BIOPLASTICS

facts and figures


DEAR READER
P
lastics are an integral part of our modern life. They
play an essential role in providing, protecting, and
delivering high-quality products in pretty much ev-
ery market segment to consumers around the world. To-
day, there is a bioplastic alternative for almost every con-
ventional plastic material and corresponding application.
Bioplastics – plastics that are bio-based, biodegrad-
European Bioplastics defines bioplastics as plastics
that are bio-based, biodegradable, or both.
able, or both – have the same or similar properties as
conventional plastics but offer additional benefits, such
as a reduced carbon footprint, better functionalities, or
additional waste management options, such as organic
recycling.
Bio-based plastics have the unique advantage over con-
ventional plastics to reduce the dependency on limited
fossil resources and to reduce greenhouse gas emis-
sions. Currently, bioplastics represent less than one
percent of the more than 367 million tonnes of plastic
produced annually1. But as demand is rising and with
more sophisticated materials, applications, and products
emerging, the market is growing dynamically.
On the one hand, the growing environmental awareness
of consumers as well as the knowledge about the finite
1
World plastics production 2020, Plastics Europe, 2021.
3
nature of the planet’s fossil resources are spurring the
demand for bioplastic materials and products. On the
other hand, big brands and manufacturers are looking for
innovative ways to reduce their environmental footprint
and are tapping into the many benefits and advanced
technical properties bioplastics have to offer.
The bioplastics industry is fast-growing and innovative,
and it has the potential to decouple economic growth
from resource depletion and environmental impact. The
European Commission has recognised the essential role
of bioplastics in the bioeconomy and their potential to
accelerate the transition to a circular economy. European
Bioplastics, the association representing the interests of
the bioplastics industry in Europe, is working closely with
the European institutions and all other relevant stake-
holders to shape the economic and policy landscape in
Europe in which the bioplastics industry can thrive.
This brochure will give you an overview of the bioplastics
industry, the market development, and the work of Euro-
pean Bioplastics.
Yours sincerely
European Bioplastics
4

BIOPLASTICS –
definition, materials and technology

B ioplastics are not just one single material. They

comprise of a whole family of materials with differ-
ent properties and applications. According to European
• Bio-based and biodegradable plastics, such as poly-
lactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs),
polybutylene succinate (PBS), or different starch
Bioplastics, a plastic material is defined as a bioplastic blends;
if it is either bio-based, biodegradable, or features both • Plastics that are based on fossil resources and biode-
properties. There are three groups of bioplastics, each gradable, such as polybutylene adipate terephthalate
with their own characteristics: (PBAT), but that may well be produced at least partly
• Bio-based (or partly bio-based), non-biodegradable bio-based in the future or in some cases already are.
plastics, such as bio-based polyethylene (PE), poly-
propylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (so- Bioplastics offer a broad range of functionalities opti-
called drop-in solutions), bio-based technical per- mised for each type of application. They can be pro-
formance polymers, such as numerous bio-based cessed into a vast array of products using conventional
polyamides (PA), polytrimethylene terephthalate plastics processing technologies. In most cases, the
(PTT) or totally new polymers such as polyethylene process parameters of the processing equipment sim-
furanoate (PEF); ply have to be adjusted to the individual specification of
each polymer.
Global production capacities of bioplastics 2021
Global production capacities of bioplastics(by
2021
material type)
(by material type)
Global production capacities of bioplastics 2021 Global production capacities of biop
(by material
Other 1.0%type) 19.2%(by material type)
PBAT
Other 1.0% 19.2% PBAT
(bio-based/
(bio-based/
non-biodegradable)
non-biodegradable)
Global production
3.5% PBS capacities of bioplastics 20193.5% PBS
Other 1.1%
Other(by material
PE 1.0%
9.5% type) 19.2% PBAT
18.9% (bio-based/
PLA
PE 9.5% (bio-based/
18.9% PLA non-biodegradable)
non-biodegradable)
PET 6.2% 3.5% PBS
1.8% PEPHA 11.8%
PET 6.2%
PE1.8% (bio-based/
PA
PHA
Other
9.5%
9.1%
1.1% Total: 13.4% PBAT
18.9% PLAPET 9.8%
PA 9.1% Total: 2.42 million 16.4%
4.3% PBS Starch blends
2.42 million 16.4%non-biodegradable)
PET Starch
6.2% blends PA 11.6% Total:
PP 1.9% 11.8% tonnes 1.8% PHA
2.11 million
bio-based
PP 1.9% biodegradable
tonnes PE
Total: 13.9% PLA Cellulose films2
3.2%
PA3.2% 9.1%
Cellulose PP 0.9% tonnes
0.0% films
2
PEF 1
PET 9.8% 2.42 million 16.4%
1.2%1.2%
Starch blends
PHA Other
PEF1 0.0% PP1.2% PAOther
1.9% tonnes
Total: PEF* 0.0%
PTT 8.1% 11.6% (biodegradable)
Cellulose
3.2%Starch
21.3% blends films
2
PTT 8.1% (biodegradable) 2.11 million PTT 9.2%
PEF1 PP 0.0% 0.9% tonnes
Other
1.2%Other
1.4%
PTT PEF*8.1% 0.0% (biodegradable)
(biodegradable)
PTT 9.2%
Bio-based/non-biodegradable
Bio-based/non-biodegradable
Bio-based/non-biodegradable Biodegradable
35,8%
44.5%
Bio-based/non-biodegradable 35.8% Biodegradable 64.2%
According
35.8% to European Bioplastics’ definition, Global production 64.2% capacity 2021 by material *PEF is currently in development and predicted to be available in commercial scal
Bio-based/non-biodegradable
PEF is currently in development and predicted to be available at commercial scale in 2023. Biodegradable
Biodegradable
Regenerated cellulose films
bioplastics arein development
bio-based, biodegradable, orscale in 2023.
1 2
Bio-based/non-biodegradable Biodegradable
Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019)
PEF is currently
1
and predicted to be available at commercial 35.8%
2
Regenerated44.5%
cellulose films 64.2%
64,2%
More 55.5%www.european-bioplastics.org/market and w
information:
both.Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2021) Source:
More
1
EuropeanBioplastics,
Source: European
PEF isinformation:
currently
Bioplastics,
*PEFinisdevelopment
currently
nova-Institute
nova-Institute
and predicted
in development
(2021).
www.european-bioplastics.org/market
(2021)
to be available
and predicted at commercial
to be available and
scale
in commercial www.bio-based.eu/markets
scaleinin2023.
2023. 2
Regenerated cellulose films
More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets
Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019)

BIOPLASTICS –
benefits and innovative properties
Reduced carbon footprint
Bio-based plastics have the unique advantage over con-
ventional plastics to reduce the dependency on limited
fossil resources and to reduce greenhouse gas emis-
sions by replacing the fossil content in plastics with
plant-based content. Some life cycle analyses show that
bio-based plastics feature a significant CO2 saving com-
pared to conventional plastics, depending on the feed-
stock, the product, and the application. Consequently,
bio-based plastics can help the European Union (EU) to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet its zero-net
target by 2030.
Increased resource efficiency
Bioplastics can make a considerable contribution to in-
creased resource efficiency through a closed resource
cycle and use cascades, especially if bio-based materials
and products are being either reused or recycled and even-
tually used for energy recovery (i.e. renewable energy).
5
Innovative materials for better perfor-
mance
Bio-based or partially bio-based drop-in plastics, such as
bio-based PE or PET, show the same physical properties
as their conventional counterparts, and while they can be
mechanically recycled in existing recycling streams, they
have the additional benefit of reducing a product’s car-
bon footprint. The bioplastics industry has come up with
numerous innovative technical and material solutions.
Many bio-based plastics offer new material properties for
an improved performance, including enhanced breath-
ability, increased material strength, reduced thickness,
and improved optical properties. New, innovative materi-
als such as PLA, PHA, or bio-based PBS offer additional
end-of-life solutions by being biodegradable in certain
environments. Other new materials such as 100% bio-
based polyethylene furanoate (PEF) feature better barrier
properties than comparable conventional polymers and
can easily be mechanically recycled.
6

MARKET –
dynamic growth and development

T he bioplastics industry is a young, innovative sector

with an enormous economic and ecological potential
for a low-carbon, circular bioeconomy that uses resources
million tonnes by 2026. Hence, the share of bioplastics
in global plastic production will bypass the two percent
mark for the first time.
more efficiently. The EU has started to acknowledge the
many benefits and is allocating funds and resources to In the next years PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthal-
research and development in this sector. ate), but also bio-based PBS (polybutylene succinate),
and bio-based PAs (polyamides) are the main drivers of
The global market for bioplastics is predicted to grow this impressive growth. The production of polylactic acid
continuously over the next years. According to the lat- (PLA) will also continue to grow due to further invest-
est market data compiled by European Bioplastics in ments in PLA production sites in Asia, the US, and in
collaboration with the nova-Institute, the global produc- Europe. Production capacities of bio-based polyolefins,
tion capacities of bioplastics are predicted to grow from such as PE (polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene), will
around 2.42 million tonnes in 2021 to approximately 7.59 further grow as well.
Global production capacities of bioplastics Biodegradable bioplastics 2021 vs. 2026 Bio-based & durabl
7,593
8,000
6,000 2,500 PBAT
6,723 5,297 2,297
7,000 PBS
2,297 PLA
6,000
5,510 PHA
5,217 2,140
4,719 4,000 Starch blends
5,000
in 1,000 tonnes

1,150 1,500 Cellulose films*

in 1,000 tonnes

1,101
4,000 1,025
PE
864 PET
3,000 5,297 2,000
2,417 4,583 1,553 PA
2,087 4,360
4,116
2,000 864 3,694 500 PP
848 PEF**
1,000 PTT
1,553 0 0
1,239
0
2021 2026 2021 2026 Others
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Bio-based/non-biodegradable Biodegradable Forecast Total capacity Regenerated cellulose films

*
PEF is currently in development and predicted to be available at commercial scale in 2023.
**

Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2021)

More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets

Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2021)

More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets

Global production capacity of bioplastics (2021) Biodegradable vs. Bio-based & durable bioplastics (2021 vs. 2026)
Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2021). Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2021).
 7

MARKET –
regional development

W ith a view to regional capacity development, Asia

further strengthened its position as major produc-
tion hub with almost 50 percent of bioplastics currently
Against this background, the implementation of a Euro-
pean policy framework that secures equal access to bio-
based resources, creates measures to facilitate market
being produced in the region. At present, a fourth of the entry for bio-based products, and accounts for the fa-
production capacity is still located in Europe. However, cilitating role of compostable plastics for efficient waste
Europe’s share and that of other world regions will sig- stream management, is of paramount importance.
nificantly decrease within the next five years. In con-
trast, Asia is predicted to have passed the 70 percent
by 2026.

Global production capacities of bioplastics in 2021 (by region)

in %

Global production capacities of bioplastics in 2021 (by24.1

region) 49.9
16.5 in %

Total: 24.1 49.9

2.42 million tonnes 16.5
Total:
2.42 million tonnes
Asia Asia
Europe Europe 9.1 9.1
North America
0.4
North America
South America
Australia/Oceania 0.4
South America
Australia/Oceania
Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2021)
More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets

Global production capacity by region in 2021

Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2021).

Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2021)

8

MARKET –
vast applications for bioplastics

B ioplastics are used in an increasing number of

markets, from packaging, catering products,
consumer electronics, automotive, agriculture/
horticulture and toys to textiles and a number of other
segments. Packaging remains the largest field of
application for bioplastics with almost 48 percent (1.15
million tonnes) of the total bioplastics market in 2021.
However, the portfolio of application continues to
diversify. Segments, such as automotive & transport
or building & construction, significantly increased their
share. Bio-based plastics do not only help to make cars
lighter in order to save fuel, but they provide additional
means to reduce carbon emissions and the impact on
the environment.

Biodegradable
Bio-based plastics (by market segment) 2021 plastics (by market segment) 2021

2
1 1 Flexible packaging
5 Rigid packaging
1 Rigid packaging
11
8 24 Fibres (incl. woven & Agriculture & horticulture
non-woven) 3 32
Consumer goods
8 6
Flexible packaging Coatings & adhesives
in % Automotive & transportin % Fibres (incl. woven &
12 Building & 13
construction non-woven)

22 Consumer goods Electrics & electronics

Electrics & electronics
14 18 Building & construction
19 Others Automotive & transport
Others

Bio-based plastics (by market segment) 2021 Source: European Biodegradable

Bioplastics,plastics
nova-Institute(by market
(2021).segment) 2021
More information:
Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2021). More information:
www.european-bioplastics.org/market and
Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2021).and www.bio-based.eu/markets Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2021).
www.european-bioplastics.org/market www.bio-based.eu/markets
 9
Pictures: API, Cargo Cosmetics, Michael Young Designer, Corbion, novamont | Metabolix / Zoe b | Mazda | Heinz | PolyOne, Beanarella

The increase in the use of bioplastics in all market well as the continuous advancements and innovations of
segments is driven by the rising demand for sustainable the bioplastics industry in new materials with improved
products by consumers and brands alike. This is due to a properties and new functionalities.
growing awareness of the impact on the environment as

There is nothing that bioplastics can‘t do: Today, there is a

bioplastic alternative for almost every conventional plastic
material and corresponding application.
10
BIOPLASTICS –
an important part of the EU bioeconomy
B ioplastics are an essential part of the bioeconomy.
They are a fast-growing, innovative industry that
has the potential to decouple economic growth from
resource depletion and negative environmental impact,
and to help deliver better economic and environmental
outcomes by replacing fossil feedstock with bio-based
feedstock, while continuing to harness the benefits of
plastics.
Bioplastics create jobs and growth in Europe
Moreover, bioplastics contribute to an increased re-
source efficiency by applying the principles of the circular
economy: from sustainable sourcing to product design,
and to ensuring that plastics do not become waste but
instead re-enter the economy as valuable technical ma-
terial or biological nutrients.
2
EuropaBio – The European Association for Bioindustries: Jobs and growth generated by industrial biotechnology in Europe (2016)
Besides its contributions towards a sustainable future,
the emerging bioplastics industry has the potential to
unfold an immense economic impact in Europe over the
coming decades. According to a market analysis con-
ducted by EuropaBio2, the European bioplastics industry
could realise a steep employment growth, most of which
will have positive effects on the development of rural
areas. In 2013, the bioplastics industry accounted for
around 23,000 jobs in Europe. With the right framework
conditions in place, this number could increase more
than tenfold by 2030, with up to 300,000 high skilled jobs
being created in the European bioplastics sector. Yet, an
integrated European political and economic framework
is needed to unlock the potential of a full-scale market
introduction of bioplastics in Europe.
 11

BIOMASS FOR BIOPLASTICS –

efficient use of feedstock

T oday, bioplastics are mostly made of agro-based

and ligno-cellulosic feedstock. Currently, agro-based
feedstock (plants that are rich in carbohydrate, such
approximately 0.7 million hectares of land to grow the
renewable feedstock. The surface required to grow
sufficient feedstock for today’s bioplastics production
as corn or sugar cane) is the most efficient and profit- is just only over 0.01 per cent of the global agricul-
able option, since these plants are designed to produce tural area of a total of 5 billion hectares. Metaphorically
the highest yields and withstand pests and demanding speaking, this ratio correlates to the size of an average
weather conditions. Ligno-cellulosic feedstock includes cherry tomato compared to the Eiffel Tower. The area
plants that are not eligible for food or feed production. used to grow crops for the production of bioplastics
The bioplastics industry is also developing new technolo- is no competition to the production of food and feed.
gies that use waste materials from the mentioned feed- Increasing the efficiency of feedstock and agricultural
stocks with a view to its further use for the production of technology is continuously enhancing good agricul-
bioplastics materials in the future. tural practices. Today, the sustainability of biomass
sourcing is ensured through the growing importance
Land use and implementation of reliable and independent sus-
In 2021, the global production capacities of bioplas- tainability certification schemes such as ISCC plus,
tics amounted to 2.42 million tonnes, which required RSB, or BonSucro.
AGRICULTURAL
B AL AR
LO EA
G
Pasture
3.3 billion ha
Food & Feed
1.24 billion ha = 26%*
Material use***
106 million ha = 2%*
Biofuels Arable land**
53 million ha = 1%* 1.4 billion ha
Bioplastics
Bioplastics***
2019: 0.68
2014: 0.79 million
millionha 0.01%**
ha≈≈0.016%
2024: 1.4
2019: 1.00million 0.021%*
millionhaha≈≈0.03%*

Source: European Bioplastics (2017), FAO Stats (2014), nova-Institute (2017), and Institute for * In relation to global agricultural area
** Including approx. 1% fallow land
Land use for bioplastics
Bioplastics in 2021
and Biocomposites andMore
(2017). 2026
information: www.european-bioplastics.org *** Land-use for bioplastics is part of the 2% material use

Source: European Bioplastics (2021), FAO Stats (2020), nova-Institute (2021), and Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (2019), University of Virginia (2016)
12

BIOPLASTICS –
contributions to improved waste management

B ioplastics are suitable for a broad range of end-of-

life options. With the overwhelming part of the vol-
umes of bioplastics produced today already being re-
cycled alongside their conventional counterparts where
separate recycling streams for certain material types
exist (e.g. bio-based PE in the PE-stream or bio-based
PET in the PET stream). This way, bioplastics can con-
tribute to higher recycling quotas in the EU and more
efficient waste management. New materials, such as
PEF and PLA can also be mechanically recycled but
still face the hurdles of low market shares.
Compostability is a feature of certain biodegradable bio-
plastics that offers additional waste treatment options at
the end of a product’s life. Products, such as composta-
ble biowaste bags or food packaging can be treated to-
gether with organic waste in industrial composting plants
or AD plants and are thus diverted from landfills and
turned into biogas or valuable compost. If bioplastics can
no longer be reused or recycled, they can be used for the
production of renewable energy.

E fficient waste management is key to the European

Commission’s flagship policy goal of a resource ef-
ficient Europe and its circular economy vision. The EU
Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) defines a five-
step waste hierarchy, ranking the treatments of waste
based on their ability to conserve resources.

EU Waste hierarchy
 13

SAFE –
transparent claims and reliable standards

T he use of independent and internationally respected

labels to mark bioplastic products is important for
consumers to receive transparent and correct informa-
tion about the product and to safeguard the positive im-
age of bioplastics.
Bio-based labels
Substantiation of bio-based claims should conform to the
EU standards EN 16640 and/or EN 16785. Those stan-
dards specify the calculation method for determining the
bio-based (carbon) content in monomers, polymers and
plastic materials and products, based on the C14 content
measurement or C14-method and elemental analysis,
respectively.
Compostability labels
Biodegradable products certified according to the stan-
dards EN 13432 and EN 14995 can be called (industri-
ally) compostable. The ‚Seedling’ logo is a reliable label
for industrial compostability, which assists in the decision
on purchasing and disposing a product or packaging.

Trustworthy labels are always linked to an internationally ac- Selection of labels for bioplastics:
cepted standard via an independent certification scheme. Euro-
pean Bioplastics supports corresponding certification schemes
and labels for product identification and disposal, and their
EU-wide implementation.

There are two organisations in Europe, DIN CERTCO and TÜV

Austria that provide certifications and corresponding labels
based on these standards.

Environmental commucications
European Bioplastics has compiled a comprehensive
Environmental Communications Guide providing general
recommendations as well as specific guidelines for com-
municating environmental claims for bioplastics.
14

EUROPEAN BIOPLASTICS –
the European Association of the bioplastics industry

E uropean Bioplastics (EUBP) is the association repre-

senting the interests of the bioplastics industry along
the entire value chain in Europe. EUBP is working very
closely with bioplastics businesses, with EU policy mak-
ers, and other key stakeholder groups to ensure a sup-
portive policy and economical framework in Europe for
our emerging industry to thrive in.
European Bioplastics has been a key player in shaping
the policy environment for our industry in Europe for
almost 30 years. Founded in 1993 as a German asso-
ciation for biodegradable polymers, EUBP evolved into
a European association that represents both bio-based
and biodegradable plastics.
EUBP currently represents about 70 members from the
entire value chain of bioplastics, from producers of re-
newable feedstock, bioplastics producers, and con-
verters to brand owners, research institutes, and waste
management organisations. The increase in the use of bi-
oplastics in all market segments is driven by the increas-
ing demand for sustainable products by consumers and
brands alike due to a growing awareness of the impact
on the environment as well as the continuous advance-
ments and innovations of the bioplastics industry in new
materials with improved properties and new functional-
ities.

1 3 Bioplastics manufacturers and auxiliaries (additives)

6

8 Research, consulting, framework and others

Plastic converters
45
14 in % RRM intermediates, RRM conversion
(Industrial) end users

Plastic products distribution

23
Machinery/engineering/equipment

Members according to industry sectors, 2021


EUROPEAN BIOPLASTICS –
driving the evolution of plastics
European Bioplastics serves as both knowledge partner
and business network for companies, experts, and all
relevant stakeholder groups of the bioplastics industry.
Our primary task is to raise awareness and inform policy
makers, brands, businesses, consumers, media, and the
interested public about the properties, benefits, and po-
tentials of bioplastics for a sustainable society.
Our activities at a glance:
• We formulate and communicate our industry’s posi-
tions on relevant issues.
• We represent our members’ interests in consultations
and developments around relevant policy issues in
Brussels.
13th European Bioplastics Conference, opening speech of François de Bie, Chairman of European Bioplastics
15
• We provide comprehensive information on all relevant
topics surrounding bioplastics, including the compre-
hensive annual global market data update.
• We provide opportunities and platforms to connect
and network, such as our annual European Bioplastics
Conference – the leading business event of our indus-
try in Europe.
Benefits of becoming a member
If you would like to know more about our activities, our
members, or the benefits of becoming a member of
European Bioplastics, visit our website www.european-
bioplastics.org or contact us directly at info@european-
bioplastics.org.
Contact & more information

Do you want to learn more about the ad- For more information, please visit our website:
www.european-bioplastics.org
vantages and applications of bioplastics?
Or follow us on twitter:
European Bioplastics Phone: 0049 30 28 48 23 50 twitter.com/EUBioplastics
Marienstraße 19-20 Email: info@european-bioplastics.org
10117 Berlin Email: press@european-bioplastics.org Or follow us on LinkedIn:
https://de.linkedin.com/company/
european-bioplastics

SAVE THE DATE!

17th European Bioplastics Conference

5/6 December 2022

maritim proArte Hotel Berlin, Germany

We are looking forward to seeing you there!