United Kingdom Bioplastics Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

United Kingdom Bioplastics Market Outlook

The United Kingdom bioplastics market size was approximately USD 328.27 million in 2023. The market is assessed to grow at a CAGR of 11.7% between 2024 and 2032, reaching a value of USD 904.74 million by 2032.

Key Takeaways

• Increasing environmental concerns have positioned bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, supporting waste management.

• PLA (polylactic acid) based packaging solutions are growing in demand as PLA is a fully biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymis.

• Bioplastics find role in the automotive sector for lightweight vehicle components, driven by sustainability regulations.

Bioplastics are obtained from the fermentation of organic raw materials like corn starch, sugarcane, and potato, involving sustainable manufacturing techniques that result in lower carbon emissions. Their chemical composition can be identical to standard industry plastics, but they can easily decompose under the influence of microorganisms and other environmental agents. Their printability, durability, gloss, and flexibility have popularised their usage across multiple industries for packaging and other purposes.

The United Kingdom bioplastics market growth is significantly influenced by various factors, including increasing investments by private firms to develop innovative packaging solutions, rising concerns about the use of single-use plastic and its environmental impact, and attention on bioplastics as an alternative means for waste management.

For instance, around 135,500 tonnes of agricultural plastic waste is generated annually in the United Kingdom. The government is running short of options to dispose of waste since landfills are rapidly getting filled. Bioplastic production can become a sustainable alternative to waste disposal and can support adjunct industries in the UK, including manufacturing and consumer goods.

Key Trends and Developments

Increasing investments from private organisations; growing adoption of bioplastics in different sectors; and the rising support from government organisations are positively impacting the market growth

United Kingdom Bioplastics Market Trends

The United Kingdom bioplastics market is driven by a combination of factors, including rising environmental consciousness, favourable government initiatives, and consumer demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. Heightened awareness of the detrimental impact of conventional plastics on ecosystems has created a shift towards biodegradable and renewable materials.

Government policies promoting circular economy models, coupled with incentives for businesses adopting eco-friendly practices, further support the United Kingdom bioplastics market growth. Technological advancements in bioplastic production, enhancing cost-efficiency and performance, contribute significantly to the market development.

Moreover, consumer preferences for eco-friendly products and packaging drive manufacturers to incorporate bioplastics into their portfolios, fostering innovation in the sector. A commitment to environmental protection across different sectors is the key force driving the market expansion.

Market Segmentation

“United Kingdom Bioplastics Market Report  and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Increased demand for biodegradable plastics due to rising environmental concerns to favour the market

Biodegradable plastics are in high demand due to their sustaibable attributes. The use of PLA (poly lactic acid) has been increasing in consumer goods products. It is made from fermented plant starch, and further processed into oil-resistant, stable, and shiny material. It is used in 3D printing and manufacturing attractive furniture pieces, which is expected to grow in demand over the forecast period. It is also produced using (65 %) less energy as compared to single-use plastics and produces 68% fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Its complete decomposition can occur under natural conditions which is expected to boost the market.

Rigid and flexible packaging account for the majority of the United Kingdom bioplastics market share

The rigid and flexible type of packaging solutions are extensively utilised in the food and beverage industry as they are heavily reliant on packaging solutions that do not attract harmful bacteria. In addition, the sector has a high demand for cost-effective, non-toxic, and chemical-free packaging solutions, which supports the market expansion in the region.

The automotive and transportation industry is also expected to emerge as a key end-user of bioplastics for manufacturing lightweight vehicle components and enhancing the public appeal of automobiles. Emerging government regulations that emphasise the use of sustainable materials in automobile manufacturing are also expected to aid United Kingdom's bioplastics market.

Competitive Landscape

The major players are increasing their investments  in research and development activities and are engaging in cross-industry collaborations to offer sustainable solutions and improve the efficiency of bioplastic production

Other key players in the United Kingdom bioplastics market are Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp., Arkema S.A., TotalEnergies Corbion B.V., and Eni S.p.A (Novamont S.p.A), among others.

Several players in the United Kingdom bioplastics market are expanding the commercialisation of sustainable packaging solutions through investments received from major players and government organisations.

In November 2023, FlexSea (a start-up company) received 3 million pounds of seed funding to scale up the commercialisation of sustainable packaging solutions. In another case, Biome Bioplastics secured 244,000 pounds from Innovate UK (a government agency) to enhance bioplastic packaging for food products in September 2023 . Such developments are expected to positively influence the bioplastics market growth in the UK.

Key Highlights of the Report