Latest news with #biodegradable
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Arizona teen named top young scientist finalist
The Brief Arizona ninth-grader Amaira Srivastava has been named a top-10 finalist in the national 3M Young Scientist Challenge for her innovative project creating biodegradable cups from fruit peels. Srivastava's invention aims to reduce plastic waste and enhance nutrient absorption, and she is now working with a 3M scientist to prepare for the final round of judging in October. PHOENIX - Here's a quick quiz: Where does one of the world's top kid scientists live? Right here in Arizona. In just a few short weeks, that girl will get the chance to prove why she might be the best one. What we know Amaira Srivastava might seem like a regular ninth grader, playing ping-pong with her parents and painting in her free time. But the Arizona artist and athlete has a secret: She might be the best kid scientist in the country. "I blended a mixture of vinegar, glycerine, cornstarch, water and these fruit peels in order to create these cups," Amaira said, explaining her project. It's complicated and took a lot of work. Her father, Abhishek Srivastava, is, of course, proud. "She was really working so hard and passionately, really every day would put so many extra hours away from her regular schoolwork," he said. Basically, Amaira took fruit peels and mixed them into bowls or cups using a cupcake tin for shaping. This innovation limits the need for plastic. "Decomposes much faster than regular petroleum plastic," Amaira said. It also allows water inside to absorb flavonoid nutrients from the peels. "The combination of orange plus lemon released the most amount of flavonoids," Amaira said. The idea won her category at the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair. She then entered the national 3M Young Scientist Challenge, becoming one of the top 10 finalists in the country. "I felt really surprised and shocked when I found out I'm one of 10 people in the nation," Amaira said. What's next She is now working with a leading 3M scientist to prepare for the final round of judging in October. "I think my end goal is to create a product that's scalable, practical and just makes the world a better place than it already is," Amaira said. Solve the daily Crossword
The Verge
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Verge
A mushroom casket marks a first for ‘green burials' in the US
'I'm probably the only architect who created a final home,' Bob Hendrikx tells The Verge. Tombs and catacombs aside, Hendrikx might be the only one to make a final home using mushrooms. Hendrikx is the founder and CEO of Loop Biotech, a company that makes caskets out of mycelium, the fibrous root structure of mushrooms. This June, the first burial in North America to use one of Loop Biotech's caskets took place in Maine. 'He always said he wanted to be buried naked in the woods.' The mushroom casket gives people one more option to leave the living with a gentler impact, part of a growing array of what are supposed to be more sustainable alternatives to traditional burials. Mycelium has also had a moment in recent years, with other eco-conscious designers making biodegradable packaging, leather, and bricks from the material. Hendrikx started out trying to make a 'living home' from mycelium, a material that can be used to make self-healing structures if the fibers continue to grow. While he was studying architecture at Delft University of Technology, he says someone asked him what would happen if their grandma happened to die in that home. 'It would be great, because there's going to be so much positivity for Earth,' he recalls answering and then thinking — 'Oh my God, this should be a casket.' The mushroom casket became his graduation project, and Hendrikx started Loop Biotech in the Netherlands in 2021. The casket, which Loop Biotech calls a 'Living Cocoon' and sells for around $4,000, is made entirely of mycelium and can be grown in seven days. It can then biodegrade completely in about 45 days, according to the company. The body inside, however, takes longer. In a typical casket, it could be decades before a body fully decomposes. But since fungi can help break down dead organic matter, that time shortens to two to three years in a Living Cocoon, Hendrikx says. 'I personally hate the idea of a body just lying there in the ground,' says Marsya Ancker, whose father, Mark Ancker, was laid to rest in a Living Cocoon in Maine in June. 'I don't want to lie in the ground, but I'm happy to become part of the soil and feed the plants.' She heard about Loop Biotech in a TED Talk years ago and decided to call up the company the day after she got the call that her dad had passed. 'He would have gotten a kick out of it, out of the fact that he was the first [to be buried in a Living Cocoon],' Marsya adds. Her family's not one to miss an opportunity. Marsya described an iconic photo of her dad sitting on a green Volkswagen bus on the way to Woodstock, looking out over a traffic jam with binoculars, soon after Marsya was born and came home from the hospital. 'Don't be ridiculous,' there's no sense in wasting both their tickets, Marsya says her mom told her dad. 'He always said he wanted to be buried naked in the woods,' Marsya says. 'As a younger person, that horrified me. I'm like, 'But how will I remember you?' … This way he gets to be buried naked in the woods.' And she'll have something there to remember him by; the family planted a memorial garden with some of Mark's favorite perennials on the land where he was buried. Loop Biotech says its mushroom casket will help enrich the soil below. Marsya also finds the chemicals used in embalming 'gross.' A desire to minimize waste and pollution is another reason some people are turning away from standard caskets or cremation. Conventional burials in the US use around 4.3 million gallons of embalming fluid, 20 million board feet of hardwood, and 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete each year, according to the Green Burial Council. The first Living Cocoon burial in the US (which follows thousands more using Loop Biotech's mushroom casket in Europe), shows 'there's excitement and energy around green burial,' says Sam Bar, who is part of the board of directors of the Green Burial Council. A 'green' burial doesn't have to incorporate mushrooms, of course. The goal is primarily to encourage decomposition and use natural materials in a sustainable way, Bar says. That can also be accomplished using other materials that break down more easily, like woven sea grass or bamboo. 'Green is a spectrum,' Bar says. Ever the architect, Hendrikx has also kept comfortable design in mind with his Living Cocoon. Aside from the potential environmental benefits, the mushroom casket is also soft to the touch and rounded, he points out to The Verge. 'So instead of having, like, a hard, pointy casket, you now have something that you can actually hug,' Hendrikx says. 'Which is really nice for the grieving process.'
Entrepreneur
3 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Meet the Person Who Invented Plastic that Dissolves in Water
"Big Plastic" might hate it, but it's an opportunity for investors in the $1.3T plastics industry. Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you'll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. Everyone's heard the warnings: The world produces 450 billion tons of plastic waste every year. It's polluting our oceans and landfills, and it's even invading our bodies. But what if we didn't just recycle or "reduce" plastic use? What if we could make plastic disappear entirely? That's the idea behind Timeplast. And investors have just a few days left—until July 31—to back the company. Developed by chemical engineer and former PepsiCo executive, Manuel Rendon, Timeplast's patented tech looks like plastic, acts like plastic, and works in everything from packaging to agriculture to 3D printing. But unlike traditional plastics—or even "bioplastics"—it doesn't take 1,000 years to break down. It fully dissolves in water, leaving behind no microplastics, toxins, or residue, the company says. Think of it like what Tesla did to combustion engines, or what Impossible Foods did to meat. A complete reinvention of plastic itself. Here's why you shouldn't miss out on the chance to invest. Timeplast says it is truly the first of its kind Most so-called biodegradable plastics aren't what they claim to be. They may "break down" under industrial composting conditions. Think: high heat, special facilities, and long timelines. But even then, they leave behind microplastics and chemical residues. Rendon witnessed this firsthand while working in global sustainability at PepsiCo. Billions of dollars were being spent on packaging changes that still created pollution. He knew it would take a radical shift to solve the plastic problem. So he spent the next 10 years developing a patented water-soluble polymer designed to behave like plastic, without the toxic afterlife. There's no material like it, and the world is taking notice. They're unlocking a $1.3T plastics market Timeplast's materials are already being tested and sold in multiple industries. More than 1,000 paying customers have used the product. And demand continues to build as manufacturers look for ways to hit ESG goals, reduce waste costs, or avoid new microplastic regulations taking effect in the U.S. and Europe. The company is also expanding their product line, with the recently unveiled Pabyss™ reactor. It's a modular system that is designed to eliminate plastic waste entirely by accelerating the dissolution process. Think of it like a recycling system, but instead of grinding and melting plastic, it makes it vanish, the company says. Pabyss™ is an early glimpse at Timeplast's long-term vision of a closed-loop ecosystem that prevents plastic pollution from the start. And that vision is starting to gain traction, just as the regulatory and public pressure to act reaches a breaking point. With real traction, strategic IP, and a massive market tailwind behind it, Timeplast is now opening the door to investors. The Timeplast investment window is closing soon Right now, Timeplast is accepting public investments to help scale operations and meet demand. They're already receiving attention from Fortune 500 companies and selling out of products. But what's next could be even bigger, because their applications aren't limited to plastic alone. Their potential ranges across packaging, agriculture, consumer goods, and industrial manufacturing. With so much opportunity ahead, it helps to have a CEO who was instrumental in shaping the sustainability policy at one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world. Investors right now have an opportunity to back a systemic shift. But the current investment opportunity ends July 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT. With demand surging, new global partnerships forming, and a growing spotlight on microplastic pollution, many believe Timeplast is positioned to become a defining company in the next wave of sustainable tech. The clock is ticking. Learn more and invest in Timeplast while the opportunity lasts. This is a paid advertisement for Timeplast's Regulation CF Offering. Please read the offering circular at
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Size to Surpass USD 3,864.79 Million by 2034 Amid Rising Demand for Sustainable Packaging
According to Precedence Research, the global polylactic acid (PLA) market size is projected to surpass USD 3,864.79 million by 2034 increasing from USD 1,121.69 million in 2025, driven by strong demand in packaging, textiles, and medical sectors, with a CAGR of 14.73%. Ottawa, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In terms of revenue, the polylactic acid market was estimated at $968.74 million in 2024. The firm expects the value to shoot up to $3,165.99 million by 2032, with an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.73 percent over the decade. While the U.S. PLA market is anticipated to exhibit a strong CAGR of 15.76% over the period. The growing demand across sectors like textiles, medical, packaging, and automotive drives the market growth. The global demand for sustainable materials is accelerating, and polylactic acid (PLA) a biodegradable polymer derived from renewable resources, is at the forefront. With governments enforcing bans on single-use plastics and consumers seeking greener alternatives, the PLA market is set for rapid expansion. The latest report from Precedence Research unveils key trends, growth drivers, and strategic opportunities shaping the PLA landscape through 2034. Note: This report is readily available for immediate delivery. We can review it with you in a meeting to ensure data reliability and quality for decision-making. Try Before You Buy – Download the Free Sample Report Now! Polylactic Acid Market Overview and Potential What is Polylactic Acid? Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bio-based and biodegradable plastic material. It is derived from renewable sources like sugarcane, sugar beet, corn starch, & many more and is also known as polylactide. The condensation polymerization and ring-opening polymerization techniques are widely used for the production of polylactic acid. It consists of high-strength material and is highly biodegradable. It decomposes in the water, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid. PLA is biocompatible and has good room temperature strength. It requires low energy for production and is safe to use in food applications. PLA is widely used in medical implants, textiles, automobiles, packaging, and 3D printing filaments. What is Polylactic Acid Market? The Polylactic Acid (PLA) market refers to the global or regional economic ecosystem involving the production, distribution, and consumption of PLA-based materials, a biodegradable, bio-based thermoplastic derived primarily from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cassava. What This Means for Investors and Industry Leaders:With its robust CAGR of 14.73% through 2034, the PLA market offers compelling growth potential. Industry stakeholders should watch for advancements in PLA production technology, rising public-private partnerships, and localization of supply chains in Asia-Pacific. Companies investing in bioplastics now will be better positioned to meet tomorrow's regulatory and consumer demands. Quick Insights: Polylactic Acid Market Highlights: The worldwide polylactic acid market was evaluated at USD 968.74 million in 2024. It is anticipated to reach USD 3,864.79 million by 2034. The PLA market is expected to expand at a double-digit CAGR of 14.73% from 2025 to 2034. North America accounted for the major market share of 38.94% in 2024. By raw material, the cornstarch segment contributed the highest market share in 2024. By application, the packaging segment held the largest market share of 37.14% in 2024. By component, the sugarcane and sugar beet segment is expanding at a significant CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Get the complete picture – Browse the full report today! Applications of Polylactic Acid? Food Packaging – Used for compostable containers, films, and trays due to its food safety and biodegradability. 3D Printing – Popular as filament material for desktop FDM printers because it's easy to print and environmentally friendly. Biomedical Devices – Employed in sutures, implants, and drug delivery systems thanks to its bioabsorbable properties. Agricultural Films – Applied in mulch films and seedling trays that degrade in soil, reducing plastic waste in farming. Textiles & Fibers – Used in clothing, upholstery, and hygiene products due to its breathable and biodegradable nature. Disposable Tableware – Common in cutlery, plates, and cups for eco-conscious food service applications. Cosmetic Packaging – Selected for sustainable cosmetic containers and jars with a lower environmental footprint. Electronics Casings – Found in cases for phones or gadgets, especially in green product lines. Toys and Consumer Goods – Used in biodegradable toys and homeware for safety and sustainability. Medical Scaffolds – Utilized in tissue engineering as a temporary framework for cell growth and healing. What are Major Factors Responsible for Polylactic Acid Market's Growth? The growing plastic pollution increases demand for PLA. The government regulations on plastic use increase the adoption of PLA in various industries The growing demand for disposable cutlery and food packaging fuels demand for PLA. The rising demand across the textile and automotive industries for various applications. The growing production of electronic components is fueling demand for PLA. Top Exporters of Polylactic Acid in 2023 Country Name Export United States $166 M Netherlands $102 M Thailand $ 91.1 M (Source: Polylactic Acid Market Opportunity What are the Applications of Polylactic Acid in the Medical Industry? Growing Medical Applications: Opportunity to Unlock in Polylactic Acid Market The growing medical applications and rising demand for various medical devices increase the demand for polylactic acid for various applications. The increasing demand for drug delivery increases the adoption of PLA to create nanoparticles and microspheres. PLA helps to control drug release and ensures biocompatibility. The increasing demand for tissue regeneration is fueling demand for PLA to form new tissues and provide structure to cells. The creation of various implants like tissue, bone, and cartilage requires PLA to provide support. The increasing surgeries, like maxillofacial and orthopedic, increase demand for PLA. The rising production of various medical devices like pins, sutures, and screws is fueling demand for PLA due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. The medical applications, like filtration membranes and wound dressing, widely use PLA. The growing shift towards using sustainable materials in medical applications increases the adoption of PLA. The growing medical applications create an opportunity for the polylactic acid the Circular Economy: Sustainability at the Core:As corporations and governments strive toward net-zero goals, PLA plays a vital role in building circular economies. From compostable food packaging to recyclable textile fibers, PLA helps reduce landfill waste and carbon emissions. Ongoing innovation is making PLA even more energy-efficient to produce, further cementing its role as a next-gen sustainable material. Polylactic Acid Market Challenges and Limitations: High Production Cost Limits Expansion of Polylactic Acid Despite several benefits of polylactic acid in various industries, the high production cost restricts the market growth. Factors like a complex manufacturing process, the need for specialized equipment, and the high cost of raw materials are responsible for high production costs. The fluctuations in the prices of raw materials like cassava, corn starch, and sugarcane increase the production cost. The complex manufacturing process, like polymerization, fermentation, and purification of lactic acid, increases the cost. The high investment in the development of PLA facilities leads to higher production costs. The volatility in oil prices increases the cost. The need for specialized processes and equipment fuels production costs. The high production cost hampers the growth of the polylactic acid market. Additionally, the lack of adequate composting infrastructure in many regions hampers PLA's full lifecycle potential. Variability in feedstock prices and supply (especially corn and sugarcane) poses operational risks. PLA also faces growing competition from emerging biopolymers like PHA and PBS, which may offer better performance under certain conditions. Emerging Technologies Shaping PLA Production:Advanced polymerization processes, microbial fermentation, and improved catalyst systems are enabling higher purity PLA at lower cost. AI is also being integrated to optimize process controls and lifecycle analysis. Innovations in blending PLA with starch or natural fibers are expanding its application range in electronics, construction, and consumer goods. Ongoing innovation is focused on developing high-temperature-resistant PLA grades, improving mechanical properties, and exploring new feedstocks like algae. AI-enabled process optimization and enzymatic recycling of PLA waste are gaining attention, making the polymer more scalable and circular. Polylactic Acid Market Scope Report Coverage Statistics Market Size in 2024 USD 968.74 Million Market Size in 2025 USD 1,121.69 Million Market Size in 2030 USD 2,478.62 Million Market Size in 2032 USD 3,165.99 Million Market Size by 2034 USD 3,864.79 Million CAGR 2025-2034 14.73% U.S. Market Size in 2025 USD 199.59 Million U.S. Market Size by 2034 USD 745.27 Million U.S. Market CAGR (2025-2034) 15.76% Base Year 2024 Historic Data 2020 to 2023 Forecast Period 2025 to 2034 Segments Covered Raw Material, Application and Regions Raw Materials Analyzed Cornstarch, Sugarcane & Sugar Beet, Cassava, Others Dominant Raw Material (2024) Cornstarch Top Applications Packaging, Agriculture, Electronics, Textiles, Biomedical, Others Largest Application (2024) Packaging (37.14% revenue share) Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa (MEA) Leading Region (2024) North America (38.94% market share) Top-Contributing Country United States Key Players Nature Works LLC, Corbion Purac, Chongqing bofei biochemical products co., ltd. Synbra, Futerro, Nantong Jiuding Biological Engineering Co. Ltd, Hisun Biomaterials among others. Set up a meeting at your convenience to get more insights instantly! Polylactic Acid Market Segmentation Analysis Raw Material Analysis How Corn Starch Segment Dominated the Polylactic Acid Market? The corn starch segment dominated the polylactic acid market in 2024. The growing demand for cost-effective production of PLA increases the adoption of corn starch. The abundance of corn starch helps in the market growth. The well-established infrastructure for corn production increases the availability of raw materials for the production of PLA. The strong government support for bio-based materials increases demand for corn starch for the production of polylactic acid. The increasing demand for renewable materials for the production of sustainable packaging materials fuels demand for corn starch. The growing demand for PLA derived from corn starch across various industries drives the market growth. The sugarcane & sugar beet segment is growing at a significant rate in the market during the forecast period. The increasing awareness of plastic pollution increases demand for PLA derived from sugarcane or sugar beet. The availability of sugarcane and sugar beet in regions like India, Brazil, and Thailand helps in the market growth. The increasing focus on lowering the carbon footprint fuels demand for sugarcane and sugar beet. The growing cultivation of sugarcane and sugar beet supports the market growth. Application Analysis How Packaging Segment Held the largest Revenue Share of the Polylactic Acid? The packaging segment held the largest revenue share in the polylactic acid market in 2024. The increasing demand for various packaging items like wraps, containers, and trays in the food and beverage industry increases demand for PLA. The rapid growth in e-commerce and the growing demand for sustainable packaging help the market growth. The rising consumer preference for sustainable packaging increases demand for PLA. The focus on reducing plastic pollution increases the adoption of PLA in packaging. The increasing demand for microwavable containers is fueling the adoption of PLA. The rising adoption of eco-friendly practices in packaging fuels demand for PLA. The growing demand for various packaging solutions like containers, food trays, films, and bottles drives the market growth. The textile segment is significantly growing in the market during the forecast period. The growing consumer demand for eco-friendly textiles increases demand for PLA. The increasing demand for home textiles and clothing helps in the market growth. The rising adoption of sustainable practices in the textile industry increases demand for PLA. The demand for suitable, smooth, and comfortable textiles increases the adoption of PLA fabrics. The increasing demand for non-woven fabrics and apparel supports the overall growth of the market. Why did North America Dominate the Polylactic Acid Market? North America dominated the polylactic acid market in 2024. The strong presence of industrial infrastructure and growing advancements in the PLA production help the market growth. The increasing environmental concerns and rising demand for sustainable products in various applications increase the demand for polylactic acid. The strong government support for sustainable materials and focus on reducing plastic waste increases the adoption of PLA. The easily available raw materials, like corn, increase the production of PLA. The growing demand across sectors like textiles, electronics, packaging, medical devices, and automotive in the region drives the market growth. How Big is the U.S. Polylactic Acid Market? According to Precedence Research, the U.S. polylactic acid market size was valued at USD 170.80 million in 2024 and is expected to increase from USD 199.59 million in 2025 to USD 745.27 million by 2034. The U.S. market is registering a healthy CAGR of 15.76% from 2025 to 2034. Polylactic Acid Trends in the United States: In Q4 2023, U.S. PLA prices were around US $3,345/MT in December, a notable decline from prior levels, due to softer demand and inventory buildup. In Q4 2023, U.S. PLA prices were around US $3,345/MT in December—a notable decline from prior levels, due to softer demand and inventory buildup. Accounting for the majority of U.S. PLA consumption and signaling heightened local investment and capacity growth (e.g. via companies like NatureWorks and TotalEnergies Corbion). Note: This report is readily available for immediate delivery. We can review it with you in a meeting to ensure data reliability and quality for decision-making. See what's inside – Access the report sample today! Why is Asia Pacific Growing in the Polylactic Acid Market? Asia Pacific is experiencing the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The increasing consumption of packaged food and the rising demand for sustainable packaging fuel demand for polylactic acid. The supportive government policies for the use of eco-friendly materials increase the adoption of PLA, helping the overall growth of the market. The well-established manufacturing sector in countries like South Korea, China, and Japan increases demand for PLA. The strong industrial base, including agriculture, electronics, and automotive, increases demand for PLA. The expansion of the packaging and textile industry drives the market growth. Polylactic Acid Export Trade in Asia Pacific Countries Country Name Export Year 2023 China $31.9M India $654K Japan $156 M Thailand $91.1M Related Topics You May Find Useful: The global bioresorbable polymers market size was estimated at USD 1.73 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 1.97 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 6.17 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 13.56% from 2025 to 2034. The global ferulic acid market size is estimated at USD 77.89 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach around USD 150.38 million by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 6.80% from 2024 to 2034. The global sulfuric acid market size accounted for USD 15.56 billion in 2024 and is expected to be worth around USD 33.90 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2025 to 2034. The global phosphoric acid market size was estimated at USD 51.83 billion in 2024, and projected to hit around USD 54.21 billion by 2025, and is anticipated to reach around USD 81.26 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.60% from 2025 to 2034. The global boric acid market size accounted for USD 779.17 million in 2024 and is predicted to reach around USD 1157.73 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.04% from 2025 to 2034. Polylactic Acid Market Leading Companies NatureWorks LLC Corbion Purac Chongqing bofei biochemical products co., ltd. Synbra Futerro Nantong Jiuding Biological Engineering Co., Ltd Hisun Biomaterials Polylactic Acid Market Strategic Insights: continues to lead the PLA market with its Ingeo™ brand, backed by strong R&D and global distribution. is expanding production in Asia and Europe, targeting packaging and textiles. focuses on fully integrated PLA production models, including lactic acid recovery. is a new entrant tapping India's sugarcane reserves for domestic PLA innovation. Recent Developments: In April 2025, Praj Industries collaborated with Uhde Ltd to launch PLA technology. The technology focuses on the process from feedstock conversion to polymer production and produces a range of PLA. This PLA is available for industries like hygiene, packaging, and textiles. (Source: In May 2025, Balrampur Chini Mills launched India's first PLA brand in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh. The company is building an industrial-scale PLA plant with a per year capacity of 80000 tonnes. (Source: In December 2024, Acme Mills launched a biobased polylactic acid fabric line, Natura. The product focuses on addressing various environmental concerns, and the fabric reduces greenhouse gas emissions up to 75%. The product range includes needle felts, melt-blown textiles, spunbond nonwovens, and hydroentangled nonwovens. The material is applicable for various industries like packaging, furniture, filtration, food & beverage, automotive, and healthcare. (Source: Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market Segments Covered in the Report By Raw Material Corn Starch Sugarcane & Sugar Beet Cassava Others By Application Packaging Agriculture Transport Electronics Textiles Others By Region North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Sweden Denmark Norway Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Thailand Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Middle East & Africa South Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait Thanks for reading you can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions such as . Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead for PLA The PLA market is entering a phase of industrial scaling, especially in Asia-Pacific and North America. With a global focus on replacing petroleum-based plastics, increased R&D funding, and favorable government initiatives, PLA is poised to become a mainstream material across multiple sectors. The next decade will likely witness cost reduction breakthroughs and the expansion of end-of-life solutions for PLA-based products. You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@ | +1 804 441 9344 This report is Readily Available for Immediate Delivery - Buy This Premium Research Report@ FAQs – Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market 1. What is Polylactic Acid (PLA)?➢ Polylactic acid is a biodegradable, bio-based plastic made from renewable sources like corn starch, sugarcane, or cassava. 2. What is the PLA market size forecasted to reach by 2034?➢ The market is projected to hit USD 3,864.79 million by 2034 from USD 1,121.69 million in 2025. 3. What's driving the growth of the PLA market?➢ Key drivers include rising demand for sustainable packaging, government bans on single-use plastics, and growing applications in textiles, medical, and automotive sectors. 4. What are the top applications of PLA?➢ Major uses include food packaging, 3D printing, biomedical devices, textiles, agricultural films, cosmetic packaging, and electronics casings. 5. Why is PLA popular in the medical industry?➢ PLA is used in drug delivery, implants, sutures, wound dressings, and tissue scaffolds due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. 6. What are the main raw materials used in PLA production?➢ Corn starch (dominant), sugarcane, sugar beet, cassava, and other biomass sources. 7. Which region dominated the PLA market in 2024?➢ North America led with a 38.94% market share in 2024. 8. Which PLA segment held the highest revenue share by application?➢ Packaging, with 37.14% of the market share in 2024. 9. What's the CAGR of the PLA market from 2025 to 2034?➢ The global market is growing at a CAGR of 14.73%; the U.S. market is growing at 15.76%. 10. What are the major challenges in the PLA market?➢ High production costs, feedstock price volatility, limited composting infrastructure, and competition from other bioplastics like PHA and PBS. 11. How is technology shaping the future of PLA?➢ Advances in polymerization, AI in process control, and enzymatic recycling are improving cost-efficiency and scalability. 12. Who are the top players in the PLA market?➢ NatureWorks LLC, Corbion Purac, Futerro, Synbra, and Hisun Biomaterials. 13. What recent developments are shaping the PLA market? Balrampur Chini Mills launched India's first PLA brand. Praj Industries partnered with Uhde Ltd for end-to-end PLA production. Acme Mills launched PLA-based eco-friendly fabrics. 14. Which country exported the most PLA in 2023?➢ The United States led with USD 166 million in exports. 15. Why is Asia Pacific growing rapidly in this market?➢ Due to rising demand for sustainable packaging, government support, and a robust manufacturing sector Stay Ahead with Precedence Research Subscriptions Unlock exclusive access to powerful market intelligence, real-time data, and forward-looking insights, tailored to your business. From trend tracking to competitive analysis, our subscription plans keep you informed, agile, and ahead of the curve. Browse Our Subscription Plans@ About Us Precedence Research is a worldwide market research and consulting organization. We give an unmatched nature of offering to our customers present all around the globe across industry verticals. Precedence Research has expertise in giving deep-dive market insight along with market intelligence to our customers spread crosswise over various undertakings. We are obliged to serve our different client base present over the enterprises of medicinal services, healthcare, innovation, next-gen technologies, semi-conductors, chemicals, automotive, and aerospace & defense, among different ventures present globally. Web: Our Trusted Data Partners: Towards Healthcare | Towards Packaging | Towards Automotive | Towards Chem and Materials | Towards FnB | Towards Consumer Goods | Statifacts | Towards EV Solutions | Towards Dental | Nova One Advisor Get Recent News: For the Latest Update Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | TwitterError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Young engineer develops game-changing solution to pressing global issue: 'Creates a full circular system'
These days, plastic is everywhere, from the bottled water we drink to the cases that house many of our most important electronics. Unfortunately, that means plastic waste is also everywhere. Plastic litter has been found all over the globe. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a horrifying example of plastic excess. Plastic litter has even been discovered in remote areas of the Himalayas. This is why any technological innovation that limits the amount of plastic we use is welcome. As Euronews detailed, a young Austrian engineer has developed a game-changing invention that could revolutionize the way electronics are packaged. Franziska Kerber created PAPE, a paper-based alternative for the plastic used in the casings of small electronics. The product is sturdy, yet biodegradable, which means facilities don't need to employ shredding or chemical separation when electronics are discarded. The brilliant 24-year-old designer approached the development of PAPE with the goals of creating circular systems and encouraging material reuse. The hope is that products such as Wi-Fi routers and smoke detectors, as well as the casing they come in, can be properly recycled. This is just one innovation that could deal with the plastic problem. For example, researchers at the University of Texas A&M have created a biodegradable plastic made from soldier fly carcasses. Elsewhere, a team from the University of Michigan is developing innovative ways to break down single-use plastics without the toxic effects. This is great news because plastic waste is a multifaceted problem. First and foremost, plastic waste stays around for a long time. For instance, plastic straws take 200 years to break down, according to the World Wildlife Fund. What's more, microplastics are so ubiquitous that they have been discovered in people's bloodstreams. This can lead to a myriad of health concerns that we are only beginning to understand. Should companies be required to help recycle their own products? Definitely No way It depends on the product They should get tax breaks instead Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. There are many ways for us to limit plastic waste. We can support brands that are focused on circular use, and we can also recycle our old electronics. Perhaps most importantly, we can choose non-plastic options for everyday products. Kerber was understandably excited about the potential of her idea. "Electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream worldwide and most electronic products are not designed in a way for them to be recycled," she told Euronews. "So I was aiming to create a product that not only improves recyclability, but creates a full circular system around it." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
