Global bioplastics production continuing to grow

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The production of global bioplastics is predicted to grow by 50% in the next five years, according to European Bioplastics.

According to the trade association that represents producers of bioplastics, production capacity is expected to grow from 4.2 million tonnes to 6.1 million tonnes in 2021.

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Packaging at 1.6 million tonnes and 40% of the market remained the largest application of bioplastics with consumer goods (0.9 million tonnes), automotive and transport (0.6 million tonnes) and construction and building (0.5 million tonnes) following behind.

European Bioplastics chairman François de Bie said: “The data illustrates an important trend, driven by changing consumer demands, to make plastic products more resource efficient and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the dependency on fossil resources.

“This trend is the result of substantial investments in research and development by the many innovative small and large companies that concentrate their strengths on the development of bio-based products designed with the circular economy in mind.”

Polyurethanes represent 40% of bioplastics, with PET alone currently responsible for 20% of global bioplastic production capacity.