of-ownership metrics, rather than resin cost alone, often tip procurement decisions in favour of bioplastics.

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

Geography Analysis

Germany owns nearly 25% European bioplastics market share today and enjoys a dense network of research institutes, equipment suppliers, and brand-owner headquarters that compress innovation cycles. Its National Bioeconomy Strategy pairs research and development grants with demand-side instruments; for example, municipalities that shift to bio-based service-ware can leverage federal co-financing.

The United Kingdom records the region’s fastest forecast CAGR at 19.71% and approaches the transition as a knowledge-economy play, funnelling Innovate UK grants into lignin-rich polymer formulations and university-spin-out fabrication lines. An interesting inference is that regulatory independence post-Brexit can accelerate niche approvals, giving UK innovators a time-to-market edge.

Italy, France, and the Netherlands combine supportive composting infrastructure with specialised brand portfolios, enabling early mass-market launches of biodegradable shopping bags and coffee capsules. Novamont’s integration with Versalis deepens feedstock flexibility, a factor that could shield the cluster from agricultural price swings. 

Competitive Landscape

The European bioplastics industry is highly consolidated. BASF and TotalEnergies leverage balance-sheet strength to secure long-term biomass contracts, while mid-cap specialists like FKuR and Sulapac marshal agility to tailor grades for niche performance demands. TotalEnergies-Corbion collaborates with printer-OEMs to qualify Luminy PLA for durable goods, showing that cross-industry consortia can speed market entry. Regulatory navigation skills have become a competitive asset; teams with in-house compliance experts shorten certification timelines under REACH and food-contact regulations. 

Europe Bioplastics Industry Leaders

  1. BASF

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

  3. FUTERRO

  4. NatureWorks LLC

  5. TotalEnergies (Total Corbion)

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Europe Bioplastics Market - Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • April 2025: USEON and TotalEnergies Corbion have teamed up to propel the global commercialization and development of EPLA molded products. These products represent a new wave of sustainable, high-performance foam materials crafted from Luminy PLA bioplastics.
  • January 2024: Braskem and FKuR expanded their distribution agreement to cover additional I’m green bio-based EVA grades. The move broadens European access to flexible, light and chemical-resistant resins derived from renewable feedstocks.

Table of Contents for Europe Bioplastics 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 EU Single-Use Plastics Directive Triggering Mandatory Compostable Solutions by 2030
    • 4.2.2 Growing Demand for Bioplastics in Packaging
    • 4.2.3 Environmental Factors Encouraging a Paradigm Shift
    • 4.2.4 Government Procurement Policies Favoring Bio-Content in Public-Sector Packaging
    • 4.2.5 Ban On Fossil-Based Plastics in Specific Applications
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Limited Industrial-Composting Capacity Outside Benelux, Italy, And France
    • 4.3.2 Inconsistent End-Of-Life Labelling Rules Across the EU-27 Complicating Brand Adoption
    • 4.3.3 High Energy Prices in Europe Inflating Resin Extrusion Costs
    • 4.3.4 Slow REACH Certification Pathways for Novel Bio-Monomers
  • 4.4 Value Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Patent Analysis
  • 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 Bio-based Biodegradables
    • 5.1.1.1 Starch-based
    • 5.1.1.2 Polylactic Acid (PLA)
    • 5.1.1.3 Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
    • 5.1.1.4 Polyesters (PBS, PBAT, PCL)
    • 5.1.1.5 Other Bio-based Biodegradables
    • 5.1.2 Bio-based Non-biodegradables
    • 5.1.2.1 Bio Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
    • 5.1.2.2 Bio Polyethylene
    • 5.1.2.3 Bio Polyamides
    • 5.1.2.4 Bio Polytrimethylene Terephthalate
    • 5.1.2.5 Other Bio-based Non-biodegradables
  • 5.2 By Feedstock
    • 5.2.1 Sugarcane / Sugar Beet
    • 5.2.2 Corn
    • 5.2.3 Cassava and Potato
    • 5.2.4 Cellulosic and Wood Waste
    • 5.2.5 Others (Algae and Microbial Oil)
  • 5.3 By Processing Technology
    • 5.3.1 Extrusion
    • 5.3.2 Injection Molding
    • 5.3.3 Blow Molding
    • 5.3.4 3D Printing
    • 5.3.5 Others (Thermoforming, etc.)
  • 5.4 By Application
    • 5.4.1 Flexible Packaging
    • 5.4.2 Rigid Packaging
    • 5.4.3 Automotive and Assembly Operations
    • 5.4.4 Agriculture and Horticulture
    • 5.4.5 Construction
    • 5.4.6 Textiles
    • 5.4.7 Electrical and Electronics
    • 5.4.8 Other Applications
  • 5.5 By Country
    • 5.5.1 Germany
    • 5.5.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.5.3 Italy
    • 5.5.4 France
    • 5.5.5 Netherlands
    • 5.5.6 Spain
    • 5.5.7 Nordic
    • 5.5.8 Rest of Europe

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share 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 Arkema
    • 6.4.2 BASF
    • 6.4.3 BIO ON SpA
    • 6.4.4 Biome Bioplastics
    • 6.4.5 BIOTEC Biologische Naturverpackungen GmbH & Co. KG.
    • 6.4.6 Eni S.p.A. (Novamont)
    • 6.4.7 Evonik Industries AG
    • 6.4.8 FKuR
    • 6.4.9 FUTERRO
    • 6.4.10 Green Dot Bioplastics Inc
    • 6.4.11 Innovia Films
    • 6.4.12 Lactips
    • 6.4.13 Minima
    • 6.4.14 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
    • 6.4.15 NatureWorks LLC
    • 6.4.16 Plantic
    • 6.4.17 Rodenburg Biopolymers
    • 6.4.18 Sulapac Oy
    • 6.4.19 TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    • 6.4.20 TotalEnergies (Total Corbion)

7. Market Opportunities and Future Outlook

  • 7.1 EU Circular Economy and Green Deal Strategies
  • 7.2 White-space and Unmet-need Assessment
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Europe Bioplastics Market Report Scope

Bioplastics are materials derived from renewable biomass sources, such as corn starch, straw, woodchips, vegetable fats and oils, recycled food waste, etc. The market is segmented based on product type, application, and geography. The market is segmented by product type into bio-based biodegradables and non-biodegradables. The market is segmented by application into flexible packaging, rigid packaging, automotive and assembly operations, agriculture and horticulture, construction, textiles, electrical and electronics, and other applications. The report also covers the size and forecasts for the European bioplastics market in 6 countries across major regions. The market sizing and forecasts for each segment are based on volume (kiloton).

By Type Bio-based Biodegradables Starch-based
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
Polyesters (PBS, PBAT, PCL)
Other Bio-based Biodegradables
Bio-based Non-biodegradables Bio Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Bio Polyethylene
Bio Polyamides
Bio Polytrimethylene Terephthalate
Other Bio-based Non-biodegradables
By Feedstock Sugarcane / Sugar Beet
Corn
Cassava and Potato
Cellulosic and Wood Waste
Others (Algae and Microbial Oil)
By Processing Technology Extrusion
Injection Molding
Blow Molding
3D Printing
Others (Thermoforming, etc.)
By Application Flexible Packaging
Rigid Packaging
Automotive and Assembly Operations
Agriculture and Horticulture
Construction
Textiles
Electrical and Electronics
Other Applications
By Country Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Netherlands
Spain
Nordic
Rest of Europe
By Type
Bio-based Biodegradables Starch-based
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
Polyesters (PBS, PBAT, PCL)
Other Bio-based Biodegradables
Bio-based Non-biodegradables Bio Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Bio Polyethylene
Bio Polyamides
Bio Polytrimethylene Terephthalate
Other Bio-based Non-biodegradables
By Feedstock
Sugarcane / Sugar Beet
Corn
Cassava and Potato
Cellulosic and Wood Waste
Others (Algae and Microbial Oil)
By Processing Technology
Extrusion
Injection Molding
Blow Molding
3D Printing
Others (Thermoforming, etc.)
By Application
Flexible Packaging
Rigid Packaging
Automotive and Assembly Operations
Agriculture and Horticulture
Construction
Textiles
Electrical and Electronics
Other Applications
By Country
Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Netherlands
Spain
Nordic
Rest of Europe
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the expected size of the Europe Bioplastics market in 2030?

The Europe Bioplastics market size is projected to reach 1.54 million tons by 2030.

Which country currently leads the Europe Bioplastics industry?

Germany holds the leading market share, supported by its advanced industrial infrastructure and strong policy framework.

Which bioplastics segment is growing fastest?

Bio-based biodegradables exhibit the highest forecast CAGR, reflecting strong demand for compostable packaging solutions.

How important is flexible packaging to overall demand?

Flexible packaging represents the largest application, accounting for about 43 % of current volume and delivering the strongest growth momentum.

Why are government procurement policies significant for the sector?

Public-sector tenders that specify minimum bio-content provide stable offtake, lowering investment risk for new production capacity.

Page last updated on: June 27, 2025

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