Biodegradable Plastics Market Driven by 20.96% CAGR

Biodegradable Plastics Market Drives at 20.96% CAGR (2025-34)

According to forecasts, the global biodegradable plastics market will grow from USD 13.23 billion in 2024 to USD 88.71 billion by 2034, with an expected CAGR of 20.96%. North America led the market with over 35% share in 2024, while Asia Pacific is set for strong growth. PLA, packaging, extrusion, film, and plant-based sources dominated in 2024; PHA, medical, injection molding, and microbial sources show future potential.

Last Updated: 30 September 2025 Category: Packaging Forms Insight Code: 5749 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Biodegradable Plastics Market Size and Regional Production Analysis

The biodegradable plastics market is set to grow from USD 16 billion in 2025 to USD 88.71 billion by 2034, with an expected CAGR of 20.96% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The growing concern towards ecological issues has influenced the demand for the biodegradable plastics market. The rising aim of companies the production plastic with a smaller carbon footprint increases the demand for this industry. There is a huge upsurge in the packaging of agricultural products, which has contributed significantly to this market. This market is dominating in the North America region due to the rising demand for sustainable packaging among consumers.

Biodegradable Plastics Market Growth and Trends

Key Takeaways

  • Major Key Insights of the Biodegradable Plastics Market
  • In terms of revenue, the market is valued at USD 16 billion in 2025.
  • The market is projected to reach USD 88.71 billion by 2034.
  • Rapid growth at a CAGR of 20.96% will be observed in the period between 2025 and 2034.
  • North America dominated the global market by holding more than 35% of the market share in 2024.
  • North America dominated the global market with the largest share in 2024.
  • Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
  • By type, the PLA (Polylactic Acid) segment contributed the biggest market share of 45% in 2024.
  • By type, the PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By end-use industry, the packaging segment contributed the biggest market share of 60% in 2024.
  • By end-use industry, the medical segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By processing technology, the extrusion segment held the major market share of 50% in 2024.
  • By processing technology, the injection molding segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By form, the film segment contributed the biggest market share of 35% in 2024.
  • By form, the molded plastics segment is expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By source of raw material, the plant-based raw materials (corn, potato) segment contributed the biggest market share of 55% in 2024.
  • By source of raw material, the microbial-based raw materials segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.

Market Overview & Insights

Biodegradable plastics are derived from renewable sources such as plants, starch, or microbes, designed to break down naturally through the action of bacteria and other microorganisms. These plastics are seen as a solution to the environmental problem posed by conventional plastics, offering a more sustainable alternative with a reduced environmental impact.

Rising Ecological Concern 

Increasing Technological Advancement

  • The increasing innovation in the technology of manufacturing packages has raised the demand for this market.

Rising Consumer Demand towards Sustainable Packaging

  • The rising consumer demand for sustainable packaging has influenced the development of this market.

How Can AI Improve the Biodegradable Plastics Market?

The incorporation of AI in the biodegradable plastics market plays an important role by enhancing the technology of manufacturing. It enhances the production speed and design of the packages, and also enhances the optimization process. It improves the recycling process of such packages. With the incorporation of AI, the optimization of resources becomes easy, which helps to manufacture packaging that degrades easily. It makes products cost-effective by reducing the labour required during the production process.

Global Biodegradable Plastics Market Shares of Leading Manufacturers (2024)

Estimated 2024 Share of Global Biodegradable Plastics Capacity (%)

Rank Manufacturer Estimated Share (%) Main Biodegradable Polymer(s) Anchor Asset / Brand
1 Kingfa Sci. & Tech. ≈23.0 PBAT ~320 kt PBAT base (Zhuhai, China)
2 Novamont ≈10.8 PBAT/starch blends (Mater-Bi), biopolyesters ~150 kt Mater-Bi & Origo-Bi (Italy)
3 NatureWorks ≈10.8 PLA 150 kt Ingeo® (Nebraska, USA)
4 TotalEnergies Corbion ≈5.4 PLA 75 kt Luminy® (Thailand)
5 BASF ≈5.3 PBAT (ecoflex® / ecovio®) Ludwigshafen PBAT facility
6 PTT MCC Biochem (GC × Mitsubishi Chemical) ≈1.4 PBS (BioPBS™) 20 kt BioPBS™ (Thailand)
7 Danimer Scientific ≈0.7 PHA (Nodax®) ~9 kt capacity (USA)
8 CJ Biomaterials (CJ CheilJedang) ≈0.4 PHA (PHACT™) ~5 kt a-PHA line (Indonesia)
  • Kingfa Sci. & Tech. 23.0%: Largest PBAT producer, leading China’s compostable plastics market with ~320 kt capacity.
  • Novamont 10.8%: Italian leader in starch-based blends and biopolyesters under Mater-Bi brand.
  • NatureWorks 10.8%: Global PLA pioneer supplying Ingeo® biopolymer for packaging and fibers.
  • TotalEnergies Corbion 5.4%: Operates Luminy® PLA plant in Thailand with strong presence in rigid packaging.
  • BASF 5.3%: German chemical giant producing PBAT-based ecoflex® and ecovio® for films and bags.
  • PTT MCC Biochem 1.4%: JV producing BioPBS™ in Thailand, mainly for paper coatings and packaging.
  • Danimer Scientific 0.7%: U.S. producer of Nodax® PHA for compostable straws and packaging.
  • CJ Biomaterials 0.4%: South Korean subsidiary making PHACT™ PHA for marine-biodegradable uses.

Key Drivers

Strict Government Guidelines Boost the Market Development

The strong guidelines of the government have influenced the demand for the biodegradable plastics market. The rising awareness of the ecological impact of the packages has driven innovation in the biodegradable plastics industry. Consumers are listing sustainability and looking for environment-friendly substitutes to conventional goods. Discriminating consciousness of plastic pollution, boosted by media coverage and popular activities, has driven acquiring behaviours and brand insights. As a consequence, industries are under pressure to accept sustainable performs during their supply chains, including the use of biodegradable packaging resources. Companies that accept ecologically accountable plans stand to gain a competitive advantage and improve their brand status among customers.

Challenge and Restraint of Biodegradable Plastics Market

Fluctuating Raw Material Charges Hindered the Market Growth

Continuous fluctuation in the charges of the raw materials has hindered the growth of the biodegradable plastics market. It results in reducing the profit margin of the manufacturers and restricts the expansion of this business. As the charges of the raw materials fluctuate, this increases the operational charges and limits the growth of the market.

What is the Opportunity for the Growth of the Biodegradable Plastics Market?

Rising Automotive Sector Influenced the Opportunities of the Market

Rapid growth in the automotive sector has raised the development opportunities in the biodegradable plastics market. The continuous collaboration of major market players such as BASF, Biome Bioplastics Inc., BioSphere Plastic, Total Corbion PLA, Mitsubishi Chemical, and many others has enhanced the opportunities in this sector. Biodegradable plastics packaging can serve several applications, including shopping bags, electronic devices, food packaging, and beverage containers. Opportunities in the worldwide market exist as producers are devoted to the advancement of bioplastics that can substitute traditional plastics in several applications, extending from packing to textiles.

Segmental Insights

Why PLA (Polylactic Acid) Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Type of Biodegradable Plastics (USD Billion)

Year Starch-based Plastics PLA (Polylactic Acid) PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) Polycaprolactone (PCL) Other Biodegradable Plastics
2024 4.343 0.332 0.963 0.668 6.258 0.666
2025 4.082 0.866 1.634 0.173 7.675 1.574
2026 5.439 0.224 2.511 0.254 10.001 0.929
2027 6.246 0.628 2.129 1.265 12.170 0.976
2028 7.476 1.390 3.666 2.472 12.471 0.848
2029 9.726 1.088 4.329 0.969 17.599 0.548
2030 11.095 1.317 5.194 0.412 22.689 0.733
2031 15.881 0.493 6.305 0.871 23.943 2.631
2032 16.372 2.150 7.322 3.945 26.963 3.879
2033 21.217 2.432 9.191 1.228 35.497 3.775
2034 23.995 5.949 13.488 0.858 41.215 3.207

The PLA (Polylactic Acid) segment contributed a considerable share of the biodegradable plastics market in 2024 due to its easy processing and versatility. It is made from renewable resources and is receiving traction from several industries. Technological progressions have enhanced the properties and presentation of PLA, making it more competitive with outdated plastics in terms of cost-effectiveness, durability, and versatility. Inventions in processing techniques and polymer chemistry have resulted in the development of PLA preparations with improved strength, processing characteristics, and heat resistance, intensifying its applicability in several industries.

The PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is experiencing notable growth due to its ability to decompose and biodegradability. In the marine region, it is developing as an important option for ecologically aware applications.

Why the Packaging Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By End-Use Industry, (USD Billion)

Year Packaging Agriculture Textiles Consumer Goods Medical Automotive Others
2024 4.472 1.425 0.505 5.361 0.155 0.757 0.556
2025 3.413 1.218 0.732 6.178 0.315 2.772 1.375
2026 5.407 0.187 1.125 7.291 0.800 2.652 1.895
2027 6.900 0.684 2.220 10.650 0.291 1.217 1.453
2028 5.811 1.595 0.650 11.274 0.275 4.864 3.853
2029 7.162 2.649 0.741 15.265 0.488 6.315 1.639
2030 9.979 1.474 2.355 16.270 0.537 5.999 4.826
2031 11.676 2.828 1.601 21.937 0.521 7.162 4.399
2032 13.898 2.964 3.273 22.753 0.564 9.372 7.807
2033 16.334 6.822 2.902 26.717 4.966 10.988 4.610
2034 25.562 5.722 3.667 35.725 0.953 11.909 5.173

The packaging segment held a considerable share of the biodegradable plastics market in 2024 due to increasing preference for eco-friendly packaging. The requirement for product safety while transporting, along with biodegradability, has influenced the growth of this market. Supervisory pressures generate a favorable market ecology for biodegradable plastic packing and influence demand from industries looking for obedience with guidelines. Additionally, many firms are setting determined sustainability goals and incorporating ecological thoughts into their packaging plans.

The medical segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is growing rapidly due to strict regulations and rising ecological concerns. The medical sector is adopting biodegradable products, which has raised innovation in this market.

Why Extrusion Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Processing Technology, (USD Billion)

Year Extrusion Injection Molding Blow Molding Thermoforming Casting Compounding
2024 0.693 1.212 2.272 3.685 2.230 3.137
2025 0.158 2.508 2.603 4.658 2.560 3.517
2026 0.176 2.574 3.529 5.515 3.097 4.467
2027 0.220 4.821 4.403 5.606 3.409 4.954
2028 0.281 3.482 5.539 8.021 4.385 6.615
2029 0.766 4.660 5.710 9.885 5.756 7.482
2030 1.683 6.350 7.038 11.167 7.034 8.167
2031 1.315 8.273 6.555 13.086 7.921 12.975
2032 0.615 10.125 13.556 13.687 10.559 12.089
2033 1.685 11.840 13.741 20.285 12.297 13.492
2034 0.980 17.998 11.947 21.606 14.020 22.160

The extrusion segment held a considerable share of the biodegradable plastics market in 2024 due to the rising adoption of biodegradable packaging in several sectors, such as food & beverages. The increasing awareness about plastic pollution has raised the demand for biodegradable plastics. Businesses are accepting biodegradability in packaging as it helps to gain consumers' attention and enhance reliability. Extrusion is a major processing method for obtaining biodegradable packages.

The injection molding segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is growing rapidly due to its efficacy and capacity to generate shapes. It allows to create of intricate designs and provides safety to the packaged products.

Why the Film Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Form, (USD Billion)

Year Films Sheets Pipes Molded Plastics Fibers Foams
2024 2.680 5.106 0.152 0.594 2.833 1.864
2025 3.388 5.443 0.671 0.817 3.221 2.463
2026 3.997 6.471 0.199 1.231 3.610 3.848
2027 5.776 7.903 0.878 1.226 5.137 2.495
2028 6.378 9.877 0.689 1.409 6.100 3.869
2029 8.178 11.159 0.332 4.159 5.461 4.969
2030 9.619 12.880 0.428 2.319 7.956 8.238
2031 8.865 18.905 3.039 2.349 9.270 7.697
2032 14.908 20.868 0.542 3.499 11.524 9.289
2033 12.343 23.245 0.727 6.492 18.248 12.284
2034 21.755 30.568 1.066 3.320 16.960 15.042

The film segment held a dominating share in the biodegradable plastics market in 2024 due to its clarity and versatility. This segment has gained prominent growth in this market due to its transparency, which keeps things visible and protects integrity. It enhances the reliability of consumers in the brands. These are widely used in the agricultural sector and the food & beverage industry.

The molded plastics segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is experiencing rapid growth due to the rising adoption of customized packaging. This segment is accepted by various industries such as cosmetics, personal care, food & beverages, and many others.

Why Plant-based Raw Materials (Corn, Potato) Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

Biodegradable Plastics Market Size, By Source of Raw Material, (USD Billion)

Year Plant-based Raw Materials Microbial-based Raw Materials Waste-based Raw Materials
2024 5.674 0.244 7.313
2025 7.312 1.583 7.108
2026 7.853 1.458 10.046
2027 9.640 2.248 11.527
2028 11.498 1.859 14.965
2029 15.818 2.031 16.409
2030 18.126 3.002 20.311
2031 19.221 5.723 25.181
2032 26.104 2.996 31.531
2033 29.859 5.098 38.383
2034 36.711 7.469 44.531

The plant-based raw materials (Corn, Potato) segment held the largest share of the biodegradable plastics market in 2024 due to biodegradability and recyclability. There is a huge demand for packaging that is recyclable and reusable. Such packages attract a huge customer base towards brands with reusable packages. These are considered highly durable and provide enhanced safety for transporting products to customers.

The microbial-based raw materials segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is growing rapidly due to rising demand for enhanced packaging in the pharmaceutical sector, which requires high protection of products. These are considerably low in cost, which makes it highly accessible to various businesses and tends to grow this segment prominently.

Regional Insights

Presence of Advanced Manufacturing Infrastructures in North America Promotes Dominance

The North America region held the largest share of the biodegradable plastics market in 2024, due to the presence of advanced manufacturing infrastructures. The continuous innovation in this market and the introduction of superior quality packaging have influenced the development of this market. The rising practice for usage of eco-friendly packaging in countries like the U.S. and Canada has raised the market demand. Rising governmental efforts to promote the advantages of such eco-friendly packaging have also boosted the development of this industry.

Asia Pacific’s Rising Industrialization Supports Growth

The Asia Pacific region is estimated to grow at the fastest rate in the biodegradable plastics market during the forecast period. The growing industrialization with sustainable packaging has raised the demand for this market in countries such as India, China, Japan, South Korea, and many others. The rising e-commerce sector has influenced the demand for such packaging due to its durability, which has the capacity to protect packaged products from damage.

Future of Biodegradable Packaging Materials Market

The biodegradable packaging materials market is projected to expand from USD 236.14 billion in 2025 to USD 364.76 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.95% during the forecast period.

Biodegradable Packaging Materials Market Size 2023 – 2034

The packaging material made from natural resources benefits the environment. The market for biodegradable packaging materials centers around producing and distributing packaging materials made from renewable sources such as plants and microorganisms. Utilization of these materials reduces plastic waste, polluting the ocean and landfills since it decomposes naturally. Along with this, reducing carbon emissions and recycling and repurposing features of sustainable packaging are the leading objectives of the market.

Future of Biodegradable Plastic Films Market

The biodegradable plastic films market is predicted to expand from USD 1.31 billion in 2025 to USD 1.95 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.50% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The biodegradable plastic films market continues to grow owing to the demand of harmless packaging materials, especially from the food and beverages sector. The end result of biodegradable films is less harmful to the environment than regular plastic bags.

Biodegradable Plastic Films Market Size 2023 – 2034

The biodegradable plastic film market is growing rapidly as it offers the material that caters the demand that required products that cause less carbon emission. The materials used to make biodegradable films are plant-based, and the carbon footprint of the composting process is very low. Plastics are widely used in the production of packaging products due to their quality and ease of production. Biodegradable plastics use natural products; therefore, using bioplastics can reduce environmental damage by reducing petroleum use.

Future of Biodegradable Paper and Plastic Packaging Market

The global biodegradable paper and plastic packaging market size reached US$ 15.43 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit around US$ 40.75 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 10.20% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Biodegradable Paper and Plastic Packaging Market Size 2023 – 2034 (USD Billion)

The key players operating in the market are focused on adopting inorganic growth strategies like acquisition and merger to develop advance technology for manufacturing fiber based packaging which is estimated to drive the global biodegradable paper and plastic packaging market over the forecast period.

Top Companies in the Biodegradable Plastics Market

Biodegradable Plastics Market Top Key Players

  • BASF SE
  • NatureWorks LLC
  • Novamont S.p.A.
  • Total Corbion PLA
  • Danimer Scientific
  • Plantic Technologies Limited
  • Biome Bioplastics
  • Corbion NV
  • Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
  • Green Dot Bioplastics
  • Eastman Chemical Company
  • Toray Industries, Inc.
  • FKuR Kunststoff GmbH
  • PolyOne Corporation
  • BioBag International AS
  • LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
  • Sulzer Ltd.
  • Treo Green Plastics
  • EarthFirst Films (Solvay)
  • TPLAST Ltd.

Latest Announcements by the Biodegradable Plastics Market

  • In February 2025, Manoj Prasad, head of marketing at Phitons, explained, "PBAT is a biodegradable plastic made from petrochemical side streams. It is blended with minerals and infused with soil polymers of different grades depending on the application."

New Advancements in the Biodegradable Plastics Market

  • In February 2025, Bioengineering Firm Phitons launched a unique polymer composition that blends PBAT (polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate).
  • In February 2025, Verde Bioresins Partners with Mr. Chain to Launch EarthMade Biodegradable Plastic Chain.

Biodegradable Plastics Market Segments

Type of Biodegradable Plastics

  • Starch-based Plastics
    • Corn Starch Plastics
    • Potato Starch Plastics
  • PLA (Polylactic Acid)
    • Pure PLA
    • PLA Blends
  • PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates)
    • Biopolymer PHA
  • PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate)
    • Conventional PBAT
    • Modified PBAT
  • Polycaprolactone (PCL)
  • Other Biodegradable Plastics
    • Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
    • Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)

End-Use Industry

  • Packaging
    • Food Packaging
    • Non-Food Packaging
  • Agriculture
    • Mulch Films
    • Plant Pots
  • Textiles
    • Biodegradable Clothing
    • Non-Woven Fabrics
  • Consumer Goods
    • Disposable Cutlery
    • Biodegradable Bags
  • Medical
    • Medical Packaging
    • Biodegradable Implants
  • Automotive
    • Biodegradable Car Interiors
  • Others
    • Electronics
    • Construction

Processing Technology

  • Extrusion
  • Injection Molding
  • Blow Molding
  • Thermoforming
  • Casting
  • Compounding

Form

  • Films
  • Sheets
  • Pipes
  • Molded Plastics
  • Fibers
  • Foams

Source of Raw Material

  • Plant-based Raw Materials
    • Corn
    • Potato
    • Sugar Cane
    • Other Crops
  • Microbial-based Raw Materials
    • Fermentation
    • Algae-based Plastics
  • Waste-based Raw Materials
    • Food Waste
    • Agricultural Waste

Regions (Geographical Segmentation)

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • Western Europe
    • Eastern Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
  • Middle East & Africa
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  • Insight Code: 5749
  • No. of Pages: 150
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Last Updated: 30 September 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021–2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Yogesh Kulkarni is an experienced Research Analyst specializing in the packaging sector, with a strong foundation in statistical analysis and market intelligence. He currently contributes his expertise to Towards Packaging.

Learn more about Yogesh Kulkarni

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in packaging market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards Packaging 's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

The biodegradable plastics market is projected to grow from USD 16 billion in 2025 to USD 88.71 billion by 2034, registering a strong CAGR of 20.96%. This rapid growth is driven by heightened environmental awareness, regulatory mandates, and increasing adoption across packaging, medical, and automotive industries.

North America currently dominates with over 35% market share in 2024 due to advanced infrastructure and consumer awareness. However, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest pace from 2025 to 2034, fueled by industrialization, rising e-commerce, and sustainability trends in countries like China and India.

Regulatory pressures are central to market expansion. Governments across North America, Europe, and Asia are introducing bans on single-use plastics, offering incentives for sustainable manufacturing, and setting standards for compostable and biodegradable packaging, encouraging rapid market adoption.

Innovations include advanced polymer chemistry, AI-driven manufacturing, and new blends like PBAT and PLA with improved strength, heat resistance, and biodegradability. AI is also streamlining resource optimization, cost reduction, and recycling processes, transforming production economics.

PLA (Polylactic Acid) holds the largest share (45% in 2024) due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of processing, and broad industrial applicability. PHA is emerging rapidly, especially in marine and medical applications, because of its superior biodegradability in various environments.

AI contributes significantly by automating design, increasing production efficiency, and improving recycling and material performance. It allows for smarter raw material usage and faster development cycles, making biodegradable products more scalable and cost-effective.

The main restraint is raw material price volatility, which can compress margins. Additionally, scaling production while maintaining consistent biodegradability standards poses a hurdle, especially in regions lacking clear composting infrastructure or labeling clarity.