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Rapra Publishing
Biodegradable Polymers
By David K. PlattBiodegradable polymers have experienced strong growth over the last three years and are set to make further inroads into markets traditionally dominated by conventional thermoplastics in future.
Demand is being driven by a number of factors.
The cost of biodegradable polymers has come down considerably over the last three years while at the same time standard thermoplastic prices have increased considerably. Now, some classes of biodegradable polymers are price competitive with polymers such as PET.
The biodegradable polymers industry itself has established an agreed framework for testing and certification and there is growing political pressure in developed countries to reduce packaging waste and develop a composting infrastructure. Biodegradable polymer producers have also invested in product and process improvements. Finally, consumers and brand owners are beginning to recognise the benefits of sustainable or green packaging.
Four main classes of biodegradable polymers are analysed in this report, polylactic acid (PLA), starch-based polymers, synthetic biodegradable polymers, such as aromatic aliphatic co-polyesters, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The report analyses their key performance properties, applications development, market drivers and future prospects. Each product section also contains an estimate of market size by world region and end use market, plus forecasts to 2010. There is also an analysis of key suppliers and their products.
Key Features
About the Author
David Platt graduated from the University of Nottingham with an Economics degree before completing an MBA at the University of Bradford. He joined a leading international market consultancy where he specialised in plastics sector research. He conducted a wide range of multi-client and single-client studies covering a wide range of materials, from standard thermoplastics, engineering and high performance polymers to conductive polymers and thermoplastic elastomers.
Now operating as a freelance consultant, he makes regular contributions to the European plastics trade press, and works with leading plastics industry consultants.
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 The Report
1.3 Methodology
1.4 About the Author
2. Executive Summary
2.1 Global Market Forecasts
2.2 Material Trends
2.3 Regional Trends
2.4 Market Trends
2.5 Competitive Trends
3. Overview of Biodegradable Polymers
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Definitions of Biodegradable Polymers
3.3 Mechanisms of Polymer Degradation
3.4 Measuring Biodegradability of Polymers
3.5 Factors Affecting Biodegradability
3.6 Biodegradable Polymer Classes
3.6.1 Naturally Biodegradable Polymers
3.6.2 Synthetic Biodegradable Polymers
3.6.3 Modified Naturally Biodegradable Polymers
3.7 Starch-Based Biodegradable Polymers
3.8 Polyhydroxyalkanoates
3.9 Polylactic Acid Polyesters
3.10 Synthetic Biodegradable Polymers
3.10.1 Polycaprolactone (PCL)
3.10.2 Polyglycolide (PGA)
3.10.3 Poly(dioxanone) (a polyether-ester)
3.10.4 Poly(lactide-co-glycolide)
3.11 Processing Biodegradable Polymers
3.11.1 Introduction
3.11.2 Film Blowing and Casting
3.11.3 Injection Moulding
3.11.4 Blow Moulding
3.11.5 Injection Stretch Blow Moulding
3.11.6 Thermoforming
3.11.7 Fibre Spinning
4. The Global Biodegradable Polymers Market
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Market Drivers
4.2.1 Development of Framework Conditions
4.2.2 Development of a Composting Infrastructure
4.2.3 Pricing Trends
4.2.4 Growth in Pre-Packaged Food Sales
4.2.5 Consumer Preference for Sustainable Packaging
4.2.6 Product and Technology Development
4.3 Market Development and Structure
4.4 The Global Biodegradable Polymers Market Forecast
4.4.1 Western European Biodegradable Polymers Market Forecast
4.4.2 North American Biodegradable Polymers Market Forecast
4.4.3 Asia Pacific Biodegradable Polymers Market Forecast
5. The Starch-Based Biodegradable Polymer Market
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Applications Development
5.3 Market Drivers
5.4 Market Size and Forecast
5.5 Major Suppliers and their Products
5.5.1 Novamont
5.5.2 Rodenburg Biopolymers, BV
5.5.3 EarthShell Corporation
5.5.4 Stanelco Group
5.5.5 Grenidea Technologies
5.5.6 Biopolymer Technologies
5.5.7 NNZ BV
5.5.8 Plantic Technologies
6.The Polylactic Acid Biodegradable Polymers Market
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Applications Development
6.2.1 Rigid Packaging
6.2.2 Flexible Packaging
6.2.3 Blow Moulded Bottles
6.2.4 High Performance Applications
6.3 Market Drivers
6.3.1 Better Environmental Credentials
6.3.2 Stable Supply and More Competitive Prices
6.3.3 Worlds First Greenhouse-Gas-Neutral Polymer
6.3.4 Replacement of Traditional Packaging Materials
6.3.5 Speciality Cards
6.3.6 Source Options
6.3.7 New Applications
6.3.8 Better Processing
6.4 Market Size and Forecast
6.5 Major Suppliers and their Products
7.The PHA Biodegradable Polymers Market
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Applications Development
7.2.1 Films
7.2.2 Flexible Packaging
7.2.3 Thermoformed Articles
7.2.4 Coated/Corrugated Paper
7.2.5 Synthetic Papers
7.2.6 Bioresorbable Medical Devices
7.2.7 Polymer Blends
7.3 Market Drivers
7.4 Market Size and Forecast
7.5 Suppliers and their Products
8.The Synthetic Biodegradable Polymers Market
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Applications Development
8.3 Market Drivers
8.4 Market Size and Forecast
8.5 Suppliers and their Products
9.Market Opportunities for Biodegradable Polymers
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Packaging
9.2.1 Flexible Packaging
9.2.2 Rigid Packaging
9.2.3 Paper Coating
9.2.4 Loose-Fill Packaging
9.3 Bags and Sacks
9.4 Disposable Serviceware
9.5 Agriculture and Horticulture
9.6 Medical Devices
9.6.1 Sutures
9.6.2 Dental Devices
9.6.3 Orthopa
- ISBN:
- 978-1-85957-519-2
- Pages:
- 166
- Publisher:
- Rapra Market Report, 2006