Key Findings
- Starch-based thermoplastics (TPS) are biodegradable polymer materials derived from renewable starch sources such as corn, potato, and cassava, offering sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.
- These thermoplastics are increasingly used in packaging, agricultural films, disposable items, and consumer goods due to their environmental compatibility and favorable mechanical properties.
- Global regulatory pressure to reduce plastic waste, along with growing consumer preference for eco-friendly materials, is driving significant adoption of TPS in food and non-food sectors.
- TPS blends, especially those combined with polyesters like PLA and PBAT, enhance water resistance, strength, and biodegradability, broadening the scope of applications.
- Cost competitiveness remains a challenge compared to petroleum-based plastics, but advancements in processing technologies and scale of production are improving price parity.
- Key regions such as Europe and Asia-Pacific are leading in market adoption due to strong legislative backing and rapid industrial transition toward sustainable materials.
- Technological innovations focus on enhancing barrier properties, thermal stability, and shelf-life performance, making TPS suitable for high-performance packaging.
- Leading companies include Novamont S.p.A., BASF SE, Roquette Frères, Plantic Technologies, and Biome Bioplastics.
- Agricultural applications are a fast-growing segment, with TPS used for mulch films, seed coatings, and controlled-release fertilizers.
- The market is witnessing increased investment in bio-refineries and circular bioeconomy models that support closed-loop starch plastic production.
Market Overview
Starch-based thermoplastics represent one of the most promising biodegradable materials in the global bioplastics sector. Derived from natural starches such as maize, wheat, and tapioca, these materials are processed via plasticization with water and glycerol or blended with polyesters to yield thermoplastics that mimic the mechanical behavior of conventional polymers.
Their key appeal lies in their low environmental impact, biodegradability under industrial and home composting conditions, and compatibility with existing polymer processing techniques. Applications span food packaging films, cutlery, agricultural mulching, biomedical devices, and insulation foams. TPS is particularly attractive to companies aiming to meet ESG goals and plastic bans being implemented across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
Although native TPS suffers from moisture sensitivity and limited thermal performance, ongoing innovations in formulation and polymer blending have expanded its utility. With global sustainability efforts accelerating, starch-based thermoplastics are becoming integral to the transition from petrochemical to bio-based material systems.
Starch-Based Thermoplastics Market Size and Forecast
The global starch-based thermoplastics market was valued at USD 1.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.5 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 15.7% over the forecast period.
This growth is supported by regulatory frameworks such as the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive and national bans on non-degradable plastic products, which are spurring demand for compostable alternatives. The packaging industry, which accounts for the largest share of TPS consumption, is actively integrating these materials into flexible and rigid formats.
Market expansion is also fueled by increasing R&D investments in advanced formulations that improve water resistance, tensile strength, and thermal stability. Furthermore, cost-effective sourcing of starch feedstocks from agricultural by-products is lowering raw material input costs, thereby supporting the scaling of production across global regions.
Future Outlook
Over the next decade, starch-based thermoplastics are expected to transition from niche use to mainstream material adoption, particularly in regions with strong circular economy commitments. Enhanced formulations with functional additives, such as nanoclays, cellulose, and cross-linking agents, will help overcome limitations in durability and expand TPS into automotive interiors, electronics, and construction insulation.
Policy support for bioeconomy growth, such as carbon offset incentives and green procurement policies, will further accelerate commercialization. Biorefineries that integrate starch recovery, fermentation, and biopolymer production under one roof will become increasingly important for achieving supply chain efficiency and waste minimization.
In addition, rising consumer awareness and corporate sustainability targets will push major brands toward TPS adoption, especially for primary and secondary food packaging. Emerging markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe will contribute to new demand due to agricultural abundance and evolving environmental regulations.
Starch-Based Thermoplastics Market Trends
- Blending with Biodegradable Polyesters
TPS is often combined with other biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and polycaprolactone (PCL). These blends enhance mechanical strength, flexibility, and resistance to water while maintaining biodegradability, allowing the material to meet industry requirements for performance and sustainability. - Adoption in Agricultural Films and Coatings
In agriculture, TPS is being increasingly used in mulch films, seedling trays, and slow-release fertilizer coatings. These products degrade naturally after use, reducing the need for manual removal and disposal. This trend is supported by growing concerns about soil contamination from polyethylene-based films and by organic farming standards. - Expansion of Industrial Compostable Packaging
Food packaging, especially for single-use containers and wrapping films, is one of the largest applications for starch thermoplastics. Their compostability makes them suitable for waste streams aimed at organic recycling. Brands are actively integrating TPS into retail packaging to comply with EU waste directives and similar global initiatives. - Improved Functionalization with Nanofillers
Incorporation of nano-cellulose, starch nanocrystals, or clay nanocomposites into TPS matrices significantly improves mechanical and barrier properties. These enhancements open up new possibilities in electronics and high-barrier packaging where water and oxygen resistance are critical. - Localized Production Through Agricultural Waste Valorization
Innovations in biorefinery models allow TPS production from agricultural residues and non-edible starch sources. This not only reduces dependency on food-grade crops but also supports rural economies through localized, low-cost raw material supply, reinforcing circular and sustainable practices.
Market Growth Drivers
- Global Shift Toward Sustainable Packaging
With rising global awareness of plastic pollution, brands and governments are mandating biodegradable alternatives for single-use plastics. TPS offers a biodegradable, compostable, and food-safe option for packaging films, trays, and bags, making it a preferred solution for retailers and manufacturers alike. - Supportive Legislation and Plastic Bans
Government regulations such as the EU's SUP directive and state-level bans in the U.S. and India are driving demand for compostable plastics. TPS complies with EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 standards, making it a suitable material for certified compostable products in regulated markets. - Abundant and Renewable Feedstock Supply
Starch is one of the most readily available bio-based feedstocks globally. Sourced from agricultural commodities and residues, its availability ensures a stable and scalable raw material base for TPS production. Emerging economies with surplus agricultural production are especially well-positioned for TPS market expansion. - Corporate Commitments to Net Zero and Green Packaging
Large corporations are investing in bioplastics as part of their sustainability roadmaps. TPS products offer a tangible method for reducing Scope 3 emissions and improving ESG scores, particularly in packaging and consumer goods segments. Many food and beverage giants are piloting starch-based trays and wraps. - Technological Advancements in Material Processing
Improved extrusion, injection molding, and compounding technologies now allow better integration of TPS in conventional plastic processing lines. New compatibilizers and plasticizers enhance processability and material performance, reducing the technological gap between TPS and petrochemical alternatives.
Challenges in the Market
- Water Sensitivity and Limited Shelf-Life
One of the primary challenges of TPS is its hydrophilic nature, which leads to moisture absorption and reduced mechanical performance over time. Without adequate barrier coatings or blending, the material may degrade prematurely, limiting its use in humid or long-storage environments. - Cost Competitiveness vs. Traditional Plastics
TPS is still more expensive than bulk petrochemical plastics like PE and PP, especially in regions with no plastic tax or bio-incentives. Cost challenges stem from raw material variability, processing limitations, and the need for multi-layer or blended systems to match conventional properties. - Limited Thermal and Mechanical Performance
Compared to high-performance plastics, TPS exhibits lower thermal stability, impact strength, and elongation. These limitations restrict its use in engineering applications or products requiring high durability unless reinforced or chemically modified. - Infrastructure Gaps in Composting and Disposal
Even though TPS is compostable, lack of proper composting infrastructure in many countries hinders its environmental benefits. Without industrial composting access, these products may end up in landfills, where their degradation is slower and methane emissions may offset sustainability gains. - Consumer Misconceptions and Confusion
Bioplastics are often misunderstood by consumers, who may wrongly dispose of TPS-based products with recyclables or inappropriately use them in non-compostable settings. This leads to contamination of recycling streams and failure to realize their environmental value unless clear labeling and education are implemented.
Starch-Based Thermoplastics Market Segmentation
By Source
- Corn
- Potato
- Cassava
- Wheat
- Other Agricultural Residues
By End-use Industry
- Packaging (Food & Non-Food)
- Agriculture
- Consumer Goods
- Textiles
- Medical and Hygiene
- Automotive
By Product Type
- Pure Starch Thermoplastics
- Starch-PLA Blends
- Starch-PBAT Blends
- Other Composite Formulations
By Distribution Channel
- Direct Supply to Manufacturers
- Bioplastic Compounders
- Packaging Converters
- Retail/Private Label
By Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
Leading Key Players
- Novamont S.p.A.
- BASF SE
- Roquette Frères
- Plantic Technologies
- Biome Bioplastics
- Cardia Bioplastics
- Ingredion Inc.
- NatureWorks LLC
- AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG
- Jiangsu Torise Biomaterials Co., Ltd.
Recent Developments
- Novamont S.p.A.launched a new generation of high-barrier starch-based bioplastics for multilayer food packaging applications in compliance with EU composting standards.
- Roquette Frères expanded its bio-based polymer facility in France to meet growing demand for thermoplastic starch blends in agricultural and consumer goods.
- BASF SEintroduced a starch-PBAT compound with enhanced tensile strength for use in carrier bags and high-load packaging films, targeting Asia-Pacific markets.
- Biome Bioplastics developed a starch-derived packaging film with extended shelf life and improved transparency, aimed at replacing LDPE in flexible packaging.
- Plantic Technologies announced a strategic collaboration with a global food brand to supply starch-based barrier trays for chilled meat and ready meals.
