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Demand for degradable plastic in the US is forecast to expand nearly 17 percent
yearly to 500 million pounds in 2010, valued at $610 million. Average prices will
continue to decline as a result of higher capacity and greater production efficiencies, as
well as price mixes reflecting fastest growth for the lowest priced resins. Myriad
opportunities are anticipated based on a more competitive pricing structure, high
feedstock costs for petroleum-based polymers, and growing environmental,
governmental and consumer initiatives for greater use of sustainable resources.Degradable plastic applications are also being expanded by enhanced performance
properties brought about by more sophisticated polymerization and blending
techniques. These and other trends are presented in Degradable Plastics, a new study
from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry market research firm.
Demand for biodegradable/compostable plastic is expected to increase nearly 20
percent annually to 420 million pounds. Polylactic acid (PLA) demand will present
the best opportunities and rise over 30 percent annually through 2010. Advances
reflect price declines, improved product performance and greater processor familiarity.
Good opportunities are expected in packaging areas such as film, bottles and
foodservice products. Rapid inroads are also expected in the rigid packaging of fruits,
vegetables, eggs, yogurt, deli and bakery products. PLA bottle advances will be limited
by the resin’s inability to contain gaseous and temperature-sensitive products.
Starch-based plastic demand will grow nearly 18 percent per annum to 180
million pounds in 2010 due to the availability of lower priced and improved resin
blends. Film products such as yard and kitchen bags will remain dominant. Rapid
advances are also expected in areas such as plates, bowls and foodservice items.
Slower growth is expected for degradable loose-fill packaging due to competition from
bubble packaging and inflatable bags. Demand for polyester-based degradables will
increase 24 percent annually through 2010 due to continued price declines and
opportunities in film and fiber products. The materials also have good synergy in blends
with PLA, starch and other materials. Polyhydroxyalkanoates and polycaprolactone are
the leading polyester-based degradables. Opportunities are anticipated in yard bags,
agricultural films and pallet wrap, as well as fibers for apparel, upholstery and nonwoven
fabrics.
Published: Sep 2006
For more information on this report, contact pr@freedoniagroup.com.
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