Global Thermoplastic Starch Market Overview
As per MRFR analysis, the Thermoplastic Starch Market Size was estimated at 1.97 (USD Billion) in 2022. The Thermoplastic Starch Market Industry is expected to grow from 2.11(USD Billion) in 2023 to 4.0 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Thermoplastic Starch Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 7.35% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).
Key Thermoplastic Starch Market Trends Highlighted
The growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions is fostering the expansion of the Thermoplastic Starch Market. The increasing environmental concerns about the accumulation of non-biodegradable plastics have driven the adoption of eco-friendly packaging materials such as thermoplastic starch. This bio-based polymer offers exceptional biodegradability and compostability, making it an attractive alternative to conventional plastics. The expanding food and beverage industry, particularly in emerging markets, is further fueling the market growth as thermoplastic starch finds wide application in food packaging due to its non-toxic and edible properties.Key market drivers include increasing environmental awareness among consumers, stringent government regulations promoting the use of biodegradable packaging, and technological advancements in the production and processing of thermoplastic starch. Opportunities for growth lie in the development of new applications in various industries, including automotive, textiles, and healthcare, where the use of biodegradable materials is gaining traction. Recent trends in the market include the emergence of innovative blends and composites of thermoplastic starch with other bio-based polymers to enhance its properties and expand its application scope. The focus on sustainable and circular economy practices is expected to drive continued innovation and growth in the Thermoplastic Starch Market in the coming years.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Thermoplastic Starch Market Drivers
Rising Demand for Biodegradable and Sustainable Materials
The growing environmental consciousness among consumers and businesses is driving the demand for biodegradable and sustainable materials. Thermoplastic starch, being a biodegradable and compostable material, is gaining popularity as an alternative to conventional plastics. Its ability to degrade naturally reduces the environmental impact associated with plastic pollution, making it an attractive option for various industries, including packaging, food service and agriculture.
The rising implementation of ecologically friendly practices by governments as well as organizations is, in turn driving the growth of thermoplastic starch in the Thermoplastic Starch Market Industry.
Technological Advancements and Innovation
Technological advancements and continuous innovation are playing a crucial role in enhancing the properties and applications of thermoplastic starch. Research and development efforts are focused on improving the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and moisture resistance of thermoplastic starch. These advancements are expanding the scope of applications for thermoplastic starch, making it suitable for a wider range of industries. Additionally, the development of new production technologies is reducing the cost of thermoplastic starch production, making it more competitive with conventional plastics.
Growing Applications in Packaging and Food Service
The packaging and food service industries are major consumers of thermoplastic starch. Its biodegradability and compostability make it an ideal material for food packaging, disposable cutlery, and other single-use applications. The growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions is driving the adoption of thermoplastic starch in these industries. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of plant-based food products is creating new opportunities for thermoplastic starch in food packaging applications.
Thermoplastic Starch Market Segment Insights
Thermoplastic Starch Market Type Insights
The market growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for biodegradable and sustainable packaging solutions, coupled with the growing awareness regarding environmental concerns. The Type segment of the Thermoplastic Starch Market is classified into Native Starch and Modified Starch. Native Starch is extracted directly from plants and is used in various applications such as food, paper, and textiles. Modified Starch, on the other hand, undergoes chemical or physical modifications to enhance its properties and functionalities. Modified Starch finds applications in the food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries.In 2023, Modified Starch held a larger share of the Thermoplastic Starch Market revenue compared to Native Starch. Modified Starch offers improved properties such as increased strength, flexibility and moisture resistance, making it suitable for demanding applications. However, Native Starch is gaining popularity due to its natural origin and cost-effectiveness. The increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions is driving the growth of the Native Starch segment. Native Starch is biodegradable and compostable, making it an ideal material for food packaging, agricultural films and disposable products.Additionally, Native Starch is derived from renewable resources, further supporting its sustainability credentials. The Modified Starch segment is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by its superior properties and wide range of applications. Modified Starch is used in food products to enhance texture, stability, and shelf life. It is also used in pharmaceuticals as a binder and disintegrant and in cosmetics as a thickener and emulsifier. Overall, both Native Starch and Modified Starch segments offer unique advantages and cater to specific market needs.The growth of the Thermoplastic Starch Market is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for biodegradable packaging solutions, coupled with the growing awareness regarding environmental concerns.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Thermoplastic Starch Market Source Insights
The source segment plays a crucial role in shaping the Thermoplastic Starch Market. Corn, potato, tapioca, and wheat are the primary sources of thermoplastic starch. In 2023, corn dominated the market with a revenue share of around 45%, owing to its high starch content, cost-effectiveness and wide availability. Potato is another significant source, accounting for approximately 25% of the market share. Its starch possesses unique properties, such as high amylose content and low gelatinization temperature, making it suitable for various applications.Tapioca, with a market share of around 20%, offers high transparency and flexibility, making it ideal for packaging and film applications. Wheat, on the other hand, holds a relatively smaller market share of around 10% due to its lower starch content compared to other sources. Nevertheless, it is gaining traction in certain applications due to its biodegradability and gluten-free properties. The market growth for thermoplastic starch from these sources is driven by increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials across industries such as packaging, automotive, and consumer electronics.
Thermoplastic Starch Market Application Insights
Injection molding dominated the Thermoplastic Starch Market, with a revenue share of around 40% in 2023. The growth of the segment is attributed to the increasing demand for thermoplastic starch in the automotive industry for the production of interior components, such as dashboards, door panels and seat covers. Extrusion is another major application segment, accounting for a revenue share of over 30% in 2023. The segment is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the rising demand for thermoplastic starch in the packaging industry for the production of films, sheets, and containers.Blow molding and film and sheet extrusion are other important application segments which are expected to contribute to the overall growth of the Thermoplastic Starch Market in the coming years.
Thermoplastic Starch Market End-Use Insights
The End-Use segment of the Thermoplastic Starch Market is primarily driven by increasing demand from various industries. In 2023, the Food Packaging segment held the largest market share due to rising demand for sustainable and biodegradable packaging solutions. The Medical Devices segment is expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing use of thermoplastic starch in medical applications such as implants and surgical devices. The Electronics segment is also projected to grow, driven by the increasing use of thermoplastic starch in electronic components, such as insulation and coatings.The Automotive segment is expected to contribute to the overall market growth due to its applications in interior components and bio-composites for vehicle parts. The Thermoplastic Starch Market revenue is expected to reach USD 4.0 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 7.35% from 2023 to 2032.
Thermoplastic Starch Market Processing Insights
The processing segment involves various techniques used to modify and enhance the properties of thermoplastic starch. Key processing methods include melt-blowing, dyeing, printing and coating. Melt blowing is a process that uses high-temperature air to create fine fibers from thermoplastic starch, resulting in materials with high surface area and porosity. Dyeing involves adding colorants to the thermoplastic starch to achieve the desired aesthetics. Printing allows for the application of patterns or images onto the surface of thermoplastic starch products.Coating involves applying a thin layer of material, such as wax or polymers, to the surface of thermoplastic starch to improve its properties, such as water resistance or barrier properties. The Thermoplastic Starch Market segmentation provides valuable data on the market growth, industry trends, and revenue forecasts for each processing method, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and develop targeted strategies.
Thermoplastic Starch Market Regional Insights
The regional insights of the Thermoplastic Starch Market showcase diverse growth patterns across key regions. The market in North America holds a significant share and is anticipated to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The region's developed packaging and automotive industries, along with increasing environmental concerns, drive market growth. Europe follows closely, with stringent regulations promoting the adoption of biodegradable materials like thermoplastic starch. The APAC region exhibits promising growth potential due to rising demand from industries such as packaging, food and pharmaceuticals.South America and MEA also present opportunities, but market penetration may vary depending on economic factors and infrastructure development. Understanding regional dynamics is crucial for businesses seeking to establish a strong presence and cater to specific market needs.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Thermoplastic Starch Market Key Players And Competitive Insights
Major players in Thermoplastic Starch Market industry are constantly investing in research and development to improve the performance and applications of thermoplastic starch. This has led to the development of new grades of thermoplastic starch with enhanced properties, such as higher strength, better heat resistance and improved biodegradability. Leading Thermoplastic Starch Market players are also focusing on expanding their production capacity to meet the growing demand for thermoplastic starch. The Thermoplastic Starch Market industry is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials.The competitive landscape of the Thermoplastic Starch Market is characterized by intense rivalry among a few major players. Some of the leading companies in the industry include Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill, Ingeo, NatureWorks and Novamont. These companies have a strong presence in key markets around the world and are constantly investing in new technologies and products to maintain their competitive edge. The Thermoplastic Starch Market also includes a number of smaller regional players that focus on specific markets and applications.Another major competitor in the Thermoplastic Starch Market is Ingeo. The company is a leading producer of bio-based polymers, including thermoplastic starch. Ingeo's thermoplastic starch products are used in a variety of applications, including food packaging, disposable tableware, and agricultural films. The company has a strong focus on sustainability and is committed to developing innovative, eco-friendly products. Ingeo is also expanding its production capacity to meet the growing demand for thermoplastic starch.
Key Companies in the Thermoplastic Starch Market Include
- PLANtic
- Archer Daniels Midland Company
- NatureWorks LLC
- Royal DSM
- Avebe
- Novamont
- Galactic
- BIOPLAST
- BASF SE
- Evonik Industries
- Ingeo
- MaterBi
- FKuR
Thermoplastic Starch Market Industry Developments
The Thermoplastic Starch Market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand for biodegradable and sustainable packaging solutions. In 2023, the market was valued at approximately USD 2.11 billion and is projected to reach USD 4.0 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.35%. This growth is attributed to rising environmental concerns and regulations favoring the adoption of eco-friendly materials. Key industry players are investing in research and development to enhance the performance and functionality of thermoplastic starch-based products. Recent advancements include the development of bio-based plasticizers and the integration of nanotechnology to improve barrier properties and mechanical strength. Moreover, strategic partnerships and collaborations between manufacturers and end-users are fostering innovation and expanding market opportunities.
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Thermoplastic Starch Market Segmentation Insights
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Thermoplastic Starch Market Type Outlook
- Native Starch
- Modified Starch
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Thermoplastic Starch Market Source Outlook
- Corn
- Potato
- Tapioca
- Wheat
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Thermoplastic Starch Market Application Outlook
- Injection Molding
- Extrusion
- Blow Molding
- Film and Sheet Extrusion
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Thermoplastic Starch Market End-Use Outlook
- Food Packaging
- Medical Devices
- Electronics
- Automotive
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Thermoplastic Starch Market Processing Outlook
- Melt Blowing
- Dyeing
- Printing
- Coating
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Thermoplastic Starch Market Regional Outlook
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North America
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Europe
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South America
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Asia Pacific
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Middle East and Africa
Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
Market Size 2022 |
1.97(USD Billion) |
Market Size 2023 |
2.11(USD Billion) |
Market Size 2032 |
4.0(USD Billion) |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
7.35% (2024 - 2032) |
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
Base Year |
2023 |
Market Forecast Period |
2024 - 2032 |
Historical Data |
2019 - 2023 |
Market Forecast Units |
USD Billion |
Key Companies Profiled |
PLANtic, Archer Daniels Midland Company, NatureWorks LLC, Royal DSM, Avebe, Novamont, Galactic, BIOPLAST, BASF SE, Evonik Industries, Ingeo, MaterBi, FKuR |
Segments Covered |
Type, Source, Application, End-Use, Processing, Regional |
Key Market Opportunities |
1.ย ย ย ย ย ย Bioplastics growth 2.ย ย ย ย ย ย Packaging applications expansion 3.ย ย ย ย ย ย E-commerce and sustainability 4.ย ย ย ย ย ย Medical and healthcare advancements 5.ย ย ย ย ย ย Automotive industry innovation |
Key Market Dynamics |
1.ย ย ย ย ย ย Increasing demand for biodegradable plastics 2.ย ย ย ย ย ย Growing environmental awareness 3.ย ย ย ย ย ย Government regulations promoting sustainability 4.ย ย ย ย ย ย Technological advancements 5.ย ย ย ย ย ย Expanding applications in various industries |
Countries Covered |
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Thermoplastic Starch Market is expected to reach an overall valuation of 2.11 billion USD in 2023.
The Thermoplastic Starch Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.35% from 2024 to 2032.
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the dominant market for Thermoplastic Starch, followed by North America and Europe.
Thermoplastic Starch finds applications in various industries, including packaging, automotive, electronics and consumer goods.
Major players in the Thermoplastic Starch Market include NatureWorks, Ingeo and Biotec.
The Thermoplastic Starch Market faces challenges such as high production costs, limited availability of raw materials, and competition from conventional plastics.
Growing environmental concerns, increasing demand for sustainable materials, and government regulations favoring bio-based plastics present opportunities for growth in the Thermoplastic Starch Market.
The Thermoplastic Starch Market was projected to reach an overall valuation of 4.0 billion USD by 2032.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a moderate impact on the Thermoplastic Starch Market, causing supply chain disruptions and temporary demand decline. However, the market is expected to recover and continue its growth trajectory.
Key trends shaping the Thermoplastic Starch Market include increasing focus on sustainability, technological advancements, and growing demand from emerging economies.