From a level of about 52 KT in 2005, biopolymers are expected to reach a level of 94 KT by 2010 - achieving more than 12% annual growth in the next 5 years. The growth rate is expected to be in excess of global GDP growth and possibly the highest among all types of polymers. These are the findings of a market research study conducted by Business Communications, a leading market research organization. The key reasons for this buoyant growth are:
•  Technology advances
•  Price reduction due to increased demand
•  Newer applications with better growth potential
•  Strong legislative support

The North American biodegradable polymer market has not progressed as rapidly as those in Europe and Japan. The major drivers for the U.S. market are mandated legislation and prospective increases in landfill pricing-none of which is foreseen within the next five years.

In terms of applications- packaging, which includes loose-fill packaging, comprises nearly 47% of total biopolymers market in 2005. However, compost packaging will overtake the market, representing nearly 50% of the market by 2010. Other products-medical/hygiene, agricultural and paper coatings play a smaller but no less important role in the total market size, representing 11% of the total applications in 2005. For continued growth in North America, systems or infrastructures to collect and process biodegradable polymers must be put in place; consumers must be willing to accept the inconvenience and cost; and, economically, biodegradable polymers must be viewed as a realistic and available option for waste disposal by all parties concerned-an admittedly tall order in the short or intermediate term.

Global Biodegradable Polymer Market from 2000 to 2010 in KT

Application	2000	2005	2010	AAGR% 2005-2010
Packaging	15	24	38	9.4
Compost Bags	10	22	43	14.6
Others	3	7	13	16.6
Total	28	52	94	12.6

Biodegradable polymers will remain a specialty niche market for at least ten years and possibly indefinitely.