North America Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

North America Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Outlook 

The North America polylactic acid (PLA) market size was valued at USD 438.67 million in 2023. The market is further projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.6% between 2024 and 2032, reaching a value of USD 1,423.77 million by 2032.

Key Takeaways

• Polylactic Acid (PLA) is 100% bio-sourced and biodegradable. It is a renewable plastic capable of competing with conventional plastics in both performance and environmental impact.

• The United States is the world's largest producer of corn. During 2021-2022, the country produced 382.89 million metric tons of corn.

• Canadians produce around 3 million tonnes of plastic waste per year. Only 9% of this waste is recycled while the rest majorly ends up in our landfills or the environment.

In Canada, around 3.3 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced annually, a majority of which end up in landfills, significantly impacting the environment. According to the Government, if current trends continue, by 2050, the ocean may reach a 1:1 weight ratio of plastic to fish. Environmental concerns are a crucial driver for the implementation of bioplastic and provide an opportunity for the North America polylactic acid (PLA) market development. Further, in 2023, the government of the United States set a goal to replace 90% of plastics with biomaterials within the next 20 years, providing an opportunity for PLA.

As per the North America polylactic acid (PLA) market report, corn is the largest United States crop in terms of total production, the majority of which is grown in the Corn Belt. For polylactic acid producers, corn is the most readily available and cost-effective raw material due to government corn subsidies and a large high-fructose corn syrup market in the United States of America. Manufacturers are also constantly seeking other sources of starch to produce PLA that grow quickly with minimal water and fertiliser. By using organically produced raw materials, market players can enhance the sustainability of the polylactic acid market.

Market Segmentation

North America Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments.

Market Breakup by Raw Material:

• Sugarcane

• Corn

• Cassava

• Sugar Beet

• Others

Market Breakup by Grade:

• Thermoforming

• Injection Moulding

• Extrusion

• Blow Moulding

• Others

Market Breakup by Application:

• Rigid Thermoforms

• Films and Sheets

• Bottles

• Others

Market Breakup by End Use:

• Packaging

• Consumer Goods

• Agriculture

• Textile

• Biomedical

• Others

Market Breakup by Country:

• United States of America

• Canada

Competitive Landscape

The key players in the polylactic acid (PLA) market in North America are researching to produce high-quality polylactic acid (PLA) products to meet the needs of end-user markets.

• NatureWorks LLC     

• TotalEnergies SE     

• FUTERRO S.A.

• BASF SE     

• Jiangxi Keyuan Bio-Material Co., Ltd. 

• Jilin COFCO Biomaterial Co., Ltd. 

• China BBCA Group

• Unitika Ltd 

• Others

Key Highlights of the Report