The Global Market for Biodegradable Microbeads 2024-2035

The Global Market for Biodegradable Microbeads 2024-2035


Plastic microbeads are a multi-billion dollar market, with applications in markets ranging from cosmetics to oil & gas. However, their use is limited in some applications, and regulatory curbs regarding use are likely to increase. Replacement of plastic microbeads with biodegradable and non-toxic alternatives is increasingly important and the market will grow to meet both regulatory demands and increased use of microbeads in healthcare (e.g. pharmaceuticals and drug delivery), food and beverages), paints and coatings, and cosmetics and personal care sectors.

Microplastics can be separated into primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics are mostly thermoset and thermoplast plastic materials that have been added to products to fulfil a certain function. For example, these synthetic non-degradable polymers are used in personal care and cosmetics for exfoliation, film formation, sorbents for delivering active ingredients, skin conditioning etc.. While some of these microbeads are clearly visible, others are in the micro- or nanometre range. Personal care and cosmetic products since the 1990s have been increasingly formulated to include microbeads to improve their abrasive and other qualities. Many companies have curtailed their use or pivoted to natural alternatives, but it still represents a sizeable global market.

Secondary microplastics are formed by the fragmentation of macroplastics (>5 mm) by processes such as weathering of plastic litter and paint layers, as well as wear of car tyres and are the main focus of environmental concerns. However, primary microplastics also raise issues and are a target for regulation. Therefore the developments of biobased and natural alternatives has grown in recent years.

The Global Market for Biodegradable Microbeads 2024-2035 offers an in-depth analysis of the market dynamics, key players, and future opportunities within this rapidly evolving sector, covering the period from 2017 to 2035. The report examines the current state of the microplastics market, providing a detailed classification of microplastics and their applications across various industries, and the potential of biodegradable materials as replacements for conventional microplastics. Biodegradable microbead materials types covered include natural polymers, polysaccharides, proteins, and polyesters. The report assesses the likelihood of these materials penetrating different sectors, such as personal care, cosmetics, agriculture, paints & coatings, detergents, oil & gas, and medical products.

One of the key highlights of this report is its comprehensive analysis of microplastic usage and the potential for biodegradable alternatives across these sectors. By providing a detailed breakdown of the current market size and forecasts for both primary microparticles and biodegradable microbeads, segmented by sector and region (in tonnes and USD), the report enables stakeholders to identify lucrative opportunities and make informed strategic decisions. Moreover, the report features profiles of leading producers and developers of biodegradable microbead materials, offering valuable insights into their product portfolios, production capacities, and growth strategies. This information is crucial for companies seeking to establish partnerships, collaborate on research and development, or stay ahead of the competition in this dynamic market. Companies profiled include Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Andritz Oy, Asahi Kasei Corporation, BASF, Bioweg, CELLiCON, CH-Bioforce Oy, Croda, Daicel Corporation, Green Science Alliance, Lactips, LignoPure GmbH, Naturbeads and TerraVerdae BioWorks.
As concerns about the environmental impact of microplastics continue to mount, the demand for sustainable and biodegradable alternatives is expected to soar. This report serves as an essential resource for companies, researchers, and investors looking to capitalize on this trend and contribute to a greener future. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the market landscape, key players, and growth prospects, this report empowers stakeholders to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the global shift towards eco-friendly microbeads and microplastic alternatives.


  • REPORT METHODOLOGY
  • MICROPLASTICS MARKET
    • Microplastics added to products
      • Classification
      • Function and applications
        • Table Summary of functions and applications for microplastics.
    • Microplastics legislation
      • REACH
      • United States
      • Canada
      • Australia
      • Asia
  • BIODEGRADABLE MICROBEADS MATERIALS
    • Use as an alternative to microplastics
      • Table Biodegradable polymers.
    • Natural hard materials
    • Natural polymers
      • Polysaccharides
        • Table Companies developing starch microspheres/microbeads.
        • Table Companies developing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) spheres/beads.
        • Table Companies developing cellulose microbeads.
        • Table CNC properties.
        • Table Applications of cellulose nanocrystals (NCC).
        • Table Companies developing cellulose nanocrystal microbeads.
        • Table Cellulose nanocrystal production capacities and production process, by producer.
        • Table Applications of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC).
        • Table Companies developing bacterial nanocellulose microbeads.
        • Table Companies developing chitin microspheres/microbeads.
      • Proteins
      • Polyesters
        • Table Types of PHAs and properties.
        • Table Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) producers.
        • Table Companies developing PHA for microbeads.
        • Table PLA producers and production capacities.
      • Other natural polymers
        • Table Technical lignin types and applications.
        • Table Properties of lignins and their applications.
        • Table Production capacities of technical lignin producers.
        • Table Production capacities of biorefinery lignin producers.
        • Table Companies developing lignin for microbeads (current or potential applications).
        • Table Companies developing alginate for microbeads (current or potential applications).
  • MARKETS FOR BIODEGRADABLE MICROBEADS
    • Alternatives to microplastics (1-50 m), by application and market
      • Table Alternatives to microplastics (1-50 m) by application and market.
    • Likelihood of market penetration of natural microplastic alternatives, by market
      • Table Likelihood of market penetration of natural microplastic alternatives, by main markets.
    • Personal care
      • Market overview
      • Applications
        • Table Personal care products containing primary microplastics.
        • Table Alternative Microplastic Materials in Personal Care.
      • Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale
    • Cosmetics
      • Market overview
        • Table Types of Microplastics in Cosmetics.
      • Applications
        • Table Alternative Microplastic Materials in Cosmetics.
      • Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale
    • Agriculture and horticulture
      • Market overview
        • Table Types of Microplastics in Agriculture and Horticulture.
      • Applications
        • Table Agriculture and horticulture products containing microplastics.
        • Table Alternative Microplastic Materials in Agriculture and Horticulture.
      • Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale
    • Paints & coatings
      • Market overview
        • Table Types of Microplastics in Paints and Coatings.
      • Applications
        • Table Alternative Microplastic Materials in Paints and Coatings.
      • Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale
    • Soap, detergents and maintenance products
      • Market overview
      • Applications
        • Table Soaps, detergents and maintenance products containing microplastics.
        • Table Alternative Microplastic Materials in Soap, Detergents, and Maintenance Products.
      • Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale
    • Oil and gas
      • Market overview
        • Table Types of Microplastics in Oil and Gas.
      • Applications
        • Table Alternative Microplastic Materials in Oil and Gas.
      • Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale
    • Medical products
      • Market overview
        • Table Example microsphere products in drug delivery.
      • Applications
        • Table Medical products containing microplastics.
        • Table Alternative Microplastic Materials in Medical Products.
      • Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale
    • Global market size
      • Primary microparticles (volume in tonnes)
        • Table Global market for primary microparticles 2017-2023, by sector, (tonnes).
        • Table Global market for primary microparticles 2024-2035, by sector, tonnes.
        • Table Global market for primary microparticles 2020-2035, by region, (tonnes).
      • Biodegradable microbeads (volume in tonnes)
        • Table Global market 2017-2035, for biodegradable microbeads, (tonnes).
        • Table Global market 2017-2035, for biodegradable microbeads, by region (tonnes).
  • PRODUCER PROFILES
    • Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    • Alberta Innovates
    • AMSilk GmbH
    • Andritz Oy
    • Anellotech
    • Anomera, Inc.
    • Asahi Kasei Corporation
    • BASF
    • BioLogiQ, Inc.
    • Bioweg
    • Blue Goose Biorefineries
    • Calyxia
    • CELLiCON
    • Celluforce, Inc.
    • CH-Bioforce Oy
    • CIMV
    • Croda
    • Daicel Corporation
    • Daito Kasei Kogyo Co.
    • Eckart GmbH
    • 525 Solutions, Inc.
    • Grabio Greentech Corporation
    • Green Science Alliance
    • JNC Corporation
    • JRS Pharma GmbH & Co. KG
    • Lactips
      • Table Lactips plastic pellets.
    • LignoPure GmbH
    • Nafigate Corporation-Hydal
    • Naturbeads
    • NatureWorks LLC
    • novamont
    • Rengo
    • TECNARO GmbH
    • TerraVerdae BioWorks
    • Versalis spa
    • Yield10 Bioscience, Inc.
  • REFERENCES

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