Market Trends of Thermoplastic Starch (TPS) Industry
Increasing Demand from the Packaging Films
- The use of thermoplastic starch films displays a lucid use of natural resources, thereby reducing environmental pollution. Thermoplastic starch films present many advantages, such as biodegradability, low cost, ease of processing, and renewability. The starch films are being used as a promising kind of commercial preservation film for extending the shelf of food.
- Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is a starch derivative and is widely accepted as the most suitable material that can be used in place of synthetic polymers in the packaging industry.
- The application of hydrolyzed corn starch films as a sustainable packaging material grants several advantages, such as biodegradability, reusability, and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
- Many companies are shifting towards sustainable packaging materials. For instance, Ingredion, a United States-based global ingredients solutions company, offers CRISP FILM, a high amylose, white to off-white colored corn starch. The products offer good film-forming characteristics and act as a protective barrier when used as a coating for fried foods.
- According to the United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, scientists from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) developed starch-based film, or coating, with the ability to make paper and other materials more water-resistant and biodegradable. The film product is widely used in food packaging, plastic bags, and other products, reducing the amount of synthetic products clogging landfills.
- In August 2022, LaFabrica Craft Pvt Ltd, an India-based company involved in the production of eco-friendly products for common plastic packaging items, developed a fully biodegradable shampoo sachets and chutney packets using a natural biopolymer. The sachet material has been derived from organic substances such as corn, tapioca starch, seaweed, and casein. Also in August 2022, Great Wrap, an Australian-based biomaterials company, announced the creation of a compostable bioplastic alternative to clingfilm made from waste potatoes.
- Therefore, all these factors are expected to impact the demand for the market studied during the forecast period.
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The Asia-Pacific Region is the Fastest Growing Region
- In Asia-Pacific, the demand for packaged food is growing, owing to lifestyle changes, the growing disposable income, the increasing number of working professionals, and the growing preference for fast food. Consumers prefer ready-to-consume foods because they have considerably less time to cook. In addition, ready-to-consume foods are fresh and have attractive and sturdy packaging, supporting the demand for the market studied.
- China is the world's largest consumer of packaging materials globally owing to factors such as growing per capita income and rising e-commerce giants. According to Interpak, in China, total packaging in the foodstuff packaging category is expected to reach 447 billion units in 2023, indicating an increased demand for thermoplastic starch from the packaging industry.
- In India, food processing is the largest consumer of packaging at 45%, followed by pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Increasing demand from these end-user segments is creating a massive potential for expansion. The food and beverages industry accounts for about 3% of India's GDP and is the single largest employer in the country, with more than 7.3 million workforces. All such factors showcase a promising outlook for the market studied.
- In Japan, every person in the country uses around 300-400 plastic bags annually, or more than 40 billion for the entire nation. Thus, the increasing regulations on traditional plastic bags in the country are expected to propel the demand for TPS-based products during the forecast period.
- As the increasing number of Japanese consumers allocate a higher budget percentage for food, various opportunities await investors and international brands to enter the packaging market and introduce new food packaging preferences for local consumption. Thus, the TPS market holds future opportunities in the Japanese packaging market.
- The Chinese 3D printing industry is one of the world's most dynamic and rapidly growing. It is the second-largest market in the world, after the United States. There are about 310 3D printing startups in China, including HeyGears, focusing on designing and developing intelligent wearable equipment; Shanghai Smartee Denti-Technology Co. Ltd uses 3D printing technology for designing and producing orthodontics. The company developed invisible 3D printed braces based on its proprietary "Invisible treatment technology" as a replacement for traditional wire braces.
- There are a few 3D printing centers in India right now, but several healthcare and medical tech companies have entered this segment. The cost will also be reduced if there are more manufacturers. The per capita price also decreases if there is widespread use and demand for treatment; moreover, it costs less. This results in an impact on the market studied.
- Japan has an aging population, which is driving demand for customized medical devices and implants. 3D printing technology can be used to produce these devices quickly and at a low cost. Moreover, Japan has a vibrant creative industry, and 3D printing technology can produce customized and unique products for the fashion, art, and design sectors.
- Therefore, the demand for thermoplastic starch from various end-user industries is expected to increase during the forecast period in Asia-Pacific.
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