Increasing demand for biobased films
If a film is supposed to crackle nicely, be transparent and permeable to water vapor, cellulose hydrate is hard to beat: The original bioplastic has been used since 1908 under names such as cellophane to package chocolates, flowers, spice jars or even cigarettes. For films made of polyethylene or polypropylene, biobased alternatives have long since ceased to be made only from wood or waste paper cellulose. Ceresana expects annual growth of over 14.6% in Asia, around 11% in North America and just over 8% in Europe.
Biobased films mainly package food products
Bags, pouches and sacks currently are the best-known application for bioplastics. Food packaging is the most important market for films made from bioplastics: In 2022, it accounted for around 47% of their market volume. However, shrink and stretch films are by no means only used in the packaging industry. Bioplastic films are also used, for example, for labels, adhesive tapes, technical insulating layers or medical wound dressings. In horticulture, forestry and agriculture, the consumption of films is increasing, as well as in the construction industry, the printing industry and other sectors. Ceresana expects the highest CAGR of 12% for agricultural films, industrial films and construction films. Increasingly, bioplastics are even conquering hightech products: Membranes for water filters are made of polymer films, and plastic films are also used in batteries for electric cars.
