We are currently living in the Plastics Age because a majority of everyday use products are made from plastic - Right in the morning we use toothbrushes made with plastic, use computers/keyboards/smartphones made of plastic, car dashboards, plastic containers for food, and more, plastic is everywhere and omnipresent.
This is leading to an insane amount of plastic pollution: around 60 million of plastic pollution is produced every year, out of 400 million plastics produced every year.
Most of this plastic pollution is either burnt, or buried in landfills, or thrown into the oceans, leading to spreading of microplastics in the environment, harming the nature, and humans.
Such is its extent of usage, that plastics have even entered our fossil records. And this is not a good sign by any means.
Exponential rise of plastic pollution in ocean sediments
Bioplastics: Savior Of Mother Earth
After Leo Baekeland invented plastics in 1907, in the form of Bakelite, the modern-day plastics started being manufactured on a mass scale by using different forms of petrochemicals.
In 1926, Maurice Lemoigne invented bioplastics, by discovering polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB).
However, since petrochemicals were abundant in nature, bioplastics were more or less ignored till 1973, when the oil crisis in the Middle East forced scientists to go back to agri-based plastic production, which ignited a new age of bioplastics.
Interestingly, the very first instance of a plastic-type substance came into the picture in 1862, when Alexander Parkes from the UK created Parkesine, humankind’s 1st ever manmade plastic made of cellulose.
And after almost 108 years, the cycle turned full circle, when Japanese scientists discovered a bacterium called Flavobacterium, to produce fully biodegradable plastic, also called bioplastic.
As of now, in 2024, more than 400 tonnes of plastics are manufactured every year, out of which, only 0.5% is bioplastics, whose market capital is approximately $26 billion.
Note here, that not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and at the same time, some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based as well. Mostly bioplastics are made from renewable sources, such as cellulose, corn, sugarcane, potato, wheat, rice, vegetable oil, and more.
In the last 50-odd years, bioplastics have evolved, and are still evolving, giving us hope of freeing up our Earth from non-degradable plastics.
Top 7 Bioplastics Trends For 2025
Understanding the bioplastics trend is critical for us, because we need to stop plastic pollution, and biodegradable bioplastics, made from renewable sources, are the way forward.
#1 Rise Of Bioplastics Based Packaging Solutions
Bioplastic packaging is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the global market projected to reach $14.07 billion by 2032, growing at a robust CAGR of 10.50%. From $5.80 billion in 2023, this surge reflects a growing commitment to sustainable alternatives across the food & beverage and personal care sectors.
What makes bioplastics stand out? Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics, these innovative materials offer faster decomposition and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. While the COVID-19 pandemic initially sparked increased plastic usage through disposable items, it ultimately accelerated the shift toward sustainable packaging solutions.
Trend #2: Europe Leads Global Bio-Plastics Revolution
Europe dominates the bio-plastics market with a 38% share in 2023, driven by strong government regulations and growing consumer awareness. The European Commission's 2022 policy framework prioritizes bio-based plastics from waste byproducts, while recent surveys show overwhelming public support for sustainable packaging.
Major brands are responding to this shift – PepsiCo aims for 50% recycled plastic by 2030 across Europe and is testing 100% recyclable snack packaging. With 93% of British consumers supporting recycled content in plastic bottles, and willing to pay premium prices, Europe's commitment to sustainability continues to shape the global bio-plastics landscape.
Trend #3: Global Regulations Drive Bio-Plastics Adoption
Government policies worldwide are reshaping the plastics landscape, with 127 countries now regulating traditional plastic usage. India's 2022 ban on 19 single-use plastic items set a precedent, followed by Hong Kong's comprehensive law starting April 2024 with penalties up to $10,000 for violations.
Recent developments include Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Environment announcing single-use plastic bans in January 2024, and Solomon Islands implementing restrictions from March 2024. These widespread regulatory changes are creating unprecedented opportunities for bio-plastics, establishing a new framework for sustainable materials in the global economy.
Trend #4: Non-Biodegradable Bio-Plastics Lead Market Growth
Non-biodegradable bio-plastics dominated the market in 2023, driven by their extensive use in food packaging, automotive parts, and consumer goods. Their superior strength, durability, and lighter weight compared to conventional materials make them increasingly popular among manufacturers.
A significant milestone was reached in August 2023 when Mitsubishi Corporation, Suntory Holdings, and ENEOS Corporation collaborated on sustainable PET bottle production using bio-PX from bio-naphtha. This versatility in applications, from carry bags to electronic equipment, continues to fuel the segment's growth and innovation in the bio-plastics market.
Trend #5: Cost Challenges in Bio-Plastics Adoption
Despite growing demand, bio-plastics face price barriers due to complex manufacturing processes. The conversion of raw materials like corn and sugarcane into PLA requires sophisticated technology, driving up production costs.
According to IfBB Hanover, bio-based alternatives like PET and PE derived from sugar cane or bio-ethanol command a 20% premium over conventional plastics. This price differential, coupled with limited raw material availability, poses a significant challenge to widespread market adoption, potentially slowing the industry's growth trajectory despite its environmental benefits.
Trend #6: Agriculture Embraces Bio-Plastic Solutions
Bio-plastics are gaining significant traction in agriculture and horticulture, driven by rising consumer acceptance and environmental consciousness. Their unique ability to control soil moisture, prevent weed growth, and protect crops while being eco-friendly makes them increasingly attractive.
The expansion of e-commerce and growing awareness of plastic pollution have further accelerated adoption. As farmers seek sustainable solutions that don't compromise effectiveness, bio-plastics are emerging as a key player in modern agricultural practices, opening new growth opportunities in this sector.
Trend #7: Innovation Drives Bio-Plastics Market Expansion
The bio-plastics industry is experiencing remarkable diversification, with alternatives now available for nearly every conventional plastic application. Development of advanced polymers like PLA, PHA, and bio-based PAs is revolutionizing the market, with production capacities set to surge in the next five years.
Packaging leads the charge, commanding 43% (934,000 tonnes) of the total bioplastics market in 2023. The versatility of these materials has enabled expansion beyond traditional packaging into electronics, automotive, and textiles, demonstrating bio-plastics potential to reshape multiple industries.
We at Ukhi are driving the bioplastics revolution, by manufacturing agri-waste-based raw materials, for creating bioplastics.
Connect with our team to get more insights into the bioplastics trends for 2025, and join forces with Ukhi, to trigger a change.
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