Starch Polymer Market Analysis Europe, APAC, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, Germany, China, UK, France - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Starch Polymer Market Size 2024-2028 

The starch polymer market size is forecast to increase by USD 334.2 million at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. One trend driving market expansion is the increasing consumer preference for biodegradable polymers in various applications, including food additives and thickeners for starch foods. Government initiatives to improve plastic waste management and reduce environmental impact are also contributing to the market's growth. However, the higher cost of starch polymers compared to conventional plastics poses a challenge for market expansion. Cellulose-based starch polymers, which function as iodine indicators, are gaining popularity in the food industry due to their dietary function benefits. The market is expected to continue growing as biodegradable polymers become increasingly important in addressing sustainability concerns.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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The polysaccharide starch, derived from glucose, is a natural polymer composed of two main components: amylose and amylopectin. These polymers serve as an essential energy storage system in plants and play a significant role in nutrition. The preparation of starch solutions and colloidal dispersions involves the action of amylase, which hydrolyzes the starch granules into glucose, a monosaccharide sugar. Starch's rheological properties make it an ideal binder in various industries, including food and pharmaceuticals. In food applications, starch acts as thickeners and food additives, enhancing the texture and shelf life of starchy foods. In the food industry, iodine is often used as an indicator to assess the degree of starch gelatinization. Starch's hydroxyl groups and anhydroglucose units make it biodegradable, contributing to its renewability and biodegradability.

Moreover, starch-based biodegradable polymers have gained significant attention due to their dietary function and potential as sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymers. Cellulose, another natural polymer, is often used in combination with starch to improve its properties. Non-reducing sugars, such as sucrose and lactose, can also be used in the preparation of starch-based products. Overall, starch's unique properties make it a versatile and valuable component in various industries.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• End-user
  • Packaging
  • Textile
  • Agriculture
  • Others
• Geography
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
  • APAC
    • China
  • North America
    • US
  • South America
  • Middle East and Africa

By End-user Insights

The packaging segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. In The market, the packaging segment held the largest share in 2023. The extensive utilization of starch-based polymers in the packaging industry is primarily due to their biodegradability. This eco-friendly attribute is gaining significant traction, especially in the context of increasing environmental concerns. The packaging industry's shift towards biodegradable polymers, including starch polymers, is projected to boost the demand for these materials in manufacturing stiff components for food packaging and electronic appliance casings at a lower cost. This trend is anticipated to fuel the expansion of the market during the forecast period.

Further, the growing awareness regarding the detrimental effects of conventional plastic materials, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP), on the environment has led to regulatory actions. Several countries, including the UK, the US, Germany, France, and India, have imposed bans on the use of conventional plastics for certain applications. Consequently, the demand for eco-friendly alternatives, such as starch-based polymers, is on the rise in the packaging industry.

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The packaging segment accounted for USD 586.40 million in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

Europe is estimated to contribute 42% 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.

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The European market for starch polymers is experiencing significant growth due to the rising trend of eco-friendly industrial practices in countries such as the UK, Germany, Spain, Poland, and France. This shift towards sustainability is particularly prominent in industries like food and beverages, textile, and medical, where the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions is on the rise. Furthermore, the European Union's focus on plastic recycling, with countries such as Germany, France, Austria, and Italy leading the charge, is expected to further fuel the growth of the market. Additionally, stringent regulations against conventional plastics in Europe are driving the demand for biodegradable alternatives like starch polymers.

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.

Market Driver

The rise in consumer adoption of biodegradable plastics for packaging is the key driver of the market. Starch polymers, derived from polysaccharides such as amylose and amylopectin, have gained significant attention in various industries due to their role as sustainable alternatives to plastic. The production of these polymers involves the preparation of starch solution through the hydrolysis of starch using amylase. This process results in a biodegradable material that offers numerous benefits, particularly in sectors like healthcare, food and beverage, and retail. With increasing environmental consciousness and consumer preference for sustainable solutions, the demand for starch polymers is on the rise. Hospitals, food and beverage companies, and retailers are recognizing the importance of reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to waste reduction efforts.

Similarly, in the food and beverage and retail sectors, starch polymers can replace traditional plastic packaging, providing a more sustainable alternative while maintaining the required functionality and performance. In conclusion, the increasing demand for sustainable solutions and the growing awareness of environmental concerns are driving the adoption of starch polymers in various industries.

Market Trends

Government emphasis on efficient plastic waste management is the upcoming trend in the market. The environmental concerns surrounding the production and disposal of traditional polymers and plastics have led to a growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Biodegradable polymers, such as starch polymers, are gaining popularity as they offer a solution to the issue of plastic waste. These polymers are used as thickeners and food additives in various industries, including the production of starchy foods. Cellulose-based indicators, often used in conjunction with iodine, are also made from biodegradable polymers.

The increase in health-conscious consumer preferences for dietary function and natural ingredients is further driving the demand for starch polymers. Biodegradable polymers have a positive impact on the environment as they break down naturally, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or dumping grounds. Governments worldwide are supporting the adoption of biodegradable polymers through various initiatives, further boosting market growth.

Market Challenge

Higher prices of starch polymer than conventional plastics is a key challenge affecting the market growth. Starch polymers, a type of biodegradable polymer, offer numerous advantages such as biocompatibility and eco-friendliness. However, their production and use come with certain challenges. The complex manufacturing process and the limited availability of renewable feedstocks, like corn and wheat, drive up the cost of starch polymers. For instance, the price of corn, a primary raw material, has seen a significant increase in recent years. This price volatility, coupled with the rising cost of non-reducing sugars like glucose and fructose, impacts the affordability of starch polymers.

Furthermore, the production of starch polymers involves the creation of a colloidal dispersion, which requires precise rheological properties to ensure effective wet granulation. These factors add to the overall production cost, making starch polymers a more expensive alternative to conventional plastics. Despite these challenges, the demand for starch polymers continues to grow due to their use as binders in various industries, including nutrition and pharmaceuticals.

Exclusive Customer Landscape

The market forecasting 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 market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape

Key Companies & Market Insights

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.

BASF SE - The company offers starch polymer such as ecovio.

The market research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Biome Bioplastics Ltd.
• Biotec GmbH Co. and KG
• Braskem SA
• Corbion nv
• Danimer Scientific Inc.
• DuPont de Nemours Inc.
• Fkur Kunststoff GmbH
• Green Dot Bioplastics Inc.
• Japan Corn Starch Co. Ltd
• KURARAY Co. Ltd.
• Mitsubishi Chemical Corp.
• NatureWorks LLC
• Novamont S.p.A.
• PTT Global Chemical Public Co. Ltd.
• Rodenburg Biopolymers B.V.
• Saudi Basic Industries Corp.
• Solvay SA
• Toray Industries Inc.
• United Biopolymers SA

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.

Research Analyst Overview

Starch polymers, derived from polysaccharides such as amylose and amylopectin, are carbohydrate-based materials with significant applications in various industries. These polymers are prepared from glucose, a simple sugar, through the action of amylase enzymes. Starch solutions and colloidal dispersions are common forms of starch polymers, which exhibit unique rheological properties due to their hydroxyl groups and anhydrous glucose units. Starch polymers serve as essential energy storage components in living organisms and are widely used as nutritional ingredients, thickeners, and food additives. In the food industry, they are used as binders in wet granulation processes and as indicators in iodine tests.

Starch polymers also find applications in the production of biodegradable polymers, which address environmental concerns by offering renewability and biodegradability. Moreover, starch polymers undergo modification through glycosidic bonds, crystallinity, and retrogradation, enhancing their mechanical integrity, thermal stability, and self-healing properties. The renewability, biodegradability, and hydroxyl groups of starch make it a versatile natural polymer for various applications, including biomass conversion, biopolymers, and thermal stability. The versatility of starch polymers makes them valuable in numerous applications, contributing to the growth of the global market.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research and Growth Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market  and its contribution of the market in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market growth and trends and changes in consumer behaviour
• Growth of the market across Europe, APAC, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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