Issue 04/2018
bioplasticsMAGAZINE_1804
bioplasticsMAGAZINE_1804
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daily upated news at<br />
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com<br />
News<br />
Global L-lactide market set for explosive growth<br />
The global L-lactide market was valued at US$ 781.81<br />
Mn in 2017 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 14.1%<br />
from <strong>2018</strong> to 2026, according to a new report titled "L-lactide<br />
Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends,<br />
and Forecast, <strong>2018</strong>–2026," published by Transparency Market<br />
Research (TMR).<br />
The main driver behind this growth is the rising demand<br />
for bioplastics. Polylactic acid – PLA – is a commonly used<br />
bioplastics that is derived from L-lactide. Around the globe,<br />
consumers are increasingly indicating a preference for<br />
biodegradable materials as their awareness grows about the<br />
environmental impact of the use of fossil-based materials.<br />
North America accounts for a major share of the global<br />
L-lactide market.<br />
The properties of L-lactide, such as sustainability, its barrier<br />
properties and appearance, make it ideal for use in packaging<br />
applications. Stringent regulations on plastic consumption<br />
in developed regions such as North America and Europe are<br />
expected to have a positive influence on the expansion of the<br />
L-lactide market.<br />
Next to packaging, another area that is likely to stimulate<br />
the growth of the global L-lactide market is that of biomedical<br />
applications.<br />
Demand for L-lactide from various medical fields, such<br />
as controlled drug delivery systems, tissue regeneration,<br />
and medical implants, is on the rise owing to the favourable<br />
biocompatibility and the mechanical properties of the material.<br />
L-lactide is finding increasing use in biomedical applications<br />
such as orthopaedics, drug carriers, facial fracture repair,<br />
tissue engineering, and uteral stents, which is expected<br />
to add to the growth potential of the L-lactide market. The<br />
emergence of nanotechnology and material science using<br />
biomaterials has prompted researchers and manufacturers<br />
of medical devices to come up with advanced technologies<br />
using L-lactide.<br />
L-Lactides are also increasingly being applied in soil<br />
retention sheeting, agricultural films, and waste bags.<br />
Agricultural mulches, seeding strips, and tapes can today<br />
be made from PLA. Mulches help reduce evaporation and<br />
conserve moisture, increase soil temperature, and keep weeds<br />
under control. The successful replacement of petroleumbased<br />
materials will offer new value added markets for<br />
agricultural commodities and reduce the dependence on<br />
foreign crude oil and gas.<br />
The global L-lactide market is dominated by the food &<br />
beverage packaging segment. L-lactides have been used as<br />
packaging materials in the last few years, mainly as containers<br />
for dairy, bakery, and fresh food products. Food containers,<br />
bags and cups, disposable serviceware and utensils,<br />
lamination or coatings for paper and paperboard, foam<br />
products for trays, and other packaging materials and films<br />
manufactured using L-lactide are gaining popularity due to<br />
the favourable material properties and superior performance<br />
of the material. However, the low heat distortion temperature<br />
of L-lactide restricts its use to ambient temperatures.<br />
In terms of consumption, North America accounted<br />
for a major share of the global L-lactide market in 2017.<br />
Implementation of favourable government policies and<br />
regulations on plastic consumption have propelled the<br />
expansion of the L-lactide market in developed countries.<br />
The federal government aims to drive demand for biobased<br />
products through procurement programs. Increased<br />
consumer preference for biodegradable materials and rise in<br />
environmental concerns are anticipated to drive the L-lactide<br />
market in North America. MT<br />
bit.ly/2NKvN5c<br />
Picks & clicks<br />
Most frequently clicked news<br />
Here’s a look at our most popular online content of the past two months.<br />
The story that got the most clicks from the visitors to<br />
bioplasticsmagazine.com was:<br />
Bio-based multilayer transparent barrier films are now reality<br />
(19 June <strong>2018</strong>)<br />
Four key players in the bioplastics industry - Eurotech Extrusion Machinery,<br />
NatureWorks, Nippon Gohsei and Sukano - have successfully processed a<br />
multilayer transparent bio-based barrier film, offering a potential replacement<br />
for conventional fossil fuel-based structures in dry food packaging...<br />
See also the full article on page 38<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>04</strong>/18] Vol. 13 5