Global Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2024-2032)

Global Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Growth

PLA’s lightweight characteristics contribute to lighter and fuel-efficient vehicles. In 2023, global automotive production witnessed a 10% increase over 2022, accounting for a total production of around 93.54 million units globally. Additionally, being a biodegradable material, the use of PLA aligns with the sustainability criteria of electric vehicles. As a result, the material is increasingly being adopted in light-weighted hybrid and electric vehicles, contributing to the polylactic acid (PLA) market development.

Around 900,000 charging stations were installed in 2022, taking the total number of EV charging points to 2.7 million at the end of 2022. Factors such as favourable government incentives and expansion in charging stations drive the demand for EV and provides an opportunity to the market.

Figure: Global Automotive Manufacturing (in Million Units), 2018-2023

Bioplastics can serve as alternatives to traditional plastics in food packaging applications, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint during production and a reduced environmental impact due to their biodegradability. In 2023, global production capacities of bioplastics amounted to about 2.18 million tonnes with 43% of the volume destined for the packaging market.

In 2022, global bioplastics production accounted for 1.51 million tonnes, of which PLA held a share of 22%, followed by polyamides (19%), and polyethylene (13%).

Figure: Total Capacity (Million Tonnes) of Bioplastics Globally, 2023

Key Trends and Developments

Rising demand for sustainable packaging material, research to develop advancement materials, growing automotive demand, and emerging use of 3d-printed poly(lactic acid)-based products are the key trends impacting the global polylactic acid (PLA) market demand

Sep 2024

TotalEnergies Corbion’s Luminy® PLA was integrated into Bioworks PlaX™ fabric, offering enhanced comfort, durability, antimicrobial properties, and fibre dyeing. The product is aimed at major consumer brands globally as a new material that can replace existing synthetic fibers.

Aug 2024

Nagase & Co., Ltd. partnered with TotalEnergies Corbion to distribute Luminy® PLA bioplastics in Japan, supporting the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

May 2024

NatureWorks announced significant financial support from Krungthai Bank PCL totaling USD 350 million to optimise the capital structure for NatureWorks’ new fully integrated Ingeo PLA manufacturing facility in Thailand.

Oct 2023

NatureWorks made significant progress in constructing its fully integrated Ingeo™ PLA biopolymer facility in Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand. The plant, with a 75,000-ton annual capacity, will support global packaging and fiber markets with biobased materials. The plant’s production and start-up activities are projected to begin in 2025.

Increasing demand for sustainable materials aids the polylactic acid (PLA) market

Growing concerns regarding environmental pollution and sustainability worldwide are pushing the adoption of biodegradable alternatives such as PLA. The production of PLA makes use of 65% less energy than conventional plastics and generates 68% fewer greenhouse gases.

Presence of favourable government initiatives

Governments across the globe are actively laying out initiatives and plans to reduce the use of plastics and adopt alternative materials such as bioplastics. The government of the United Kingdom aims to eliminate avoidable plastic waste by the end of 2042, creating opportunities for bioplastics. By 2030, the government of Japan aims to increase the country’s use of bioplastics to about 2 million tons.

Growth of the packaging sector supports the polylactic acid (PLA) market

As recorded in 2021 by the United Nations Environment Programme, the packaging industry accounts for almost 46% of plastic waste. PLA is known to have similar characteristics to polypropylene (PP), polyethene (PE), or polystyrene (PS) such as a good moisture barrier, significantly increasing their adoption in the packaging sector.

Abundant availability of feedstock

Corn, cassava, maize, sugarcane, and sugar beet pulp are the key raw materials used in the production of polylactic acid. In 2023, corn production across the globe totaled 1.17 billion metric tons. Additionally, for the 2024/25 season, Brazil, a leading sugarcane producer, is anticipated to produce 82 MT/ha of sugarcane.

Global Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Trends

There is a growing number of research and development activities being carried out to improve the production processes of PLA. The development of technologies such as membrane design, ultrafiltration, chromatography, and electrodialysis is decreasing the purification costs and improving the PLA production processes making it possible to obtain more efficient products. In April 2024, SK Geo Centric secured a new technology for the production of lactic acid, a raw material for bio-based plastic PLA, using a sustainable method that lowers costs and chemical byproducts.

3D-printed PLA is gaining traction in the healthcare sector to develop diagnostic electrodes, prostheses, orthoses, surgical instruments, and radiotherapy devices. Modifications are being carried out in PLA to improve their 3D-printing performance, which is significant for environmental protection and sustainable development.

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Global Polylactic Acid (PLA) Industry Segmentation

“Global Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by End Use

• Packaging
• Agriculture
• Textile
• Automobiles
• Electronics
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Global Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Share

Based on end use, packaging accounts for a significant share of the market

The rising concerns regarding the plastic waste generation from packaging sector across the globe is calling for environment-safe alternatives such as PLA packaging. As recorded in 2024, about 84 million tonnes of packaging waste are created in the EU. The global packaging market is expected to witness a CAGR of 3.9% during 2023-2028.

In March 2024, Enviromall, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, launched its groundbreaking compostable PLA bags. These innovative bags are tailored to address the diverse needs of businesses in various sectors, including food and beverage, cosmetics, and retail.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is revolutionizing the textile sector, as it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional fabrics. Its growing use in the textile sector is increasing the polylactic acid (PLA) market value. PLA breaks down completely into harmless water and carbon dioxide under specific composting conditions, making it a significant contributor to reducing textile waste and its environmental impact. By 2030, the Textile Exchange has set goals for reducing GHG emissions related to fibre and raw material extraction and initial processing to 180-190 MT CO2e.

Bioplastics, such as PLA, are highly suitable for agriculture because their enhanced properties offer improved control and sustainability in farming practices. These materials can decompose within three months in industrial composting conditions, leaving behind no harmful residues that could impact the environment. The expansion of the agriculture sector across the globe is supporting the market growth. According to World Bank 2024 data, the agriculture sector accounts for 4% of the global gross domestic product (GDP). According to FAO, by 2050, it is estimated that Arable land would expand by about 70 million ha, with the expansion in developing countries by about 120 million ha.

Leading Players in the Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market

The market players are focusing on providing products at competitive prices and high quality, while simultaneously expanding their market reach.

NatureWorks LLC

NatureWorks is an advanced materials company offering a broad portfolio of renewably sourced polymers and chemicals to the packaging, polymers, fibres, and chemicals markets. The company is jointly owned by, PTT Global Chemical, Thailand’s largest chemical producer and Cargill, which provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services across the globe. The company offers various types of polylactic acid technology and products under its divisions Ingeo Technology, 2 Series for Extrusion & Thermoforming, 3 Series for Injection Molding, 6 Series for Fibers & Nonwovens3D Series for 3D Printing.

TotalEnergies Corbion bv

TotalEnergies Corbion is a global leader in advancing sustainable innovation in the polylactic acid (PLA) market, working to reduce carbon footprints and promote circularity. The company is 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corbion and offers a diverse product line that serves various industries, including fresh food packaging, consumer goods, fibers, food service ware, automotive components, and 3D printing. The company offers various types of polylactic acid polymer resins under its Luminy® PLA portfolio.

FUTERRO S.A.

Futerro has significant industrial expertise in lactic acid and PLA production across various substrates. The company is committed to continuously enhancing its processes to deliver high-quality PLA with superior properties, known as RENEW™. The company has an annual capacity of 100, 000 tons, making Futerro an emerging PLA producer in the world. Futerro is the only company in the world with complete end-to-end control over the PLA production chain. This includes the fermentation of dextrose into lactic acid, polymerization into PLA, and finally, end-of-life management through its patented molecular recycling technology, LOOPLA®.

Shanghai Tong-jie-liang Biomaterials Co., LTD.

Shanghai Tong-Jie-Liang is dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability through the global market for bio-based products. The company specializes in utilizing plant-derived sugars to produce biopolymers, an innovative material used in eco-friendly solutions for personal care, apparel, household goods, electronics, and fresh food packaging. The company offers various types of polylactic acid products including IM9005, PLA resin fiber grade SF600, PLA fiber 6D*51MM, PLA spunbond nonwoven, and 3D Print PLA.

Jiangxi Keyuan Bio-Material Co., Ltd.

Jiangxi Keyuan Bio-Material Co., Ltd is at the forefront of developing biodegradable biomass materials and is one of the leading manufacturers of high-performance Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) and its monomers. The company offers PLA for food contact resin, fibres, and 3D printing applications. The company has pioneered high-purity L-lactic acid production technology, achieving optical purity of over 99%.

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Global Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Analysis by Region

PLA bioplastics are rapidly gaining momentum in China as the country emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility. In April 2024, TotalEnergies Corbion presented Luminy PLA bioplastics in Shanghai at Chinaplas 2024, Asia's premier plastics and rubber trade fair.

In March 2023, Sulzer partnered with Jindan New Biomaterials to produce up to 75,000 tons of PLA annually at a facility in Henan Province. This PLA will primarily be used for food packaging, molded goods, and fibre production.

Around 3.19 million new food and beverage enterprises were registered in China in 2023, a 24.2% increase from 2022. The growing use of PLA in food packaging applications is driving the polylactic acid (PLA) market in the region.

In October 2023, NatureWorks announced significant progress on its new fully integrated Ingeo™ PLA biopolymer manufacturing facility in Thailand. With an annual capacity of 75,000 tons, the facility will produce the complete range of Ingeo grades, reflecting NatureWorks’ ongoing investment in the Asia Pacific region and the growth of the biobased materials market.

Production of motor vehicles in ASEAN rose 19.2% year-on-year between 2021 and 2022. Asia Pacific’s light vehicle production expanded nearly 10% year-on-year (YoY) in 2023 to 51.8 million units driven by automotive production in China, Japan, Korea, and India.

According to 2023 data, the EU has set a target to achieve 10 million tons of bioplastics production capacity by 2025, providing opportunities for polylactic acid (PLA) market expansion.

The automotive sector is one of Italy’s main industries. In 2022, it contributed to 9.3% of Italy’s manufacturing turnover and 5.2% of Italy’s GDP. In 2022, 782,629 vehicles, including 486,111 cars, 234,798 light commercial vehicles, and 61,720 trucks and buses were produced in the country. According to 2022 data, the production of technical textiles accounts for about 22% of the Italian textile production. Italy ranks first in Europe for the production of these fabrics.

According to 2024 data, Germany leads Europe's sustainable packaging market with a 35% share. This is increasing the region’s polylactic acid (PLA) market share. The New Reusable Packaging Law, introduced in January 2023, is expected to encourage catering companies to adopt reusable packaging materials like PLA as an alternative to disposable plastic packaging. Germany is a significant producer and exporter of textiles. In 2023, Germany exported industrial textiles worth USD 2,698.541 million, with largest importers being Poland (7.03%), the USA (6.81%), Italy (6.19%), China (5.51%), and France (5.01).