The steeply growing concerns related to climate change and the shortage of fossil resources have surged the demand for efficient green solutions. It has significantly upsurged the demand for innovative approaches to reuse and recycle plastics. Bioplastics seem to extend their applications across various segments, including packaging, consumer durables, textile, agriculture, etc. The potential of bioplastics across these sectors will undoubtedly accelerate the growth of the overall bioplastic industry. In addition, the never-ending research and innovations are driving the overall industry forward. For instance, Marieke Havermans, a Dutch packaging expert, developed an ecological casket developed from 100% purpose-designed bioplastic. This natural fiber-filled PLA-based compound will easily get decomposed through biological processes in the ground within the period of 10 years. Thus, such innovations are likely to be the major driver of the overall industry. In no time, bioplastics are expected to be a new normal in the packaging product industry.
According to a study by Astute Analytica, the global bioplastics market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2027.
On 15 March 2022, ABB announced its plan to automate its new bioplastics plant in Thailand. The plant is expected to deliver 75,000 tons of sustainable plastic per year.
Bioplastics in Packaging –
Bioplastics are equally efficient as regular plastics; regardless, it reduces the rate of CO2 emission. In addition, they offer additional safety to the food by enduring high heat. Bioplastic packaging is gaining significant traction and is forecast to be new normal in the coming years. Government bodies are also driving this trend by introducing stringent regulations. For instance, the EU 2020 Strategy was focused on the transition from a fossil-based economy to a bio-economy.
Scientists are also focused on innovating the most biodegradable solution. For instance, scientists from the Centre of Sustainable Chemical Technologies (CSCT) at the University of Bath developed the biodegradable form of plastic using sugar and carbon dioxide. In addition to that, scientist Rodrigo Andler from the Catholic University of Maule, Chile, along with his team, developed NatPol. It is a biologically-based product produced through the fermentation of fruit residues. These products were later transformed into plastics.
NatPol also successfully developed a bioplastic container. The team is also researching the ways of obtaining another biopolymer in order to upsurge the demand for bioplastics in the agriculture field to an industrial level at a global level.
Numerous renowned brands, such as Coca-Cola, Volvic, and Heinz, use bio-plastics in order to contribute to the initiatives towards green society. In addition to that, Johnson & Johnson also uses bio-PE to reduce its plastic footprint. Furthermore, the company announced its initiative towards reducing carbon emissions. The brands committed $800 million through 2030 in order to offer sustainable products to the consumer. For this, the company is aiming to use 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable plastic packaging. Other companies like Danone and Unilever also rely on bioplastic.
Bioplastics in Agriculture
Bioplastics in agriculture can assure substantial growth by minimizing the carbon footprint. Bioplastics offer various benefits its agriculture. For instance, they do not contain heavy metals and decline the range of non-biodegradable content to some extent. In addition to that, they help stabilize the temperature of the root and maintain soil nutrients and moisture.
Various agro-waste, such as corn cob, cellulose, sago pith waste, and chitin, can possibly be used as a bioplastic. This trend is rising at a significant pace. However, the high cost of bioplastics is a substantial factor limiting its use in the agriculture segment.
Ongoing research is forecast to introduce new alternatives in the coming years, which will allow producers to increase the use of bioplastics in agriculture.
Biopolymer innovator Teysha Technologies also made headlines recently. Teysha Technologies have joined the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) with the aim to research, test, and develop bioplastics for the agricultural sector in the UK. Through these initiatives, Teysha will get an opportunity to expand and further commercialize its services in the UK.
Bioplastics for Consumer Durables
Bioplastics are getting substantial traction in the consumer electronics industry. PLA electronic bioplastic products have found innovations in computer touch screen cases, speakers, portable music players, keyboard elements chargers, mobile phones, mouse, and laptops.
Prominent brands, such as NEC, Nokia, Fujitsu, and Sony, are contributing to this new revolution by investing in improving the performance of polylactic acid (PLA).
In 2018, Electrolux introduced the first-ever bioplastic-based refrigerator. The bioplastic used in the refrigerator has an 80% lower carbon footprint as compared to conventional plastics. Furthermore, in June 2021, the LEGO Group unveiled a prototype LEGO® brick produced from recycled plastic. This new prototype adopts PET plastic from discarded bottles in order to meet the company’s strict quality and safety requirements. In addition to that, the company's materials scientists and engineers have tested nearly 250 variations of PET materials in the past three years.
Bioplastics in Textile
Bioplastics also have vast applications in the textile sector. Bioplastics are widely used in the manufacturing of sports bags, medical fabrics, clothes, etc. The bioplastic textile industry is forecast to witness lucrative growth opportunities, owing to the rising awareness about the harmful effects of plastic products. Furthermore, the growing contribution of biotechnology start-up companies and fashion brands is forecast to bring a new sustainable fashion revolution. For instance, Reebok earlier launched shoes made of bioplastic. The global fitness brand also unveiled its “Cotton + Corn” sustainable products initiative. As a part of this initiative, the brand primarily unveiled plant-based footwear to the market.
