MUNDOMATERIAL

The bioplastics market evolves quickly, going from pilot plants to industrial production in merely 10 years. Today I venture into pointing some current trends that will define its future in the next 5-10 years. Product improvement Bioplastics have entered the market, have been tested in several applications and are produced at industrial level. In following years bioplastics producers already established will have to focused on improving their products performance. In order to do this, they can focus on one of the following factors: Increasing the renewable content of the final product by using additives, paints and adhesives that are also renewable. Achieving certifications related to renewable content or compostability. Improving properties by blending with oil-based plastics. Penetrating the durable goods market, for example in electronic products or automotive sector. For more information, do check the following presentation by Jim Lunt & Associates, with information regarding... 
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In 2006 I conducted a market study about the European Bioplastics market. I recently got the chance of taking part in a consultancy project that, amongst other things, took a look at bioplastics. Thanks to it I have been able to check the big changes that have taken place in the market in just 5 years, taking bioplastics from having a reduced market penetration to becoming one of the most important trends within the polymer market. Source: Darwin Bell An increasing number of competitors In 2006 the number of “real” producers was reduced. There were several producers of starch based blends and Novamont was (and still is) the European market leader when considering production capacity. However, in the field of PLA production there have been important changes. In 2006 the sole producer was NatureWorks. It was the only company with an industrial production and there were only projects from other companies that were studying the possibility of using lactic acid to produce PLA. Nowadays... 
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IntertechPira, a division of Pira International, is organising the Biopolymers Symposium 2010. The event will take place in Denver, Colorado in October. The symposium is recommended to manufacturers, brand owners, end users, innovators and policy makers. It will cover a wide range of subjects, including the following: Pioneering work on green policy in California Identification of non-food sources of raw material for resin production Market overviews from the US and Europe Regulation, labeling and marketing End of life management options Technological innovation in packaging and beyond Of particular interest to me are the sessions related to non-food sources of raw material for resin production and end of life management options. These areas could become a restraint in market growth due to negative public perceptions. Biopolymers appeal is based on environmental benefits. For biopolymers to continue growth in the medium term, the research into durable applications is a must too, as disposable... 
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A new market research, published by Frost & Sullivan, entitled “Strategic Assessment of the Bioplastics Market in Brazil and Mexico” analyzes production plans, main resins sold and applications currently in use in both countries. The study also aims at providing a look into the future for bioplastics in the region, with regards to future demand and prospective feedstocks. Brazil At the moment, production in Brazil is constraint to pilot scale. In 2009, the Bioplastics market in Brazil was composed mostly by the resins PLA, Starch-based, and PHB, representing revenues of US$ 4.4 million.However, large production scales in Brazil are expected to give a new shape to this market in the region, as for 2015, large scale production units are expected to be producing bioplastics, such as Braskem biobased polyethylene and Solvay bio-based PVC. Braskem bioplastics plant will be the largest in the world, providing to Brazil an expected CAGR of 140.7% in the period 2009-2015. Note:... 
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In early March 2010, the European Union approved a genetically mofidied potato crop to be grown in Europe, the first one since in 1998 Monsanto’s MON 810 maize was approved, which is engineered to be resistant to the European corn-borer caterpillar. The approved potato variety is Amflora, developed by BASF for industrial applications such as lubricants, sprays and animal feed. When the news came out, some people suggested that it was to be used in the production of bioplastics. I always considered a bit risky to used GMO in the production of a product that bases part of its market appeal on environmental benefits and considered that European producers of bioplastics have an advantage over producers elsewhere that do use GMO crops as feedstock. It has to be said that resistance towards GMO is mostly a European concern and that public resistance to them in other world regions is not that high. Naturally produced starch is a combination of amylose and amylopectin, both polymers of glucose.... 
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