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The biodegradable medical plastics market size is forecast to increase by USD 434.9 million, at a CAGR of 13.64% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. Firstly, the aging global population, leading to an increase in the prevalence of geriatric conditions that require medical treatment. Secondly, there is a rising trend in orthopedic disorders, which often necessitate the use of medical devices and implants. Thirdly, there is a growing consumer preference for sustainable products, including those made from biodegradable plastics. This trend is being driven by increasing environmental awareness and regulations that favor the use of eco-friendly materials. As a result, the market is poised for robust growth in the coming years.
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The Market is experiencing a surge in demand, fueled by environmental concerns and regulatory mandates. Companies are turning to innovative raw materials like thymidine, hemp, and ethanol, sourced from plants such as sugarcane, to produce green polyethylene and other eco-friendly alternatives. Microorganisms play a crucial role in the production process, contributing to the development of bio-based materials like corn starch-derived PLA. With growing public awareness and regulatory pressures, the medical industry is increasingly embracing biodegradable solutions, including single-use plastic alternatives, bio-based packaging, and compostable masks and face shields from companies like Trineso and Novamont. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
Increasing preference for sustainable products is the key factor driving the growth of the global market. Plastics are widely used by manufacturers to create various types of medical products. Hospitals generate large amounts of waste, including medical plastics. Handling large amounts of waste is a complex process. Hospitals typically dispose of hazardous waste and send the rest to landfills. If hospitals switched to single-use, biodegradable products, most of the waste they generated would be better handled. Environmental awareness and sustainability are becoming key priorities among today's consumers, forcing manufacturers and end users to adopt sustainable solutions.
Several countries around the world are also working to eliminate the use of plastic in various industries, including healthcare. Biodegradable medical plastics are sustainable as they are manufactured using renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable fats and oils, straw, corn starch, woodchips, and food waste. Unlike conventional medical plastics, biodegradable medical plastics degrade completely and quickly without any hazardous emissions. The sustainable nature of biodegradable medical plastics will drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Rising use of biodegradable composite materials for implants is the primary trend shaping the market. Implants play an important role in supporting the bone until it heals. Metal devices used as implants usually remain in the patient's body. This creates further problems as additional surgery may be required to remove the device. This has increased the demand for biodegradable implants that are gradually resorbed by the body as the bone healing process progresses. Biodegradable composites replace metal in implants used for the internal fixation of fractures. Biodegradable ceramic composites are also used in medical applications. These composites consist of ceramic fillers incorporated into polymer matrices.
Some of the most common biodegradable ceramic composites are silica-based and calcium phosphate-based. Silica-based composites offer high biocompatibility, bio-resorption, and porosity. Calcium phosphate-based composites are widely used as bone graft substitutes, especially because of the similarities of their chemical composition with the mineral phase of the bone. Such factors are likely to increase the demand for biodegradable composite materials, which, in turn, will drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.
High manufacturing cost is a major challenge impeding the growth of the global market. Biodegradable medical plastics are expensive compared to conventional medical plastics, which can pose a major challenge to market growth. The main reason for the high price of biodegradable medical plastics is the limited availability of bio-based renewable raw materials such as corn starch, vegetable fats and oils, straw, food waste, and woodchips. In recent years, the price of vegetable oils, such as palm oil, has risen. For instance, the price of palm oil in Malaysia increased by around 68.54% in October 2021 when compared to the previous year. The volatility in the prices of renewable raw materials, such as corn and sugarcane, also adds to the high price of biodegradable medical plastics.
In addition, the production process of biodegradable medical plastic materials from agro-based raw materials is very complex. The cost of R&D makes up for a major share of investment in biodegradable medical plastics and has an impact on material and product prices. Such a rise in raw material prices will increase production costs of biodegradable medical plastics, thereby reducing the profit margin of companies. Hence, companies are forced to pass on these costs to end-users by raising the prices. This might negatively affect the market during the forecast period.
The report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.
Market Customer Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
Arthrex Inc.: The company offers biodegradable medical plastics such as rods and screws for implants. Also, the company is involved in new product development and medical education in orthopedics.
The report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market companies, including:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
The market share growth by the medical devices segment will be significant during the forecast period. Medical devices include the instruments, apparatus, and machines used for safe and effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of illness and diseases.
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The medical devices segment was valued at USD 197.7 million in 2018. Biodegradable implants are widely used in surgical applications, including joint replacements, fracture fixation, and repairing the defects of bones, tendons, and ligaments. There is significant adoption of biodegradable implants for orthopedic surgeries owing to their benefits over non-biodegradable stainless implants. A fractured bone fixated with a stainless-steel implant can refracture upon removal of the implant. However, a biodegradable polymer implant can be engineered to degrade at a rate that slowly transfers the load to the healing bone, which reduces the chances of refracturing. The use of biodegradable polymer implants also eliminates the need for a second surgery for the removal of the implant after bone healing. Hence, owing to the abovementioned benefits, the demand for biodegradable medical implants is expected to grow rapidly.
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North America is estimated to contribute 38% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The market in North America is expected to grow at a steady rate during the forecast period. The main contributor to the growth of the North American market is the United States. Rising medical expenses and the presence of well-equipped hospitals and health centers are expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the North American market during the forecast period. For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, the total national healthcare expenditure in the US was USD 4.3 trillion in 2021. Hence, such factors are driving the market in North America during the forecast period.
The market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD Million" for the period 2024 to 2028, as well as historical data from 2018 to 2022 for the following segments
The Market is at the forefront of sustainable innovation, utilizing a diverse array of natural resources and cutting-edge technology to address environmental concerns while meeting the stringent requirements of the medical industry. From plant-derived materials like hemp and seaweed to renewable sources such as ethanol and carbon dioxide, these eco-friendly alternatives offer a compelling solution to reduce reliance on petrochemicals and mitigate plastic pollution. With the integration of biodegradable polymers like polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and polylactic acid (PLA), Petrochemical counterparts, Agriculture sector coupled with advancements in composting infrastructure and bio-based packaging, the market is witnessing a paradigm shift towards greener solutions. Legislative measures and regulatory mandates further drive the adoption of biodegradable plastics, aligning with growing public awareness and concerns over environmental conservation. Healthcare professionals increasingly prioritize materials with superior mechanical strength and barrier properties, paving the way for the widespread adoption of biodegradable medical plastics. As the market continues to evolve, it plays a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving non-renewable resources, and minimizing the ecological footprint associated with traditional plastics, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come.
The Market is witnessing a transformative shift towards sustainable solutions, driven by growing environmental concerns and regulatory mandates. Key players in this market are harnessing the power of plants and microorganisms to develop innovative materials like green polyethylene and bio-based plastics. These eco-friendly products offer a viable alternative to traditional plastics, which are subject to prohibitions and stringent laws due to their detrimental impact on the environment. With increasing awareness about plastic pollution and the need for sustainable practices, regulatory and sustainability mandates are driving the adoption of biodegradable materials in various end-use segments, including the medical industry. Plant-based materials, such as starches and agricultural waste, are being utilized to create biodegradable alternatives to non-biodegradable plastics like single-use plastic bags and IV bags. Companies like Trineso and Novamont are pioneering the development of biodegradable medical plastics, including face shields and masks, to address the healthcare sector's growing demand for sustainable solutions. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing energy consumption, these innovations contribute to landfill space conservation and improved waste management systems, ultimately leading to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
Industry Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
194 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018 - 2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 13.64% |
Market growth 2024-2028 |
USD 434.9 million |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
11.73 |
Regional analysis |
North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America |
Performing market contribution |
North America at 38% |
Key countries |
US, Germany, France, China, and Japan |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
Arkema SA, Arthrex Inc., Ashland Inc., BASF SE, Bio on SpA, Celanese Corp., Corbion nv, Danimer Scientific Inc., Eastman Chemical Co., Evonik Industries AG, Kaneka Corp., Koninklijke DSM NV, Medtronic Plc, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., Natupharma AS, NatureWorks LLC, Neste Corp., Nutricare Holding Pty Ltd, Surmodics Inc., and TEYSHA TECHNOLOGIES LTD |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market forecasting, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, Market growth and Forecasting, COVID 19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for the market forecast period |
Customization purview |
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1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by Application
7 Market Segmentation by Type
8 Customer Landscape
9 Geographic Landscape
10 Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunity/Restraints
11 Competitive Landscape
12 Competitive Analysis
13 Appendix
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