Introduction:
According to new figures from European Bioplastics, the production capacity for bioplastics is expected to nearly quadruple by 2028. The increase in capacity will be driven by the growing demand for sustainable materials and advancements in biopolymer technology. The proportion of biodegradable plastics in total bioplastics production is also expected to increase.
- The global production capacity for bioplastics is projected to grow from around 2.2 million tonnes per year to almost 7.5 million tonnes per year by 2028.
- The increase in capacity is driven by the increased demand for sustainable materials and advancements in biopolymer technology.
- The proportion of biodegradable plastics in the total volume of bioplastics is expected to increase from 52% to 62% by 2028.
- The industry association European Bioplastics has called for policy support to accelerate the growth of the bioplastics industry, including harmonizing regulations and increasing funding for scaling up production.
- The potential role of bioplastics in reducing the environmental impact of plastics depends on the development of a clear and supportive policy framework.
Conclusion:
The production capacity for bioplastics is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, driven by demand for sustainable materials and advancements in biopolymer technology. The proportion of biodegradable plastics is also expected to rise, further contributing to the environmental benefits of bioplastics. However, to fully harness the potential of bioplastics, policy support and a supportive regulatory framework are needed to create a level playing field and incentivize the industry.
