Bioplastics to double from 2010 to 2015

Global production is expected to pass 1 million tonnes in 2011, according to industry association European Bioplastics, up from 700,000 in 2010 to reach 1.7 million in 2015, based on current trends. Biodegradable biobased plastics initially dominated production and will continue to grow strongly, however biobased commodity plastics (which are not classed as biodegradable) are expected to overtake biodegradable plastics by 2015. They claim the expansion of bioplastics into an increasing range of applications will fuel this growth. While Europe is the largest market for bioplastics and the biggest R&D player, most production (and growth) is taking place in Asia and South America; the organization encourages European governments to support local bioplastic production.