News & Updates

Latest bioplastics news, industry updates, policy changes, and company developments. Stay informed about sustainable plastics innovations worldwide.

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M&A

LyondellBasell Finalizes Divestiture of European Assets

LyondellBasell has completed the sale of select European assets to streamline its regional portfolio and redirect capital toward its circular and biopolymer manufacturing initiatives.

PANGAIA Launches New Bio-Based Performance Material
Product Launch

PANGAIA Launches New Bio-Based Performance Material

Materials science brand PANGAIA has unveiled a new line of high-performance bio-based activewear materials, significantly reducing the apparel industry’s reliance on fossil fuel-derived synthetics.

Product Launch

R&D Breakthrough: Forest Debris to High-Performance Bioplastics

The National Institute of Forest Science has developed a low-energy catalytic process to transform discarded wood and forestry waste into high-performance, lignocellulose-derived bioplastics.

Kingfa Unveils Bio-Based Home-Compostable PBS Coating at CHINAPLAS 2026
Product Launch

Kingfa Unveils Bio-Based Home-Compostable PBS Coating at CHINAPLAS 2026

At CHINAPLAS 2026 in Shanghai, Kingfa introduced an innovative bio-based and home-compostable PBS extrusion coating material for paper packaging, alongside recycled HDPE solutions — advancing both bio-based and circular economy material strategies.

Product Launch

Development of Antimicrobial REearthable Trays

Metalchemy has introduced a new line of REearthable bioplastic trays infused with silver nanotechnology to inhibit bacterial growth and significantly reduce food waste.

M&A

Acquisition of AI Sorting Firm Recycleye

Global recycling equipment manufacturer CP Group has acquired AI-powered sorting technology company Recycleye to enhance the precise recovery of complex packaging materials, including bioplastics.

Product Launch

Dr Bio Unveils Cornstarch-Based Biopolymer Platform

Dr Bio has launched a versatile new cornstarch-based biopolymer platform designed to offer highly tunable, compostable alternatives for the flexible packaging and consumer goods sectors.

Plant Announcement

Nant Biorenewables Expands Alabama Manufacturing Plant

Nant Biorenewables has announced a major expansion of its Gadsden, Alabama manufacturing facility to boost production capacity and introduce advanced multi-material biopolymer capabilities.

Partnerships

Kelpi Packaging Approaches Market Launch with Homethings Partnership

UK-based Kelpi’s seaweed-derived packaging material approaches first commercial deployment. Cleaning brand Homethings selected for next-generation refill sachets — the world’s first commercial use of Kelpi’s seaweed-coated packaging.

Product Launch

Bio-Material Solution for the Diaper Industry

ZymoChem has published a comprehensive performance white paper detailing its BAYSE™ bio-based superabsorbent polymers, offering a scalable, renewable alternative to fossil-based polyacrylates in hygiene products.

Plant Announcement

Covestro Signs Contract for Smart Pyrolysis Recycling Pilot Plant

Covestro and Fraunhofer UMSICHT have finalized an agreement to construct a pioneering smart pyrolysis pilot plant aimed at advancing the chemical recycling of complex polymer waste streams.

Kingfa and Beijing University Partner on Green Biomanufacturing
Partnership

Kingfa and Beijing University Partner on Green Biomanufacturing

Kingfa Sci. & Tech. has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Beijing University of Chemical Technology for green biomanufacturing, targeting bio-based material development using biochemical technologies and biocatalysis to replace petrochemical feedstocks.

Financial Results

Cirplus is entering liquidation

Digital B2B procurement platform Cirplus has officially entered liquidation, marking the end of its operations in the circular and bio-based plastics marketplace.

Plant Announcement

Selenis to Double Recycled Polyester Output in Portugal

Selenis has announced plans to double its recycled polyester production capacity at its Portuguese facility by the third quarter of 2027 to meet the growing global demand for circular packaging solutions.

Product Launch

Researchers Develop Sea Urchin-Inspired Biomimetic Materials

Researchers have successfully engineered 3D-printed biomimetic smart materials inspired by the structural architecture of sea urchins, unlocking rapid mechanoelectrical responses for advanced sensor applications.

Product Launch

Breakthrough in Milk-Based Bioplastic Film

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new biodegradable packaging film derived from waste milk proteins designed to replace single-use fossil plastics.

Plant Announcement

Futerro Delays French PLA Plant Operations to 2029

Belgian bioplastics producer Futerro has postponed the operational launch of its vertically integrated PLA biorefinery in Normandy to 2029 amidst broader European industrial headwinds.

Plant Announcement

Syclus Pushes Bioethylene Plant Launch to 2030

Syclus has announced a significant delay to its renewable ethylene production facility, pushing the expected operational start date to 2030 amid broader sector challenges.

Product Launch

Launch of Biomass-Balanced Polyurethane Foam Systems

BASF introduces new certified biomass-balanced polyurethane systems designed to reduce product carbon footprints while maintaining identical performance to fossil-based equivalents.

Partnerships

Zeon and Visolis Sign Agreement for Bio-Isoprene Development

Zeon Corporation and Visolis have entered a strategic partnership to accelerate the commercial development of bio-isoprene, a critical sustainable feedstock for synthetic rubber and elastomers.

Kingfa Bioplastics Segment Turns Profitable as High-End Applications Grow
Financial Results

Kingfa Bioplastics Segment Turns Profitable as High-End Applications Grow

Kingfa’s 2025 annual results show net profit up 39.44% YoY, with the biodegradable plastics segment turning from loss to profit for the first time, driven by breakthroughs in industrial-grade 3D printing filaments and food packaging barrier coatings.

Plant Announcement

UP Cabinet Approves India's First Large-Scale PLA Bioplastics Plant

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved Balrampur Chini Mills Limited’s proposal to establish India’s first industrial-scale Polylactic Acid manufacturing facility, utilizing sugar-based feedstock for sustainable plastic production.

Product Launch

Cortec Releases Biobased Acrylic Anticorrosion Coating

Cortec Corporation has launched a new high-performance biobased acrylic coating that integrates proprietary corrosion inhibition technology with renewable raw materials.

Market Analysis

Bio-based Car Parts Reach Market-Readiness Stage

New market intelligence indicates that high-strength automotive bioplastics have overcome critical durability and heat-resistance thresholds, signalling readiness for mass commercial adoption.

Market Analysis

Plastics recycling technologies mapped across Europe

Plastics Recyclers Europe has released comprehensive data mapping the installed capacity and diverse technologies of recycling facilities across the continent to benchmark progress against 2030 targets.

Product Launch

Launch of Vivara Global Sustainability Division

Tiderock Companies establishes a new subsidiary focused on sustainable infrastructure and the deployment of advanced bio-based construction materials.

Product Launch

Tungsten Carbide Catalyst Breakthrough for Plastic Upcycling

Researchers at the University of Rochester utilize tungsten carbide to create a cost-effective, platinum-mimicking catalyst for efficient plastic waste dehydrogenation.

Plant Announcement

Kemvera Reaches Key Milestones for New U.S. Biochemicals Plant

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.

Product Launch

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Produces First Hemp Bioplastics

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.

M&A

Divestment of UCY Polymers CZ Completed

Indorama Ventures has officially completed the sale of its indirect subsidiary UCY Polymers CZ as part of a strategic portfolio optimization.

M&A

Primient Becomes Sole Owner of Primient Covation

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.

Product Launch

Japanese Researchers Develop Marine-Degradable Cellulose Plastic

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.

Plant Announcement

MTU Launches Pilot Green Biorefinery at Kerry Campus

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.

Product Launch

RIKEN Scientists Develop Saltwater-Safe, Rapidly Decomposing Plant-Based 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.

[Investment & Funding Product Launch]

FutureBio startup to make completely recyclable plastic cost competitive

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.

The company leverages advanced biotechnology, including strain engineering, metabolic engineering, protein design, and fermentation, to transform renewable biomass or waste feedstocks into high-performance monomers. These monomers are then polymerized to create materials with reprocessable and molecular-level recyclable networks, enabling both in-house scrap reuse and large-scale circularity. FutureBio claims its novel plastic can be completely depolymerized using hydrochloric acid, allowing for the reuse of decomposed biomass as new raw materials, thereby reducing waste and enhancing sustainability. A key differentiator highlighted by FutureBio is its assertion that these biorenewable plastics will make recycling more cost-effective than producing new plastic, creating a crucial economic incentive for businesses to adopt their solutions. The company is deploying AI to accelerate the development of these sustainable materials, optimizing processes from enzyme design to polymer formulation.

Market Analysis

EUBP presents the Results of the 2025 Market Data Report

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.

Product Launch

Scientists Develop New Plastics That Break Down Safely Instead of Polluting

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.

Product Launch

Ecopha Biotech and Terra Sol Win Energy & Renewables Award at the 2025 Innovation Aus award for Breakthrough PHA Technology

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.

Product Launch

Emirates Biotech launches PLA biopolymer 'Embio'

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.

Regulatory & Policy

New plan to unlock the bioeconomy's potential

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.

Kingfa Presents Green Material Solutions at COP30
Industry Event

Kingfa Presents Green Material Solutions at COP30

At COP30, Kingfa’s Academician Li Jianjun presented the company’s full-chain carbon reduction pathway for the plastics industry, covering bio-based feedstock development, recycled content integration, and lifecycle carbon footprint calculation services.

Product Launch

Carbon Cell makes plastic-free alternative to polystyrene

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.

Product Launch

New bamboo bioplastic offers strong alternative to traditional plastics

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.

Investment & Funding

Erg Bio Closes $6.5 Million Seed Round to Scale Flexible Feedstock Technology for Manufacturing Synthetic Aviation Fuels and Critical Chemicals

Erg Bio has successfully secured $6.5 million in a seed funding round to accelerate the scale-up of its Aspire™ Technology, which converts agricultural and forestry wastes into sustainable aviation fuels and vital bio-based chemicals.

M&A

TIPA acquires Sealpap to expand recyclable and compostable packaging portfolio

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.

Certifications

CJ Biomaterials Wins 2025 Innovation in Bioplastics Award

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.

Partnerships

Braskem Advocates Biopolymer Policy at COP30

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.

Product Launch

NaturePlast Develops AI-Designed Biodegradable Fishing Nets

NaturePlast announced new-generation bioplastic formulations for technical filaments in fishing and construction nets, leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize performance characteristics for demanding applications.

Plant Announcement

Expanded Capacity for Recyclable Bio-based PE

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.

Partnerships

Avantium and Logoplaste Sign Capacity Reservation Agreement for ReLeaf® to Accelerate High-Performance Packaging Innovation

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.

M&A

Teknor Apex Acquires Danimer Scientific

Teknor Apex completed the acquisition of Danimer Scientific, consolidating its position in the biodegradable biopolymer market and strengthening its production scalability and competitive dynamics.

Product Launch

SABIC Launches Renewable-Grade ULTEM Resin

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.

Plant Announcement

Braskem Expands Renewable Innovation Center

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.

Product Launch

TripleW Launches World's First Food Waste-Based PLA

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.

Product Launch

Fibre Screw Caps on Track to Be Cost-Competitive with Fossil Plastics

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.

Partnerships

CJ Biomaterials signs partnership with BIQ Materials to produce artificial turf infill made with PHACT™ PHA, a certified biodegradable biopolymer, for the European market

CJ Biomaterials has partnered with Swedish company BIQ Materials to commercialize artificial turf infill made from PHACT™ PHA, a certified biodegradable biopolymer, targeting the European market in anticipation of the 2031 EU ban on petroleum-based infill.

Product Launch

Lenzing and OceanSafe partner to launch next-gen performance textiles featuring TENCEL™ Lyocell - A100 and naNea

Lenzing Group and OceanSafe have collaborated to introduce a next-generation yarn, combining TENCEL™ Lyocell - A100 fibers with biodegradable naNea co-polyester, offering a sustainable and high-performance alternative for various textile applications.

M&A

Honeywell Completes Spin-Off of Solstice Advanced Materials

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”.

Solstice Advanced Materials emerges as a leading global specialty materials company, building on a heritage spanning over 130 years in advanced materials science. The company is dedicated to delivering high-performance solutions across diverse critical industries. Its business is structured into two main segments: Refrigerants & Applied Solutions, which accounts for approximately 72% of its net sales, and Electronic & Specialty Materials, making up the remaining 28%. Solstice’s product portfolio includes essential items such as refrigerants, advanced materials for semiconductor manufacturing, protective fibers, and healthcare packaging. In 2024, the assets now comprising Solstice generated approximately $3.8 billion in net sales and employed nearly 4,000 individuals worldwide. The spin-off aims to allow Solstice to pursue its own growth strategies and allocate capital more efficiently as an independent, publicly traded entity.

M&A

Agilyx investment transaction in GreenDot completed

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.

Plant Announcement

Polykar Doubles Production Capacity at Edmonton Facility

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.

NatureWorks Announces Major PLA Production Expansion
Plant Announcement

NatureWorks Announces Major PLA Production Expansion

NatureWorks LLC, a leading producer of Ingeo bioplastic, announces a $600 million investment to triple their PLA production capacity by 2027.

Novamont Develops New Marine-Biodegradable Film
Product Launch

Novamont Develops New Marine-Biodegradable Film

Italian bioplastics pioneer Novamont introduces a revolutionary film that biodegrades in marine environments within 6 months.

EU Updates Single-Use Plastic Regulations for 2025
Regulatory & Policy

EU Updates Single-Use Plastic Regulations for 2025

The European Union introduces stricter regulations on single-use plastics, creating new opportunities for bioplastic alternatives.

Plant Announcement

Grandpuits: A Zero-Crude Platform in 2025

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.

Partnerships

thyssenkrupp Uhde and Praj Industries Ltd. join forces to revolutionize polylactic acid production and circular economy

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.

Investment & Funding

Empire Diversified Energy Funds New US Chemical Recycling Plant

Empire Diversified Energy secures $10 million in financing to complete the commissioning of its waste-to-energy chemical recycling facility in West Virginia.

Kingfa Opens Advanced Chemical Recycling Facility in Spain
Facility Launch

Kingfa Opens Advanced Chemical Recycling Facility in Spain

Kingfa has inaugurated a state-of-the-art plastic waste chemical recycling facility in Montalbo, Cuenca, Spain, with annual capacity of 30,000 tonnes of high-performance recycled plastics, marking the Chinese materials giant’s first major European recycling operation.

Regulatory & Policy

Industry Body Calls for EU Green Deal Recognition

European Bioplastics urges EU policymakers to formally recognize the bioplastics sector as a critical enabler for achieving the European Green Deal’s climate and circularity goals.

Investment & Funding

Uluu raises $10.5M to scale seaweed bioplastics

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.

Bakelite acquires sustainable adhesives maker Sestec
M&A

Bakelite acquires sustainable adhesives maker Sestec

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.

Plant Announcement

India's first large-scale PLA bioplastics plant by 2026

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.

Braskem-Sojitz plan $400M bio-based feedstocks plant in Indiana
Plant Announcement

Braskem-Sojitz plan $400M bio-based feedstocks plant in Indiana

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 secures funding for ProjectNL in Rotterdam
Investment & Funding

Blue Circle Olefins secures funding for ProjectNL in Rotterdam

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 launches Bionside bio-based nylons at Fakuma
Product Launch

Radici Group launches Bionside bio-based nylons at Fakuma

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.

Blue Ocean fiber screw caps reach cost parity with plastic
Product Launch

Blue Ocean fiber screw caps reach cost parity with plastic

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.