Biopolymers made from renewable resources have reached a consumption level of 25Kt, but development efforts have enhanced significantly in the last 1-2 years.

CARGIL DOW has recently commissioned a 140kt/year Polylactic acid (PLA) plant in the US. Intially only one train of 80kt/year will be operated until the sales volumes reach a sizeable level. PLA is derived from Lactic Acid derived from Sugar of corn. These polymers known as 'Nature Works' has already seen some interesting packaging applications like twist wrapping for candies as well as thermoformed containers for processed food products. Fibers have also been developed.

Another biopolymer Polyester copolymer based on starch developed by Novamont, Italy is finding applications in shopping and trash bags using conventional PE film equipments.

RODENBURG BIOPOLYMERS located in the Netherlands has developed Solanyl Polymers Starch derived from Potato Peels. Due to lower feedstock cost of potato peel, which are essentially by-products, Solanyl Polymer has the potential to crack the cost barrier. However Solanyl has a strong smell.

From the family of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PH4), the first grade with chain length of C₄/C₂₀ will be commercialized in the next 2-3 years by KANEKA CORP in Japan, using technology developed bt Proctor and Gamble.

Another player of PHA Biopolymer, METABOLIX in USA plans to grow aliphatic polyester directly in plants instead of fermentation process to reduce the cost of feedstocks.

DUPONT, USA is considering of developing renewable resources for its Sorona Polyester that have been recently launched for fiber applications.

ECM Biofilms from USA has developed a Masterbatch additive technology that will help in degrading the conventional Polyolefin products to Carbon Dioxide and water at loadings of less than 1%.

A recent conference on Biopolymers in Germany indeed showed that biopolymer developments are now increasing around the globe. Europe, the largest consumer of biopolymers (almost 40% of the total consumption) is expected to take the lead in developing the markets particularly in food packaging.

While it is true that the high prices of biopolymers have been a great deterrent for their growth, all test developments could lead to lower prices in the next 2-3 years and thereby higher consumption.