폴리유산(PLA) 시장 보고서 : 원료별, 최종 이용 산업별, 지역별(2025-2033년)

The global polylactic acid (PLA) market size reached USD 1,139.2 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 3,906.7 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 13.94% during 2025-2033. The escalating demand for sustainable packaging solutions, coupled with the increasing production of biodegradable sutures, drug delivery systems, and orthopedic implants, are key factors driving market growth. Additionally, heightened awareness about alternatives to single-use plastics is further propelling the market.

Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Trends:

Rising Environmental Sustainability Concerns

The primary driver for the PLA market is the increasing global focus on environmental sustainability. PLA is a biodegradable and compostable polymer derived from renewable resources like corn starch and sugarcane, offering a green alternative to traditional plastics. According to the UN Environment Programme, the world is facing a severe plastic pollution crisis. Every minute, 1 million plastic bottles are purchased, and up to five trillion plastic bags are used annually. Half of all plastic produced is for single use, causing significant environmental damage. Annually, approximately 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated, with 36% used in packaging and 85% ending up in landfills or as unregulated waste. Less than 10% of the seven billion tonnes of global plastic waste has been recycled. By 2050, plastic production is projected to reach 1,100 million tonnes, worsening pollution unless systemic changes are implemented. Consequently, the rising awareness of plastic pollution and the harmful effects of conventional plastics on ecosystems drive demand for PLA, as consumers and industries seek eco-friendly solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate environmental damage.

Supportive Government Regulations

Stringent government regulations and policies promoting the use of biodegradable materials significantly boost the PLA market growth. Governments of various countries are implementing bans on single-use plastics and offering incentives for using sustainable alternatives. For instance, governments of France and India have committed to eliminating single-use plastic products that have low utility and high littering potential. Plastic waste pollution is a global issue, with 400 million tons of plastic produced annually of which 10 million tons end up in the ocean. France and India aim to phase out these plastics by implementing bans and promoting alternatives. France banned several single-use plastics in 2021 and targets ending all single-use plastic packaging by 2040. India introduced rules in 2021 to eliminate various single-use plastics by July 2022 and has mandated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic waste management. Both countries will engage with others to develop a legally binding international agreement to end plastic pollution. These regulatory frameworks compel industries to adopt bioplastics like PLA to comply with environmental standards.

Significant Technological Advancements

Advancements in PLA production technology is a key driver for the market. Improved manufacturing processes have enhanced the properties of PLA, making it more competitive with conventional plastics. Innovations such as high-performance PLA grades and efficient recycling techniques expand its application range across packaging, agriculture, textiles, and biomedical sectors. Technological progress reduces production costs, increases scalability, and improves the overall performance and functionality of PLA, driving its adoption in various industries. For instance, in April 2023, NatureWorks, a leading PLA biopolymers manufacturer, partnered with global manufacturing solutions provider Jabil Inc. to introduce a new Ingeo(TM) PLA-based powder for powder-bed fusion technologies, including selective laser sintering (SLS) printer platforms. The product, marketed as Jabil PLA 3110P, offers a cost-effective solution with a lower sintering temperature and an 89% smaller carbon footprint compared to PA-12. Ingeo PLA is derived from annually renewable resources, catering to the demand for biobased alternatives to petrochemical-based powders like PA-12, making it a more sustainable option for 3D printing.

Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Segmentation:

Breakup by Raw Material:

• Corn
• Sugarcane and Sugar Beet
• Cassava
• Others

Corn accounts for the majority of the market share

Corn accounts for the majority of the Polylactic Acid (PLA) market share primarily due to its abundant availability and cost-effectiveness as a raw material. Corn starch is easily converted into sugars, which are then fermented and polymerized to produce PLA. The established agricultural infrastructure for corn production ensures a stable and scalable supply chain, making it a preferred feedstock for PLA manufacturing. Additionally, the use of corn in PLA production aligns with sustainability goals, as it is a renewable resource. These factors collectively make corn the dominant source for PLA, driving its extensive use in various applications such as packaging, textiles, and biomedical product.

Breakup by End Use Industry:

• Packaging
• Agriculture
• Automotive and Transport
• Electronics
• Textiles
• Others

Packaging holds the largest share of the industry

Packaging accounts for the majority of the Polylactic Acid (PLA) market share due to its biodegradability, sustainability, and ability to reduce carbon footprints compared to traditional plastics. The rising consumer awareness and regulatory pressures to minimize plastic waste drive the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. PLA's properties, such as clarity, rigidity, and compostability, make it ideal for food packaging, disposable cutlery, and containers. Moreover, advancements in PLA production have improved its cost-effectiveness and performance, further boosting its adoption in the packaging industry. As businesses and consumers increasingly prioritize sustainable practices, PLA packaging continues to gain significant market traction.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest polylactic acid (PLA) market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market for polylactic acid (PLA).

North America leads the PLA market share due to its strong focus on sustainability and advanced research and development infrastructure. The region benefits from supportive regulatory frameworks that encourage the use of biodegradable materials, fostering innovation in PLA production and applications. The presence of major PLA manufacturers and biotechnology companies enhances production capabilities and market penetration. Additionally, North American consumers increasingly prefer eco-friendly products, driving demand. Significant investments in technology and infrastructure for bioplastics further bolster North America's leading position in the PLA market. The combination of regulatory support, consumer demand, and industry innovation makes North America a dominant player in this sector.

For example, in September 2023, Danimer Scientific, a US-based biopolymer manufacturer, and Chevron Phillips Chemical, a petrochemical company, jointly owned by Chevron Corporation and Philips 6, announced a collaboration to advance high-volume biodegradable plastic products using Danimer's Rinnovo polymers. This partnership aims to leverage Danimer's expertise in PLA-based bioplastics to enhance market presence and meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging alternatives.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the polylactic acid (PLA) industry include BASF SE, COFCO, Evonik Industries AG, Futerro, Jiangsu Supla Bioplastics Co. Ltd., Jiangxi Keyuan Bio-Material Co. Ltd., Mitsui Chemicals Inc., NatureWorks LLC (Cargill Incorporated), Shanghai Tong-Jie-Liang Biomaterials Co. Ltd., Total Corbion PLA, etc.

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

• The competitive analysis for the polylactic acid (PLA) market reveals a landscape dominated by several key players. These companies invest heavily in research and development to improve PLA properties and expand its applications. The market is characterized by strategic collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to enhance product portfolios and geographic reach. For instance, in November 2022, CJ Biomaterials, Inc., a division of South Korea-based CJ CheilJedang and a leading producer of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), signed a Master Collaboration Agreement (MCA) with NatureWorks, the world's leading producer of polylactic acid (PLA). The collaboration will focus on creating high-performance biopolymer solutions to replace fossil-fuel-based plastics in various applications, including compostable food packaging, food serviceware, personal care products, films, and other end products.
• Moreover, emerging players are focusing on niche applications and sustainable practices to differentiate themselves. For instance, in March 2023, TotalEnergies Corbion, POSCO International, and ESOL announced a partnership to develop PLA recycling infrastructure and technology in South Korea. This initiative will support the Korean Government's Carbon Neutrality framework over the coming years. POSCO International will oversee and finance the project while ESOL will handle the retrieval and processing of Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) PLA waste, advancing technology for collection, sorting, cleaning, and reworking PLA. TotalEnergies Corbion will contribute expertise in advanced PLA recycling. Competitive pricing, technological advancements, and regulatory compliance are crucial factors influencing market positioning. The dynamic nature of the market encourages continuous improvement and adaptation to meet evolving consumer demands and environmental standards.

Key Questions Answered in This Report

• 1.What was the size of the global Polylactic Acid (PLA) market in 2024?
• 2.What is the expected growth rate of the global Polylactic Acid (PLA) market during 2025-2033?
• 3.What are the key factors driving the global Polylactic Acid (PLA) market?
• 4.What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global Polylactic Acid (PLA) market?
• 5.What is the breakup of the global Polylactic Acid (PLA) market based on the raw material?
• 6.What is the breakup of the global Polylactic Acid (PLA) market based on the end use industry?
• 7.What are the key regions in the global Polylactic Acid (PLA) market?
• 8.Who are the key players/companies in the global Polylactic Acid (PLA) market?

Table of Contents

1 Preface

2 Scope and Methodology

• 2.1 Objectives of the Study
• 2.2 Stakeholders
• 2.3 Data Sources
  • 2.3.1 Primary Sources
  • 2.3.2 Secondary Sources
• 2.4 Market Estimation
  • 2.4.1 Bottom-Up Approach
  • 2.4.2 Top-Down Approach
• 2.5 Forecasting Methodology

3 Executive Summary

4 Introduction

• 4.1 Overview
• 4.2 Key Industry Trends

5 Global Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market

• 5.1 Market Overview
• 5.2 Market Performance
• 5.3 Impact of COVID-19
• 5.4 Market Forecast

6 Market Breakup by Raw Material

• 6.1 Corn
  • 6.1.1 Market Trends
  • 6.1.2 Market Forecast
• 6.2 Sugarcane and Sugar Beet
  • 6.2.1 Market Trends
  • 6.2.2 Market Forecast
• 6.3 Cassava
  • 6.3.1 Market Trends
  • 6.3.2 Market Forecast
• 6.4 Others
  • 6.4.1 Market Trends
  • 6.4.2 Market Forecast

7 Market Breakup by End Use Industry

• 7.1 Packaging
  • 7.1.1 Market Trends
  • 7.1.2 Market Forecast
• 7.2 Agriculture
  • 7.2.1 Market Trends
  • 7.2.2 Market Forecast
• 7.3 Automotive and Transport
  • 7.3.1 Market Trends
  • 7.3.2 Market Forecast
• 7.4 Electronics
  • 7.4.1 Market Trends
  • 7.4.2 Market Forecast
• 7.5 Textiles
  • 7.5.1 Market Trends
  • 7.5.2 Market Forecast
• 7.6 Others
  • 7.6.1 Market Trends
  • 7.6.2 Market Forecast

8 Market Breakup by Region

• 8.1 North America
  • 8.1.1 United States
    • 8.1.1.1 Market Trends
    • 8.1.1.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.1.2 Canada
    • 8.1.2.1 Market Trends
    • 8.1.2.2 Market Forecast
• 8.2 Asia-Pacific
  • 8.2.1 China
    • 8.2.1.1 Market Trends
    • 8.2.1.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.2.2 Japan
    • 8.2.2.1 Market Trends
    • 8.2.2.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.2.3 India
    • 8.2.3.1 Market Trends
    • 8.2.3.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.2.4 South Korea
    • 8.2.4.1 Market Trends
    • 8.2.4.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.2.5 Australia
    • 8.2.5.1 Market Trends
    • 8.2.5.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.2.6 Indonesia
    • 8.2.6.1 Market Trends
    • 8.2.6.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.2.7 Others
    • 8.2.7.1 Market Trends
    • 8.2.7.2 Market Forecast
• 8.3 Europe
  • 8.3.1 Germany
    • 8.3.1.1 Market Trends
    • 8.3.1.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.3.2 France
    • 8.3.2.1 Market Trends
    • 8.3.2.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.3.3 United Kingdom
    • 8.3.3.1 Market Trends
    • 8.3.3.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.3.4 Italy
    • 8.3.4.1 Market Trends
    • 8.3.4.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.3.5 Spain
    • 8.3.5.1 Market Trends
    • 8.3.5.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.3.6 Russia
    • 8.3.6.1 Market Trends
    • 8.3.6.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.3.7 Others
    • 8.3.7.1 Market Trends
    • 8.3.7.2 Market Forecast
• 8.4 Latin America
  • 8.4.1 Brazil
    • 8.4.1.1 Market Trends
    • 8.4.1.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.4.2 Mexico
    • 8.4.2.1 Market Trends
    • 8.4.2.2 Market Forecast
  • 8.4.3 Others
    • 8.4.3.1 Market Trends
    • 8.4.3.2 Market Forecast
• 8.5 Middle East and Africa
  • 8.5.1 Market Trends
  • 8.5.2 Market Breakup by Country
  • 8.5.3 Market Forecast

9 SWOT Analysis

• 9.1 Overview
• 9.2 Strengths
• 9.3 Weaknesses
• 9.4 Opportunities
• 9.5 Threats

10 Value Chain Analysis

11 Porters Five Forces Analysis

• 11.1 Overview
• 11.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
• 11.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
• 11.4 Degree of Competition
• 11.5 Threat of New Entrants
• 11.6 Threat of Substitutes

12 Price Analysis

13 Competitive Landscape

• 13.1 Market Structure
• 13.2 Key Players
• 13.3 Profiles of Key Players
  • 13.3.1 BASF SE
    • 13.3.1.1 Company Overview
    • 13.3.1.2 Product Portfolio
    • 13.3.1.3 Financials
    • 13.3.1.4 SWOT Analysis
  • 13.3.2 COFCO
    • 13.3.2.1 Company Overview
    • 13.3.2.2 Product Portfolio
    • 13.3.2.3 Financials
  • 13.3.3 Evonik Industries AG
    • 13.3.3.1 Company Overview
    • 13.3.3.2 Product Portfolio
    • 13.3.3.3 Financials
    • 13.3.3.4 SWOT Analysis
  • 13.3.4 Futerro
    • 13.3.4.1 Company Overview
    • 13.3.4.2 Product Portfolio
  • 13.3.5 Jiangsu Supla Bioplastics Co. Ltd.
    • 13.3.5.1 Company Overview
    • 13.3.5.2 Product Portfolio
  • 13.3.6 Jiangxi Keyuan Bio-Material Co. Ltd.
    • 13.3.6.1 Company Overview
    • 13.3.6.2 Product Portfolio
  • 13.3.7 Mitsui Chemicals Inc.
    • 13.3.7.1 Company Overview
    • 13.3.7.2 Product Portfolio
    • 13.3.7.3 Financials
    • 13.3.7.4 SWOT Analysis
  • 13.3.8 NatureWorks LLC (Cargill Incorporated)
    • 13.3.8.1 Company Overview
    • 13.3.8.2 Product Portfolio
  • 13.3.9 Shanghai Tong-Jie-Liang Biomaterials Co. Ltd.
    • 13.3.9.1 Company Overview
    • 13.3.9.2 Product Portfolio
  • 13.3.10 Total Corbion PLA
    • 13.3.10.1 Company Overview
    • 13.3.10.2 Product Portfolio