The global bioplastic textiles market is expected to record tremendous growth over the years 2023 to 2032. Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges that is negatively affecting the health of wildlife and oceans. Over the last few decades, global production of plastics has increased exponentially across high-income countries, resulting in a dramatic inclination towards bio-based plastic.

According to the European Patent Office, the number of patent filings in 2020 represented an upsurge in bioplastic innovation activities. Countries such as the U.S., France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands have the highest patient activities in the field of bioplastics and plastic recycling.

Technological advancements and R&D initiatives focusing on biopolymer composition and structure have introduced biodegradable materials for medical devices and cleaning products. Bioplastic textile manufacturers have ramped up efforts to eliminate the dependence on plastic for packaging and production. Some of the novel uses of bioplastic textiles include eco-friendly wallpaper and sensors to measure soil conditions in agriculture.

In September 2022, HeiQ announced the launch of a 100% biobased proprietary textile called HeiQ Allergen Tech. The textile technology is designed to reduce inanimate allergens such as house dust and pet allergens to improve the performance of textiles used in bedding and furniture. Similar initiatives to develop biobased wallpapers, curtains, and other textile products will positively affect the bioplastic textiles industry outlook.

The bioplastic textiles market is classified into source, material, end-user, and region.

By source, the industry landscape is fragmented into beet, cassava, sugarcane, and corn starch. The market share from the beet segment is anticipated to reach over USD 200 million by 2032. Sugar beets are commercially produced to support large-scale sugar manufacturing as it requires substantial quantities of sucrose. Sugar beet molasses is a good source of starch that can be used to produce bioplastics cost-effectively.

Based on material, the bioplastic textiles market share from polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is projected to go beyond USD 27 million by 2032. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is one of the most popular bioplastics known for its easy biodegradability as compared to other plastic and plastic alternatives. It is easily available and biocompatible along with physical properties similar to petroleum-based thermoplastics.

In terms of end-user, the market is bifurcated into footwear, home textiles, and clothing. The home textiles segment is anticipated to expand at over 3.5% CAGR between 2023-2032. Bio-based home textiles are used to make curtains, bedding, carpets, and furniture. In August 2022, Swedish rug company, Pappelina launched an innovative plastic rug made from BIOVYN?, the world’s first bio-attributed PVC. The next-generation PVC is made using 100% renewable feedstock consisting of wood-based tall oil.

Latin America bioplastic textile industry is projected to exhibit more than 2.5% CAGR from 2023-2032. Increasing demand for green plastic will pave the way for product adoption across the region. Brazil is extensively investing in research and development (R&D) to introduce novel bioplastics for customers. In March 2022, Scientists from Brazil and Portugal unveiled an eco-friendly process to produce biodegradable plastic.