Polylactic acid market size Scope of the Study This study gives an insight into global Polylactic Acid (PLA) value and volume market. The report also provides an overview of the global biodegradable polymers and lactic acid. Market analytics by Form, by Application is also provided in this niche report. The market is divided by Form into Films & Sheets, Coating, Fibers and Other; by Application into Food, Textile, Medical and Other. The global PLA market is further divided by Food Industry (Food Packaging, Kitchenware and Other), Textile Industry (Apparel, Bedding/Upholstery), Medical Industry (Surgical Dressing, Orthopedic Biomaterials, Stents, Organ Tissue Engineering, and Other) and Other (Vehicle Parts and Automotive/Aerospace, Electrical Appliance Components/ Electronic Goods, Packaging (Other than Food) and other). Predictions and estimations both in value (US$) and Volume (Metric Tons) for the analysis period 20052015 are also illustrated by geographic regions encompassing the United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World (RoW). Acreage of major agricultural crops as raw materials Business profiles of 18 (Lactic Acid Producers), 18 (Polylactic Acid Producers) and 23 (End Users) competitor companies are discussed in the report. The report serves as a guide to global Polylactic Acid market, as it covers more than 50 companies that are engaged in Polylactic Acid products, technology, and R&D. Information related to recent product releases, product developments, partnerships, collaborations, and mergers and acquisitions is also covered in the report. The Polylactic Acid report is an ideal research tool providing strategic business intelligence to the corporate sector. This report may help strategists, investors, Polylactic acid and bioplastics companies, and biotechnology companies in-Gauging Competitive Intelligence Identifying Key Growth Areas and Opportunities Understanding Geographic Relevance to Product Knowing Regional Market Sizes and Growth Opportunities and Restraints Keeping Tab on Emerging Technologies Equity Analysis Tapping New Markets Analytics and data presented in this report pertain to several parameters such as – Global And Regional Market Sizes, Market Shares, Market Trends Product (Global And Regional) Market Sizes, Market Shares, Market Trends Technology Trends Corporate Intelligence Key Companies By, Brands, Products Consumer Behavioral Patterns Other Strategic Business Affecting Data
RITMIR030: Polylactic Acid – A Market Insight Report, July 2013 © RI Technologies - www.researchimpact.com
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Research Methodology RI Technologies publishes business intelligence reports by going through a cycle of diligent research and analysis activity. Research is done using both online and offline resources. The study outline of this report is sketched on the following lines – global market analysis, regional market analysis, product segmentation, global and regional market analysis by product segment, market trends, M&A, R&D, competitive landscape, technology trends, and other key drivers. Current data helps in analyzing the future of the industry and is also helpful for making market evaluations, and estimating the market size for the future. This report is uniquely researched and the methodology includes: Scope of Study Product Definitions Segmental Analysis Regional Analysis Exclusive Data Analytics Corporate Intelligence Feedback Right from concept to final compilation of this report, both primary and secondary research methods are applied. We have provided exclusive feedback forms/pre-release questionnaires for this report to use the information for authentication of our own findings. Secondary research includes government publications, investment research reports, web based surveys, website information of both companies and markets, and other offline resources such as print publications and CDs. Our compilation of easy to navigate PDF reports are essential value addition resources for leading and growing companies.
RITMIR030: Polylactic Acid – A Market Insight Report, July 2013 © RI Technologies - www.researchimpact.com
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II. REPORT SYNOPSIS Biodegradable Polymers Large macromolecules formed by the chemical linkages of monomers – capable of being decomposed by micro organisms or any other biological means are refereed as biodegradable polymers. At present day, researchers are more interested in natural, synthetic and biosynthetic polymers which are biodegradable and environmental friendly. Biopolymers have wide range of applications in medical and pharmaceutical industries. Important group of the biodegradable polymers include poly –hydroxy alkonates [PHB & PHV class]
Bioplastics Bioplastics are a type of plastics made from biological materials like, vegetable oils or recycling substances, namely; cornstarch or starch made from peas or shrubs, whereas fossil-fuel plastics are obtained from petroleum products. Bioplastics are also known as ‘organic plastics’. Only a few bioplastics are meant to biodegrade; others are all non- biodegradable.
Uses of Bioplastics Both biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics find variety of applications not only as consumables but also in a number of industries. For example, throwaway articles, like cups, plates, bowls, other items of cutlery, disposable bags that can be used as compost along with food refuse and tree leaves and packaging and catering materials are all made of biodegradable bioplastics. In addition, egg trays, containers for fruit, vegetables and meat, and bottles for non-alcoholic beverages and for dairy products, wrappers for fruit and vegetables are produced from bioplastics. On the other hand, Cell phone coverings, carpet fibers, car interiors, fuel lines and plastic pipes are manufactured from non-biodegradable bioplastics. Other potential innovative application of nonbiodegradable bioplastics includes the development of cables for transmission of electric power. The objective here is to produce articles from ‘sustainable resources’, that is, whose use does not exhaust its supply, rather than aim at ‘biodegradability’ Bioplastics are less dependent on fossil-fuel, like oil, gas and coal for carbon in comparison with petroleum based plastics (petroplastic) and the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is also much lower when it ‘biodegrades. This makes Bioplastics hold more promise for applications in consumer as well as industrial sector. Bioplastics considerably help in reducing the dangerous solid waste material left behind by petroleum-based plastics over very long period. In view of its distinctive advantages compared to conventional plastics, bioplastics throw up exciting possibilities in packaging technology and other industries. However, bioplastic industry is still dependent on oil for irrigation of crops, running agricultural equipment to manufacture manure and insecticides, transportation of agricultural produce and operating machinery for manufacture of bioplastics. This dependence on oil can come down largely if renewable energy is used
RITMIR030: Polylactic Acid – A Market Insight Report, July 2013 © RI Technologies - www.researchimpact.com
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for bioplastics manufacturing
Polylactic Acid (PLA) – A Next Generation Bioplastic Lactic acid is the key agent used for developing Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), the biodegradable ploymer. The Lactic acid which appears in L form is a natural 3-carbon chiral acid and is dissolvable in water to a greater extent. Lactic acid is employed in foods as an acidulant, and is turned to esters and formed as green solvent for cleaning, paints, coatings and metal. Sources that are plant-based give rise to the material that is known as poly-lactic acid or PLA. The platbased sources could be the following; a) Potatoes are presently under consideration and seem to have the potential. b) Sugar cane. c) Wheat and d) Corn.
Segmentation of Polylactic Acid Market Exhibit 1. Segmentation of Global Polylactic Acid Market by Application and by Form Form
Application
Films & Sheets
Food
Coating
Textile
Fibers
Medical
*Other
Other
© RIT, 2013
Exhibit 2. Segmentation by Type Application for Food, Textile, Medical and Other Food
Textile
Medical
Other
Food Packaging
Apparel
Surgical Dressing
Vehicle Parts and Automotive/Aerospace
Kitchenware
Bedding/ Upholstery
Orthopedic Biomaterials
Electrical Appliance Components/ Electronic Goods
Other
Other
Stents
Packaging (Other than Food)
Organ Tissue Culture
Other
Other © RIT, 2013
RITMIR030: Polylactic Acid – A Market Insight Report, July 2013 © RI Technologies - www.researchimpact.com
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Global Market Analysis The global Polylactic Acid volume market is predicted to reach XX.XX thousand metric tons by 2020 at a CAGR of XX.XX %, from an estimated about XX.XX thousand metric tons in 2012. Exhibit 3. Polylactic Acid - Global Volume Market Estimations and Predictions (2005-2020) in Metric Tons Year
Volume
2005
XX.XX
2006
XX.XX
2007
XX.XX
2008
XX.XX
2009
XX.XX
2010
XX.XX
2011
XX.XX
2012
XX.XX
2013
XX.XX
2014
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2015
XX.XX
2016
XX.XX
2017
XX.XX
2018
XX.XX
2019
XX.XX
2020
XX.XX
CAGR%
XX.XX
© RIT, 2013
US$ Million
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
RITMIR030: Polylactic Acid – A Market Insight Report, July 2013 © RI Technologies - www.researchimpact.com
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Exhibit 4. List of Global Major Companies Company Name
Region
Website
BioCor LLC
USA
biocor.org
Cargill, Inc.
USA
www.cargill.com
Sulzer Chemtech AG
Switzerland
www.sulzerchemtech.com
Purac
The Netherlands
www.purac.com
Wei Mon Industry Co., Ltd.
Taiwan
www.weimon.com.tw
Futerro
Belgium
www.furterro.com
Anhui BBCA & GALACTIC Lactic Acid Co., Ltd.
China
www.bglactic.com
Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH
Germany
www.uhde-inventa-fischer.com
More…. © RIT, 2013
RITMIR030: Polylactic Acid – A Market Insight Report, July 2013 © RI Technologies - www.researchimpact.com
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Value Analysis by Form Polylactic Acid Films and Sheets holds about XX.XX of the total Polylactic Acid market value at US$ XX.XX million in 2012. The market for Polylactic acid Fibers is projected to increase at the highest CAGR of XX.XX % to reach US$ XX.XX billion by 2020. Exhibit 5. Polylactic Acid by Form Type- Global Value Market Estimations and Predictions (2005-2020) in US$ Million for Films & Sheets, Coating, Fibers and Other Year/Form Type
Films & Sheet
Coating
Fibers
Other
Total
2005
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2006
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2007
XX.XX
XX.XX
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XX.XX
2008
XX.XX
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2009
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2010
XX.XX
XX.XX
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XX.XX
XX.XX
2011
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2012
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2013
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2014
XX.XX
XX.XX
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XX.XX
XX.XX
2015
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
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2016
XX.XX
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2017
XX.XX
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XX.XX
2018
XX.XX
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XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2019
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2020
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
CAGR%
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
© RIT Figures, 2013
US$ Million
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Films & Sheet
2010
2011
2012 Coating
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Fibers
RITMIR030: Polylactic Acid – A Market Insight Report, July 2013 © RI Technologies - www.researchimpact.com
2018
2019
2020
Other
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Corn-based Plastic PLA A plastic substitute that is made from fermented plant starch normally corn is Polylactic acid (PLA). This is now extremely accepted as a substitute to the conventional petroleum-based plastics. There are a number of countries and states now that are doing what other countries like China, Ireland, South Africa, Uganda and San Francisco are doing in terms of prohibiting plastic grocery bags which is to be blamed for what is known as “white pollution” present all over the World and in the meantime PLA is all set to substitute as a feasible as well as a biodegradable solution. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions with the use of PLA In Spite of a lot of issues, PLA still holds many advantages PLA cannot be combined with other plastics during recycling A number of PLA products are made up of GM corn Green-minded users could favor other options to plastics
RITMIR030: Polylactic Acid – A Market Insight Report, July 2013 © RI Technologies - www.researchimpact.com
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III. MARKET DYNAMICS Manufacturing Cost Exhibit 6. United States – PLA Raw Material Prices -Corn Starch, Dextrose, Lactic Acid, Sugar Beet & Other in US$/Metric Ton Raw Material/Year
2005
2010
Corn Starch
XX.XX
XX.XX
Dextrose
XX.XX
XX.XX
Lactic Acid
XX.XX
XX.XX
Sugar Beet
XX.XX
XX.XX
© RIT Figures, 2013
Exhibit 7. PLA Manufacturing Equipment Cost in US$ Million – Estimates for 2010 Company
Total Equipment Cost (US$)
Production Capacity
Company 1
XX.XX
XX.XX
Company 2
XX.XX
XX.XX
Company 2
XX.XX
XX.XX
© RIT Figures, 2013
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Exhibit 8. Raw Material Input / PLA Output Quantity in Metric Tons – Estimates for 2010 Raw Material
Input Quantity
PLA Output Quantity
Corn
XX.XX
XX.XX
Wheat
XX.XX
XX.XX
Sugar Beet
XX.XX
XX.XX
Sugar Cane
XX.XX
XX.XX
Dextrose
XX.XX
XX.XX
Lactic Acid
XX.XX
XX.XX
Other
XX.XX
XX.XX
© RIT Figures, 2013
RITMIR030: Polylactic Acid – A Market Insight Report, July 2013 © RI Technologies - www.researchimpact.com
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Global Market Analysis The global Polylactic acid volume market is predicted to reach XX.XX thousand metric tons in 2020 at a CAGR% of XX.XX %, from an estimated XX.XX thousand metric tons in 2012. Europe is estimated as the largest market for Polylactic Acid in the global market with an estimated volume of XX.XX thousand metric tons and accounts a market share of XX.XX % in 2012. Exhibit 9. Polylactic Acid - Global Volume Market Estimations and Predictions (2005-2020) in Metric Tons for Europe, USA, Japan, Asia-Pacific and Rest of World Year/Region
Europe
USA
Japan
Asia-Pacific
RoW
Total
2005
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2006
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2007
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2008
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
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2009
XX.XX
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XX.XX
2010
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2011
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2012
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2013
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2014
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2015
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2016
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2017
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2018
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2019
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
2020
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
CAGR%
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
XX.XX
© RIT Figures, 2013
US$ Million
2005
2006
2007
Europe
2008
2009
2010
USA
2011
2012 Japan
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Asia-Pacific
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2018
2019
2020
RoW
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IV. PRODUCT/TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH Corn – Source for Poly Lactic Acid Corn is available and cultivated worldwide and is one of the primary food product which is either used directly or in processed form. Corn products are used both by the humans and animals as well. Processed corns are used to make consumer food products such as corn starch lysine and high fructose corn syrup or industrial products such as polylactic acid (PLA) and ethanol. Corn is processed using two techniques namely "dry" milling and "wet" milling. Corn is primarily used as a feed livestock and also finds application in consumer food and industrial products such as corn oil, starches, sweeteners, beverages, fuel ethanol and industrial alcohol. Corn is not only used in food products but also processed and employed in various day to day products such as toothpaste, cosmetics, adhesives, shoe polish and others. The US is the top corn producing countries worldwide. Other leading corn producing countries include Brazil, China, Mexico and the 25 countries of the European Union. The corn also finds application in the pharmaceutical sector as most of the countries cultivate genetically modified corn for herbicide and pest resistance applications.
Manufacturing Process - PLA Starch is the starting material for polylactic acid which is obtained from a renewable source like corn. Corn is crushed and the starch is extracted. Then unrefined dextrose is processed from the starch. Fermentation then turns the dextrose into lactic acid which is a process that is similar to the one that is made use of by beer and wine producers. For the lactic acid to be converted into a polymer plastic there is some specialized chemistry that needs to be used. It is possible by the following techniques.
Polycondensation of Lactic acid The polycondensation process designed by Carothers, an innovator of PLA in 1932 removes the water through the process of condensation and through application of solvent in a temperature and high vacuum. This process finds difficulties in the removal of water and impurities thus are able to generate low and intermediate molecular weight polymers. The process involves in various drawbacks such as large sized reactors, evaporation needs, solvent recovery and improved color as well as recemization. Almost maximum of operations is carried out through ring-opening polymerization. Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals patented an azeotropic distillation via a high boiling solvent to turn the removal of water in the direct esterification process for deriving high molecular weight PLA.
Ring-opening polymerization Ring-opening polymerization is considered to be the appropriate technique for generation of high molecular weight polymer. This method is being used widely following the advancements in the process of fermentation of corn dextrose which resulted in minimizing the cost of lactic acid production at greater
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extent. Sugar fermentation results in cost effective chiral lactic acid production. Chiral molecules persists as stereoisomers or ‘mirror images’ where as lactic acid persists as the L- or D-stereoisomer. Lactic acid, which is synthesized chemically results in deriving of racemic mixture (50% D and 50% L), the nature of fermentation is though very definite, thus allowing the production of a key stereoisomer. The lactic acid generated from includes L-isomer (99.5%) and D-isomer (0.5%). The process follows removal of water under placid settings eliminating solvent so as to generate a cyclic intermediate dimmer also known as lactide. The monomer is sooner followed for purification under the process of vacuum distillation. For ring-opening polymerization of the dimer heat is required, thus eliminating solvent requirements. Different kinds of molecular weights are derived by controlling dimmer purity. The cyclic lactide dimer production leads in the generation of three potential forms namely the D,D-lactide (D-lactide), L,Llactide (L-lactide) and L,D- or D,L-lactide (meso-lactide). Among this Meso-lactide includes unique properties compared to D- and L-lactide; D- and Llactide which are optically active unlike meso. The lactide stream is divided into a low D-lactide stream and a high D-/meso-lactide stream prior to polymerization. A group of polymers including array of molecular weights are generated by ring-opening polymerization of the optically active types of lactide by altering the level and the sequence of D-lactide in the polymer backbone. Polymers including high L-lactide levels are effective to generate crystalline polymers, but, the higher D-lactide materials (>15%) are vague in nature. Lactide purity control results in the production of different molecular weights. In addition to it, the product properties can be altered by altering the level and sequence of D-lactic units in the polymer backbone. The changes influences melt behavior, barrier properties, ductility and thermal properties.
Processing Technologies PLA FIBERS Cargill Dow Polymers (CDP), a US based company manufactures PLA using by polymerizing lactic acid developed from corn starch. PLA is followed through melt-spinning process and turned into fibers. The melt spinning technology for developing PLA fibers in contrast with solvent-spinning method is a cost effective process both financially and environmentally. PLA fibers developed using melt spinning technology aids in including diverse features required for wide range of application. The polymerization process for developing PLA is followed through acid and alcohol condensation to develop polyester. PLA and PET include similar features and these are required to be dehydrated as there is a possibility of melting which could result in hydrolysis. These polymers are then followed through the process of melt extrusion to form fibers and are stretched for strengthening them.
About RI Technologies RI Technologies is a premier source of market research on the Biotechnology & Healthcare sector. We emphasize on factual insights and forecasts with maximum global coverage. RI Technologies is constantly monitoring the biotechnology & Healthcare industry, tracking market trends, and forecasting industry based on specialized analysis. The life sciences sector is an ever growing marketplace with emerging technologies in areas of discovery, design and development.
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Knowing Regional Market Sizes and Growth Opportunities and Restraints
Keeping Tab on Emerging Technologies
Equity Analysis
Tapping New Markets
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