Biodegradable packaging to grow at CAGR of 22 percent

-- Packaging Digest, 8/1/2007

Key findings of a new study from Pira Intl. Ltd. include the estimate that biodegradable packaging—quantified at more than 42,000 metric tons in 2006—will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22 percent, to reach nearly 116,000 metric tons in 2011. Other insights include the following:

• Cutting-edge technologies include the introduction of lower-cost polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biodegradable polymers that could compete with standard thermoplastics and other biodegradable polymers by 2011. These would fit more demanding rigid and flexible packaging applications that require high barrier protection.

• The majority of biodegradable packaging consumption in 2006 was in the fresh-food sector at 41 percent, followed by foodservice and other food.

• Foodservice is expected to be the highest growth sector for biodegradable packaging at 24 percent CAGR, followed by nonfood and fresh food.

• Fresh food is the biggest end-use sector for biodegradable packaging, accounting for nearly 18,000 metric tons in 2006. Polylactic acid (PLA) is the most widely used biodegradable polymer for fresh-food applications, with 39 percent of total consumption in 2006. Starch-based polymers account for 36 percent of market volumes.

• PLA currently holds approximately 43 percent of the market. This share is expected to grow, with consumption forecast at more than 50,000 metric tons in 2011.

• Western Europe is the leading consumer of biodegradable packaging. The markets in Asia Pacific and eastern Europe have been growing but are relatively underdeveloped at present.

• The U.S. is the largest single market for biodegradable packaging, and this is expected to continue to 2011, where the market is estimated at more than 44,000 metric tons.

To purchase "The Future Global Markets for Biodegradable Packaging," contact Neil Johnston at 44 (0) 1372 802262 or at neil.Johnston@pira-international.com.