Solvay has officially opened its new facility in Italy dedicated to producing bio-circular silica derived from rice husk ash, marking a major step forward in sustainable tire reinforcement.
Poonawalla Group
Regeno
Biodegradable Packaging
Compostable Films
The Poonawalla Group has strategically invested in Regeno to accelerate the production of biodegradable, non-toxic alternatives to single-use plastics.
The world’s largest international health and beauty retailer has updated its environmental roadmap, targeting a 21% reduction in virgin plastic intensity within its own-brand packaging by 2030.
Tungsten Carbide
University of Rochester
Chemical Recycling
Dehydrogenation
Polyolefins
Researchers at the University of Rochester utilize tungsten carbide to create a cost-effective, platinum-mimicking catalyst for efficient plastic waste dehydrogenation.
Plastipak and Michigan State University have inaugurated a state-of-the-art processing lab designed to accelerate sustainable packaging research and student training.
Kemvera has advanced the commercialization of its proprietary photocatalytic platform by securing key engineering and site milestones for a new U.S. facility producing bio-acetic acid and bio-ethyl acetate.
Prairie Band Ag
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
Industrial Hemp
Hempcrete
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas has successfully manufactured its first line of bioplastic products using industrial hemp grown on tribal lands, marking a significant step in their vertically integrated agricultural strategy.
Eastman
Kolmar Korea
Cellulose
Biodegradable Polymers
Personal Care Packaging
Eastman and Kolmar Korea have entered a strategic agreement to develop and expand the use of biodegradable cellulose-based materials in the global personal care market.
Covestro expands its Asian footprint with a new manufacturing facility in Zhuhai dedicated to high-performance and sustainable thermoplastic polyurethanes.
PerPlacsBio
University of Münster
Mulch Films
PBAT
Soil Degradation
The University of Münster initiates the PerPlacsBio project to rigorously assess the in-soil degradation rates and ecological impact of biodegradable agricultural mulch films.
Kemvera has finalized the engineering design for its first commercial-scale facility dedicated to producing low-carbon bio-acetic acid and bio-ethyl acetate.
Fraunhofer IPMS
Hyperspectral Imaging
AI
Recycling Technology
Sorting
Fraunhofer IPMS has unveiled a compact hyperspectral camera integrated with AI to enable real-time identification and sorting of various plastics during recycling processes.
Braskem unveils a specialized grade of its sugarcane-derived polyethylene designed to meet the rigorous safety and performance standards of the pharmaceutical packaging industry.
Braskem has introduced a new bio-based polyethylene grade specifically engineered for the healthcare sector, debuting at Pharmapack 2026 to support more sustainable medical packaging and devices.
Beijing Zhongke Kelan New Material Technology has successfully secured Pre-Series A funding and reached a critical construction milestone for its pilot production facility, accelerating the commercialization of high-performance bioplastic solutions.
Colesco Capital has unveiled a new impact credit fund designed to finance European mid-market companies driving the transition to circular industrial models.
Avantium has reached a major operational milestone by securing ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications for its world-first commercial FDCA flagship plant in Delfzijl.
Vioneo has announced the relocation of its flagship 300,000 t/yr bio-based polymer production facility to China, a strategic move aimed at leveraging local infrastructure and the world’s largest plastics market.
Teysha Technologies has been awarded the prestigious $500,000 Hill Prize for its innovative AggiePol® technology, a sustainable, BPA-free alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
Packamama secures a capacity reservation agreement with Avantium to utilize ReLeaf PEF for manufacturing the world’s first 100% plant-based, high-barrier wine bottles.
Idemitsu Kosan
Chemical Recycling
Pyrolysis
Ichihara
Idemitsu Kosan has finalized the construction of a commercial chemical recycling facility at its Chiba Complex designed to convert used plastics into raw feedstock.
Borealis has announced a €49 million investment at its Burghausen site in Germany to upgrade facilities for the advanced design and production of circular polymers.
Primient has finalized the acquisition of the remaining stake in the Primient Covation joint venture, solidifying its leadership in the production of high-performance, bio-based materials like Susterra® propanediol.
BEAM Circular has announced the strategic acquisition of a gas fermentation firm to accelerate the production of bio-based materials from industrial and agricultural emissions.
Radicle Growth has unveiled a new global competition designed to accelerate the development of corn-derived bioplastics, offering significant investment to innovators in the sustainable materials space.
A research team at Japan’s RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science has successfully developed a high-performance cellulose-based plastic that fully decomposes in marine environments, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based polymers.
Hugo Boss has partnered with Jiaren Recycling and NBC LLC to unveil NovaPolyâ„¢, a breakthrough degradable yarn featured in high-performance tennis apparel at the 2026 Australian Open.
Solena Materials has moved to a larger pilot facility to accelerate the production of its AI-designed protein fibers in preparation for a 2028 commercial launch.
Aimplas has initiated the Biovalsa project to develop high-performance bioplastics for the packaging industry by upcycling lignocellulosic agricultural residues.
Orinko Advanced Plastics has strengthened its position in the sustainable materials market by acquiring a 70% controlling stake in Omikron to accelerate the development of high-performance polymers.
SABIC has announced a strategic divestment of its traditional European plastics units to accelerate its transition toward a high-growth, bio-based, and circular product portfolio.
Northern Technologies International Corp (NTIC) reported record-breaking first-quarter fiscal 2026 sales, fueled by explosive growth in its Natur-Tec bioplastics division.
Munster Technological University has officially opened a state-of-the-art pilot green biorefinery at its Kerry campus, marking a significant milestone in Ireland’s transition toward a circular bioeconomy.
BASF has officially commissioned its landmark steam cracker at the Zhanjiang Verbund site, representing a massive shift toward low-emission chemical production powered by renewable energy.
Aduro Clean Technologies has raised $20 million in funding to accelerate the construction of a demonstration plant utilizing its patented technology to transform plastic waste into valuable resources.
Scottish biotechnology firm MiAlgae commences construction on a commercial-scale facility in Grangemouth to transform whisky byproducts into sustainable algal biomass and Omega-3.
Ingevity has completed the $110 million sale of its Crude Tall Oil refinery, signaling a major strategic transition toward high-margin specialty chemicals and bioplastic innovations.
The ANIPH Project has launched a pioneering AI-driven predictive tool designed to forecast the biodegradability and safety of new bioplastic formulations, accelerating the shift toward sustainable materials.
Technip Energies has completed the acquisition of Ecovyst’s Advanced Materials division, positioning the firm as a powerhouse in the high-performance catalyst market essential for bioplastic production.
Technip Energies has finalized its acquisition of Ecovyst’s Advanced Materials & Catalysts division, a strategic move designed to bolster its sustainable technology portfolio and accelerate the development of bio-based materials.
AIMPLAS is spearheading the MICROFAGO project, a collaborative effort to accelerate the decomposition of compostable bioplastics in waste treatment facilities using microorganisms and phages, without requiring major infrastructure changes.
RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS)
Bioplastics
Microplastic Pollution
Cellulose
Biodegradable Plastic
Researchers at RIKEN’s Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS), led by Takuzo Aida, have developed a robust, flexible, plant-based plastic that rapidly decomposes in natural environments, including saltwater, without forming microplastics. Utilizing inexpensive, FDA-approved ingredients, this material represents a significant advancement towards combating plastic pollution.
UPM has officially launched commercial production at its Leuna biorefinery, marking a transformative step in replacing fossil-based raw materials with renewable, wood-based biochemicals.
Concordia University
Biomanufacturing
Synthetic Biology
CFI Investment
Bioplastics
Concordia University has significantly upgraded its Genome Foundry and Bioprocessing facilities with a $5 million investment, enhancing its position as a leading Canadian hub for synthetic biology and sustainable biomanufacturing.
TotalEnergies Corbion
PLA
Chemical Recycling
Biobased Materials
Circular Economy
China Conference
TotalEnergies Corbion showcased its Luminy® PLA innovations, highlighting its 100% biobased, recyclable, and industrially compostable nature, alongside successful chemical recycling advancements at a major Chinese conference.
Power2Polymers, a German startup, secured the top prize at the ISC3 Innovation Challenge 2025 for its pioneering sustainable and high-performance polymer products, which significantly reduce carbon footprint and offer an alternative to harmful PFAS chemicals.
CARBIOS and Wankai New Materials
PET Biorecycling
Haining
China
Circular Economy
CARBIOS and Wankai New Materials have finalized a landmark agreement to establish a joint venture for Asia’s first large-scale PET biorecycling plant in China, leveraging CARBIOS’s enzymatic depolymerization technology.
ALPLA and NTCP are piloting a solvent-based process in the Netherlands to produce food-safe recycled HDPE, supported by a Dutch government grant, aiming for industrial scale by 2030.
European Bioplastics (EUBP)
Bioplastics
Market Data
Production Capacity
Circular Economy
European Bioplastics’ 2025 Market Data Report projects a doubling of global biobased plastics production capacity by 2030, driven by increased demand and innovation across key sectors.
Plastic Pollution
Breaking the Plastic Wave 2025
Pew Charitable Trusts
Circular Economy
Waste Management
Sustainability
Global Policy
New landmark report from The Pew Charitable Trusts reveals plastic pollution could more than double by 2040, but offers science-based pathway to reduce annual pollution by 83% through systemic transformation.
Rutgers University
Bioplastics
Plastic Pollution
Sustainable Materials
Nature Chemistry
Rutgers University scientists have engineered novel plastics that naturally degrade under everyday conditions, offering a sustainable solution to plastic pollution without requiring specialized treatments. The breakthrough, led by Yuwei Gu and published in Nature Chemistry, allows for programmable material lifecycles, with potential applications ranging from packaging to timed drug-release capsules.
Ecopha Biotech
Terra Sol Studio
PHA Bioplastics
InnovationAus Awards
Pongamia Oil
Sustainable Packaging
Ecopha Biotech and design partner Terra Sol Studio secured the 2025 InnovationAus Energy & Renewables Award for their groundbreaking carbon-negative PHA bioplastics, which are fully home-compostable and marine biodegradable, offering a scalable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
Emirates Biotech
PLA
Biopolymer
Sustainable Packaging
Middle East
Circular Economy
Emirates Biotech has launched ‘Embio’, a new series of plant-based PLA biopolymers, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics in the Middle East with local stock and lower minimum order quantities.
European Commission
Bioeconomy Strategy
Bio-Based Plastics
Regulatory Policy
EU Green Deal
The European Commission has adopted a new Bioeconomy Strategy, explicitly integrating bio-based plastics into a coherent regulatory framework and preparing for legally binding targets, signaling a major shift in EU industrial policy.
EU Regulation
Recycled Plastic
Labeling
Automotive
Sustainability
Market Analysis
The EU Commission has issued Regulation 2025/2269 to rectify labeling guidelines for recycled plastics, clarifying the existing framework as the global recycled plastics market is projected to reach USD 190.25 billion by 2035, significantly driven by demand in sustainable automotive interior components.
British company Carbon Cell has developed a carbon-negative, compostable, and plastic-free rigid foam from agricultural waste, offering a sustainable alternative to polystyrene for packaging and insulation.
Northeast Forestry University
Shenyang University of Chemical Technology
Bamboo Bioplastic
Biodegradable Plastic
Sustainable Materials
Scientists in China have developed a high-performance bamboo bioplastic that surpasses conventional plastics in strength and heat resistance, while being fully biodegradable within 50 days and recyclable. This innovative material offers a compelling sustainable alternative for various industrial applications.
Renaissance BioScience and Biome Bioplastics
Partnerships
Collaboration
Partnership
Renaissance BioScience and Biome Bioplastics launched a two-year, $1.06 million R&D initiative to develop renewable plastic alternatives for packaging and personal care.
Erg Bio has successfully secured $6.5 million in a seed funding round to accelerate the scale-up of its Aspireâ„¢ Technology, which converts agricultural and forestry wastes into sustainable aviation fuels and vital bio-based chemicals.
Blue Circle Olefins
Ducor Petrochemicals
Circular Economy
Polypropylene
Bio-Based Plastics
Recycled Plastics
Blue Circle Olefins and Ducor Petrochemicals have announced a strategic partnership to establish a fully circular polypropylene value chain, targeting an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by supplying bio-based and carbon-recycled polypropylene.
TIPA
Sealpap
Acquisition
Compostable Packaging
Recyclable Packaging
Paper-Based Packaging
Sustainable Packaging
Circular Economy
EU Regulations
TIPA Compostable Packaging has acquired Sealpap, a specialist in recyclable paper-based packaging, significantly broadening TIPA’s sustainable packaging portfolio to offer both compostable and recyclable solutions. This strategic move aims to help global brands meet environmental goals and comply with evolving EU regulations, reinforcing TIPA’s growth in circular packaging across Europe and North America.
CJ Biomaterials was recognized with the 2025 Innovation in Bioplastics Award for its advancements in biopolymer technology and sustainable materials, highlighting its leadership in the bioplastics industry.
FORVIA
Renault Clio 6
Sustainable Interiors
Recycled Plastics
Automotive Technology
FORVIA is supplying the instrument panel and center console for the all-new Renault Clio 6, incorporating 40% recycled plastics and advanced finishing techniques to enhance sustainability and user experience.
Braskem’s Sustainable Development Director called for stronger public policies to support biopolymer demand and R&D at COP30, emphasizing the company’s leadership in renewable polyethylene.
P2 Science
Algenesis
Bioplastics
Polyurethanes
Algae-Derived
Biodegradable
Green Chemistry
P2 Science and Algenesis Corporation have formed a strategic partnership to develop and commercialize 100% biobased and biodegradable polyurethanes derived from algae, aiming to replace petroleum-based plastics across various industries.
NaturePlast announced new-generation bioplastic formulations for technical filaments in fishing and construction nets, leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize performance characteristics for demanding applications.
Braskem America
I'm Green PE
Bio-Based Polyethylene
Capacity Expansion
Sustainability
Packaging
Braskem America has announced expanded production capacity for its ‘I’m green’ bio-based polyethylene (PE), reinforcing its commitment to sustainable packaging solutions. This move significantly boosts the availability of a plant-based biopolymer for diverse applications.
Avantium and Logoplaste have solidified their partnership with a capacity reservation agreement for Avantium’s plant-based, recyclable polymer PEF, branded as ReLeaf®. This deal secures future volumes of ReLeaf for Logoplaste to accelerate sustainable, high-performance packaging innovation across diverse applications.
Teknor Apex completed the acquisition of Danimer Scientific, consolidating its position in the biodegradable biopolymer market and strengthening its production scalability and competitive dynamics.
SABIC introduced the first certified renewable-grade ULTEM resin, a bio-based engineering plastic with high heat resistance and mechanical strength for electronics and aerospace applications.
Braskem continues expansion of its $20 million Renewable Innovation Center in Massachusetts, targeting 1 million tons of annual bioproduct capacity by 2030 and advancing biopolymer R&D.
BASF enhanced its ecovio biodegradable mulch film portfolio, targeting diverse climate zones in Asia and Latin America, supporting sustainable agriculture and high-growth markets.
TripleW, supported by Sulzer Chemtech, launched the world’s first polylactic acid bioplastic made from food waste, marking significant innovation in sustainable bioplastics production from circular economy feedstocks.
Novamont obtained certificate of conformity with EU Fertilizer Regulation 2019/1009 for its Mater-Bi bioplastic, enabling new applications in the agricultural sector and expanding market opportunities.
Blue Ocean Closures (BOC) has announced a significant breakthrough, positioning its latest fibre screw caps to match or outperform fossil plastic in material cost while drastically reducing production energy requirements. This advancement marks a pivotal moment for sustainable and cost-efficient packaging alternatives.
CJ Biomaterials
BIQ Materials
PHA
Artificial Turf Infill
Biodegradable Biopolymer
Europe
Microplastic Pollution
PHACTâ„¢ PHA
CJ Biomaterials has partnered with Swedish company BIQ Materials to commercialize artificial turf infill made from PHACTâ„¢ PHA, a certified biodegradable biopolymer, targeting the European market in anticipation of the 2031 EU ban on petroleum-based infill.
CJ Biomaterials signed a partnership with BIQ Materials to produce artificial turf infill made with PHACTâ„¢ PHA, a certified biodegradable biopolymer, targeting the European market and supporting EU microplastic ban compliance.
Lenzing Group and OceanSafe have collaborated to introduce a next-generation yarn, combining TENCELâ„¢ Lyocell - A100 fibers with biodegradable naNea co-polyester, offering a sustainable and high-performance alternative for various textile applications.
Agilyx has completed the acquisition of a 44% stake in GreenDot Global, a significant move to strengthen its European market presence and establish a global platform for supplying feedstock to the advanced recycling industry.
Polykar has announced a $20 million investment to double the production capacity of its Edmonton facility, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable packaging and the circular economy in Western Canada.
Researchers at Empa have developed a revolutionary biodegradable circuit board that allows electronic waste to decompose naturally, tackling the global e-waste crisis through bioplastic innovation.
Westlake Corporation has strategically expanded its materials portfolio by acquiring ACI Compounding Solutions, a move aimed at bolstering its presence in sustainable and high-performance plastic compounding.
TotalEnergies’ Grandpuits platform in France is undergoing a major €500 million conversion to become a zero-crude facility by mid-2025, focusing on sustainable aviation fuel, plastic recycling, and renewable energy production.
thyssenkrupp Uhde and Praj Industries Ltd. have announced a strategic partnership to deliver an integrated, end-to-end technology for Polylactic Acid (PLA) production, aiming to transform the bioplastics sector and advance the circular bioeconomy.
Braskem Siam has signed a Letter of Intent with Mitr Phol Bio Fuel for the annual supply of 450 million liters of ethanol, securing crucial feedstock for its pioneering bio-ethylene plant in Thailand set to operate by 2027.
Lubrizol
Biodegradable Polymers
Personal Care
Sustainable Chemistry
Product Launch
Lubrizol has launched new readily biodegradable polymers, Carbopol® BioSense Polymer and Sensomer™ Cassia 115 Polymer, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable chemistry in personal care and other industries.
Australian firm Uluu secured A$16 million ($10.5 million) in funding to develop demonstration facility and scale technology for producing PHA bioplastics from seaweed as petroleum alternative.
Thermoset resin producer Bakelite acquired Sestec, Polish company specializing in sustainable protein-based adhesives for wood and composite products, expanding its bio-based materials portfolio.
Balrampur Chini Mills will build India’s first large-scale polylactic acid bioplastics plant by October 2026. Operating under Bioyug brand, facility will produce 80,000 tonnes annually from sugarcane.
AgroRenew LLC started construction in Northeast Ohio on facility converting food waste from pumpkins, watermelons, and cantaloupes into bioplastics, addressing agricultural waste challenges.
Braskem SA and Sojitz Corp planning $400 million joint venture facility in Lafayette, Indiana to produce bio-based plastic feedstocks, expanding North American sustainable materials capacity.
Blue Circle Olefins secured funding to advance ProjectNL, commercial Methanol to Olefins production facility in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Project aims to produce sustainable olefins from renewable methanol.
Radici Group launched Bionside, new line of bio-based nylon resins at Fakuma 2024 trade show, expanding sustainable engineering plastics portfolio for automotive and industrial applications.
BASF and Siemens collaborated to present circuit breaker with components made from biomass-balanced plastics at Fakuma 2024, demonstrating industrial applications of sustainable materials.
Nexam Chemical and Verdofoam collaborating to advance lightweight materials in biobased plastics, combining crosslinking technology with foam production for improved sustainability and performance.
Blue Ocean Closures announced its fiber screw caps now cost-competitive with fossil plastic caps while having lower energy consumption in production, marking sustainability milestone in packaging.
Kaneka Corporation
PHBH
Biopolymer
Investment
Sustainable Packaging
Japan
Kaneka Corporation has committed ¥12.4 billion in October 2025 to boost its PHBH biopolymer production capacity, addressing rising domestic demand for compostable packaging and cutlery while enhancing overall supply flexibility.
Expert Analysis: FutureBio Inc. Advances Cost-Competitive, Recyclable Bioplastics
FutureBio Inc., a biotech startup headquartered in Berkeley, California, is emerging as a significant player in the sustainable materials sector with its focus on developing completely recyclable and cost-competitive plastics. Founded in 2024, the company’s core mission revolves around combating climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting a circular economy through innovative biomanufacturing solutions.
Honeywell successfully completed the spin-off of its Advanced Materials business, now operating as Solstice Advanced Materials, on October 30, 2025. This strategic move is part of Honeywell’s broader plan to establish three independent, focused market-leading companies, with further separations for its Automation and Aerospace businesses slated for the second half of 2026. Solstice Advanced Materials officially began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol “SOLS”.