The growth of the market is majorly driven by a rising desire from the packaging sector globally. The increasing priority for sustainable practices in the manufacturing of plastic and the acceptance of bio-plasticizers in the textile sector is also enhancing the market’s expansion. These bio-based plasticizers provide eco-friendliness & more tensile strength as compared to traditional plastics, making them the best choice for several sectors.
The Bio-plasticizers market is observing significant growth fueled by the increasing attention on environmental concerns & sustainable development. As customers become more attentive towards the impact of plastic materials on the environment, they are shifting towards bio-plasticizers as a viable alternative to traditional PVC. The usage of bio-plasticizers has expanded across several applications, such as cosmetics,
food packaging, toys, & medical techniques, because of their phthalate-free characteristics & naturally occurring properties.
These bio-based plasticizers provide desirable properties, like reduced brittleness & malleability, making them the preferred choice in the sector. While the manufacturing of bio-based plasticizers may include more costs, they play an important role in improving the features of polymers & enhancing their entire usability. In this context,
Bio-Acetic Acid has gained attention as a key ingredient for formulating next-generation bio-based compounds that are both effective and sustainable.
Key Takeaways
- Market Growth: The global bio-plasticizers market was valued at USD 3,381.8 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 7,302.4 million by 2032, registering a robust 8.9% CAGR.
- Major Driver: Growth is mainly propelled by rising demand in packaging, increased focus on sustainability, and expanded adoption across textiles and consumer goods sectors for eco-friendly alternatives.
- Product Leadership: Epoxidized Soybean Oil (ESBO) is the leading product type, driven by health and environmental regulations and growing preferences for natural substitutes over traditional plasticizers.
- Dominant Application: Packaging materials represent the largest application segment, fueled by strict regulations on plastics and increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging solutions globally.
- Regional Leader: North America leads the market with a 36.3% share, supported by stringent regulations and rising demand for bio-based packaging, especially in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
- Competitive Strategies: Major industry players are focusing on strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and environmentally driven product innovations to strengthen market positions and expand portfolios.
- Sustainability Focus: Shifting from phthalate-based to plant-based alternatives is driven by health and safety concerns, aligning the market with global trends in sustainability and safer plastic materials.
Use Cases
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Packaging manufacturers can use bio-plasticizers to produce sustainable, food-safe containers and wraps, meeting environmental regulations and growing consumer demand for green products.
- Medical Device Production: Healthcare companies can develop safer, non-phthalate tubing and medical bags using bio-plasticizers, reducing patient risks and improving compliance with health standards.
- Consumer Goods Manufacturing: Producers of toys, footwear, and household items can employ bio-plasticizers to improve product flexibility and safety, appealing to health-conscious and eco-friendly consumers.
- Automotive Interior Materials: Car manufacturers can integrate bio-plasticizers into dashboards and seat covers, minimizing toxic emissions and enhancing vehicle sustainability for environmentally focused markets.
- Textile Coating Solutions: Textile industry players can leverage bio-plasticizers for coatings on fabrics, offering durable and eco-conscious alternatives to conventional chemicals, with added value for green branding.
- Electrical Cable Insulation: Electrical companies can use bio-plasticizers in wire and cable insulation, providing flexibility and improved safety while aligning with industry moves toward non-toxic, sustainable materials.
Bio Plasticizers Market Dynamics
The Bio-plasticizers Market in the United States is anticipated to observe significant growth for the period 2023-2032, majorly because of the enhanced demand for bio-based packaging in the sector of food & consumer goods. The acceptance of bio-plasticizers is on the rise as they complement sustainable processes, promoting efficiency in resource utilization, reduction in waste, and control of pollution, fostering opportunities for development, innovation & economic growth.
Additionally, the rising focus on the reduction of waste & composting programs, exemplified by initiatives including the United States 2030 Food Loss & Waste Reduction Goal, is expected to drive the market for compostable bio-based plastic bags designed for the collection of organic waste and food remnants. These factors together bolster the optimistic outlook for the bio-plasticizers market in the upcoming future.
The demand for PVC (polyvinyl chloride) for several purposes & the increase in packaging firms looking for eco-friendly plastic films contribute to the growth of bio-plasticizers. The enhancement in the development of bio-plasticizers becomes more important because of the health concerns associated with phthalate-based plasticizers used traditionally as they come in contact with bodily fluids. The ban on traditional phthalate-based plasticizers has further driven the advancement of environmentally friendly plant-based alternatives for medical products, food packaging, & consumer goods. Additionally, the inclusion of
Bio-polybutadiene in bio-plasticizer formulations provides improved elasticity and durability, especially for applications requiring high-performance materials. However, the strict policies & use of harmful raw materials in some bio-plasticizer manufacturing processes may pose challenges to the market's growth.
Despite these hurdles, the bio-plasticizers market is anticipated to witness significant growth in the forecast period. Overall, the shift towards bio-plasticizers represents a positive step towards more sustainable & safer plastic materials, and with continued development & innovation in the sector, the demand for bio-plasticizers is likely to increase substantially, outpacing traditional plasticizers.
Research Scope and Analysis
By Product
ESBO (Epoxidized Soybean Oil) dominates the bio-plasticizers market, holding a maximum share in 2023. Epoxidized Soybean Oil is a plasticizer obtained from soybean oil, extensively used in plastic materials, especially PVC (polyvinyl chloride), across several sectors including packaging, construction, & consumer goods to enhance durability & flexibility.
The rising desire for Epoxidized Soybean Oil can be accredited to numerous factors, including health & environmental considerations, alongside regulatory mandates concerning traditional plasticizers. The rising consciousness regarding the health & environmental impacts & bad effects of traditional plasticizers has resulted in a rise in demand for substitutes for traditional plasticizers, i.e., bio-based alternatives such as Epoxidized Soybean Oil. Additionally, manufacturers are nowadays shifting towards these environmentally friendly substitutes to meet the demand in the market and adhere to environmental policies.
By Application
The segment of packaging materials dominates the bio-plasticizers market within the application segment, holding a maximum share in 2023, closely tracked by consumer goods. Bio-plasticizers are majorly used in packaging sectors, including personal care packaging, food & beverage packaging, films & sheets, & household care products packaging.
The rising customer choices for eco-friendly packaging solutions & increasing consciousness regarding landfill pollution globally have fostered the acceptance of packaging products made from bio-plasticizers. Moreover, strict bans on disposable plastics executed in several nations, like Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, & various states of the United States like California, New York, & Hawaii, have further driven the desire for bio-plasticizer-based plastics in the market.
The sector of consumer goods also plays a vital role in propelling the growth of the bio-plasticizer-based plastics market. This segment consists of e-devices, home products, & several other customer products.
Biodegradable plastics find widespread utilization in manufacturing items such as loudspeakers, vacuum cleaners, mobile cases, & touch-screen computer cases, complementing the increasing customer demand for sustainable & eco-friendly materials in consumer goods.
The Global Bio Plasticizers Market Report is segmented on the basis of the following:
By Product
- Epoxidized Soyabean Oil (ESBO)
- Castor Oil-Based Plasticizers
- Citrates
- Succinic Acid
- Others
By Application
- Consumer Goods
- Automotive & Transport
- Packaging Materials
- Building & Constructions
- Agriculture & Horticulture
- Textiles
- Others
Bio Plasticizers Market Regional Analysis
North America held the dominance in the bio-plasticizers market with the maximum share of
36.3%, majorly driven by the rising desire from the packaging sector in nations such as Canada, the United States, & Mexico. The region's priority to reduce pollution in the environment & embrace eco-friendly packaging solutions has resulted in a rise in demand for bio-plasticizers in the sector of packaging.
Strict policies & regulations by the government and initiatives or measures taken by the United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), like short-term cleanups of sites of hazardous waste & NPL (National Priorities List), are anticipated to further fuel the regional demand for bio-plasticizers in the upcoming years.
Moreover, the bio-plasticizers market in the United States is poised for significant growth for the period 2023-2032, driven by the increasing demand for packaging that is bio-based in the food & consumer goods sectors. Bio-plasticizer-dependent plastics provide more tensile strength & are both environmentally friendly & easy to use as compared to conventional forms of plastics. Additionally, measures by the government such as ASTM D6400, defining the criteria for biodegradable & compostable products not only strengthen the demand for bio-plasticizers in the area but also advance the market for environmentally-friendly substitutes.
By Region
North America
Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- ANZ
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa
- Israel
- Egypt
- Rest of MEA
Bio Plasticizers Market Competitive Landscape
Global players in the market are adopting strategic partnerships, capacity expansions, and new product developments to strengthen their positions. For instance, Cargill, Incorporated's acquisition of Arkema's epoxide business in September 2021 allowed them to broaden their presence in the bio-plasticizer manufacturing sector, aligning with the growing demand for bio-based industrial solutions.
In February 2023, Avient expanded its portfolio by introducing bio-based polyolefins with natural fillers like recycled coffee grounds and cellulose fibers, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventionally filled polyolefins. Moreover, Evonik Industries AG, BASF SE, and Chemtura Corporation forecasted robust expansion in the plastic additives market by 2030, driven by the booming construction industry worldwide, which will consequently fuel market growth.
These proactive steps by industry players demonstrate their commitment to innovation and sustainability, catering to the evolving market demands and contributing to the growth of the bio-plasticizers market.
Some of the prominent players in the Global Bio Plasticizers Market are:
- Avient Corporation
- BASF SE
- Matrica SpA
- Dow, Inc.
- DIC Corporation
- Evonik Industries AG
- Solvay
- PolyOne Corporation
- ACS Technical Products
- Emery Oleochemicals
- Other Key Players
Recent Developments
- In January 2024, Perstorp launched PevalenTM Pro 100, a new bio-based plasticizer for PVC with around 80% lower carbon footprint, significantly advancing sustainable plasticizing technology.
- In February 2024, Cargill announced an agreement to acquire Arkema’s epoxides division, boosting its production capabilities for bio-based polyols and plasticizers by integrating new manufacturing assets.
- In May 2024, Dow Inc. and New Energy Blue entered a long-term supply agreement for bio-based ethylene, supporting Dow’s move into recyclable plastics and sustainable bio-plasticizer inputs for various sectors.
- In October 2024, the bio-plasticizer market was highlighted for its growth prospects as industry investment and AI-driven applications expanded in bio-plasticizer usage across automotive and packaging.
- In October 2024, Petronas Chemicals completed the acquisition of Perstorp Holding, strengthening its specialty chemicals portfolio and expanding its presence in the global bio-plasticizers market.
Report Details
| Report Characteristics |
| Market Size (2023) |
USD 3,381.8 Mn |
| Forecast Value (2032) |
USD 7,302.4 Mn |
| CAGR (2023-2032) |
8.9% |
| Historical Data |
2017 - 2022 |
| Forecast Data |
2023 - 2032 |
| Base Year |
2022 |
| Estimate Year |
2023 |
| Report Coverage |
Market Revenue Estimation, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and etc. |
| Segments Covered |
By Product (Epoxidized Soyabean Oil, Castor Oil- Based Plasticizers, Citrates, Succinic Acid, and Others), and By Application (Consumer Goods, Automotive & Transport, Packaging Materials, Building & Constructions, Agriculture & Horticulture, Textiles, and Others). |
| Regional Coverage |
North America – The US and Canada; Europe – Germany, The UK, France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Nordic, & Rest of Europe; Asia- Pacific– China, Japan, South Korea, India, ANZ, ASEAN, Rest of APAC; Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Rest of Latin America; Middle East & Africa – Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, & Rest of MEA |
| Prominent Players |
Avient Corporation, BASF SE, Matrica SpA, Dow, Inc., DIC Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, Solvay, PolyOne Corporation, ACS Technical Products, Emery Oleochemicals, and Other Key Players. |
| Purchase Options |
We have three licenses to opt for: Single User License (Limited to 1 user), Multi-User License (Up to 5 Users), and Corporate Use License (Unlimited User) along with free report customization equivalent to 0 analyst working days, 3 analysts working days and 5 analysts working days respectively. |