Bio-Plasticizers Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Epoxides, Citrates, Glycerol Ester, Sebacates, Succinic Acid, and Others), By Application (Packaging, Consumer Goods, Medical Devices, Building & Construction, Wires & Cables, and Other), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Plasticizers are plastic additives that increase the free volume of the polymer by adding themselves in the polymer chain. Most commonly used plasticizers are phthalates, which are used to enhance the transparency, flexibility, processability, and compatibility of the polymer. Bio-plasticizers are bio-based compounds that are derived from biomass such as soybeans, castor, citrates, and starch and added to alter the physical properties and decrease the plasticity of materials. They are added in plastics to increase flexibility, softness, and durability. Plasticizers are used as high-range water reducers and added to concrete to enhance strength and workability of the concrete.

Shifting preference of consumers toward new, low toxic, and low-migration natural-based plasticizers to replace petro-based ones is driving market growth. Bio-based plasticizers offer properties such as:

• Non-toxicity during metabolism


• Good miscibility with polymers


• High efficiency as normal plasticizers


• High resistance to leaching from polymer


• Relatively low cost

The development of alternative bio-based plasticizers for PVC formulation has become important due to growing awareness of the impacts of plasticizers on the environment and the depletion of petroleum-based resources. Attributed to the eco-friendlier nature of bio-based plasticizers than phthalates, there has been a recent surge in awareness of their use in PVC manufacture.

• Bio-plasticizers have been tested to see if they can outperform phthalate-based plasticizers in terms of functionality. This adds to bio-plasticizers' acceptability over standard phthalate plasticizers.


• According to the International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT), the demand for bio-based plasticizers was reported 887 kilotons in 2016 and is expected to cross 1,900 kilotons in 2025 with a corresponding revenue of USD 1,124 million in 2016 to USD 2,683.7 million by 2025.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Bio-plasticizers Market

The COVID-19 pandemic caused heavy disruption in trade and manufacturing activities. The increasing concerns regarding the spread of infections resulted in temporary standstill. Additionally, restrictions on logistics activities resulted in reduced supply of biomass and raw materials, which resulted in negative impact on the bio-plasticizers market share.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Regulatory scenario of bio-plasticizers


• Key development of bio-based plasticizers


• Government initiatives to promote bio-plasticizers


• Impact of COVID-19 on the bio-plasticizers market growth

Analysis by Type

By type, the market is classified into epoxides, citrates, glycerol ester, sebacates, succinic acid, and others.

• According to the research, using Epoxidized Cardanol Butyl Ether (ECBE), an epoxidized compound used as a PVC plasticizer instead of petroleum products, such as DOP, boosted the mechanical and thermal properties for PVC materials.


• Sebacates, commonly synthesized from sebacic acid (castor oil) stick to other materials easily, and thus they can be combined with steel, glass, metals, and other solid materials to create inflexible plastic materials.

Regional Analysis

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The global bio-plasticizers market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is the largest market in terms of revenue and share attributed to the stringent rules imposed by governments restricting the use of phthalates.

• For example, under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) are permanently banned in children's toys and child care goods (computed for each phthalate individually.)

Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market due to the growing construction industry. Europe is expected to show moderate growth. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are expected to exhibit considerable growth due to stringent rules in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players such as the Dow Chemical Company, Evonik, BASF, Solvay, PolyOne Corporation, and others.

Segmentation

Key Industry Developments

• In September 2021, Dow announced to offer Crocs with its "Ecolibrium" line of phthalate-free plasticizers, which are created from nearly 100% renewable feedstock, as part of a collaboration aimed at reducing Crocs' greenhouse gas emissions.


• In April 2021, under the names Hexamoll DINCH BMB, Palatinol N BMB, Palatinol 10-P BMB, and Plastomoll DOA BMB, BASF introduced Biomass Balanced (BMB) plasticizers made from sustainable raw materials. The necessary amount of bio-naphtha or biogas is used instead of fossil fuels. Organic waste or vegetable oils are used to create these products. Biomass balanced plasticizers have a reduced carbon footprint than traditional plasticizers, allowing for the conservation of fossil resources. REDcert approved BASF's mass balancing technique as well as BMB plasticizers.


• In September 2020, Emery Oleochemicals, a global leader in bio–based specialty chemicals, introduced its new EMEROX Ester Plasticizer product range. EMEROX Ester Plasticizers, which are part of Emery's Eco-Friendly Polyols business portfolio, feature low viscosity, low water solubility, outstanding low temperature performance, and great thermal stability.