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BIOPLASTICS facts and figures

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DEAR READER

lastics are an integral part of our modern life. They the demand for materials and products. On play an essential role in providing, protecting, and the other hand, big brands and manufacturers are look- Pdelivering high-quality products in pretty much every ing for innovative ways to reduce their environmental market segment to consumers around the world. Today, footprint and are tapping into the many benefits and ad- there is a bioplastic alternative for almost every conven- vanced technical properties have to offer. tional material and corresponding applications. European Bioplastics defines bioplastics as that are bio-based, biodegradable, or both.

Bioplastics – plastics that are bio-based, biodegradable, or The bioplastics industry is fast-growing and innovative, both – have the same or similar properties as convention- and it has the potential to decouple economic growth al plastics but offer additional benefits, such as a reduced from resource depletion and environmental impact. The carbon footprint, better functionalities, or additional waste European Commission has recognised the essential role management options, such as organic . of bioplastics in the bioeconomy and their potential to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. European Bio-based plastics have the unique advantage over con- Bioplastics, the association representing the interests of ventional plastics to reduce the dependency on limited the bioplastics industry in Europe, is working closely with fossil resources and to reduce emissions. the European institutions and all other relevant stakehold- Currently, bioplastics represent around one per cent of the ers to shape the economic and policy landscape in Europe about 360 million tonnes of plastic produced annually. But in which the bioplastics industry can thrive. as demand is rising and with more sophisticated mate- rials, applications, and products emerging, the market is This brochure will give you an overview of the bioplastics growing dynamically. industry, the market development, and the work of Euro- pean Bioplastics. On the one hand, the growing environmental aware- ness of consumers as well as the knowledge about the Yours sincerely finite nature of the planet’s fossil resources are spurring European Bioplastics 4

BIOPLASTICS – definition, materialsand technology

ioplastics are not just one single material. They com- • Bio-based and biodegradable plastics, such as polylac- Bprise of a whole family of materials with different prop- tic acid (PLA), (PHA), polybutyl- erties and applications. According to European Bioplas- ene succinate (PBS), and blends; tics, a plastic material is defined as a bioplastic if it is either • Plastics that are based on fossil resources and biode- bio-based, biodegradable, or features both properties. gradable, such as terephthalate There are three groups of bioplastics, each with their own (PBAT), but that may well be produced at least partly characteristics: bio-based in the future. • Bio-based (or partly bio-based), non-biodegradable plastics, such as bio-based (PE), polypro- Bioplastics offer a broad range of functionalities opti- pylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (so-called mised for each type of application. They can be processed drop-in solutions), bio-based technical into a vast array of products using conventional plastics , such as numerous (PA) or poly- processing technologies. In most cases, the process pa- trimethylene terephthalate (PTT); rameters of the processing equipment simply have to be adjusted to the individual specification of each .

Global production capacities of bioplastics 2019 (by material type) Global production capacities of bioplastics 2019 Global production capacities of bioplastics 2019 (by material type) (bOthery material1.1% type) 13.4% PBAT (bio-based/Global production capacities of bioplastics 2019 non-biodegradable) 4.3% Other 1.1% 13.4% PBAT (by material type) PBS(bio-based/ Other 1.1% 13.4% PBATnon-biodegradable) 4.3% PBS PE 11.8% 13.9% PLA (bio-based/ PE 11.8% non-biodegradable) 4.3% PBS 13.9% PLA PET Other9.8% 1.1% 13.41.2%%PBATPHA (bio-based/ PET 9.8% 1.2% PHA PAPE non-biodegradable)11.611.8%% Total: 4.3%13.9PBS% PLA Total: 2.11 million 21.3% StarchPA blends11.6% 21.3% Starch blends PET PE 9.8% 11.8% 13.9% PLA 2.11 million bio-based biodegradable PP 0.9% tonnes 1.2% PHAPP 0.9% tonnes PET 9.8% 1.4% Other 1.4% Other PA 11.6% Total: 1.2% PHA (biodegradable) PEF* 0.0% Total: 21.3% (biodegradable)StarchPEF* blends0.0% PA 11.6% 2.11 million 21.3% PP 0.9% 2tonnes.11 million StarchPTT blends 9.2% PTT PP 9.2% 0.9% tonnes 1.4% Other 1.4% Other(biodegradable) PEF* PEF*0.0% 0.0% (biodegradable) PTT PTT 9.2% 9.2% Bio-based/non-biodegradable Biodegradable 44.5% 55.5% Bio-based/non-biodegradable Biodegradable 44.5% *PEF is currently in development55.5% and predicted to be available in commercial scale in 2023. According to European Bioplastics’ definition, Global production capacity 2019 by material Biodegradable Bio-based/non-biodegradable Source:Biodegradable European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019) *PEF is currently in development and predicted to be available in commercial scale in 2023. 55.5% bioplastics are bio-based, biodegradable, or both. Bio-based/non-biodegradable44.5% More information:Biodegradable55.5% www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets Source:44.5% European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019). 55.5% Source: European*PEF is currently Bioplastics, in development nova-Institute and predicted to (2019)be available in commercial scale in 2023. More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets *PEF is currentlySource: in development European Bioplastics, and predicted nova-Institute to be available (2019) in commercial scale in 2023. More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019) More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets 5

BIOPLASTICS – benefitsand innovative properties

Reduced carbon footprint Innovative materials for better performance Bio-based plastics have the unique advantage over con- Bio-based or partially bio-based durable drop-in plastics, ventional plastics to reduce the dependency on limited such as bio-based PE or PET, possess the same physical fossil resources and to reduce emissions properties as their conventional counterparts, and while by replacing the fossil content in plastics with plant-based they can be mechanically recycled in existing recycling content. Some life cycle analyses show that bio-based streams, they have the additional benefit of reducing a plastics feature a significant CO saving compared to con- product’s carbon footprint. 2 ventional plastics, depending on the feedstock, the prod- The bioplastics industry has come up with numerous in- uct and the application. Consequently, bio-based plastics novative technical and material solutions. Many bio-based can help the EU to meet its 2020 targets of greenhouse plastics offer new material properties for an improved per- gas emissions reduction. formance, including enhanced breathability, increased ma- terial strength, reduced thickness, and improved optical Increased resource efficiency properties. New, innovative materials such as PLA, PHA, Bioplastics can make a considerable contribution to in- or bio-based PBS offer additional end-of-life solutions creased resource efficiency through a closed resource by being compostable. Other new materials such as 100% cycle and use cascades, especially if bio-based materials bio-based polyethylene furanoate (PEF) feature better bar- and products are being either reused or recycled and even- rier properties than established polymers and can easily tually used for energy recovery (i.e. renewable energy). be mechanically recycled. 6

MARKET – dynamic growth and development

he bioplastics industry is a young, innovative sector with production capacities of bioplastics are predicted to grow Tan enormous economic and ecological potential for a from around 2.11 million tonnes in 2019 to approximately low-carbon, circular bioeconomy that uses resources more 2.42 million tonnes by 2024. efficiently. The EU has started to acknowledge the many benefits and is now allocating funds and resources to Innovative such as PP () and research and development in this sector. PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) are driving this growth. PHAs entered the market at a larger commercial scale, The global market for bioplastics is predicted to grow which continues to increase. Production capacities are set continuously over the next years. According to the to more than triple in the next five years. These latest market data compiled by European Bioplastics are bio-based and biodegradable. Production capacities of in collaboration with the nova-Institute, the global PP are set to almost sextuple by 2024.

Global production capacities of bioplastics Biodegradable bioplastics 2019 vs. 2024 Bio-based & durable bioplastics 2018 vs. 2023 3,000

2,339 2,410 2,426 2,500 1,500 PBAT 2,152 2,172 1,334 1,092 2,114 PBS 2,011 1,174 941 2,000 1,092 1,200 PLA 1,082 PHA 938 1,053 951 Starch blends 1,500 941 900 Others 934 in 1,000 tonnes PE PET 1,000 600 in 1,000 tonnes PA PP 1,077 1,174 1,201 1,234 1,286 1,328 1,334 500 300 PEF* PTT 0 Others 0 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2019 2024 2019 2024

Bio-based/non-biodegradable Biodegradable Forecast Total capacity *PEF is currently in development and predicted to be available in commercial scale in 2023..

Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019) Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018) Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2018) More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets Global production capacity of bioplastics (2019) Biodegradable vs. Bio-based & durable bioplastics (2019 vs. 2024)

Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019). Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019). 7

MARKET – regional development

urope strengthened its position as a major hub for the Against this background, the implementation of a Euro- Eentire bioplastics industry once again; it ranks high- pean policy framework that secures equal access to bio- est in the field of research and development and is the based resources, creates measures to facilitate market industry’s largest market worldwide. By now, one fourth entry for bio-based products, and accounts for the fa- of the global bioplastics production capacity is located in cilitating role of compostable plastics for efficient waste Europe. However, with a view to the actual production of stream management, is of paramount importance. bioplastics and regional capacity development, Asia con- tinues to be the major production hub. In 2019, 45 per- cent of bioplastics were produced in Asia. At the same time, production in the Americas has also increased. Global production capacities of bioplastics in 2019 (by region)

in %

25 Global production capacities of bioplastics in 2019 (by region) 45 18 in % 25 Total: 45 2.11 million tonnes 18 Total: 2.11 million tonnes

Asia Asia Europe Europe 12 12 North America North AmericaSouth America

Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019) More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets

Global production capacity by region in 2019

Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019). Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019) More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/market and www.bio-based.eu/markets 8

MARKET – vast applications for bioplastics

ioplastics are used in an increasing number of markets, of application continues to diversify. Segments, such Bfrom packaging, catering products, consumer as automotive & transport or building & construction, electronics, automotive, agriculture/horticulture and toys significantly increased their share. Bio-based plastics do to textiles and a number of other segments. Packaging not only help to make cars lighter in order to save fuel, but remains the largest field of application for bioplastics they provide additional means to reduce carbon emissions with more than 53 percent (1.14 million tonnes) of the and the impact on the environment. total bioplastics market in 2019. However, the portfolio

Bio-based plastics (by market segment)Biodegradable 2019 plastics (by market segment) 2019

1 2 1 2

3 Rigid packaging Flexible packaging 3 5 7 Textiles Rigid packaging 30 8 7 Flexible packaging Agriculture & horticulture Automotive & transport & 9 43 in % Consumer goods in % Consumer goods 14 Building & construction Textiles Coatings & adhesives14 Building & construction 19 Electrics & electronics Automotive & transport 16 16 Others Others

Bio-based plastics (by market segment) 2019 Biodegradable plastics (by market segment) 2019 Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019). More information:Source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019). More information: www.european-bioplastics.org/marketSource: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019). and www.bio-based.eu/marketswww.european-bioplastics.org/marketSource: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2019). and www.bio-based.eu/markets 9

MARKET – vast applications for bioplastics Pictures: API, Cargo Cosmetics, Michael Young Designer, Corbion, novamont | Metabolix / Zoe b Mazda Heinz PolyOne, Beanarella Corbion, Designer, Michael Young Cosmetics, Pictures: API, Cargo

The increase in the use of bioplastics in all market environment as well as the continuous advancements and segments is driven by the increasing demand for innovations of the bioplastics industry in new materials sustainable products by consumers and brands alike. with improved pro­perties and new functionalities. This is due to a growing awareness of the impact on the

There is nothing that bioplastics can‘t do: Today, there is a bioplastic alternative for almost every conventional plastic material and corresponding application. 10

BIOPLASTICS – an important part of the EU bioeconomy

ioplastics are an essential part of the bioeconomy. Besides its contributions towards a sustainable future, the BThey are a fast-growing, innovative industry that has emerging bioplastics industry has the potential to unfold the potential to decouple economic growth from resource an immense economic impact in Europe over the com- depletion and negative environmental impact, and to help ing decades. According to a market analysis conducted by deliver better economic and environmental outcomes by EuropaBio1, the European bioplastics industry could re- replacing fossil feedstock with bio-based feedstock, while alise a steep employment growth, most of which will have continuing to harness the benefits of plastics. positive effects on the development of rural areas. In 2013,

Bioplastics create jobs and growth in Europe

Moreover, bioplastics contribute to an increased resource the bioplastics industry accounted for around 23,000 jobs efficiency by applying the principles of the circular econo- in Europe. With the right framework conditions in place, my: from sustainable sourcing to product design, and to this number could increase more than tenfold by 2030, ensuring that plastics do not become waste but instead with up to 300,000 high skilled jobs being created in the re-enter the economy as valuable technical material or bio- European bioplastics sector. Yet, an integrated European logical nutrients. political and economic framework is needed to unlock the potential of a full-scale market introduction of bioplastics in Europe.

1 EuropaBio – The European Association for Bioindustries: Jobs and growth generated by industrial biotechnology in Europe (2016) 11

BIOMASS FOR BIOPLASTICS – efficient useof feedstock

oday, bioplastics are mostly made of agro-based and mately 0.79 million hectares of land to grow the renewable Tligno-cellulosic feedstock. Currently, agro-based feed- feedstock. The surface required to grow sufficient feedstock stock (plants that are rich in , such as corn for today’s bioplastics production is around 0.02 percent of or cane) is the most efficient and profitable option, the global agricultural area of a total of 4.8 billion hectares. since these plants are designed to produce the highest Metaphorically speaking, this ratio correlates to the size yields and withstand pests and demanding weather condi- of an average cherry tomato compared to the Eiffel Tower. tions. Ligno-cellulosic feedstock includes plants that are not eligible for food or feed production. The bioplastics in- The area used to grow crops for the production of bioplas- dustry is also developing new technologies that use waste tics is no competition to the production of food and feed. materials from the mentioned feedstocks with a view to Increasing the efficiency of feedstock and agricultural its further use for the production of bioplastics materials technology is continuously enhancing good agricultural in the future. practices. Today, the sustainability of sourcing is ensured through the growing importance and implemen- Land use tation of reliable and independent sustainability certifica- In 2019, the global production capacities of bioplastics tion schemes such as ISCC plus, RSB, or BonSucro. Ad- amounted to 2.11 million tonnes, which required approxi- ditionally, standards have been developed on CEN level. GRICULTU L A RAL BA A O R L EA G GRICULTU L A RAL Pasture BA A O R 3.3 billion ha L EA G Food & Feed Pasture 1.24 billion ha = 26%3.3 billion* ha Food & Feed Material use*** 1.24 billion ha = 10626% million* ha = 2%* Material use*** 106 million ha = 2%* Arable land** 53 million ha = 1%* 1.4 billion ha Biofuels Arable land** 53 million ha = 1%Bioplastics***Bioplastics* 1.4 billion ha 2014:2019: 0.680.79 million hhaa ≈≈ 0.016% 0.01%** Bioplastics***Bioplastics 2019:2024: 1.41.00 million million h ah a≈ ≈0.03%* 0.021% * 2014:2019: 0.680.79 million hhaa ≈≈ 0.016% 0.01%** 2019:2024: 1.41.00 million million h ah a≈ ≈0.03%* 0.021% *

Source: European Bioplastics (2017), FAO Stats (2014), nova-Institute (2017), and Institute for * In relation to global agricultural area Land use for bioplastics in 2019 and 2024 ** Including approx. 1% fallow land Source: EuropeanBioplastics Bioplastics and (2017), FAO Stats (2014), (2017). nova-Institute More information: (2017), www.european-bioplastics.organd Institute for * In relation to global*** agriculturalLand-use for area bioplastics is part of the 2% material use ** Including approx. 1% fallow land BioplasticsSource: and European Biocomposites Bioplastics (2019), (2017). FAO Stats More (2017), information:nova-Institute (2019), www.european-bioplastics.org and Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (2019) *** Land-use for bioplastics is part of the 2% material use 12

BIOPLASTICS – contributions to improved

ioplastics are suitable for a broad range of end-of-life op- Compostability is a property of certain types of bioplas- Btions with the overwhelming part of the volumes of bio- tics that offers additional waste treatment options at the plastics produced today already being recycled alongside end of a product’s life. Biodegradable products, such as their conventional counterparts where separate recycling compostable biowaste , , or streams for certain material types exist (e.g. bio-based PE can be treated together with organic waste in industrial in the PE-stream or bio-based PET in the PET stream). This composting plants or AD plants and are thus diverted way, bioplastics can contribute to higher recycling quotas in from and turned into biogas or valuable . the EU and more efficient waste management. New materi- If bioplastics can no longer be reused or recycled, they als, such as PEF and PLA can also be mechanically recycled can be used for the production of renewable energy. but still face the hurdles of low market shares.

Efficient waste management is key to the European Com- mission’s flagship policy goal of a resource efficient Europe and its circular economy vision. The EU Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) defines a five-step waste hierarchy, ranking the treatments of waste based on their ability to conserve resources.

EU Waste hierarchy 13

BIOPLASTICS – SAFE – contributions to improved waste management transparent claims and reliable standards

he use of independent and internationally respected plastic materials and products, based on the C14 content Tlabels to mark bioplastic products is important for con- measurement or C14-method and elemental analysis, sumers to receive transparent and correct information about respectively. the product and to safeguard the positive image of bioplastics. Compostability Bio-based labels Biodegradable products certified according to the stan- Substantiation of bio-based claims should conform to dards EN 13432 and EN 14995 can be called (industrially) the EU standards EN 16640 and/or EN 16785. Those stan- compostable. The ‚Seedling’ logo is a reliable for in- dards specify the calculation method for determining the dustrial compostability, which assists in the decision on bio-based (carbon) content in , polymers and purchasing and disposing a product or packaging.

Trustworthy labels are always linked to an internationally Selection of labels for bioplastics: accepted standard via an independent certification scheme. European Bioplastics supports corresponding certification schemes and labels for product identification and disposal, and their EU-wide implementation.

There are two organisations in Europe, DIN CERTCO and TÜV Austria that provide certifications and corresponding labels based on these standards.

Environmental commucications European Bioplastics has compiled a comprehensive Environmental Communications Guide providing general recommendations as well as specific guidelines for com- municating environmental claims for bioplastics. 14

EUROPEAN BIOPLASTICS – the European Association of the bioplastics industry

uropean Bioplastics (EUBP) is the association repre- EUBP currently represents about 70 members from the Esenting the interests of the bioplastics industry along entire value chain of bioplastics, from producers of renew- the entire value chain in Europe. EUBP is working very able feedstock, bioplastics producers, and to closely with bioplastics businesses, with EU policy makers, brand owners, research institutes, and waste management and other key stakeholder groups to ensure a supportive organisations.The increase in the use of bioplastics in all policy and economical framework in Europe for our emerg- market segments is driven by the increasing demand for ing industry to thrive in. sustainable products by consumers and brands alike due to a growing awareness of the impact on the environment European Bioplastics has been a key player in shaping the as well as the continuous advancements and innovations policy environment for our industry in Europe for over 20 of the bioplastics industry in new materials with improved years. Founded in 1993 as a German association for bio- properties and new functionalities. degradable polymers, EUBP evolved into a European asso- ciation that represents both bio-based and biodegradable plastics.

5 Bioplastics manufacturers and 5 auxiliaries (Additives) 5 Plastic converters 6 Research, consulting, framework 47 in % and others 14 RRM/Intermediates RRM conversion Machinery/Engineering/Equipment (Industrial) End Users 18 Waste and Recycling

Members according to industry sectors, 2018 15

EUROPEAN BIOPLASTICS – EUROPEAN BIOPLASTICS – the European Association of the bioplastics industry driving the evolution of plastics

European Bioplastics serves as both knowledge partner • We provide comprehensive information on all relevant and business network for companies, experts, and all re- topics surrounding bioplastics, including the compre- levant stakeholder groups of the bioplastics industry. hensive annual global market data update. • We provide opportunities and platforms to connect and Our primary task is to raise awareness and inform policy network, such as our annual European Bioplastics Con- makers, brands, businesses, consumers, media, and the ference – the leading business event of our industry in interested public about the properties, benefits, and po- Europe. tentials of bioplastics for a sustainable society. Benefits of becoming a member Our activities at a glance: If you would like to know more about our activities, our • We formulate and communicate our industry’s posi- members, or the benefits of becoming a member of tions on relevant issues. European Bioplastics, visit our website www.european- • We represent our members’ interests in consultations bio­plastics.org or contact us directly at info@european- and developments around relevant policy issues in bioplastics.org. Brussels.

13th European Bioplastics Conference, opening speech of François de Bie, Chairman of European Bioplastics Contact & more information

You want to learn more about the For more information, please visit our website: advantages and applications of bioplastics? www.european-bioplastics.org Or follow us on twitter: European Bioplastics Phone: 0049 30 28 48 23 50 twitter.com/EUBioplastics Marienstraße 19-20 Email: [email protected] 10117 Berlin Email: [email protected] Or subscribe to our channel on youtube: youtube.com/EuropeanBioplastics

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15th European Bioplastics Conference 2020

1/2 December 2020 Savoyen Hotel, Vienna

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