Biodegradable Polymers Market Report 2026

The biodegradable polymers market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $9.09 billion in 2025 to $10.74 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to environmental concerns over plastic waste, early adoption of bioplastics in packaging, government bans on single use plastics, rising consumer preference for eco friendly products, advancements in polymer chemistry.

The biodegradable polymers market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $20.91 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to stricter global sustainability regulations, expansion of biodegradable polymers in healthcare, increased investment in bio based materials, scaling of commercial composting infrastructure, rising demand from agriculture and food packaging. Major trends in the forecast period include growing adoption of compostable packaging materials, increasing use of biodegradable polymers in agricultural films, rising demand for bio based medical implants, expansion of biodegradable polymers in textile fibers, focus on performance enhancement of biodegradable materials.

The growth of the biodegradable polymer market is expected to be driven by the expansion of agricultural sectors. These sectors encompass various segments of agriculture, including crop production, livestock farming, forestry, fisheries, and agribusiness, all aimed at producing food, raw materials, and related products. The agricultural sectors are experiencing growth due to the increasing global demand for food, fueled by population growth, advancements in farming technologies, heightened investment in sustainable practices, and the rising need for bio-based materials. Biodegradable polymers are essential in these sectors as they help reduce plastic waste, enhance soil health, and promote sustainability by offering eco-friendly alternatives for products such as mulch films, seed coatings, and packaging. For instance, a report from the United States Department of Agriculture, released in September 2024, indicated that agriculture, food, and related industries contributed approximately $1.53 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, accounting for 5.6% of the total. Thus, the expansion of agricultural sectors is driving the growth of the biodegradable polymer market.

Key companies in the biodegradable polymers market are concentrating on developing soil conditioners to improve soil structure, enhance water retention, increase nutrient availability, and promote better root development. Soil conditioners are materials added to soil to improve its physical properties, including structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, thereby supporting plant growth and enhancing soil health. For example, in August 2024, Hydroplan-EB, a UK-based manufacturer of biodegradable and superabsorbent polymers, launched HYB PLUS, a biodegradable polymer. This product is designed with additives that facilitate rooting and promote successful plant establishment during planting and transplanting. These biodegradable polymers enhance initial plant growth while reducing the need for replanting. Notable benefits include increased nitrogen levels, organic carbon, and enzymes that help alleviate the physiological stress often associated with transplanting.

In October 2023, Versalis, an Italy-based provider of chemical and polymer solutions, acquired Novamont S.p.A. for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition is expected to promote sustainable growth and create new opportunities for both companies. This strategic move aims to accelerate the transition toward a circular economy and strengthen Versalis' position in the renewable chemistry sector. Novamont S.p.A. is an Italian chemical company specializing in sustainable and biodegradable polymers.

Major companies operating in the biodegradable polymers market are BASF SE, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, Solvay S.A., Koninklijke DSM N.V., Toyobo Co. Ltd., Corbion N.V., Green Dot Bioplastics Inc., Kaneka Belgium N.V., Danimer Scientific Inc., Sulapac Ltd., TIPA Corp Ltd., Natur-Tec, TotalEnergies Corbion B.V., BioBag International AS, Futerro S.A., Cereplast Inc., Toray Industries, Inc., Novamont S.p.A., Biome Bioplastics Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the biodegradable polymers market in 2025. Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the biodegradable polymers market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the biodegradable polymers market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The biodegradable polymers market consists of sales of cutlery and plates, straws, agricultural films, seed coatings and personal care products. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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