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Lactic Acid & Polylactic Acid Market Size & Forecast Report, 2014 - 2025

Report ID: MN17615175  |  Published: May 2017  |  No of Pages: 160
Format: Electronic (PDF)  |  Industry: Chemicals

The global lactic acid & polylactic acid market is anticipated to reach USD 9.8 billion and USD 6.5 billion respectively by 2025. Growing demand for environmental friendly packaged products and awareness is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. Global lactic acid market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2017 to 2025. Lactic acid is a colorless syrupy liquid with alcohol and water that is produced from raw materials including carbohydrates such as sugarcane, tapioca, corn and sugar beet. It involves fermentation of carbohydrates in presence of calcium carbonate. Lactic acid is also used to develop poly lactic acid(PLA). The production of PLA uses 68 percent less fossil fuel resources than traditional plastics and it is the world's first greenhouse-gas-neutral polymer. It is one of the major sources of bio-resins use in bioplastics.

PLA is derived from renewable resources. This organic compound is easily compostable and biodegradable, subsequently minimizing environmental hazards including solid waste disposal. Growing demand for biodegradable products is also expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period. However, introduction of other renewable packaging alternatives in the market, for example agricultural natural fiber products such as bagasse, bamboo, palm fiber bulrush. These alternatives are expected to restraint the market growth since all these natural fibers are degradable and low cost, it’s reinforcement with PLA acts as an opportunity which is ecological as well as economical.

Rising crude oil price are also estimated to drive the global PLA demand over the forecast period, owing to reduced dependency on traditional petroleum based products. Increasing adoption of bioplastics on account of changing consumer preferences and need for sustainable products is also expected to positively impact the global market in the coming years. However, PLA suffers from distortion at fairly low temperatures hindering their performance compared to other conventional plastics. This resulted in restrictive use of Poly lactic acid to lower its applications in utility packaging. However, companies operating in the market have been are innovation new processes to enhance heat resistance power of polymers.

Based on application type the global market is segmented into industrial, personal care, packaging, petroleum based products and textiles. The largest market share is contributed by industrial applications owing to the extensive use in development of lactate solvents and biodegradable polymers. They are also expected to be the fastest growing segment. Personal care segment is expected to be the fast growing segment, owing to its wide use in products for, anti-acne, skin lightening, anti-aging, and anti-wrinkle. Packaging beverages and food industry is also expected to remain the major application segment for PLA, on account of increasing demand for PLA plastic bottles which are disposable, durable and contain properties including gloss and transparency. In additionally, these products and be easily composted compared to other petroleum based products and also do not emit toxic gases on heating.

North America is expected to be the largest market over the forecast period. Growing demand among all the application segments and high concentration of allied industries of lactic acid in this region is expected to be the key driving force for the industry in this region. Europe and Asia Pacific are expected to grow at a significant rate owing to the legal regulations and conditions on use of synthetic plastic materials and also market penetration of biobased materials in packaging are expected to drive the market in the region over the next six years.

The key global market participants are Purac, NatureWorks LLC, Galactic, BASF, Pyramid Bioplastics and Synbra. Other players include Meredian Holdings Group, Inc., Synbra Technology B.V., and Corbion N.V. growth in production capacity and Product innovation are among the major initiatives adopted by industry participants in order to gain market share. Favorable regulatory scenario for the use of green packaging on a global level is expected to aid in market expansion over the forecast period. Continuous development efforts to develop higher heat resistant PLA are expected to play a key role overcoming barriers to market growth.

Market Segment:

Lactic Acid Application Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
        • Industrial
        • Food and beverages
        • Pharmaceuticals
        • Personal care
        • Others

Polylactic Acid Application Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
        • Packaging
        • Agriculture
        • Transport
        • Electronics
        • Textiles
        • Others

Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
        • North America
            • U.S.
        • Europe
            • Germany
        • Asia Pacific
            • China
        • Central & South America
            • Brazil
        • Middle East & Africa

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