Bioplastic Textiles Market Report

The market trends for bioplastic textiles indicate to a wide use of bioplastic fabrics in diverse applications, such as footwear, clothing, and accessories. Manufacturers of clothing and footwear prefer bioplastic fabrics mostly owing to environmental sustainability, volatile petroleum prices, and the high price of natural gas, which is the major feedstock for synthetic plastic manufacture. Global bioplastics production capacity is expected to rise significantly from 2.41 Mn tonnes in 2021 to 7.59 Mn tonnes in 2026. As a result, for the first time, the percentage of bioplastics in global plastic manufacturing will exceed 2%.

Manufacturers not only include bioplastic textiles in their products, but they also promote them as environmentally safe. As a result, various initiatives by renowned firms are increasing demand for bioplastic textiles. Rain Poncho, a raincoat manufactured by Equilicua in Spain, is a perfect example of a bioplastic protective coating. The raincoat is manufactured of potato starch. This raincoat is completely compostable and biodegradable, non-toxic,c and does not harm the environment. Furthermore, the written information on the raincoat informs consumers about the advantages of bioplastic textiles and biodegradable materials to increase consumer awareness.

Cassava is frequently utilized as a raw material to manufacture starch bioplastic in an effort to reduce the negative environmental effects of plastic production. Cassava peels' high starch content has been shown in studies to help in the production of bioplastics. Cassava is more readily available and more durable than corn starch. It is also very sustainable in rural regions due to its ease of cultivation and harvesting.

The bio-polyamide (Bio-PA) sector is expected to have a sizable market share. The most advanced bio-manufacturing polymer is bio-polyamide (Bio-PA). It is a new class of bioplastics made up of renewable sources like natural fats and oils. They are widely used in a variety of applications, including carpets, sports shoes, outdoor apparel, and toothbrushes. Increasing developments in textile engineering will boost product penetration in the upcoming decades.

Bioplastics are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than standard plastics; however, this is not always the case when the material's lifespan is considered. Due to the pesticides and fertilizers used to cultivate crops, as well as the chemical process required to convert organic material into plastics, the production of bioplastics causes higher levels of pollution. Bioplastic is more expensive than normal polymers, which limits market growth. This is due to the high polymerization cost of bio-based polymers and the processes have yet to achieve economies of scale due to their developing stage. Bioplastics lack mechanical properties when compared to conventional polymers, restricting their market penetration in the textile industry.

HeiQ announced the launch of HeiQ Allergen Tech, a 100% biobased proprietary textile, in September 2022. To improve the performance of textiles used in bedding and furniture, textile technology aims to reduce inanimate allergens such as home dust and pet allergies.

Modern Meadow, a U.S.-based firm, launched the first bio-leather materials brand Zoa, artificial leather, in March 2021. It is a novel class of fabricated materials that are combined using biological building blocks to provide unique structural and functional properties. ZOA has a carbon footprint that really is 80% less than that of leather and 25% less than that of synthetic leather.

Emblem Asia (a Unitika subsidiary) set up a new Bi-axially Oriented Polyamide (BOPA) production plant in August 2022. The new unit will contribute to increasing bioplastics' annual production capacity from 16,500 tonnes to 26,500 tonnes.

Welspun India and DuPont Biomaterials collaborated on October 4, 2021, to unveil a new home textile line made of bio-based materials, including bath towels and bed sheets. The collection was developed to address the rising need for home textile products that not only function well but are also environmentally friendly. 

Patagonia signed a two-year agreement with Puma, Carbois, Salomon, and On in July 2022 to help these apparel consortiums improve the recyclability and circularity of their products.

Teijinl, Nature Works LLC, Ercros S.A, Pumal, Unitika, Patagonia, FKuR, Galatea Bio Tech, Reebok, Mango Materials, Pond Aps, Genomatica, ZS Fabrics, BASF SE, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Biome Bioplastics, Corbion, NaturePlast, Bio-on SpA, Bucha Bio Inc., Lacoste, Gucci and Offset Warehouse are some of the prominent market players operating in the global bioplastic textiles market.

With over 6000 registered firms in Germany, the textile sector is the largest in Europe, making Germany the region's crown gem. BioTexFuture is a research initiative funded by the German government that aims to increase the use of bioplastic materials in the textile industry. Adidas, a sportswear company, and RWTH Aachen University are leading the research. Furthermore, due to increased demand for eco-friendly items and a shift in consumer behavior, Germany is a pioneer in the usage of bioplastics.

The government is also investing in research to develop and expand bio-based materials for use in the textile industry. Furthermore, favorable government initiatives such as a ban on non-biodegradable and single-use plastics are likely to boost regional demand. Furthermore, the presence of important companies in the region, as well as the entrance of several small and medium-sized firms, is boosting the production of bioplastics, resulting in increased demand.