Wafer-thin films, often less than 1 millimeter thick, are one of the first areas of application in which bioplastics are able to establish themselves. Although casings made from petroleum products are still usually sold cheaper and in larger quantities, biobased materials such as starch or polylactic acid do not only offer a better public image regarding environmental awareness, but often also tangible advantages: Food packaging made from biodegradable plastics does not have to be disposed of at high cost, but can be composted; organic mulch films can simply be left on the field and plowed under. Ceresana has studied the global market for films made from bioplastics: The new market report forecasts that revenues will increase to around USD 14.2 billion by 2032.
Increasing demand for biobased films
If a film is supposed to crackle nicely, be transparent and permeable to water vapor, cellulose hydrate is hard to beat: The original bioplastic has been used since 1908 under names such as cellophane to package chocolates, flowers, spice jars or even cigarettes. For films made of polyethylene or polypropylene, biobased alternatives have long since ceased to be made only from wood or waste paper cellulose. Researchers are working on futuristic-looking bioplastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from bacteria and polybutylene succinate (PBS) from fermentation residues. Increasingly, “biobased” components are also being added to conventional petrochemical plastics. Over the next ten years, the consumption of biobased films will increase significantly worldwide: Ceresana expects annual growth of over 14.6% in Asia, around 11% in North America and just over 8% in Europe.
Biobased films mainly package food products
Bags, pouches and sacks currently are the best-known application for bioplastics. Food packaging is the most important market for films made from bioplastics: In 2022, it accounted for around 47% of their market volume. However, shrink and stretch films are by no means only used in the packaging industry. Bioplastic films are also used, for example, for labels, adhesive tapes, technical insulating layers or medical wound dressings. In horticulture, forestry and agriculture, the consumption of films is increasing, as well as in the construction industry, the printing industry and other sectors of the economy. The analysts at Ceresana expect the highest annual growth rates of over 12% for agricultural films, industrial films and construction films. Increasingly, bioplastics are even conquering high-tech products: Membranes for water filters are made of polymer films, and plastic films are also used in batteries for electric cars.
Further information about the new market study “Bioplastic Films”: https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/bioplastic-films-market-report-world