The Growth of Bioplastics
Bioplastics are materials that wholly or partly derive from renewable sources. These materials can be either biodegradable, biobased, or both. Among them, biobased bioplastics that are biodegradable have gained significant attention for their role in tackling the growing plastic pollution crisis.
As companies increasingly prioritise sustainability, bioplastics offer a promising investment opportunity to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower the environmental impact of plastic production. But how sustainable are bioplastics, and why should businesses consider investing in them?
Bioplastics: Leading the Way to a Circular Economy
Bioplastics are a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics by utilising renewable resources. However, their true sustainability depends on several factors, including the type of bioplastic, the origin of its raw materials, and how it is managed at the end of its life cycle.
Biobased refers to the content of a material that is naturally occurring and organic in origin, such as plants. This indicates a shift away from traditional plastics by using materials that are renewable and can regenerate over time.
Biodegradable is the breakdown of organic matter by naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, algae, and fungi. This process depends on the material’s chemical composition, determining whether it can decompose in natural environments, such as soil or water, without leaving harmful microplastics.
In a circular economy, where the goal is to keep materials in use for as long as possible, biobased bioplastics play a crucial role in reducing the wasteful linear model of "take, make, dispose." Biodegradable materials, in particular, are designed for composting. When properly composted, they return to the soil, enriching it with nutrients that support plant growth and help regenerate ecosystems. This is essential for maintaining agricultural productivity and biodiversity.
Solinatra is a biobased bioplastic made from biopolymers that are both biodegradable and compostable. Solinatra supports the transition to a closed-loop system where packaging is produced without fossil fuels and returns to the earth without leaving harmful microplastics behind. Solinatra helps businesses shift toward truly sustainable practices, ensuring that their packaging is part of a regenerative future.
Bioplastics: A Growing Industry
The market for bioplastics is rapidly expanding as part of the transition to more sustainable, circular economies and reaching corporate net zero goals and carbon emission reduction targets.
These materials play a crucial role in advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing reliance on fossil resources, promoting new recycling and degradation methods, and minimising the use of harmful chemicals in production. This growing demand underscores the increasing shift in the bioplastics market, including:
Bioplastics manufacturing is projected to grow steadily, with revenues expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2028, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 1.9%.
Global bioplastics production capacity is also set to increase significantly, from around 2.18 million tonnes in 2023 to an estimated 7.43 million tonnes by 2028.
Packaging continues to dominate as the largest market segment for bioplastics, representing 43% of the total bioplastics market, with 934,000 tonnes produced in 2023.
Bioplastics: Material Change to Scale Up Businesses
Bioplastics are not just an environmental solution; they represent a material change that can scale up businesses. They are not just trying to create new markets, but are replacing traditional plastics in industries they already serve. This positions bioplastics for continued expansion with little resistance, leading experts to foresee a sharp increase in production and adoption.
According to Morgan Stanley's 2024 “Sustainable Signals” survey, more than three quarters (77%) of individual investors globally are interested in investing in companies or funds that aim to achieve market-rate financial returns while considering positive social and/or environmental impact.
One of the key advantages of bioplastics is that they can be scaled for commercial production without altering existing infrastructure. Many bioplastics offer a direct drop-in solution for manufacturers, allowing them to switch from fossil-based feedstocks to renewable ones without significant changes to existing processes. This ease of transition reduces costs and accelerates the adoption of bioplastics across industries.
The technology for mass production already exists; companies are manufacturing them, and consumers are driving demand. Corporations are beginning to implement bioplastics across various industries, accelerating their adoption.
However, to fully realise the benefits of bioplastics, sustainable integration must address key challenges, including reducing overall plastic consumption. Governments are expected to play a crucial role, enacting policies that support bioplastics' growth while promoting responsible production and consumption.
Biobased Bioplastics Made of Solinatra: A Truly Sustainable Alternatives
Solinatra is revolutionising the packaging industry by harnessing nature to create packaging solutions that fulfil their purpose while leaving behind zero microplastics. But sustainable packaging isn't just about the materials—it’s also about how we design and use them. Solinatra seamlessly integrates into existing manufacturing processes, offering the same functionality as traditional products without fossil fuels.
As more companies recognise the importance of sustainability, the adoption of biomaterials like Solinatra signals a transformation across industries. Biodegradable materials open up endless possibilities for companies to stay competitive while making sustainable choices that reduce plastic pollution.