Market Overview
Biocomposites Market size was worth US$ 24,499.69 million in 2022 and is estimated to show significant growth by reaching up to US$ 80,299.46 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 16.2% within the forecast period (2023-2030).
Bio-composites are biodegradable, renewable, non-abrasive and non-toxic, with qualities comparable to synthetic fiber composites and are employed in various applications. Natural fibers are plentiful, low-cost to gather and have acceptable mechanical characteristics. Synthetic fiber hazards, recycling challenges and hazardous by-products are the key driving forces behind bio-composites research and development. Natural fibers are combined in a matrix material to create bio-composites. Biodegradable, non-biodegradable or synthetic matrix materials are all options.
The bio-composite industry has shown continuous growth due to stability in established markets like automotive and construction. The market presence in the sectors mentioned above further gained momentum due to the arrival of new players offering opportunities for innovative applications. The biggest growth in the forecast period is expected for traded bio-composite granulates for toys, furniture, consumer goods and cases, primarily in 3D printing and injection molding.
Biocomposites Market Dynamics and Trends
The rising demand for environment-friendly materials such as wood-based bio-composites in various industries is boosting the market share for bio-composites.
Rising demand for environment-friendly materials such as wood-based biocomposites in various industries is boosting the market share for bio-composites
Tremendously rising demand for environment-friendly materials such as wood in various industries is boosting the market share for bio-composites. Growing environmental pollution from using and producing petroleum-based materials and changing regulations favoring the environment from fossil-based products have driven the need for sustainable materials. Renewable resources such as bio-composites have become potential substitutes for fossil-based materials. Natural fiber is a great alternative to synthetic fiber with improved properties.
For instance, wood bio-composites are derivative wood products that glue wood strands with fibers or boards. Also, various composites are manufactured with wood, including wood-plastic composite (WPC), engineered wood and synthetic wood. From fiberboard to laminated beams, wood bio-composites include a wide spectrum of goods. Wood bio-composites are employed in various nonstructural and structural applications in product lines ranging from interior to outdoor wall panels, furniture and building support systems.
Furthermore, wood bio-composites are used in residential and commercial buildings. Wood bio-composites are frequently utilized in construction projects to replace steel joints and beams. It is most commonly used for outdoor deck flooring, railings, fencing, benches, window and door frames, cladding and landscaping. While wood bio-composites may be used in most applications where solid wood is normally used, it is also a popular material for flat-pack furniture because of its low manufacturing costs and lightweight.
Compared to traditional wood goods, wood bio-composites have a lower melting temperature, lowering end-user energy costs and the product’s environmental effect. Wood bio-composites can be worked with the same tools used to work with wood. The element minimizes the need for producers to make investments and the risks associated with recouping those investments, thus boosting segmental growth.
High costs and changes in the quality of raw material restraint the growth of bio-composites
Bio-Composites are materials that are formed by reinforcing natural fibers in a resin. It is an emerging field with enormous potential in various industries. Bio-Composites are sourced from natural fibers such as wood, crop straws, hemp, cotton and jute. Since the raw materials are sourced from natural sources, the quality can vary widely depending upon the source.
Various factors, such as climatic and soil conditions, can affect the quality of the raw materials. Sometimes, drought conditions and abnormal weather events can destroy crops, reducing the supply of raw materials. Furthermore, the natural fibers are dried and processed manually. Since the entire process is manual, producing fibers remains low, keeping prices high.
The high variation in the quality of raw materials complicates bio-composite manufacturing operations. Fibers may not be strong enough to be formed into composites; more and more raw material is required to produce composites, thereby increasing production costs and driving up prices for bio-composites. The high costs involved in the production and the wide difference in the quality of raw materials are key challenges to the growth of the global bio-composite market.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis on Biocomposites Market
The global bio-composites market experienced a decline in 2020 owing to COVID-19’s impact. Governments globally imposed strict lockdowns and movement restrictions of varying durations starting from March 2020 to curb the spread of the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.
The lockdowns and other movement restrictions completely halted construction and manufacturing activities, barring essential services. Bio-Composites are used extensively for insulation, door and window panels, wall plastering and scaffolding. Similarly, many components are in the aerospace, electrical, electronic and automotive industries. Many manufacturing industries temporarily suspend operations or cut production, thereby depressing bio-composite demand.
The global bio-composites industry has suffered due to a near-complete collapse in demand. One of the industrial sectors that remained relatively unaffected by the pandemic was healthcare. Bio-composite materials are used for making skin grafts, drug delivery patches and surgical gauze. Demand from the healthcare sector remained stable and increased somewhat with the progression of the pandemic.
Biocomposites Market Segmentation Analysis
The global bio-composites market is segmented on fiber, process, biomass material, application, end-user and region.
The use of compression molding for the production of bio-composite products has gained popularity since it allows for a faster forming process than solution casting
The global bio-composites market is segmented into compression molding, injection molding, resin transfer molding and others based on the process. Compression Molding dominates the market for the mentioned process. The use of compression molding for the production of bio-composite products is interesting since it allows for a faster forming process than solution casting. Compared to other molding techniques, such as injection molding, this technique is also cost-effective.
Furthermore, because this process produces very little waste, it is advantageous for molding with more expensive materials. On the other hand, compression molding is excellent for high-pressure production processes and the molding of complicated natural fiber-reinforced polymer bio-composites. Other advantages of compression molding include molding unusually large and complex components compared to injection molding. Thus, the compression molding process’s cost-effectiveness and very little waste generation have improved the segment’s market growth opportunities.
In addition, bio-composite materials are becoming more popular as people become more concerned about material usage and its environmental influence. Traditional mineral and synthetic-based materials can be replaced with bio-composite materials, creating enormous opportunities for the compression molding process to grow in the forecast period. As a result, the research focus has switched to bio-composites made entirely of renewable resources and biodegradable at the end of their useful life. Thus growing research activities on bio-composites is more likely to boost the segmental growth of the market.
Global Biocomposites Market Geographical Analysis
Bio-Composites have become popular in Europe with car manufacturers because they can reduce vehicle weight, improve performance and lower CO2 emissions.
Every year the European car sector uses about 80,000 tons of wood and plant fibers to reinforce composites instead of employing synthetic fibers like glass and carbon fiber. Bio-Composites have become popular with car manufacturers because they can reduce vehicle weight, improve performance and lower CO2 emissions. Bio-Composites are used in car interiors for components like floor panels and doors, but they also have other structural applications.
While there has been substantial progress in tackling the greenhouse gas emissions of the building sector in the region, embodied emissions have been recognized as a contributor to the carbon footprint in recent years. Potential applications for bio-composites in the buildings include window frames, framing, walls and wallboard, decorative paneling, flooring, cubicle walls and ceiling panels. For instance, bio-composites could be used for formwork and scaffolding in construction.
In 2020, A new European project named ELIOT project was launched to study and develop at a large scale the most promising recycling methods for bio-composites, particularly the materials now being used in the aerospace sector. Developing an end-of-life solution for the materials based on circular economy principles will enhance the sector’s environmental sustainability. It is essential, given the strong growth anticipated in the coming years in the aerospace field. In searching for new solutions for recovering bio-composites on circular economy goals, the project has reviewed current composite recycling technologies to analyze the feasible alternatives adapted to the bio-composites characteristics and tested them to scale in the laboratory.
Biocomposites Market Companies and Competitive Landscape
The global bio-composites market is highly competitive with local and global key players. Key players contributing to the market’s growth are Green Bay Decking, FlexForm Technologies, JELU-WERK J. Ehrler GmbH & Co. KG, TECNARO GMBH, Lingrove Inc, UFP INDUSTRIES, INC., NewTechWood, Fiberon, Meshlin Composites Zrt, TTS, among others.
The major companies are adopting several growth strategies, such as product launches, acquisitions and collaborations, contributing to the global growth of the bio-composites market.
• For instance, On March 09, 2021, Fiberon introduced wildwood composite cladding, combining wood’s unparalleled beauty and warmth with the durability of high-performance, low-maintenance materials. Wildwood composite cladding has an open-joint profile for increased design versatility and is available in various board lengths and widths.
• On June 26, 2020, Fiberon teamed up with Breezesta to provide Fiberon Furniture by Breezesta, a collection of high-end, environmentally friendly outdoor furniture that has been hand-picked to compliment Fiberon decking and railing.
Green Bay Decking
Overview: Green Bay Decking is dedicated to the science behind composite decking products and continuous process improvement. The company offers contractors and homeowners new decking concepts that add value to their projects. Their composite decking products are based on science and their manufacturing processes are constantly improved. Green Bay Decking is committed to using science-proven processes in both manufacturing and quality control programs to ensure a predictable, consistent product for all its end-users
Product Portfolio: I.Dekk: I.Dekk stands out in the industry. I. Dekk Tongue & Groove decking uses a patented, wood-free and PVC-free compound to create a beautiful, fastener-free, continuous deck surface that functions as a traditional porch floor. Its patented formulation is one of the things that sets it apart from the competition. Compared to its wood composite competitors, the combination of Biodac, rice hulls, high-density polyethylene and other high-quality ingredients, I.Dekk has a high fade resistance and virtually no water absorption.
Key Development
On May 10, 2021, DuxxBak Composite Decking, the new name for Green Bay Decking, LLC. The now-DuxxBak Composite produces several decking lines. Decking has been rebranded to bring a more streamlined, quality-focused theme to their brand names.