The Global Market for Biobased Microbeads 2026-2036

cover

Published: May 2025
Pages: 155
Tables: 65
Figures: 25

The market for biobased microbeads represents a rapidly evolving segment within the broader sustainable materials industry, driven by increasing environmental regulations and consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic microbeads. These microscopic spherical particles, typically ranging from 1 to 1000 micrometers in diameter, are derived from renewable biological sources such as plant cellulose, algae, agricultural waste, and biodegradable polymers. The global biobased microbeads market has experienced significant growth following regulatory restrictions on synthetic plastic microbeads in personal care products. Countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several EU nations have implemented bans on plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics due to their environmental persistence and potential harm to marine ecosystems. This regulatory landscape has created substantial opportunities for biobased alternatives that offer similar functional properties while maintaining biodegradability.

The biobased microbeads market encompasses a diverse range of natural materials and biodegradable polymers, each offering unique performance characteristics and application potential. From polysaccharides like starch, cellulose, and chitin to proteins including collagen and casein, the material landscape continues to expand with innovations in polyesters such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polylactic acid (PLA). Additionally, emerging materials like lignin and alginate present new opportunities for specialized applications across industries.

Key applications for biobased microbeads span multiple industries, with personal care and cosmetics representing the largest market segment. These products serve as gentle exfoliants in facial scrubs, body washes, and toothpaste, providing the tactile and aesthetic properties consumers expect while addressing environmental concerns. Beyond personal care, biobased microbeads find applications in pharmaceuticals as drug delivery systems, in agriculture as controlled-release fertilizer carriers, and in industrial processes as biodegradable abrasives.

The competitive landscape features a mix of established chemical companies and innovative startups developing novel biobased solutions. Major players include companies producing cellulose-based microbeads from wood pulp and cotton, while emerging technologies focus on algae-derived particles and agricultural waste conversion. Manufacturing processes typically involve controlled precipitation, spray drying, or specialized polymerization techniques to achieve desired particle size distributions and functional properties.

Market growth drivers include strengthening environmental regulations, corporate sustainability commitments, and growing consumer awareness of microplastic pollution. The beauty and personal care industry's shift toward "clean" formulations has particularly accelerated adoption. Additionally, technological advances have improved the performance characteristics of biobased microbeads, addressing early concerns about effectiveness and shelf stability.

However, the market faces several challenges. Production costs for biobased alternatives typically exceed those of conventional plastic microbeads, though this gap is narrowing with scale and technological improvements. Supply chain development remains a consideration, as consistent quality and reliable sourcing of raw materials require ongoing investment. Additionally, biodegradation rates and environmental fate studies continue to be areas of active research and regulatory scrutiny.

Regional market dynamics vary significantly, with Europe leading in both regulatory pressure and market adoption, followed by North America. Asia-Pacific markets show growing interest, particularly in countries implementing stricter environmental standards. The market structure includes both direct replacement of existing plastic microbeads and development of new applications leveraging unique properties of biobased alternatives. Future market prospects appear robust, supported by expanding regulatory frameworks, increasing corporate environmental commitments, and continued innovation in raw materials and processing technologies. Industry analysts project sustained double-digit growth rates through the next decade, with market expansion driven by both regulatory compliance and voluntary adoption of sustainable alternatives across diverse applications.

The Global Market for Biobased Microbeads: Market Report 2026-2036 provides critical insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of biobased microbeads from 2026 to 2036, analyzing market drivers, technological innovations, application segments, and competitive dynamics across multiple industries. Market segmentation analysis reveals significant opportunities across multiple application areas, with personal care and cosmetics leading adoption rates due to regulatory pressure and consumer demand. The agricultural and horticultural sectors present substantial growth potential for controlled-release applications, while paints and coatings, soap and detergents, oil and gas, and medical products offer diverse market entry points. Emerging applications in 3D printing, textiles, and food packaging represent future growth vectors for innovative market participants.

Manufacturing technologies and processes continue to evolve, with advances in melt processing, extrusion techniques, solvent-based production methods, and emulsion and spray-drying technologies enabling improved quality control and particle size distribution. These technological developments directly impact cost competitiveness and market penetration potential across various application segments.

Report contents include:

Regulatory Landscape Analysis: Comprehensive examination of microplastics legislation across major markets including REACH compliance, US federal regulations, Canadian restrictions, Australian guidelines, and emerging Asian regulatory frameworks
Material Technology Assessment: Detailed evaluation of natural hard materials, polysaccharides (starch, cellulose variants, chitin), proteins (collagen, gelatin, casein), polyesters (PHA, PLA), and other natural polymers (lignin, alginate)
Manufacturing Process Innovation: Analysis of melt processing, extrusion techniques, solvent-based production, emulsion technologies, spray-drying methods, and quality control systems
Market Penetration Barriers: Identification of technical limitations, cost competitiveness challenges, supply chain constraints, and regulatory compliance requirements
Application Market Sizing: Quantitative analysis of microplastics volumes across personal care (2024-2036), cosmetics, agriculture and horticulture, paints and coatings, soap and detergents, oil and gas, and medical products
Regional Market Dynamics: Geographic analysis covering North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and emerging markets with volume projections in metric tons
Competitive Intelligence: Comprehensive profiles of 40+ leading companies developing biobased microbead technologies and commercial solutions. Companies profiled include
Environmental Impact Assessment: Analysis of marine pollution mitigation, toxicological effects reduction, and human health implications
Price Elasticity and Cost Analysis: Economic modeling of market adoption rates, price sensitivity, and cost-competitiveness factors
Technology Readiness Assessment: Evaluation of commercialization timelines, market readiness levels, and adoption barriers across different application segments
SWOT Analysis Framework: Systematic assessment of market strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats affecting industry development
Emerging Applications: Forward-looking analysis of 3D printing, textile applications, and food packaging opportunities

1 THE MICROPLASTICS MARKET 13

1.1 Microplastics added to products 13
- 1.1.1 Classification 14
- 1.1.2 Function and applications 14
1.2 Microplastics legislation 16
- 1.2.1 REACH 16
- 1.2.2 United States 16
- 1.2.3 Canada 17
- 1.2.4 Australia 17
- 1.2.5 Asia 17
1.3 Environmental Impact Assessment 17
- 1.3.1 Marine pollution and microplastic accumulation 18
- 1.3.2 Toxicological effects on marine life 19
- 1.3.3 Human health implications 21

2 BIOBASED MICROBEADS MATERIALS 22

2.1 Use as an alternative to microplastics 22
2.2 Biodegradation mechanisms and timeframes 24
2.3 Natural hard materials 26
2.4 Natural polymers 26
- 2.4.1 Polysaccharides 26
  - 2.4.1.1 Starch 26
    - 2.4.1.1.1 Applications and commercial status 26
    - 2.4.1.1.2 Companies 27
  - 2.4.1.2 Cellulose 28
    - 2.4.1.2.1 Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) 28
      - 2.4.1.2.1.1 Applications and commercial status 28
      - 2.4.1.2.1.2 Companies 28
    - 2.4.1.2.2 Regenerated cellulose microspheres 28
      - 2.4.1.2.2.1 Applications and commercial status 28
      - 2.4.1.2.2.2 Companies 29
    - 2.4.1.2.3 Cellulose nanocrystals 29
      - 2.4.1.2.3.1 Applications and commercial status 30
      - 2.4.1.2.3.2 Companies 31
    - 2.4.1.2.4 Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) 32
      - 2.4.1.2.4.1 Applications and commercial status 34
      - 2.4.1.2.4.2 Companies 35
  - 2.4.1.3 Chitin 36
    - 2.4.1.3.1 Applications and commercial status 36
    - 2.4.1.3.2 Companies 36
- 2.4.2 Proteins 36
  - 2.4.2.1 Collagen/Gelatin 36
    - 2.4.2.1.1 Applications and commercial status 36
  - 2.4.2.2 Casein 36
    - 2.4.2.2.1 Applications and commercial status 37
- 2.4.3 Polyesters 37
  - 2.4.3.1 Polyhydroxyalkanoates 37
    - 2.4.3.1.1 Applications and commercial status 38
    - 2.4.3.1.2 Companies 39
  - 2.4.3.2 Polylactic acid 40
    - 2.4.3.2.1 Applications and commercial status 41
    - 2.4.3.2.2 Companies 41
- 2.4.4 Other natural polymers 41
  - 2.4.4.1 Lignin 41
    - 2.4.4.1.1 Description 42
    - 2.4.4.1.2 Applications and commercial status 43
    - 2.4.4.1.3 Companies 44
  - 2.4.4.2 Alginate 46
    - 2.4.4.2.1 Applications and commercial status 46
    - 2.4.4.2.2 Companies 47
2.5 Manufacturing Technologies and Processes 48
- 2.5.1 Melt processing and extrusion techniques 48
- 2.5.2 Solvent-based production methods 48
- 2.5.3 Emulsion and spray-drying technologies 48
- 2.5.4 Quality control and particle size distribution 48
2.6 Regulatory Framework and Standards 49
- 2.6.1 Biodegradability testing standards (ASTM, ISO) 49
- 2.6.2 Food contact and cosmetic safety regulations 49
- 2.6.3 International certification programs 49

3 MARKETS FOR BIOBASED MICROBEADS 49

3.1 Alternatives to microplastics (1-50μm), by application and market 49
3.2 Likelihood of market penetration of natural microplastic alternatives, by market 50
- 3.2.1 Market penetration barriers and challenges 51
- 3.2.2 Adoption timeline and market readiness assessment 52
3.3 Personal care 54
- 3.3.1 Market overview 54
- 3.3.2 Applications 54
- 3.3.3 Brand adoption case studies 56
- 3.3.4 Consumer acceptance and willingness to pay 57
- 3.3.5 Total quantity of microplastics present 2024-2036 (MT), by scale 58
3.4 Cosmetics 60
- 3.4.1 Market overview 60
- 3.4.2 Applications 61
- 3.4.3 Total quantity of microplastics present 2024-2036, by scale 63
3.5 Agriculture and horticulture 65
- 3.5.1 Market overview 65
- 3.5.2 Applications 66
- 3.5.3 Total quantity of microplastics present 2024-2036 (MT), by scale 67
3.6 Paints & coatings 69
- 3.6.1 Market overview 69
- 3.6.2 Applications 69
- 3.6.3 Total quantity of microplastics present 2024-2036 (MT), by scale 70
3.7 Soap, detergents and maintenance products 72
- 3.7.1 Market overview 72
- 3.7.2 Applications 72
- 3.7.3 Total quantity of microplastics present 2024-2036 (MT), by scale 74
3.8 Oil and gas 76
- 3.8.1 Market overview 76
- 3.8.2 Applications 76
- 3.8.3 Total quantity of microplastics present 2024-2036 (MT), by scale 77
3.9 Medical products 79
- 3.9.1 Market overview 79
- 3.9.2 Applications 80
- 3.9.3 Total quantity of microplastics present 2024-2036 (MT), by scale 81
3.10 Emerging Applications 83
- 3.10.1 3D printing and additive manufacturing 83
- 3.10.2 Textile and fibre 84
- 3.10.3 Food packaging and biodegradable films 86
3.11 Market value analysis 87
3.12 Price elasticity and cost-competitiveness analysis 89

4 GLOBAL MARKET SIZE 91

4.1 Primary microparticles (volume in Metric Tons) 91
- 4.1.1 By Market 91
- 4.1.2 By region 95
4.2 Biobased microbeads (MT) 97
- 4.2.1 By Raw Materials 97
- 4.2.2 By Market 100
- 4.2.3 By Region 101

5 SWOT ANALYSIS AND MARKET CHALLENGES 103

5.1 Strengths of biobased microbeads 103
5.2 Weaknesses and technical limitations 105
5.3 Market opportunities and growth drivers 107
5.4 Threats and market risks 109
5.5 Critical success factors for market penetration 111

6 PRODUCER PROFILES 114 (40 company profiles)

7 REPORT METHODOLOGY 150

8 REFERENCES 150

List of Tables

Table 1. Summary of functions and applications for microplastics. 15
Table 2. Microplastics environmental impact assessment. 17
Table 3. Biodegradable polymers. 23
Table 4. Biodegradation mechanisms and timeframes. 24
Table 5. Performance comparison vs. conventional microplastics. 25
Table 6.Companies developing starch microspheres/microbeads. 27
Table 7. Companies developing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) spheres/beads. 28
Table 8. Companies developing cellulose microbeads. 29
Table 9. CNC properties. 29
Table 10. Applications of cellulose nanocrystals (NCC). 30
Table 11. Companies developing cellulose nanocrystal microbeads. 31
Table 12. Cellulose nanocrystal production capacities and production process, by producer. 32
Table 13. Applications of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). 34
Table 14. Companies developing bacterial nanocellulose microbeads. 35
Table 15.Companies developing chitin microspheres/microbeads. 36
Table 16.Types of PHAs and properties. 38
Table 17. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) producers. 39
Table 18. Companies developing PHA for microbeads. 40
Table 19. PLA producers and production capacities. 41
Table 20. Technical lignin types and applications. 42
Table 21. Properties of lignins and their applications. 43
Table 22. Production capacities of technical lignin producers. 44
Table 23. Production capacities of biorefinery lignin producers. 45
Table 24. Companies developing lignin for microbeads (current or potential applications). 45
Table 25. Companies developing alginate for microbeads (current or potential applications). 47
Table 26. Alternatives to microplastics (1-50μm) by application and market. 49
Table 27. Likelihood of market penetration of natural microplastic alternatives, by main markets. 50
Table 28. Market penetration barriers and challenges 51
Table 29. Personal care products containing primary microplastics. 55
Table 30. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Personal Care. 55
Table 31. Total quantity of microplastics present in personal care products 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 58
Table 32. Types of Microplastics in Cosmetics. 60
Table 33. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Cosmetics. 62
Table 34. Total quantity of microplastics present in cosmetics 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 63
Table 35. Types of Microplastics in Agriculture and Horticulture. 65
Table 36. Agriculture and horticulture products containing microplastics. 66
Table 37. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Agriculture and Horticulture. 66
Table 38. Total quantity of microplastics present in agriculture and horticulture 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 67
Table 39. Types of Microplastics in Paints and Coatings. 69
Table 40. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Paints and Coatings. 70
Table 41. Total quantity of microplastics present in paints and coatings 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 70
Table 42. Soaps, detergents and maintenance products containing microplastics. 72
Table 43. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Soap, Detergents, and Maintenance Products. 73
Table 44. Total quantity of microplastics present in Soaps, detergents and maintenance products 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 74
Table 45. Types of Microplastics in Oil and Gas. 76
Table 46. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Oil and Gas. 76
Table 47. Total quantity of microplastics present in oil and gas 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 77
Table 48. Example microsphere products in drug delivery. 79
Table 49. Medical products containing microplastics. 80
Table 50. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Medical Products. 81
Table 51. Total quantity of microplastics present in medicinal products 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 81
Table 52. Biobased microbeads in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. 83
Table 53. Biobased microbeads in Textile and fibre applications. 84
Table 54. Biobased microbeads in Food packaging and biodegradable films. 86
Table 55. Price elasticity and cost-competitiveness analysis. 89
Table 56. Global market for primary microparticles 2017-2024, by Market, (Metric Tons). 91
Table 57. Global market for primary microparticles 2024-2036, by Market, (Metric Tons). 93
Table 58. Global market for primary microparticles 2020-2035, by region, (Metric Tons). 96
Table 59. Market Segmentation by Raw Materials (2025 Projections). 97
Table 60. Global market 2017-2035, for biobased microbeads, (MT). 97
Table 61. Global market 2017-2035, for biobased microbeads, by region (MT). 101
Table 62. Strengths of biobased microbeads. 103
Table 63. Weaknesses and technical limitations. 105
Table 64. Biobased microbeads Market opportunities and growth drivers. 107
Table 64. Biobased microbeads Threats and market risks. 109
Table 64. Biobased microbeads Critical success factors for market penetration. 111
Table 65. Lactips plastic pellets. 137

List of Figures

Figure 1. Typical sources of primary microplastics. 14
Figure 2. Bacterial nanocellulose shapes. 33
Figure 3. Adoption timeline and market readiness assessment. 53
Figure 4. Total quantity of microplastics present in personal care products 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 59
Figure 5. Toothpaste incorporating microbeads. 61
Figure 6. Total quantity of microplastics present in cosmetics 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 64
Figure 7. Total quantity of microplastics present in agriculture and horticulture 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 68
Figure 8. Total quantity of microplastics present in paints and coatings 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 71
Figure 9. Total quantity of microplastics present in Soaps, detergents and maintenance products 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 75
Figure 10. Total quantity of microplastics present in oil and gas 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 78
Figure 11. Total quantity of microplastics present in medicinal products 2024-2036 (MT), by scale. 82
Figure 12. Global market for primary microparticles 2017-2024, by Market, (Metric Tons). 92
Figure 13. Global market for primary microparticles 2024-2036, by Market, (Metric Tons). 94
Figure 14. Global market size by region 2024, primary microparticles, (Metric Tons). 95
Figure 15. Global market 2017-2035, for biobased microbeads, (Metric Tons). 99
Figure 16. Global market 2017-2035, for biobased microbeads, by market (MT). 100
Figure 17. Global market 2017-2035, for biobased microbeads, by region (MT). 102
Figure 18: CNC produced at Tech Futures’ pilot plant; cloudy suspension (1 wt.%), gel-like (10 wt.%), flake-like crystals, and very fine powder. Product advantages include: 125
Figure 19: NCCTM Process. 125
Figure 20. Pressurized Hot Water Extraction. 127
Figure 21. BELLOCEA™. 129
Figure 22. VIVAPUR® MCC Spheres. 135
Figure 23. Viscopearl®. 144
Figure 24. Supramolecular plastic that dissolves in seawater. 146
Figure 25. The Proesa® Process. 148

The Global Market for Biobased Microbeads 2026-2036

PDF download/by email.

The Global Market for Biobased Microbeads 2026-2036

PDF and Print Edition (including tracked delivery).

Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Paypal, Bank Transfer. To order by Bank Transfer (Invoice) select this option from the payment methods menu after adding to cart, or contact info@futuremarketsinc.com

1 THE MICROPLASTICS MARKET 13

2 BIOBASED MICROBEADS MATERIALS 22

3 MARKETS FOR BIOBASED MICROBEADS 49

4 GLOBAL MARKET SIZE 91

5 SWOT ANALYSIS AND MARKET CHALLENGES 103

6 PRODUCER PROFILES 114 (40 company profiles)

7 REPORT METHODOLOGY 150

8 REFERENCES 150

List of Tables

List of Figures

Related Posts

The Global Quantum Random Number Generator Market 2025-2040

The Global Entangled Networks Market 2026-2040

The Global Neutral-Atom Quantum Computing Market 2026-2036