Demand for biodegradable polymers to reach 15.9 million kg by 2005

Additives for Polymers Dec01

A study by Business Communications Co, Inc, (BCC) estimates that the North American market for biodegradable polymers in 2000 reached 11.3 million kg (25 million lb). BCC predicts that this will increase to 15.9 million kg by 2005. Another 11.3 million kg of the biodegradable product polylactic acid are also expected by 2005, but its initial major outlets will be in non-biodegradable applications.

According to Biodegradable Polymers (RP- 175) the market is dominated by loose-fill packaging -- estimated at 9 million kg in 2000. With an average annual growth rate of 4.6%, this market is expected to increase to 11.3 mil- lion kg (25 million lb) in 2005. The report suggests that demand for compost bags will grow at the fastest rate, at an AAGR of 9.9%, to reach 3.6 million kg (8 million lb) in 2005. Other applications such as agricultural films, hygiene-related products and paper coatings will represent 8% of the market in 2005, BCC says. The lack of universal standards, high prices and the lack of an industrial infrastructure to deal with these materials are all hindering the uptake of biodegradable polymers, according to the report. In addition, the major drivers for growth in North America stem from mandated legislation, which may not develop for some time. The lack of consensus over what degradation time constitutes ‘biodegrad- ability’ is another issue that remains to be resolved.