Europe Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The Europe polylactic acid (PLA) market attained a value of about USD 512.26 Million in 2024 and expected to grow in the forecast period of 2025-2034 at a CAGR of 12.20% to reach nearly USD 1.61 billion by 2034.

Growing Demand for Bioplastics in the Packaging Industry Augmenting the Market Growth for Polylactic Acid (PLA) in Europe

The packaging industry in Europe is witnessing rapid growth owing to the rising demand for convenient products. The evolving consumer preference and the rising demand for sustainable packaging is increasing the use of bioplastics in the packaging industry. This is surging the use of bioplastics as a substitute for fossil fuels. Bioplastics are renewable, and they are made with polylactic acid (PLA), which is sourced from several sustainable resources such as agriculture waste, hence augmenting the market growth. In addition, the trend of sustainable lifestyles is increasing the use of green packaging, especially in food and beverage products. This is increasing the use of polylactic acid (PLA) due to its excellent barrier property, high strength, and stiffness, hence providing further impetus to the industry growth. Moreover, the introduction of various stringent policies regarding the use of plastics due to increasing pollution levels is further fuelling the market growth. For instance, the European Union (EU) is supporting bio-based plastics through various programs such as Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe by providing incentives for research. The rising use of high-performance and high-quality polylactic acid polymers owing to their durability and functionality in 3D printers is augmenting the industry growth. As polylactic acid has high tensile strength and ductility, it can be used in the manufacturing of various processing means such as foam moulding, injection moulding, and vacuum moulding, among others, which is expected to fuel the market growth.

Polylactic Acid (PLA): Market Segmentation

Polylactic acid (PLA), variously known as PLA or polylactide, is a polyester that is derived from renewable sources such as sugar cane and corn starch. It is recyclable and biodegradable, and is cost-effective. Polylactic acid (PLA) is widely used in the production of bioplastics and medical device prototypes, among others.

The major types of polylactic acid (PLA) are:

• PLLA (Poly-L-lactic acid)
• PDLA (Poly-D-lactic acid)
• PDLLA (Poly-DL-lactic acid)

The market can be broadly categorised on the basis of its applications into:

• Packaging
• Agriculture
• Textile
• Biomedical
• Electronics
• Others

The report looks into the regional markets of polylactic acid (PLA) in Europe

• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Others

Increasing Research and Development (R&D) Activities to Bolster the Growth of the Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market

The increasing research and development (R&D) activities by the leading companies are leading to the development of thermal resistant polylactic acid (PLA) with improved functionality and flexibility. The modification of favourable properties of the acid by using various additives during the synthesis is increasing the application of polylactic acid (PLA). This is projected to accelerate the market growth. The rising use of polylactic acid in agriculture and biomedical industries in the form of non-woven fabric or film owing to its biodegradable properties is anticipated to propel the market growth. Moreover, polylactic acid is used in the development of various medical equipment through 3D printing, hence accelerating the market growth.

The development of superior polylactic acid (PLA) with high melting temperature and high transition temperature to be used in various applications is invigorating the growth of the polylactic acid (PLA) industry. Moreover, polylactic acid (PLA) is extensively used in the medical industry. It is used in various biomedicines to control the metabolism rate of a carrier as well as in tissue engineering to ensure the biocompatibility of blood transfusion. It is also used in drug delivery to prolong drug action time and improve its efficiency. Such applications of polylactic acid (PLA) in Europe are expected to boost the industry growth in the forecast period.

Key Industry Players in the Europe Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market

The report presents a detailed analysis of the following key players in the Europe polylactic acid (PLA) market, looking into their capacity, market shares, and latest developments like capacity expansions, plant turnarounds, and mergers and acquisitions:

• NatureWorks LLC
• Total Corbion PLA
• Futerro S.A.
• BIOTEC GmbH & Co.KG
• Evonik Industries AG
• Others

The comprehensive report looks into the macro and micro aspects of the industry. The report gives an in-depth insight into the market by providing a SWOT analysis as well as an analysis of Porter’s Five Forces model.