Report Highlights
The global use of bioplastics was 0.64 million metric tons in 2010 and 0.85 million metric tons in 2011. BCC expects that the use of bioplastics will increase up to 3.7 million metric tons by 2016, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.3%.
SCOPE AND FORMAT
The focus of this report is on plastics made from renewable resources such as biomass or food crops. There is even some potential development of bioplastics from animal resources. Plastics that may be potentially made from waste carbon dioxide are reviewed because of their potential impact on bioplastics, but their data is not included in the forecasts presented here. Bioplastics are further defined here as polymer materials that are produced by synthesizing—chemically or biologically—materials that contain renewable organic materials. Natural organic materials that are not chemically modified (e.g., wood composites) are excluded. The report includes the use of renewable resources to create monomers that replace petroleum-based monomers, such as feedstocks made from sugarcane that are used to manufacture polyester and polyethylene. Ethanol, a major product in Brazil, is one small chemical step from ethylene.
The focal point is on the following resin chemistries:
- Polylactic acid.
- Thermoplastic starch.
- Bio-polyamides (nylons).
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA).
- Bio-polyols and polyurethane.
- Cellulosics.
- Bio-polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT).
- Bio-polyethylene.
- Bio-polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Biodegradable and photodegradable polymers made from petrochemical feedstocks are not included. Other renewable resin chemistries are also covered but in less detail, as their roles are not as well-developed. These include collagen and chitosan.
AUTHOR’S CREDENTIALS
Douglas A. Smock was the Chief Editor of Plastics World Magazine from 1986 to 1994 at the Cahners Publishing Co. He also served as a Senior Editor of Modern Plastics at the McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., Associate Publisher and Editorial Director of Modern Mold and Tooling at the McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. and Chief Editor of Purchasing Magazine at Reed Business Information (RBI) from 2000 to 2004. At RBI, Smock also served as Co-chairman of the Corporate Editorial Board. He is the coauthor of Straight to the Bottom Line and On-Demand Supply Management, two leading books in the field of supply management. He is the former editor of BCC Research’s newsletter High Tech Ceramic News. Smock received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Oh.
Related Reports
Track the Latest Global Tariff Developments
In today's fast-paced global economy, tariffs are no longer static—they are dynamic levers shaped by geopolitical realignments, supply chain vulnerabilities, inflationary pressures, and sustainability-driven trade reforms. As governments worldwide recalibrate their trade strategies, businesses are left to navigate a maze of shifting rules, rising costs, and regulatory uncertainty.
Our analysis empowers you with real-time updates and in-depth expert analysis on all facets of global tariff activity. From new trade agreements and sanctions to abrupt tariff hikes and retaliatory duties, we monitor developments across borders, sectors, and industries—so you don't have to.
Whether it's the ongoing U.S.–China trade dynamics, the evolving EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), or the emerging policies in India, ASEAN, and Latin America, we provide full-spectrum coverage. We also track multilateral trade negotiations, World Trade Organization (WTO) rulings, and sector-specific duty structures—ensuring you are always ahead of global trade shifts.
With our analysis, you can stay informed, identify risks, and confidently respond to tariff changes—no matter where you operate.
Ready to see what tariff means for your business?
Consult with our experts or request your custom Tariff Impact Brife today
Stay Informed, Stay Competitive
In today's interconnected and unpredictable global economy, staying ahead of tariff shifts is not just important—it's essential. BCC Research provides decision-makers with trusted, research-driven insights that turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Our in-depth market analysis and trade intelligence help you decode how tariff changes impact your specific sector—manufacturing, healthcare, technology, agriculture, or energy. We break down complex data into actionable knowledge through comprehensive reports, expert commentaries, and sector-focused forecasts.
Our analysis includes:
- Thorough breakdowns of current and proposed tariff policies and how they affect regional and global trade flows.
- Sector-specific implications, helping you understand the strategic impact on sourcing, pricing, and competitiveness.
- Forward-looking insights to support risk management, planning, and response strategies for evolving trade conditions.
With BCC Research, you gain more than just information—you gain clarity and confidence to make well-informed decisions in a volatile trade environment.
Don't let tariffs catch you off guard—let our insights guide your strategy.
Recent Reports
Global CO2-Based Plastics Market
This report provides an overview of the global CO2-based plastics market and analyzes industry trends. It includes global revenue ($ millions) for the base year data of 2024 and estimated data for the forecast period 2025 through 2030. The report focuses on the significant driving trends and challenges that affect the global market and its vendor landscape.
Polymeric Foams: Global Markets
The global market polymeric foam was valued at $148.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $197.8 billion by the end of 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2025 through 2030.
Wood-Plastic Composites: Technologies and Global Markets
The global market for wood-plastic composites (WPCs) is expected to grow from $4.7 billion in 2024 to $6.9 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2024 through 2029.
2024 Plastics Research Review
This 2024 Research Review of the plastics industry offers a sample of the types of quantitative market information, analysis, and guidance that has been aiding business decision-making since the inception of BCC Research in 1971.
2024 Packaging Research Review
This 2024 Research Review of Packaging Market provides a sampling of the type of quantitative market information, analysis, and guidance that BCC Research has been developing since its inception in 1971 to help its customers make informed business decisions.
Report Highlights
-
Bioplastics will grow at a significant pace over the next 5 years. The total worldwide use of bioplastics is valued at 571,712 metric tons in 2010. This usage is expected to grow at a 41.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2010 through 2015, to reach 3,230,660 metric tons in 2015.
-
By 2010, ready access to crops such as soybeans, corn, and sugarcane moved the United States strongly into bioplastics. North American usage is estimated at 258,180 metric tons in 2010 and is expected to increase at a 41.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach 1,459,040 metric tons in 2015.
-
Use of bioplastics got off to a faster start in Europe than in the United States. European usage is now reported at 175,320 metric tons in 2010 and is expected to increase at a 33.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach 753,760 metric tons in 2015.
Become A Member
BCC Research offers a comprehensive library of reports, granting members unlimited access to data, insights, and market intelligence for informed business decisions, while actively supporting members in their evolving journeys and prioritizing high-quality, relevant topics based on continuous engagement with the research community.
Find Out MoreCustom Consulting
BCC Research emphasizes the importance of organizations leveraging highly customized market insights aligned with specific strategic business objectives through direct engagement with primary sources and proprietary forecasting models for profitable decision-making in maximizing growth opportunities and minimizing risks.
Customize NowScorecard
The Venture Scorecard provides commercialization offices and decision makers with expert analysis, offering strategic insights crucial for aligning objectives with market realities at various stages of commercializing new products or evaluating investment opportunities, from opportunity assessment to growth planning.
Find Out MoreInnovation Spotlight
Our industry experts offer strategic guidance to maximize the market potential of commercialized products, patents, and IP by providing insights into market trends, competitive dynamics, and effective positioning, using the Innovation Spotlight service for enhanced exposure to thought leaders and the wider community.
Find Out More