Starch based Plastics Market

Use of more starch-based plastics in food packaging will spur the market growth

The packaging industry has historically relied primarily on conventional plastics, but the dynamic character of the sector has switched to bio-based polymers. The need for biodegradable packaging has expanded due to strict government regulations on conventional plastics, growing environmental concerns, and shifting consumer tastes. Additionally, the growth of the food packaging industry, which accounts for around 50% of the worldwide biodegradable plastics market, is a major driver of the need for biodegradable packaging materials. The prohibitions on plastic bags are primarily responsible for this expansion.

Due to improved food organoleptic properties, less food loss, and extended shelf life, starch-based polymers are used in food packaging and edible films. Additionally, because they are odorless, non-toxic, and biodegradable, starch-based edible films have found good applicability in food packaging. They exhibit very low permeability to oxygen and are suggested for food protection to increase quality and shelf life without lowering customer appeal. Additionally, starch-based polymers can be converted into a foamed substance and pressed into disposable trays and dishes, which can dissolve in water and be eaten by the microbic environment.

Thus, the rising demand for starch-based plastics in food packaging applications is anticipated to fuel the expansion of the starch-based plastics market CAGR throughout the forecast period.

Furthermore, plastic is being used more frequently in our daily lives. Traditionally, petroleum products—from fossil fuels—are used to make plastic. The automotive, construction, packaging, medical, and pharmaceutical industries are just a few of the many end-user industries that frequently use plastics. Additionally, all of these industries frequently employ single-use and non-biodegradable plastics. Starch-based plastics, cellulose-based plastics, bio-derived polyethylene, protein-based plastics, genetically modified bioplastics, and lipid-derived polymers are some of the several kinds of bioplastics that should be mentioned. They are also employed in the production of carry bags.

Thus, throughout the forecast period, the demand for plastics made from bio-based chemicals and the market for starch-based plastics are likely to be driven by the growing regulations relating to the usage of conventional plastics as a result of environmental concerns, particularly warming. Thus, driving the starch-based plastics market revenue.

The Global Starch-based Plastics Market Industry is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a market size of 1.74 USD Billion in 2024 and an anticipated increase to 4.18 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory suggests a robust demand for starch-based plastics, driven by various factors such as environmental concerns, technological advancements, and regulatory support. The compound annual growth rate of 8.29% from 2025 to 2035 further underscores the industry's potential for expansion. As stakeholders recognize the benefits of starch-based materials, the market is likely to witness increased investment and innovation in the coming years.

Innovations in processing technologies are enhancing the performance and applicability of starch-based plastics, thereby influencing the Global Starch-based Plastics Market Industry. Advances in blending techniques and compounding processes allow for improved mechanical properties and thermal stability of these materials. For instance, the development of new additives can enhance the durability and usability of starch-based plastics in diverse sectors such as packaging and automotive. This technological evolution is expected to contribute to a compound annual growth rate of 8.29% from 2025 to 2035, as manufacturers increasingly adopt these advanced materials to meet consumer demands for sustainable products.

The increasing awareness of environmental issues is driving the Global Starch-based Plastics Market Industry. Consumers and manufacturers alike are seeking sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, which are often derived from fossil fuels. Starch-based plastics, being biodegradable and derived from renewable resources, present a viable solution. This shift is evidenced by the projected market growth from 1.74 USD Billion in 2024 to 4.18 USD Billion by 2035, indicating a robust demand for eco-friendly materials. Governments worldwide are also implementing regulations to reduce plastic waste, further propelling the adoption of starch-based plastics in various applications.

Consumer awareness regarding the environmental impact of plastic waste is reshaping the Global Starch-based Plastics Market Industry. As individuals become more informed about sustainability issues, they are increasingly favoring products made from renewable resources. This shift in consumer preferences is prompting manufacturers to explore starch-based plastics as a viable alternative to conventional materials. The growing demand for eco-friendly products is expected to drive the market significantly, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate of 8.29% from 2025 to 2035. Companies that align their product offerings with consumer values are likely to gain a competitive edge in this evolving market.

The packaging industry is a major driver of the Global Starch-based Plastics Market Industry, as it increasingly seeks sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. Starch-based plastics are gaining traction due to their biodegradability and versatility, making them suitable for various packaging applications. The shift towards eco-friendly packaging solutions is reflected in the market's growth trajectory, with an expected increase from 1.74 USD Billion in 2024 to 4.18 USD Billion by 2035. This trend is further supported by consumer preferences for sustainable products, prompting manufacturers to innovate and incorporate starch-based materials into their packaging solutions.

Government policies aimed at reducing plastic pollution are significantly impacting the Global Starch-based Plastics Market Industry. Many countries are enacting legislation that encourages the use of biodegradable materials, including starch-based plastics. For example, bans on single-use plastics and incentives for companies that utilize sustainable materials are becoming more common. These initiatives not only promote environmental sustainability but also create a favorable market environment for starch-based plastics. As a result, the industry is likely to experience substantial growth, with projections indicating a market size of 4.18 USD Billion by 2035, driven by supportive regulatory frameworks.

By region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. The North American starch-based plastics market area will dominate this market. The long-standing existence of significant end-user industries primarily supports the market in North America. A substantial desire for sustainability is another feature of the local market, which has increased demand for sustainable packaging. In North America, the U.S. held a sizable market share for starch-based plastics over the forecast period.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2:  STARCH-BASED PLASTICS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Europe starch-based plastics market accounts for the second-largest market share. The presence of state-of-the-art research and development facilities and government legislation with stringent carbon footprint reduction standards are to blame for the market's expansion. Additionally, a variety of vital applications, such as bottles, shopping bags, loose packaging, and films for agricultural mulch, widely utilize bioplastics. Over 100 billion bags are used every year in the European Union. Bioplastics are becoming more widely accepted by customers across all of Europe.

Further, the German starch-based plastics market held the largest market share, and the UK starch-based plastics market was the fastest growing market in the European region

The Asia-Pacific Starch-based plastics Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. The rise of the market can be due to the rising urbanization and industrialization in the Asia-Pacific region's developing economies, particularly in India and other South East Asian nations. Market expansion is fueled by the high population density in the area and the extensive use of bioplastics made of starch. Additionally, China controls the Asia-Pacific market for plastics made from starch, manufacturing more than half of the entire volume and market value in the area.

Moreover, China’s starch-based plastics market held the largest market share, and the Indian starch-based plastics market was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the starch-based plastics market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, starch-based plastics industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the starch-based plastics industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the starch-based plastics industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to market. Major players in the starch-based plastics market attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations include AGRANA BETEILIGUNGS AG (Austria), Kuraray Co.

Ltd. (Japan), Rodenburg Biopolymers (The Netherlands), Biome Bioplastics Limited (UK), Wittenburg Group (Flevoland), Nihon Cornstarch Corporation (Tokyo), Toray Industries, Inc. (Japan), Corbion N.V. (Netherlands), Novamont S.p.A (Italy), BIOTEC GmbH & Co (Germany), BioLogiQ (US), Grabio Greentech (Taiwan), Sunar NP (Turkey), Cardia Bioplastics (Austria), Multibax Public Co. (Thailand), and FuturaMat (France).

Manufacturer of synthetic and chemical fibers, Kuraray Co Ltd (Kuraray). Chemicals, resins, fibers, high-performance materials, and pharmaceuticals are all developed and sold by this company. In addition to the gas barrier material EVAL, the company also produces derivatives of vinyl acetate, isoprene, and methacrylate, as well as medicinal products and environmentally friendly goods. It provides engineering, design, building, and maintenance services for facilities manufacturing chemicals, food, medicines, and electronic materials. In November 2022, utilizing recycled raw materials from the MAGIC TAPETM series of polyester hook-and-loop fasteners, Kuraray Co. Ltd. created the new product.

The product was introduced in November 2022 as a sustainable material for clothes and other producers in an effort to realize a circular economy.

The company Toray Industries Inc. sells cutting-edge materials. The company's product line consists of fibers, clothing, plastics, chemicals, composite materials, life sciences products, medical equipment, drugs, and optical goods. Additionally, it offers polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, water treatment membranes, carbon fibers, and carbon fiber composites. The clothing, industrial materials, automotive, construction, water treatment, and medical industries all employ its goods. Additionally, it offers services for physical assessment, analysis, and research.