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April 22, 2024Global Polyhydroxyalkanoates Market Snapshot
The bioplastics market comprises a diverse array of bio-based and/or biodegradable products, including polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and conventional plastics such as polyamide, polyethylene, and polypropylene manufactured using renewable, bio-based feedstocks.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates or PHAs are polyesters produced in nature by numerous microorganisms, including through bacterial fermentation of sugars or lipids (fats). When produced by bacteria they serve as both a source of energy and as a carbon store. More than 150 different monomers can be combined within this family to give polymers with varying properties. Features of PHAs can differ from brittle thermoplastics to gummy elastomers depending on the type of the utilized carbon source, bacterial host and fermentation conditions.
In terms of chemical properties, PHAs are water insoluble, UV resistance (in contrast to PLA); resistant to chemical break down by hydrolysis; degraded by acids and bases; exhibit high solubility in chlorinated solvents such as chloroform; dichloromethane and dichloroethane; display biocompatibility with biological fluids and tissues (non-toxic) and degrade anaerobically in sediments.
PHAs can be processed like other thermoplastics using techniques including extrusion, injection moulding, blow moulding, and thermoforming. Furthermore, they can be blended with other bio-based thermoplastics such as PLA, to tune properties for a given application.
The versatility of PHAs lends them to a wide range of potential market applications. The main markets where PHAs have already achieved a limited degree of penetration are packaging, foodservice, agriculture and medical products. PHAs have application potential in both low value, high volume markets such as compost bin liners; as well as low volume, high value markets such as absorbable surgical film.
Current and future PHA applications by market segment
The market is unlikely to experience significant growth based on normal market drivers of economic competitiveness and product quality. Growth will be driven by brand owners with ambitious sustainability targets who have developed committed relationships with PHA technology developers and producers. Demand for PHAs is also expected to from the production of blended biodegradable resins, particularly polylactic acid, as it enhances biodegradability.
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Market Insights: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) – 2024
This report provides analysis and forecast to 2035 of the global market for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). End-use demand is segmented by flexible and rigid packaging, agriculture and horticulture, coatings & adhesives, consumer products and others including medical, fibre and additives etc. The report includes discussion regarding key market drivers and constraints, as well as supply, demand and trade analysis for nine regions: North America, South America, Western Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and China with forecasts to 2035. Analysis, including competitive landscape, capacity listing and cost competitiveness along with price forecasts to 2035 and pricing analysis and forecast is also included by region.
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