BIOPLASTICS

facts and figures

 3

DEAR READER

P
lastics are an integral part of our modern life. They the demand for bioplastic materials and products. On
play an essential role in providing, protecting, and the other hand, big brands and manufacturers are look-
delivering high-quality products in pretty much every ing for innovative ways to reduce their environmental
market segment to consumers around the world. Today, footprint and are tapping into the many benefits and ad-
there is a bioplastic alternative for almost every conven- vanced technical properties bioplastics have to offer.
tional plastic material and corresponding applications.

European Bioplastics defines bioplastics as plastics

that are bio-based, biodegradable, or both.
Bioplastics – plastics that are bio-based, biodegradable, or The bioplastics industry is fast-growing and innovative,
both – have the same or similar properties as convention- and it has the potential to decouple economic growth
al plastics but offer additional benefits, such as a reduced from resource depletion and environmental impact. The
carbon footprint, better functionalities, or additional waste European Commission has recognised the essential role
management options, such as organic recycling. of bioplastics in the bioeconomy and their potential to
accelerate the transition to a circular economy. European
Bio-based plastics have the unique advantage over con- Bioplastics, the association representing the interests of
ventional plastics to reduce the dependency on limited the bioplastics industry in Europe, is working closely with
fossil resources and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. the European institutions and all other relevant stakehold-
Currently, bioplastics still only represent well under one ers to shape the economic and policy landscape in Europe
per cent of the about 335 million tonnes of plastic pro- in which the bioplastics industry can thrive.
duced annually. But as demand is rising and with more so-
phisticated materials, applications, and products emerg- This brochure will give you an overview of the bioplastics
ing, the market is growing dynamically. industry, the market development, and the work of Euro-
pean Bioplastics.
On the one hand, the growing environmental aware-
ness of consumers as well as the knowledge about the Yours sincerely
finite nature of the planet’s fossil resources are spurring European Bioplastics
4

BIOPLASTICS –
definition, materials and technology

B ioplastics are not just one single material. They com-

prise of a whole family of materials with different prop-
erties and applications. According to European Bioplas-
• Bio-based and biodegradable plastics, such as polylac-
tic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polybutyl-
ene succinate (PBS), and starch blends;
tics, a plastic material is defined as a bioplastic if it is either • Plastics that are based on fossil resources and biode-
bio-based, biodegradable, or features both properties. gradable, such as polybutylene adipate terephthalate
There are three groups of bioplastics, each with their own (PBAT), but that may well be produced at least partly
characteristics: bio-based in the future.
• Bio-based (or partly bio-based), non-biodegradable
plastics, such as bio-based polyethylene (PE), polypro- Bioplastics offer a broad range of functionalities opti-
pylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (so-called mised for each type of application. They can be processed
drop-in solutions), bio-based technical performance into a vast array of products using conventional plastics
polymers, such as numerous polyamides (PA), poly- processing technologies. In most cases, the process pa-
trimethylene terephthalate (PTT) or (partly) bio-based rameters of the processing equipment simply have to be
polyurethanes (PUR); adjusted to the individual specification of each polymer.

Global production capacities of biop

Global production capacities of bioplastics 2018 (by material type)
(by material type)
Global production capacities of bioplastics 2018 Other 0.9%
(by material type) (bio-based/
non-biodegradable)
Other 0.9% 7.2% PBATPE 9.5%
(bio-based/Other 0.9% 7.2%
non-biodegradable)
(bio-based/
4.6% PBAT
PBS
PET 26.6%
non-biodegradable) 4.6% PBS
10.3% PLA Total:
PE 9.5% 10.3% PLA PA 11.6%
2.11 million
PE 9.5% 1.4% PHA
PET 1.4% PHA PP* 0.0% tonnes
PET26.6% 26.6% 18.2%Starch
Starch blends0.0%
biobased biodegradable Total: 18.2% blends
PEF*
PA PA 11.6% 11.6% Total:
2.112.11
million
million 1.5% Other
1.5% OtherPTT 9.2%
tonnes (biodegradable)
(biodegradable)
PP* PP*0.0% 0.0% tonnes
PEF* 0.0%
PEF* 0.0%
PTT 9.2%
PTT 9.2%
Bio-based/non-biodegradable
56.8%
*Bio-based PP and PEF are currently in development and predicted to be available

Bio-based/non-biodegradable Biodegradable
Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018)
According to European Bioplastics’ definition, Global production
56.8% capacity 2018 by material 43.2%
More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and ww
Bio-based/non-biodegradable Biodegradable
bioplastics are biobased, biodegradable, or both. 56.8%
Source:
*Bio-based PP and PEF are currently in development and predicted to be available at commercial scale in 2023
European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018). 43.2%
Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018)
*Bio-based PP and
MorePEF are currently
information: in development and predicted to be available
www.european-bioplastics.org/market at commercial scale in 2023
and www.bio-based.eu/markets

Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018)

 5

BIOPLASTICS –
benefits and innovative properties

Reduced carbon footprint Innovative materials for better performance

Bio-based plastics have the unique advantage over con- Bio-based or partially bio-based durable drop-in plastics,
ventional plastics to reduce the dependency on limited such as bio-based PE or PET, possess the same physical
fossil resources and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions properties as their conventional counterparts, and while
by replacing the fossil content in plastics with plant-based they can be mechanically recycled in existing recycling
content. Some life cycle analyses show that bio-based streams, they have the additional benefit of reducing a
plastics feature a significant CO2 saving compared to con- product’s carbon footprint.
ventional plastics, depending on the feedstock, the prod-
The bioplastics industry has come up with numerous in-
uct and the application. Consequently, bio-based plastics
novative technical and material solutions. Many bio-based
can help the EU to meet its 2020 targets of greenhouse
plastics offer new material properties for an improved per-
gas emissions reduction.
formance, including enhanced breathability, increased ma-
terial strength, reduced thickness, and improved optical
Increased resource efficiency properties. New, innovative materials such as PLA, PHA,
Bioplastics can make a considerable contribution to in- or bio-based PBS offer additional end-of-life solutions
creased resource efficiency through a closed resource by being compostable. Other new materials such as 100%
cycle and use cascades, especially if bio-based materials bio-based polyethylene furanoate (PEF) feature better bar-
and products are being either reused or recycled and even- rier properties than established polymers and can easily
tually used for energy recovery (i.e. renewable energy). be mechanically recycled.
6

MARKET –
dynamic growth and development

T he bioplastics industry is a young, innovative sector with

an enormous economic and ecological potential for a
low-carbon, circular bioeconomy that uses resources more
latest market data compiled by European Bioplastics
in collaboration with the nova-Institute, global production
capacities of bioplastics are predicted to grow from around
efficiently. The EU has started to acknowledge the many 2.11 million tonnes in 2018 to approximately 2.62 million
benefits of the bio-based economy and is now allocating tonnes by 2023.
funds and resources to research and development in this
sector. Bio-based, non-biodegradable plastics, such as bio-based
PE and bio-based PET are in the lead, while PLA and PHA
The global market for bioplastics is predicted to grow will be the major growth driver in the field of bio-based
continuously over the next years. According to the and biodegradable plastics.

Global production capacities of bioplastics

3,000
Biodegradable bioplastics 2018 vs. 2023 Bio-based & durable bio
2,616
2,357
2,500
2,194 2,216 2,205
2,060 2,112 1,500 PBAT
1,288 1,328
2,000 1,328 PBS
1,200
1,244 PLA
in 1,000 tonnes

1,200
PHA
in 1,000 tonnes

1,200 1,190 1,179

1,200 912 Starch blends
1,500
1,175 900 Others
PE
1,000
600 PET
PA
885 912 994 1,026 1,026 1,113 1,288 PP*
500 300 PEF*
PTT
0 Others
0
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2018 2023 2018 2023

Bio-based/non-biodegradable Biodegradable Forecast Total capacity

Bio-based PP and PEF are currently in development and predicted to be available
*

at commercial scale in 2023.

Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018) Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018) Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018)
More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/

Global production capacity of bioplastics (2018) Biodegradable vs. Bio-based & durable bioplastics (2018 vs. 2023)
Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018). Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018).
 7

MARKET –
regional development

E urope is a major hub for the entire bioplastics indus-

try; it ranks highest in the field of research and devel-
opment and is the industry’s largest market worldwide.
ment, the European market for bioplastics is curtailed by
the lack of economic and policy measures that would allow
for a larger scale-up of production capacities within Europe.
With a view to the actual production of bioplastics and
regional capacity development, Asia is and will further ex- Against this background, the implementation of a Euro-
pand its role as major production hub. In 2018, more than pean policy framework that secures equal access to bio-
50 percent of bioplastics were produced in Asia. Whereas based resources, creates measures to facilitate market
regions such as Asia, the USA, and Latin America are imple- entry for bio-based products, and accounts for the fa-
menting close-to-market measures to attract investment cilitating role of compostable plastics for efficient waste
and production hubs to promote faster market develop- stream management, is of paramount importance.

Global production capacities of bioplastics in 2018 (by region)

in %

Global production capacities of bioplastics in 2018 (by region)

19 55
in %
16
Total: 19 55
16
2.11 million tonnes
Total:
2.11 million tonnes

Asia Asia
South America 9
South America
North America
9
1
Europe
North America
Australia/Oceania 1
Europe
Australia/Oceania
Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018)
More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets

Global production capacity by region in 2018

Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018).

Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018)

More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets
8

MARKET –
vast applications for bioplastics

B ioplastics are used in an increasing number of mar-

kets, from packaging, catering products, consumer
electronics, automotive, agriculture/horticulture and toys
this number is expected to increase further. The market
data also shows a decisive increase in the uptake of
bioplastic materials in many other sectors, including
to textiles and a number of other segments. textiles, construction and building, consumer goods, and
automotive applications. Bio-based plastics do not only
Packaging is one of the largest fields of application help to make cars lighter to save fuel, but they provide
for bioplastics with a share of almost 65 percent of the additional means to reduce carbon emissions and the
total bioplastics market. Because bioplastics materials impact on the environment. 
are extremely well suited for packaging applications,

Bio-based plastics (by market segment) 2018 Biodegradable plastics (by market segment) 2018

2 21 Rigid packaging 21 2 Flexible packaging

5 5
5 Textiles Rigid packaging
9
Automotive & Agriculture & horticulture
10 transport
Electrics & electronics
47 Flexible packaging
9 44 Consumer goods
in % Consumer goods in %
Coatings & adhesives
12 Building & construction
Textiles
Electrics & electronics
13
Building & construction
Coatings & adhesives
16 Automotive & transport
Others 15
Others

Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018) Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018)
More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets

Bio-based plastics (by market segment) 2018 Biodegradable plastics (by market segment) 2018
Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018). Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018).
Pictures: API, Cargo Cosmetics, Michael Young Designer, Corbion, novamont | Metabolix / Zoe b | Mazda | Heinz | PolyOne, Beanarella
9

The increase in the use of bioplastics in all market as well as the continuous advancements and innovations
segments is driven by the increasing demand for of the bioplastics industry in new materials with improved
sustainable products by consumers and brands alike due pro­perties and new functionalities.
to a growing awareness of the impact on the environment

There is nothing that bioplastics can‘t do: Today, there is

a bioplastic alternative for almost every conventional plastic
material and corresponding application.
10

BIOPLASTICS –
an important part of the EU bioeconomy

B ioplastics are an essential part of the bioeconomy.

They are a fast-growing, innovative industry that has
the potential to decouple economic growth from resource
Besides its contributions towards a sustainable future, the
budding bioplastics industry has the potential to unfold
an immense economic impact in Europe over the coming
depletion and negative environmental impact, and to help decades. According to a recent market analysis conducted
deliver better economic and environmental outcomes by by EuropaBio1, the European bioplastics industry could re-
replacing fossil feedstock with bio-based feedstock, while alise a steep employment growth, most of which will have
continuing to harness the benefits of plastics. positive effects on the development of rural areas. In 2013,

Bioplastics create jobs and growth in Europe

Moreover, bioplastics contribute to an increased resource the bioplastics industry accounted for around 23,000 jobs
efficiency by applying the principles of the circular econo- in Europe. With the right framework conditions in place,
my: from sustainable sourcing to product design, and to this number could increase more than tenfold by 2030,
ensuring that plastics do not become waste but instead with up to 300,000 high skilled jobs being created in the
re-enter the economy as valuable technical material or bio- European bioplastics sector. Yet, an integrated European
logical nutrients. political and economic framework is needed to unlock the
potential of a full-scale market introduction of bioplastics
in Europe.

1
EuropaBio – The European Association for Bioindustries: Jobs and growth generated by industrial biotechnology in Europe (2016)
 11

BIOMASS FOR BIOPLASTICS –

efficient use of feedstock

T oday, bioplastics are mostly made of agro-based and

ligno-cellulosic feedstock. Currently, agro-based feed-
stock (plants that are rich in carbohydrate, such as corn
mately 0.81 million hectares of land to grow the renewable
feedstock. The surface required to grow sufficient feedstock
for today’s bioplastics production is less than 0.02 percent
or sugar cane) is the most efficient and profitable option, of the global agricultural area of a total of 4.9 billion hectares.
since these plants are designed to produce the highest Metaphorically speaking, this ratio correlates to the size of
yields and withstand pests and demanding weather condi- an average cherry tomato compared to the Eiffel Tower.
tions. Ligno-cellulosic feedstock includes plants that are
not eligible for food or feed production. The bioplastics in- The area used to grow crops for the production of bioplas-
dustry is also developing new technologies that use waste tics is no competition to the production of food and feed.
materials from the mentioned feedstocks with a view to Increasing the efficiency of feedstock and agricultural
its further use for the production of bioplastics materials technology is continuously enhancing good agricultural
in the future. practices. Today, the sustainability of biomass sourcing is
ensured through the growing importance and implemen-
Land use tation of reliable and independent sustainability certifica-
In 2018, the global production capacities of bioplastics tion schemes such as ISCC plus, RSB, or BonSucro. Ad-
Land
amounted to 2.11 usetonnes,
million estimation for bioplastics
which required approxi- 2017 and
ditionally, 2022 have been developed on CEN level.
standards

GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL AREA

RICULTURA Pasture
L AG LA
BA R 3.3 billion ha = 67%*
LO EA
G
Food & FeedPasture
3.3=billion
1.24 billion ha 25%* ha = 67%*
Food & Feed
Material use***
1.24 billion ha = 25%*
106 million ha = 2%*
Material use***
106 million ha = 2%*Biofuels Arable land**
Biofuels
53 million ha = 1%* 1.4 billion ha = 29%*
Arable land**
53 million ha = 1%* Bioplastics 1.4 billion ha = 29%*
Bioplastics***
Bioplastics
Bioplastics*** 2017: 0.68
2014: 0.82 million
millionha 0.01%**
ha≈≈0.016%
2022:
2018: 0.81 million ha ≈2019: 1.03
1.4
0.016 % millionha
* million 0.021%*
ha≈≈0.03%*
2014: 0.68 million ha ≈ 0.01%*
2022: 1.4
2019: 1.02million
millionha 0.020%*
ha≈≈0.03%*

Source: European Bioplastics (2017), FAO Stats (2014), nova-Institute (2017), and Institute for * In relation to global agricultural area
Land use for bioplastics in 2018 and 2023
Bioplastics andFAO Biocomposites
** Including approx. 1% fallow land
Source: European Bioplastics (2018), Stats (2014),(2016). More information:
nova-Institute www.european-bioplastics.org
(2018), and Institute for * In relation to global agricultural area for bioplastics is part of the 2% material use
*** Land-use
** Including approx. 1% fallow land
Bioplastics
Source: and Biocomposites
European (2017).
Bioplastics (2018), FAO StatsMore
(2014),information: www.european-bioplastics.org
nova-Institute (2018), and Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (2018) *** Land-use for bioplastics is part of the 2% material use
12

BIOPLASTICS –
contributions to improved waste management

B ioplastics are suitable for a broad range of end-of-life op-

tions with the overwhelming part of the volumes of bio-
plastics produced today already being recycled alongside
Compostability is a property of certain types of bioplas-
tics that offers additional waste treatment options at the
end of a product’s life. Biodegradable products, such as
their conventional counterparts where separate recycling compostable biowaste bags, food packaging, or cutlery
streams for certain material types exist (e.g. bio-based PE can be treated together with organic waste in industrial
in the PE-stream or bio-based PET in the PET stream). This composting plants or AD plants and are thus diverted
way, bioplastics can contribute to higher recycling quotas in from landfills and turned into biogas or valuable compost.
the EU and more efficient waste management. New materi- If bioplastics can no longer be reused or recycled, they
als such as PEF and PLA can also be mechanically recycled can be used for the production of renewable energy.
but still face the hurdles of low market shares.

Efficient waste management is key to the European Com-

mission’s flagship policy goal of a resource efficient
Europe and its circular economy vision. The EU Waste
Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) defines a five-step
waste hierarchy, ranking the treatments of waste based on
their ability to conserve resources.

EU Waste hierarchy
 13

SAFE –
transparent claims and reliable standards

T he use of independent and internationally respected

labels to mark bioplastic products is important for con-
sumers to receive transparent and correct information about
plastic materials and products, based on the C14 content
measurement or C14-method and elemental analysis,
respectively.
the product and to safeguard the positive image of bioplastics.
Compostability labels
Bio-based labels Biodegradable products certified according to the stan-
Substantiation of bio-based claims should conform to dards EN 13432 and EN 14995 can be called (industrially)
the EU standards EN 16640 and/or EN 16785. Those stan- compostable. The ‚Seedling’ logo is a reliable label for in-
dards specify the calculation method for determining the dustrial compostability, which assists in the decision on
bio-based (carbon) content in monomers, polymers and purchasing and disposing a product or packaging. 

Trustworthy labels are always linked to an internationally Selection of labels for bioplastics:
accepted standard via an independent certification scheme.
European Bioplastics supports corresponding certification
schemes and labels for product identification and disposal,
and their EU-wide implementation.

There are two organisations in Europe, DIN CERTCO and

TÜV Austria that provide certifications and corresponding
labels based on these standards.

Environmental commucications
European Bioplastics has compiled a comprehensive
Environmental Communications Guide providing general
recommendations as well as specific guidelines for com-
municating environmental claims for bioplastics.
14

EUROPEAN BIOPLASTICS –
the European Association of the bioplastics industry

E uropean Bioplastics (EUBP) is the association repre-

senting the interests of the bioplastics industry along
the entire value chain in Europe. EUBP is working very
EUBP currently represents about 70 members from the
entire value chain of bioplastics, from producers of renew-
able feedstock, bioplastics producers, and converters to
closely with bioplastics businesses, with EU policy makers, brand owners, research institutes, and waste management
and other key stakeholder groups to ensure a supportive organisations.The increase in the use of bioplastics in all
policy and economical framework in Europe for our bud- market segments is driven by the increasing demand for
ding industry to thrive in. sustainable products by consumers and brands alike due
to a growing awareness of the impact on the environment
European Bioplastics has been a key player in shaping the as well as the continuous advancements and innovations
policy environment for our industry in Europe for over 20 of the bioplastics industry in new materials with improved
years. Founded in 1993 as a German association for bio- properties and new functionalities.
degradable polymers, EUBP evolved into a European asso-
ciation that represents both bio-based and biodegradable
plastics.

5 Bioplastics manufacturers and

5 auxiliaries (Additives)
5
Plastic converters
6
Research, consulting, framework
47 and others
in %
14 RRM/Intermediates RRM conversion
Machinery/Engineering/Equipment
(Industrial) End Users
18
Waste and Recycling

Members according to industry sectors, 2018

 15

EUROPEAN BIOPLASTICS –
driving the evolution of plastics
European Bioplastics serves as both knowledge partner • We provide comprehensive information on all relevant
and business network for companies, experts, and all rel- topics surrounding bioplastics, including the compre-
evant stakeholder groups of the bioplastics industry. hensive annual global market data update.
• We provide opportunities and platforms to connect and
Our primary task is to raise awareness and inform policy network, such as our annual European Bioplastics Con-
makers, brands, businesses, consumers, media, and the ference – the leading business event of our industry in
interested public about the properties, benefits, and po- Europe.
tentials of bioplastics for a sustainable society.
Benefits of becoming a member
Our activities at a glance: If you would like to know more about our activities, our
• We formulate and communicate our industry’s posi- members, or the benefits of becoming a member of
tions on relevant issues. European Bioplastics, visit our website www.european-
• We represent our members’ interests in consultations bio­plastics.org or contact us directly at info@european-
and developments around relevant policy issues in bioplastics.org.
Brussels.

13th European Bioplastics Conference, opening speech of François de Bie, Chairman of European Bioplastics
Contact & more information

You want to learn more about the For more information, please visit our website:
www.european-bioplastics.org
advantages and applications of bioplastics?
Or follow us on twitter:
European Bioplastics Phone: 0049 30 28 48 23 50 twitter.com/EUBioplastics
Marienstraße 19-20 Email: info@european-bioplastics.org
10117 Berlin Email: press@european-bioplastics.org Or subscribe to our channel on youtube:
youtube.com/EuropeanBioplastics

SAVE THE DATE!

14th European Bioplastics Conference 2019

3/4 December 2019

Titanic Hotel Berlin, Germany

We are looking forward to seeing you there!