Biodegradable packaging to grow at 22% pa

31-Jan-07

Global consumption of biodegradable packaging materials in 2005-06 of nearly 43,000 tons, is estimated to grow to a figure of almost 116,000 tons by 2011, showing an annual growth figure of 22%, according to a new study carried out by Pira. Polylactic acid (PLA), which currently accounts for 43% of the market, will see consumption rise to more than 50,000 tons by 2011. Fresh food is the biggest end use sector for biodegradable packaging consuming nearly 18,000 tons of material last year. Consumption was led by Western Europe with a total of over 19,000 tons followed by North America with just over 16,000 tons. Eastern Europe, which offers the highest growth prospects at 24.6% pa, currently accounts for 821 tons.