Press Release Summary = Demand to register double-digit advances through 2010
Degradable plastic demand in the US is projected to grow 12 percent annually to 335 million pounds in 2010, valued at $480 million.
Press Release Body = Degradable Plastics forecasts to 2010 & 2015
Demand to register double-digit advances through 2010
Degradable plastic demand in the US is projected to grow 12 percent annually to 335 million pounds in 2010, valued at $480 million. Gains will reflect broader applications brought about by a more competitive pricing structure, improved performance characteristics, the continued development of degradability standards, and consumer education as to the benefits of these materials. Prospects will continue to improve as markets emerge and the prices and properties of degradable plastics begin to approximate those of conventional polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polystyrene. However, composting networks must also be expanded since degradability, while being an environmental benefit, is not a superior value in a predominantly discard-tolandfill scenario.
PLA, starch-based plastic to offer best prospects Polylactic acid (PLA) will present the best opportunities due to lower prices, brought about by capacity expansion and processing efficiencies, as well as property enhancements. Rapidly rising petroleum feedstock costs have also significantly raised prices of conventional resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene. Continued PLA inroads are anticipated in packaging markets, including bottles, containers, foodservice and film products, as well as fiber uses such as bedding, apparel and nonwovens. Demand for starch-based plastic will grow at a near double-digit pace through 2010 based on the availability of more competitively priced and improved resin blends. Film products such as compost bags will remain dominant and provide good opportunities. Degradable loose-fill packaging applications will grow at a comparatively slow pace due to competition from expanded polystyrene, as well as bubble packaging and inflatable bags. Polyester-based degradable demand is expected to triple through 2010 as a result of price reductions, wider availability and nascent applications in film and fiber uses such as apparel and fiberfill.
Packaging applications to retain dominance Packaging will present the best opportunities for degradable plastics, accounting for 76 percent of the total in 2010. Film and ring carriers will remain the dominant packaging uses, with foodservice products such as cutlery, plates and dishes exhibiting the best growth prospects. More rapid growth, however, is expected in significantly smaller fiber and other applications. Increased use is anticipated for degradable fibers in uses such as fiberfill and apparel. Bedding and apparel will remain the leading applications, with fastest growth expected for nonwovens. Other applications include carpet, and products such as erosion control blankets.
Industry structure The degradable plastic industry consists of resin and additive producers, as well as product manufacturers. Most firms are small and specialized. However, the industry is dominated by large, multinational firms with a global reach. Industry expansion will depend on raising resin capacity and process efficiencies, and continued proliferation of licensing and other cooperative agreements.
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2025
