The global polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) market is expected to record appreciable proceeds over the forecast period, due to the rising demand for biopolymers across various industrial applications.

Problems caused by climate change have encouraged scientists to look for ecological solutions such as PHAs, which are biodegradable and cost-effective in production. Many research initiatives are also being conducted to examine ways to control the biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoates.

For instance, researchers from RUDN proved that the addition of excipients to biopolymers used as new dosage forms can change their physical characteristics and regulate their biodegradation. Such breakthrough research and development activities are anticipated to propel the adoption of PHA over the forthcoming years.

The polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) market is classified in terms of product, PHA type, production methods, applications, and region.

Based on the product, the long chain segment is poised to register commendable growth between 2022-2030, owing to the growing usage of biopolymers in pharmaceutical and medical applications. Biopolymers such as PHAs are utilized to encapsulate medications and protect active pharmaceutical ingredients. These polymers gradually degrade and release the ingredients at the therapeutic site, offering effective drug delivery.

The PHA market value from the heterogeneous waste streams production method segment is set to depict a over 10% CAGR through 2030. This is accredited to the cost-effectiveness of the PHA biopolymers derived from second-generation feedstocks.

PHA is required to be comparable with petroleum-based plastics in terms of both manufacturing economics and material quality. PHA production currently relies heavily on costly first-generation feedstocks such as starch, glucose, or edible oils, which are also nutritionally important and in high demand for food supply to disadvantaged regions.

In order to eliminate this competition and lower PHA production expenses, the heterogenous waste stream method is being employed by many manufacturers, wherein second-generation feedstocks or carbon-rich industrial waste streams are being used to produce PHA on an industrial scale.

Based on application, the others segment is projected to exhibit a CAGR of more than 8% over 2022-2030. Rapid industrialization, technological advancements, and surging adoption in emerging economies are among the key factors driving the market growth.

The structural diversity of polyhydroxyalkanoate enables the polymer to undergo methyl esterification, making it viable for use as biofuel. Polyhydroxyalkanoate-based biofuels have high oxygen content and no sulfur or nitrogen, thereby extending the application scope of PHAs.

From a geographical standpoint, the Latin America polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) market is estimated to register more than 8% CAGR from 2022 to 2030. This can be attributed to the growing demand for healthy ingredients in foods & beverages in the region. Additionally, the rising disposable income of the general population has surged the requirement for sustainable products, influencing regional market dynamics.