The Global Market for Biocomposites 2023-2033

Published March 2023 | 355 pages, 101 figures, 92 tables | Download table of contents

Biobased composites (Biocomposites) are generally referred to as composites with either reinforcement or matrix derived from natural sources, or encompassing both (full biocomposites). Biocomposites are produced from naturally-renewable and abundant precursor feedstocks, and possess properties equivalent, on a weight basis, to their synthetic counterparts.Issues with recycling and the underlying environmental concerns regarding synthetic based composites is driving growing interest in biocomposites.

The most commonly used types of biocomposites are Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC) and Natural Fibre Composites (NFC). Natural and wood fibers are combined with petrochemical or bio-based polymers to achieve enhanced mechanical and lightweight properties. Thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers are also increasingly being developed from bio-based chemicals and natural materials such as mycelium and alginate.

Report includes:

In-depth analysis of the global biocomposites market.
Global biocomposites market trends and drivers.
Market demand for biocomposites, by end user market, forecast to 2033.
Market segmentation and applications analysis. Markets covered include:
- rigid packaging.
- flexible packaging.
- automotive.
- building & construction.
- electronics.
- aerospace.
- sports & leisure equipment.
Advantages of biocomposites over synthetic composites.
Profiles of 181 companies in biocomposites. Companies profiled include Cruz Foam, Ecovative Design LLC, Bcomp Ltd., Ecovative, INCA Renewtech,, Lingrove, Inc., MOGU S.r.l., Natural Fiber Welding, Inc., Norwegian Mycelium AS (NoMy), OrganoClick, Plafco Fibertech and Seevix Material Sciences Ltd.

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 20

1.1 Synthetic and bio-based composites 20
1.2 Wood and natural fiber biocomposites 22
1.3 Market trends and drivers 26
1.4 Markets and applications for biocomposites 29
1.5 Global production capacities of biobased and sustainable plastics 31
1.6 Global market demand 2019-2033 32
1.7 Challenges for biocomposites 33

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 35

3 BIOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS 36

3.1 Natural Fibers 36
- 3.1.1 Plant 36
- 3.1.2 Animal 37
- 3.1.3 Mineral 38
3.2 Matrices 38
- 3.2.1 Thermoplastic polymers 38
- 3.2.2 Thermosetting polymers 39

4 BIO-BASED POLYMERS AND RESINS 41

4.1 Polyamides (Bio-PA) 41
- 4.1.1 Market analysis 41
- 4.1.2 Polyamide biocomposites 42
- 4.1.3 Producers and production capacities 43
4.2 Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (Bio-PBAT)- Aliphatic aromatic copolyesters 43
- 4.2.1 Market analysis 43
- 4.2.2 PBAT biocomposites 44
- 4.2.3 Producers and production capacities 44
4.3 Polybutylene succinate (PBS) and copolymers 45
- 4.3.1 Market analysis 45
- 4.3.2 Poly(Butylene Succinate) biocomposites 46
- 4.3.3 Producers and production capacities 46
4.4 Polyethylene (Bio-PE) 47
- 4.4.1 Market analysis 47
- 4.4.2 Bio-Polyethylene biocomposites 47
- 4.4.3 Producers and production capacities 48
4.5 Polypropylene (Bio-PP) 48
- 4.5.1 Market analysis 48
- 4.5.2 Bio-Polypropylene biocomposites 49
- 4.5.3 Producers and production capacities 49
4.6 Polylactic acid (Bio-PLA) 50
- 4.6.1 Market analysis 50
- 4.6.2 Polylactic Acid (PLA) Biocomposites 51
- 4.6.3 Producers and production capacities, current and planned 52
  - 4.6.3.1 Lactic acid producers and production capacities 52
  - 4.6.3.2 PLA producers and production capacities 52
4.7 Lignin 53
- 4.7.1 Lignin structure 55
- 4.7.2 Types of lignin 56
  - 4.7.2.1 Sulfur containing lignin 58
  - 4.7.2.2 Sulfur-free lignin from biorefinery process 58
- 4.7.3 Properties 59
- 4.7.4 Phenol and phenolic resins 62
- 4.7.5 Lignin composites 63
- 4.7.6 Automotive composites 64
4.8 Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) 65
- 4.8.1 Market analysis 65
- 4.8.2 Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) biocomposites 66
- 4.8.3 Producers 67
4.9 Cellulose nanocrystals 68
- - 4.9.1 Market analysis 68
  - 4.9.2 Cellulose nanocrystals biocomposites 69
  - 4.9.3 Producers 72
4.10 Cellulose nanofibers 73
- 4.10.1 Market analysis 73
- 4.10.2 Cellulose nanofibers biocomposites 74
  - 4.10.2.1 Construction composites 78
  - 4.10.2.2 Automotive composites 79
  - 4.10.2.3 Aerospace composites 82
- 4.10.3 Producers 83
4.11 Bacterial Nanocellulose, Biocellulose (BNC) 84
- 4.11.1 Properties 84
- 4.11.2 BNC biocomposites 85
4.12 Starch 85
- 4.12.1 Thermoplastic starch (TPS) biocomposites 85
- 4.12.2 Producers 86
4.13 Mycelium 88
- 4.13.1 Mycelium biocomposites 89
4.14 Chitosan 90
- 4.14.1 Chitosan biocomposites 91
4.15 Alginate 92
- 4.15.1 Alginate biocomposites 93
4.16 Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) 94
- 4.16.1 Technology description 94
- 4.16.2 Types 96
  - 4.16.2.1 PHB 97
  - 4.16.2.2 PHBV 98
- 4.16.3 Synthesis and production processes 99
- 4.16.4 Market analysis 102
- 4.16.5 Commercially available PHAs 103
- 4.16.6 Producers and production capacities 105
- 4.16.7 PHA biocomposites 106

5 NATURAL FIBER BIOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS 109

5.1 Manufacturing method, matrix materials and applications of natural fibers 110
5.2 Advantages of natural fibers 113
5.3 Chemical Treatment of Natural Fibers 114
5.4 Plants (cellulose, lignocellulose) 115
- 5.4.1 Seed fibers 115
  - 5.4.1.1 Luffa 115
  - 5.4.1.2 Banana 116
  - 5.4.1.3 Bast fibers 117
  - 5.4.1.4 Hemp 117
  - 5.4.1.5 Flax 119
  - 5.4.1.6 Kenaf 120
- 5.4.2 Leaf fibers 120
  - 5.4.2.1 Sisal 120
  - 5.4.2.2 Abaca 121
- 5.4.3 Fruit fibers 122
  - 5.4.3.1 Coir 122
  - 5.4.3.2 Pineapple 123
- 5.4.4 Stalk fibers from agricultural residues 124
  - 5.4.4.1 Rice fiber 124
  - 5.4.4.2 Corn 125
- 5.4.5 Cane, grasses and reed 126
  - 5.4.5.1 Switch grass 126
  - 5.4.5.2 Sugarcane (agricultural residues) 126
  - 5.4.5.3 Bamboo 127
  - 5.4.5.4 Fresh grass (green biorefinery) 128

6 BIOCOMPOSITE MARKETS 129

6.1 Natural Fiber Composites 129
- 6.1.1 Applications 129
- 6.1.2 Natural fiber injection moulding compounds 131
  - 6.1.2.1 Properties 131
  - 6.1.2.2 Applications 132
- 6.1.3 Non-woven natural fiber mat composites 132
  - 6.1.3.1 Automotive 132
  - 6.1.3.2 Applications 133
- 6.1.4 Aligned natural fiber-reinforced composites 133
- 6.1.5 Natural fiber biobased polymer compounds 134
- 6.1.6 Natural fiber biobased polymer non-woven mats 135
  - 6.1.6.1 Flax 135
  - 6.1.6.2 Kenaf 135
- 6.1.7 Natural fiber thermoset bioresin composites 135
6.2 Packaging 136
- 6.2.1 Flexible packaging 137
  - 6.2.1.1 Market overview 137
  - 6.2.1.2 Global market demand 2019-2033 139
- 6.2.2 Rigid packaging 139
  - 6.2.2.1 Market overview 139
  - 6.2.2.2 Global market demand 2019-2033 141
6.3 Automotive 142
- 6.3.1 Market overview 142
- 6.3.2 Global market demand 2019-2033 148
6.4 Building & construction 149
- 6.4.1 Market overview 149
- 6.4.2 Global market demand 2019-2033 151
6.5 Electronics 151
- 6.5.1 Market overview 151
- 6.5.2 Global market demand 2019-2033 152
6.6 Aerospace 152
- 6.6.1 Market overview 152
- 6.6.2 Global market demand 2019-2033 154
6.7 Sports and leisure equipment 155
- 6.7.1 Market overview 155
- 6.7.2 Global market demand 2019-2033 156
6.8 Biomedicine 157
- 6.8.1 Market overview 157

7 COMPANY PROFILES 158 (181 company profiles)

8 REFERENCES 348

List of Tables

Table 1. Mechanical properties of natural and synthetic fibers. 22
Table 2. Types of natural fibers, properties and applications. 24
Table 3. Market trends in biocomposites. 26
Table 4. Markets and applications for biocomposites. 29
Table 5. Challenges for biocomposites. 33
Table 6. Mechanical properties of natural and man-made fibers. 37
Table 7. Properties of bio-based and synthetic resin systems. 39
Table 8. Properties of polymer matrices. 40
Table 9. Bio-based polyamides (Bio-PA) market analysis - manufacture, advantages, disadvantages and applications. 41
Table 10. Leading Bio-PA producers production capacities. 43
Table 11. Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) market analysis- manufacture, advantages, disadvantages and applications. 43
Table 12. Leading PBAT producers, production capacities and brands. 44
Table 13. Bio-PBS market analysis-manufacture, advantages, disadvantages and applications. 45
Table 14. Leading PBS producers and production capacities. 46
Table 15. Bio-based Polyethylene (Bio-PE) market analysis- manufacture, advantages, disadvantages and applications. 47
Table 16. Leading Bio-PE producers. 48
Table 17. Bio-PP market analysis- manufacture, advantages, disadvantages and applications. 48
Table 18. Leading Bio-PP producers and capacities. 49
Table 19. Polylactic acid (PLA) market analysis-manufacture, advantages, disadvantages and applications. 50
Table 20. Lactic acid producers and production capacities. 52
Table 21. PLA producers and production capacities. 52
Table 22. Application of lignin in composites. 54
Table 23. Technical lignin types and applications. 56
Table 24. Classification of technical lignins. 58
Table 25. Lignin content of selected biomass. 59
Table 26. Properties of lignins and their applications. 60
Table 27. Example markets and applications for lignin. 61
Table 28. Lignin as filler in lignin-based biocomposites. 63
Table 29. Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) market analysis. 65
Table 30. Market overview for cellulose microfibers (microfibrillated cellulose) in composites-market age, key benefits, applications and producers. 66
Table 31. Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC) production capacities in metric tons and production process, by producer, metric tons. 67
Table 32. Cellulose nanocrystals analysis. 68
Table 33. CNC properties. 70
Table 34. Mechanical properties of CNC and other reinforcement materials. 70
Table 35. Applications of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). 71
Table 36. Cellulose nanocrystal production capacities and production process, by producer. 72
Table 37. Cellulose nanofibers market analysis. 73
Table 38. Comparative properties of polymer composites reinforcing materials. 74
Table 39. Market assessment for cellulose nanofibers in composites-application, key benefits and motivation for use, megatrends, market drivers, technology drawbacks, competing materials, material loading, main global composites OEMs. 75
Table 40. Market assessment for cellulose nanofibers in construction composites-application, key benefits and motivation for use, megatrends, market drivers, technology drawbacks, competing materials, material loading, main global construction OEMs 78
Table 41. Market assessment for cellulose nanofibers in automotive composites-application, key benefits and motivation for use, megatrends, market drivers, technology drawbacks, competing materials, material loading, main global automotive OEMs. 80
Table 42. Market assessment for cellulose nanofibers in aerospace composites-application, key benefits and motivation for use, megatrends, market drivers, technology drawbacks, competing materials, material loading. 82
Table 43. CNF production capacities and production process, by producer, in metric tons. 83
Table 44. Starch-based bioplastic producers. 86
Table 45. Overview of mycelium fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 88
Table 46. Overview of chitosan fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 91
Table 47. Overview of alginate-description, properties, application and market size. 92
Table 48.Types of PHAs and properties. 97
Table 49. Comparison of the physical properties of different PHAs with conventional petroleum-based polymers. 98
Table 50. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) extraction methods. 101
Table 51. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) market analysis. 102
Table 52. Commercially available PHAs. 104
Table 53. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) producers. 105
Table 54. Markets and applications for PHAs. 106
Table 55. Applications, advantages and disadvantages of PHAs in packaging. 107
Table 56. Application, manufacturing method, and matrix materials of natural fibers. 112
Table 57. Advantages and disadvantages of natural and glass fibers through life cycle stages: cradle, gate, use, grave. 113
Table 58. Typical properties of natural fibers. 114
Table 59. Overview of luffa fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 115
Table 60. Overview of banana fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 116
Table 61. Overview of hemp fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 118
Table 62. Overview of flax fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 119
Table 63. Overview of kenaf fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 120
Table 64. Overview of sisal fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 120
Table 65. Overview of abaca fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 121
Table 66. Overview of coir fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 122
Table 67. Overview of pineapple fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 123
Table 68. Overview of rice fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 124
Table 69. Overview of corn fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 125
Table 70. Overview of switch grass fibers-description, properties and applications. 126
Table 71. Overview of sugarcane fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and application and market size. 126
Table 72. Overview of bamboo fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 127
Table 73. Applications of natural fiber composites. 129
Table 74. Typical properties of short natural fiber-thermoplastic composites. 131
Table 75. Properties of non-woven natural fiber mat composites. 133
Table 76. Properties of aligned natural fiber composites. 134
Table 77. Properties of natural fiber-bio-based polymer compounds. 134
Table 78. Properties of natural fiber-bio-based polymer non-woven mats. 135
Table 79. Comparison of bioplastics’ (PLA and PHAs) properties to other common polymers used in product packaging. 137
Table 80. Typical applications for bioplastics in flexible packaging. 138
Table 81. Typical applications for bioplastics in rigid packaging. 141
Table 82. Biocomposites in the automotive sector- market drivers, applications and challenges for NF use. 142
Table 83. Biocomposites in the automotive market, by manufacturer. 143
Table 84. Applications of natural fibers in the automotive industry. 145
Table 85. Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite in the automotive market. 147
Table 86. Biocomposites in the building/construction sector- market drivers, applications and challenges for NF use. 149
Table 87. Applications of natural fibers in the building/construction sector. 150
Table 88. Biocomposites in the aerospace sector-market drivers, applications and challenges for NF use. 153
Table 89. Biocomposites in the sports and leisure sector-market drivers, applications and challenges for NF use. 156
Table 90. Granbio Nanocellulose Processes. 245
Table 91. Lactips plastic pellets. 262
Table 92. Oji Holdings CNF products. 290

List of Figures

Figure 1. NOTOX Nshape Pro board constructed with EPS foam, flax and bio-epoxy resin. 20
Figure 2. Classification of biocomposites. 21
Figure 3. Greenboats FLAX27 daysailer constructed with ampliTexTM flax fibres and bio-based resin system. 22
Figure 4. Flax composite satellite panel. 23
Figure 5. Global production capacities of biobased and sustainable plastics in 2019-2033, by type, in 1,000 tons. 31
Figure 6. Global market demand for biocomposites 2019-2033, by market, in 1,000 tons. 32
Figure 7. High purity lignin. 54
Figure 8. Lignocellulose architecture. 55
Figure 9. Extraction processes to separate lignin from lignocellulosic biomass and corresponding technical lignins. 56
Figure 10. Schematic of WISA plywood home. 64
Figure 11. SEM image of microfibrillated cellulose. 65
Figure 12. TEM image of cellulose nanocrystals. 69
Figure 13. CNC slurry. 71
Figure 14. Interior of NCV concept car. 80
Figure 15. Typical structure of mycelium-based foam. 89
Figure 16. Commercial mycelium composite construction materials. 90
Figure 17. BLOOM masterbatch from Algix. 93
Figure 18. PHA family. 96
Figure 19. Types of natural fibers. 110
Figure 20. Composite constituents of NFRCs. 111
Figure 21. Luffa cylindrica fiber. 116
Figure 22. Pineapple fiber. 124
Figure 23. Full natural fibre bodywork kit on Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 CS MR. 132
Figure 24. Hemp fibers combined with PP in car door panel. 135
Figure 25. Notpla water bottle. 136
Figure 26. Global market demand for biocomposites 2019-2033, in flexible packaging, in 1,000 tons. 139
Figure 27. Sulupac packaging. 140
Figure 28. Shellworks packaging. 140
Figure 29. Global market demand for biocomposites 2019-2033, in rigid packaging, in 1,000 tons. 141
Figure 30. Car door produced from Hemp fiber. 145
Figure 31. Natural fiber composites in the BMW M4 GT4 racing car. 146
Figure 32. Mercedes-Benz components containing natural fibers. 146
Figure 33. Global market demand for biocomposites 2019-2033, in automotive, in 1,000 tons. 148
Figure 34. Global market demand for biocomposites 2019-2033, in building and construction, in 1,000 tons. 151
Figure 35. Global market demand for biocomposites 2019-2033, in electronics, in 1,000 tons. 152
Figure 36. Global market demand for biocomposites 2019-2033, in aerospace, in 1,000 tons. 154
Figure 37. Lonely Mountain natural fiber snowboard. 155
Figure 38. Global market demand for biocomposites 2019-2033, in sports & leisure equipment, in 1,000 tons. 156
Figure 39. ANDRITZ Lignin Recovery process. 166
Figure 40: Anpoly cellulose nanofiber hydrogel. 169
Figure 41. MEDICELLU™. 170
Figure 42: Ashai Kasei CNF production process. 177
Figure 43: Asahi Kasei CNF fabric sheet. 177
Figure 44: Properties of Asahi Kasei cellulose nanofiber nonwoven fabric. 178
Figure 45. CNF nonwoven fabric. 179
Figure 46. Bio-PA rear bumper stay. 185
Figure 47: R3TM process technology. 196
Figure 48: Blue Goose CNC Production Process. 197
Figure 49: Celluforce production process. 208
Figure 50: NCCTM Process. 209
Figure 51: CNC produced at Tech Futures’ pilot plant; cloudy suspension (1 wt.%), gel-like (10 wt.%), flake-like crystals, and very fine powder. Product advantages include: 209
Figure 52. Cellufoam™. 211
Figure 53. nanoforest-S. 213
Figure 54. nanoforest-PDP. 213
Figure 55. nanoforest-MB. 214
Figure 56. ELLEX products. 219
Figure 57. CNF-reinforced PP compounds. 220
Figure 58. Kirekira! toilet wipes. 220
Figure 59. DIC Products CNF production process. 223
Figure 60. Mushroom leather. 228
Figure 61. Photograph (a) and micrograph (b) of mineral/ MFC composite showing the high viscosity and fibrillar structure. 232
Figure 62. TMP-Bio Process. 237
Figure 63. Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF) composite with polyethylene (PE). 239
Figure 64: CNF products from Furukawa Electric. 241
Figure 65. Cutlery samples (spoon, knife, fork) made of nano cellulose and biodegradable plastic composite materials. 249
Figure 66. Non-aqueous CNF dispersion "Senaf" (Photo shows 5% of plasticizer). 250
Figure 67. CNF gel. 252
Figure 68. Block nanocellulose material. 252
Figure 69. CNF products developed by Hokuetsu. 253
Figure 70. Dual Graft System. 259
Figure 71: Engine cover utilizing Kao CNF composite resins. 260
Figure 72. Acrylic resin blended with modified CNF (fluid) and its molded product (transparent film), and image obtained with AFM (CNF 10wt% blended). 260
Figure 73. IPA synthesis method. 273
Figure 74. MOGU-Wave panels. 276
Figure 75. Reishi. 277
Figure 76. Nippon Paper Industries’ adult diapers. 284
Figure 77. CNF clear sheets. 290
Figure 78. Oji Holdings CNF polycarbonate product. 291
Figure 79. A vacuum cleaner part made of cellulose fiber (left) and the assembled vacuum cleaner. 293
Figure 80. XCNF. 302
Figure 81: Plantrose process. 303
Figure 82. Innventia CNF production process. 306
Figure 83: Innventia AB movable nanocellulose demo plant. 307
Figure 84. Manufacturing process for STARCEL. 310
Figure 85. CNF dispersion and powder from Starlite. 317
Figure 86. Sugino Machine CNF production process. 319
Figure 87. High Pressure Water Jet Process. 320
Figure 88. 2 wt.％ CNF suspension. 320
Figure 89. BiNFi-s Dry Powder. 321
Figure 90. BiNFi-s Dry Powder and Propylene (PP) Complex Pellet. 321
Figure 91. Silk nanofiber (right) and cocoon of raw material. 322
Figure 92. Sulapac cosmetics containers. 324
Figure 93. Sulzer equipment for PLA polymerization processing. 325
Figure 94. Teijin bioplastic film for door handles. 332
Figure 95. Silver / CNF composite dispersions. 335
Figure 96. CNF/nanosilver powder. 335
Figure 97. Corbion FDCA production process. 336
Figure 98: CNF resin products. 337
Figure 99. UPM biorefinery process. 339
Figure 100. HefCel-coated wood (left) and untreated wood (right) after 30 seconds flame test. 342
Figure 101. Bio-based barrier bags prepared from Tempo-CNF coated bio-HDPE film. 343

The Global Market for Biocomposites 2023-2033

PDF download.

The Global Market for Biocomposites 2023-2033

PDF download and print edition (including tracked delivery).

Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Alipay, Paypal.

To purchase by invoice (bank transfer or cheque) contact info@futuremarketsinc.com

<img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-7809 alignright" src="https://www.futuremarketsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cover-6.jpg" alt="" width="198" height="280" />

Published March 2023 | 355 pages, 101 figures, 92 tables | Download table of contents

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 20

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 35

3 BIOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS 36

4 BIO-BASED POLYMERS AND RESINS 41

5 NATURAL FIBER BIOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS 109

6 BIOCOMPOSITE MARKETS 129

7 COMPANY PROFILES 158 (181 company profiles)

8 REFERENCES 348

List of Tables

List of Figures

Purchasers receive a report and Excel sheet with forecasts and tables.

Related Posts

The Global Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Market 2025-2035

The Global Market for Advanced Li-ion and Beyond Lithium Batteries 2025-2035

The Global Market for Graphite 2025-2035