Biodegradable polymers market potential

Biodegradable polymers can make a positive contribution to the conservation of the world s natural resources and protection of the environment. However, their market potential will only be fulfilled if the required framework conditions are put in place to ensure the necessary investment in technology and production capacity. Framework conditions refer to the development of industry standards and regulatory systems, certification and certification systems that are designed to encourage biodegradable polymer market development. 

In the recent years, new markets have arisen for biodegradable polymers such as poly(butylene adipate-terephthalate), poly(lactide), poly(butylenesuccinate), or poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(carbonates). They constitute a new class of green polymers with wide application potential for packaging, clothing, carpets, applications in automotive engineering, foils, and utilities in agriculture. 

There has been a stream of new product and technology development by leading biodegradable polymer suppliers that have opened up new markets and potential applications. 

For biodegradable polymers to achieve their full market potential, they should add greater functionality and productivity for the end user, if the relatively high prices are to be justified. So far there has been very limited development of an infrastructure for composting and thus the true benefits from using biodegradable polymers are not being realised. 

Coated or laminated paper products represent a significant potential market for biodegradable polymers. At present, packaging such as hamburger wrapping and disposable cups, are extrusion coated with low density polyethylene film that is resistant to biodegradation. This also restricts the biodegradation of the paper substrate since it acts as an impervious barrier. 

Despite of the encouraging potential of polymeric nano/microparticles, formulating a marketable peptide-delivery system still remains a major challenge. In this chapter, we have attempted to review the prospects and problems associated with polymeric nano/microparticles toward oral peptide delivery. Polymers are classified under three different categories (1) synthetic biodegradable polymers, (2) synthetic nonbiodegradable polymers, and (3) natural- and protein-based polymers (Table 57.2). 

This review highlights the uses of chitosan-based derivatives for various biomedical applications. Chitosan has offered itself as a versatile and promising biodegradable polymer. In addition, chitosan possesses immense potential as an antimicrobial packaging material owing to its antimicrobial activity and non-toxicity. The functional properties of chitosan films can be improved when chitosan films are combined with other film forming materials such as SF, alginate and other biopolymers. All these studies indicate that, in the near future, several commercial biomedical products based on silk fibroin and chitosan will be available in the world market. 

In addition to PVOH and PLA, there are some other biodegradable polymers on the market these are listed in Table 1.1. These polymers are only produced on a small scale, primarily for biological applications, but also for exploration of commercial potential. Most of the biodegradable polymers are in the polyesters group. Biodegradable polymers can be derived from renewable and non-renewable sources (see Figure 1.4). Useful... 

One of the main obstacles to widespread use of biodegradable polymers has been the high cost of these polymers. For this reason, industrial applications tend to be specialist applications with unique environmental considerations. Loose-fill packaging and compost bags are the two major end uses constituting nearly 90% of demand. Several other applications offer strong market potential for the future, primarily in Europe. 

One market which may provide potential for biodegradable polymers includes institutions such as theme parks or special events that must manage their own solid wastes. This concept was showcased at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 where 40 million food service items made of starch-based polymers were collected after use and composted [97]. Disposable cutlery and dishes used at the Sydney Olympic Games were supplied by Biocorp Inc., Novamont s North American distributor. 

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