Degradable plastics are predicted to grow by 17% in USA, reaching consumption levels of almost 225,000 tons and market value of US$610 million in 2010. Average prices will continue to decline as a result of higher capacity and greater production efficiencies, as well as price mixes reflecting fastest growth for the lowest priced resins.
Degradable plastic applications are also being expanded by enhanced performance properties brought about by more sophisticated polymerization and blending techniques.

Polylactic acid (PLA) demand will present the best opportunities and rise over 30% pa through 2010. The growth in demand could reflect price declines, improved product performance and greater processor familiarity. Good opportunities are expected in packaging areas such as films, bottles and foodservice products. Large scale developments and advances are also expected in rigid packaging of fruits, vegetables, eggs, yogurt, deli and bakery products. Development of PLA in bottle applications will face hurdles due to the polymer's inability to contain gaseous and temperature-sensitive products.

Starch-based plastic demand will grow nearly 18% pa through 2010 on account of availability of lower priced and improved resin blends. Film products such as yard and kitchen bags will remain dominant. Rapid advances are also expected in areas such as plates, bowls and foodservice items.

Demand for polyester-based degradables will increase 24% pa through 2010 due to continued price declines and opportunities in film and fiber products. The materials also have good synergy in blends with PLA, starch and other materials. Polyhydroxyalkanoates and polycaprolactone are the leading polyester-based degradable grades. Opportunities are anticipated in yard bags, agricultural films and pallet wrap, as well as fibers for apparel, upholstery and nonwoven fabrics.

Slower growth is expected for degradable loose-fill packaging due to competition from bubble packaging and inflatable bags.

A spectrum of applications and developments are being anticipated based on a more competitive pricing structure, high feedstock costs for petroleum-based polymers, and growing environmental, governmental and consumer initiatives for greater use of sustainable resources.