Featured Stories
-
Elevating Pouch Manufacturing with Pearl Technologies' Cutting-Edge Solutions
For manufacturers seeking efficiency, precision, and safety in pouch production, Pearl delivers unmatched innovation across three standout... -
Faster Product Composition Analysis Equals Better Quality Assurance
Near Instant Testing and Reduced Costs to be Found -
Methods to Precisely Measure Tension and Web Control
How to Control Automatically Within Set Parameters
News | New Products
-
PACKZ 11 Launches with Industry-First RIP Integration
Plus extended CF2 format and automated support for 2-D Barcodes as Required by the Sunrise 2027 Initiative
-
Double E Group Acquires CAC, Further Enhancing its Strength in the Global Converting Industry
Double E Group, a global leader in converting components and web handling technology, has announced its acquisition of Converter Accessory Corporation (CAC)
-
Nobelus Launches Entry-Level Komfi® Thermal Laminator
FINISHING SOLUTIONS SUPPLIER OFFERS NEW JUNIOR 52 LAMINATING SYSTEM
-
Double E Group Mourns the Loss of Founder and Converting Industry Pioneer, Richard Edward Flagg
Double E Group announces with profound sadness the passing of its founder, Richard Edward “Ed” Flagg, on June 23, 2025. He was 85.
-
Convertech Brand to Fully Transition to Double E Group Same Team, Same Excellence, Unified Name
Double E Group has announced that Convertech, one of its subsidiaries and a trusted provider of core chucks and shaft solutions for the converting industry, will now operate solely under the Double E Group brand.
-
Pulse is Making Print Simple at Labelexpo Europe 2025
Narrow web ink specialist Pulse is Making Print Simple at Labelexpo Europe 2025, as it challenges flexo printers to rethink how they work and shows solutions that turn production bottlenecks into revenue generators.
-
ROTOCON to debut at Labelexpo Europe with three machine demonstrations
ROTOCON will make its Labelexpo Europe debut, exhibiting together with HS Machinery on stand 4D21.
Expert Advice
Degradable Plastics Trending Positive
- Published: December 01, 2010
CLEVELAND, OH | The degradable plastic industry is showing positive trends driven by continuing interest in environmental issues as well as the increasing availability of biodegradable plastics. These conclusions are from a new report by The Freedonia Group.
US demand for degradable plastics is forecast to rise 16.6%/yr to 325 million lb in 2014, valued at $380 million. Opportunities will reflect continued capacity growth, efforts to reduce pollution and US reliance on petroleum products, and consumer demand for sustainable, environmentally friendly packaging and manufactured goods.
Polylactic acid (PLA) and starch-based plastics dominate the market, and both are expected to see strong growth. PLA will register the faster gains due to increased availability, greater processor familiarity, and performance enhancements that will expand potential applications. Starch-based resins will benefit from the introduction of improved resin grades, blending with other biopolymers and an increasing number of suppliers.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a new product, had negligible sales in 2009, but the report predicts rapid growth over the next ten years.
For more information on Degradable Plastics, visit www.freedoniagroup.com.
US Degradable Plastic Demand (million pounds) | % Annual Growth | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Item | 2004 | 2009 | 2014 | 04-09 | 09-14 |
Polylactic Acid | 20 | 55 | 140 | 22.4 | 20.5 |
Starch-Based | 25 | 50 | 85 | 14.9 | 11.2 |
Cellulose | 16 | 20 | 25 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
Petroleum-Based | 12 | 19 | 30 | 9.6 | 9.6 |
Polyhydroxyalkanoates | — | 1 | 35 | — | 103.6 |
Other | 4 | 6 | 10 | 8.4 | 10.8 |
Total | 77 | 151 | 325 | 14.4 | 16.6 |
©2010 by The Freedonia Group
What's happening at your company? Send your news to yolanda.simonsis@penton.com.