One million tons

Global bioplastics production capacity will more than double from 2010 to 2015. Capacity is predicted to pass the one million ton mark already in 2011, according to a current study presented today by the industry association European Bioplastics in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Hanover.
From a figure of around 700,000 tons in 2010, the production capacity for bioplastics will increase to a predicted 1.7 million tons by 2015. The current year will see capacity pass an important threshold: the first half of 2011 already shows production capacity exceeding 900,000 tons.
In 2010, the bioplastics branch primarily produced biodegradable materials, totalling around 400,000 tons (compared to 300,000 tons of biobased commodity plastics). This ratio will be reversed in the coming years - despite the overall growth. Essential to this rapid growth is the swift expansion of bioplastics into an ever-increasing number of applications. The strongly growing group of durable biobased bioplastics appeals strongly to the packaging market. Several large brand producers such as Danone and Coca-Cola have brought products to market.