Share of global bioplastics production capacity 2023, by region
Asia dominates the global bioplastics production landscape, accounting for over 50 percent of the world's capacity in 2023. This regional leadership in bioplastics aligns with Asia's broader dominance in conventional plastics production, where it holds a commanding 52 percent share of global output. The rise of bioplastics represents a growing shift towards more sustainable materials in an industry that produced 413.8 million metric tons of plastic globally in 2023.
Regional distribution of bioplastics capacity
While Asia leads in bioplastics production capacity with 50.9 percent, North America and Europe follow with 20.1 percent and 16.9 percent respectively. South America contributes 11.7 percent, while Australia/Oceania accounts for a modest 0.4 percent. This distribution reflects the global nature of the bioplastics industry, with production spread across multiple continents. The total global bioplastics production capacity reached 2.02 million metric tons in 2023, a fraction of the overall plastics market but showing potential for growth.
Bioplastics in the context of global plastics industry
The emergence of bioplastics occurs against the backdrop of a massive conventional plastics industry. China alone accounts for 33 percent of global plastic materials production, with the rest of Asia contributing an additional 19 percent. The United States, a key player in North America, saw its plastic and resin manufacturing industry valued at 103.7 billion U.S. dollars in January 2023. Looking ahead, plastics use among OECD countries is projected to reach more than 1.2 billion metric tons by 2060, with OECD countries expected to consume 63 percent of global plastics by 2040. This growth trajectory underscores the importance of developing sustainable alternatives like bioplastics.
