North America Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

North America Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market, By Type (Racemic PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid), Regular PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid), PDLA (Poly-D-Lactic Acid), and PDLLA (Poly-Dl-Lactic Acid)), Raw Material (Corn, Cassava, Sugarcane, Sugar Beet, and Others), Form (Films And Sheets, Coatings, Fiber, Others), Application (Packaging, Transport, Agriculture, Medical, Electronics, Textile, Hygiene, Others), End User (Plastic Films, Bottles, Biodegradable Medical Devices) - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031.

North America Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Analysis and Size

In the realm of textiles and fibers, polylactic acid (PLA) offers a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based materials. These fibers find applications in a variety of products including clothing, textiles, non-woven fabrics, and hygiene products. PLA fibers boast properties such as softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking abilities, making them suitable for a range of consumer goods. As consumers increasingly prioritize environmentally conscious products, the demand for PLA fibers continues to grow, driving innovation and expansion within the PLA market.

North America polylactic acid (PLA) market size was valued at USD 248.32 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 580.57 million by 2031, with a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.

Report Scope and Market Segmentation

Market Definition

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and compostable polymer derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. It is commonly used as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics in various applications, including packaging, textiles, biomedical devices, and 3D printing. PLA offers versatility, eco-friendliness, and comparable performance to conventional plastics, making it increasingly popular in industries striving for environmental responsibility.

Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Growing Regulatory Policies Leads to the Increased Demand for Polylactic Acid Plastic

Governments globally are implementing stringent regulations aimed at reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable alternatives. Measures such as bans on single-use plastics and mandates for eco-friendly packaging solutions create a conducive environment for the adoption of PLA. Compliance with these regulations ensures environmental responsibility and opens up new market opportunities for PLA manufacturers, driving increased demand and market growth. As sustainability remains a focal point of regulatory agendas, PLA stands to benefit from continued support and implementation of such policies, solidifying its position as a viable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics.

• Growing Technological Advancements Results in Adoption of Sustainable Alternatives to Conventional Plastics

Technological advancements have led to improvements in PLA production processes, resulting in increased efficiency, and enhanced product quality. Innovations such as novel catalysts, fermentation techniques, and polymerization methods have enabled manufacturers to produce PLA with better mechanical properties and thermal stability, expanding its potential applications across diverse industries. As technology continues to evolve, the PLA market is expected to witness continued growth and innovation, cementing its position as a leading sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

Opportunities

• Increasing Preference for PLA-Based Packaging due to Rising Demand for Biodegradable Packaging Solutions

PLA, a biobased and compostable polymer derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane, offers a sustainable solution to traditional plastic packaging. As consumers and industries prioritize environmental sustainability, there is a growing preference for PLA-based packaging due to its eco-friendly characteristics. This trend drives the expansion of the PLA market, with manufacturers investing in research, development, and production capacity to meet the rising demand.

• Growing Collaborations among the PLA Manufacturers and Key Industry Players

The strategic alliances facilitate access to diverse resources, including technology, distribution networks, and market expertise, accelerating the adoption of PLA-based solutions. Leveraging the strengths of multiple stakeholders, such collaborations enable the development of innovative products and applications, expanding the PLA market's reach across various sectors. Through joint efforts, PLA manufacturers can effectively address market challenges, such as scale-up requirements and supply chain optimization, positioning PLA as a viable and competitive alternative to conventional plastics.

For instance, the collaboration between NatureWorks and Jabil to introduce a new Ingeo PLA-based powder for 3D printing aligns with the trend of partnerships driving the Polylactic Acid (PLA) market. Combining NatureWorks' expertise in PLA production with Jabil's technological capabilities, the partnership aims to address consumer demand for sustainable alternatives. The introduction of Jabil PLA 3110P, boasting a lower sintering temperature and significantly reduced carbon footprint (89% lower than PA-12), underscores the commitment to innovation and sustainability within the PLA market.

 Restraints/Challenges

• High Production Costs Limits the Adoption of PLA- Based Products

Compared to conventional plastics such as PET or polyethylene, PLA production costs tend to be higher. These elevated costs stem from various factors, including the need for specialized equipment and processes for PLA synthesis, as well as the cost of raw materials derived from agricultural sources such as corn or sugarcane. The higher production costs translate to higher prices for PLA-based products, making them less competitive in price-sensitive markets. This cost disparity can hinder widespread adoption of PLA and limit its market penetration, particularly in industries where cost considerations heavily influence purchasing decisions.

• Performance Limitations Restricts PLA's Suitability for Various Applications

While PLA offers biodegradability and compostability advantages, it also exhibits shortcomings in key performance areas such as heat resistance, mechanical strength, and barrier properties compared to traditional plastics. These limitations can restrict PLA's suitability for applications requiring high durability or specific performance characteristics, thereby limiting its market penetration.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions. Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Recent Developments

• In September 2023, Danimer Scientific and Chevron Phillips Chemical announced a collaboration to advance high-volume biodegradable plastic products using Danimer’s Rinnovo polymers. This partnership aims to leverage Danimer’s expertise in PLA-based bioplastics to enhance market presence and meet growing demand for sustainable packaging alternatives
• In May 2023, Sulzer collaborated with Jindan New Biomaterials in China to produce polylactic acid (PLA), a biobased plastic, using Sulzer's licensed PLA technology. Jindan's new manufacturing plant in Henan Province aims to produce up to 750,000 tonnes of PLA annually, catering primarily to food packaging, molded goods, and fiber production, thus contributing to the expansion of sustainable materials in the market
• In June 2022, Australian food packaging manufacturer Confoil collaborated with BASF to develop a certified compostable and dual ovenable food tray based on paper. This collaboration utilizes BASF's ecovio PS 1606, a partly bio-based and certified compostable biopolymer, for coating the paper tray. The initiative intensifies Confoil's presence in the North American market, offering consumers eco-friendly packaging options while addressing sustainability concerns

Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type, raw material, form, application, and end user. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyse meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Type

• Racemic PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)
• Regular PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)
• PDLA (Poly-D-Lactic Acid)
• PDLLA (Poly-Dl-Lactic Acid)

Raw Material

• Corn
• Cassava
• Sugarcane
• Sugar Beet
• Others

Form

• Films and Sheets
• Coatings
• Fiber
• Others

Application

• Packaging
• Transport
• Agriculture
• Medical
• Electronics
• Textile
• Hygiene
• Others

End User

• Plastic Films
• Bottles
• Biodegradable Medical Devices

North America Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Analysis/Insights

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by type, raw material, form, application, and end user as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada and Mexico in North America.

U.S. dominates the market due to stringent environmental regulations enforced by governments. This regulatory environment fosters the adoption of eco-friendly materials such as PLA. Moreover, the increasing demand for bio-based plastics, particularly in agriculture for applications such as film, further propels market expansion. This combination of regulatory support and growing market demand positions the U.S. as a dominant force in the regional PLA market.

Canada is expected to experience growth in the market, primarily driven by increasing demand for biodegradable packaging alternatives within the packaging industry. This trend aligns with global sustainability initiatives and consumer preferences for eco-friendly products. The adoption of biodegradable packaging is expected to contribute significantly to market expansion as companies prioritize environmental responsibility. This shift reflects a broader societal movement towards sustainability, positioning Canada as a key player in the evolving packaging market.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.   

Competitive Landscape and Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Share Analysis

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to North America polylactic acid (PLA) market.

Some of the major players operating in the market are:

• BASF SE (Germany)
• Futerro (Belgium)
• NatureWorks LLC (U.S.)
• TotalEnergies Corbion (Netherlands)
• Sulzer Ltd (Switzerland)
• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Japan)
• TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC. (Japan)
• Merck KGaA (Germany)
• Musashino Chemical Laboratory, Ltd. (Japan)
• Evonik Industries AG (Germany)
• Polyvel Inc. (U.S.)
• UNITIKA LTD. (Japan)
• Jiangxi Academy of Sciences Biological New Materials Co., Ltd. (China)
• Shanghai Tong-jie-liang Biomaterials Co., Ltd. (China)
• Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials Co., Ltd. (China)
• Radici Partecipazioni SpA (Italy)