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Principia's Global Study to Address the Emerging Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymers Landscape

Posted on: Monday, 4 August 2008, 09:00 CDT

The tipping point has been reached in the plastics industry's commitment towards the development of bio-based and biodegradable polymers for industrial scale applications. Increasing and unpredictable petroleum costs along with environmental concerns make these polymers more appealing than ever.

Industrial, or white biotechnology is at the forefront for enabling the creation of polymers derived from renewable bio-based resources. Only a promising curiosity just a few years ago, these polymers are poised to be a major industry growth platform, with the potential to become a game-changing technology over the next few years.

Bio-based and biodegradable polymers have moved beyond the limitations of first generation products and technologies with improved processability and compostability, better cost positions, and an expanding customer base.

To better understand the evolving landscape, Principia Partners is conducting a global multi-client study titled Bio-based and Biodegradable Polymers 2008, due for completion in Winter 2009.

Ashish Aneja, a Principal at Principia explains, "We are very excited about conducting this in-depth global study. To be successful in the sustainable economy, companies will have to focus on identifying and selecting the right product, market, and partnering opportunities. Now is the time to be formulating a strategy on how to participate and compete in this highly dynamic industry."

Dr. Aneja continues "Some of the external challenges that various companies need to be aware of and face include feedstock costs, consumer perception of bio-based and biodegradable polymers, and regulatory and legislative trends. In addition, the value chain for some of these polymers is going to look very different as compared to polymers based on petrochemical sources."

Today's bio-based and biodegradable polymers are proving to be economically feasible and environmentally advantageous. They have already succeeded in packaging and fibers, and are entering the automotive, medical, and consumer electronics markets. Global demand for these polymers is expected to reach $6 billion by 2015.

Some of the questions that this comprehensive study will answer are: Who are the major players across the value chain today? Which emerging players will make it big in the next 5 years? What will be the winning product categories? How will the value chain evolve? Where will be the next set of product, market, and partnering opportunities?

In addition, questions around life-cycle analysis of various bio-based and biodegradable polymers remain unanswered. Also, as converters and end-users continue to evaluate these polymers, they require a better understanding of the cost / performance trade-offs and the net environmental effects.

The rules for the bio-based and biodegradable polymers game have yet to be written, but to remain competitive, companies large and small must bet big today on how the rules will shake out. The winners and losers will be determined based on who best understands the opportunities and threats.

This comprehensive study by Principia will evaluate the latest technology advances, identify key new business opportunities, and will delineate the critical success factors for the emerging bio-based and biodegradable polymers industry. The study will also bring clarity by showing how every major product moves from cradle to grave. Bio-based and Biodegradable Polymers 2008 will be an unmatched reference source and an essential planning tool for companies seeking to or currently participating in this high growth area.

Principia Partners is a leading international business consulting firm, and has extensive experience in plastics and specialty chemical industries. For over 10 years, the Firm has focused on new technology breakthroughs and emerging markets as part of its Consulting and Publishing activities through various research efforts. For more information on the Bio-based and Biodegradable Polymers 2008 study, visit the Publishing section of the company's website at PrincipiaConsulting.com and click on Industry Reports. A prospectus of this study is also available by calling Ashish Aneja at 610/363-7815.

Source: Business Wire

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