The Global Market for Biodegradable Microbeads 2024-2035

Published: March 2024
Pages: 117
Tables: 48
Figures: 27
Companies profiled: 36
Series: Bio-Economy

Plastic microbeads are a multi-billion dollar market, with applications in markets ranging from cosmetics to oil & gas. However, their use is limited in some applications, and regulatory curbs regarding use are likely to increase. Replacement of plastic microbeads with biodegradable and non-toxic alternatives is increasingly important and the market will grow to meet both regulatory demands and increased use of microbeads in healthcare (e.g. pharmaceuticals and drug delivery), food and beverages), paints and coatings, and cosmetics and personal care sectors.

Microplastics can be separated into primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics are mostly thermoset and thermoplast plastic materials that have been added to products to fulfil a certain function. For example, these synthetic non-degradable polymers are used in personal care and cosmetics for exfoliation, film formation, sorbents for delivering active ingredients, skin conditioning etc.. While some of these microbeads are clearly visible, others are in the micro- or nanometre range. Personal care and cosmetic products since the 1990s have been increasingly formulated to include microbeads to improve their abrasive and other qualities. Many companies have curtailed their use or pivoted to natural alternatives, but it still represents a sizeable global market.

Secondary microplastics are formed by the fragmentation of macroplastics (>5 mm) by processes such as weathering of plastic litter and paint layers, as well as wear of car tyres and are the main focus of environmental concerns. However, primary microplastics also raise issues and are a target for regulation. Therefore the developments of biobased and natural alternatives has grown in recent years.

The Global Market for Biodegradable Microbeads 2024-2035 offers an in-depth analysis of the market dynamics, key players, and future opportunities within this rapidly evolving sector, covering the period from 2017 to 2035. The report examines the current state of the microplastics market, providing a detailed classification of microplastics and their applications across various industries, and the potential of biodegradable materials as replacements for conventional microplastics. Biodegradable microbead materials types covered include natural polymers, polysaccharides, proteins, and polyesters. The report assesses the likelihood of these materials penetrating different sectors, such as personal care, cosmetics, agriculture, paints & coatings, detergents, oil & gas, and medical products.

One of the key highlights of this report is its comprehensive analysis of microplastic usage and the potential for biodegradable alternatives across these sectors. By providing a detailed breakdown of the current market size and forecasts for both primary microparticles and biodegradable microbeads, segmented by sector and region (in tonnes and USD), the report enables stakeholders to identify lucrative opportunities and make informed strategic decisions. Moreover, the report features profiles of leading producers and developers of biodegradable microbead materials, offering valuable insights into their product portfolios, production capacities, and growth strategies. This information is crucial for companies seeking to establish partnerships, collaborate on research and development, or stay ahead of the competition in this dynamic market. Companies profiled include Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Andritz Oy, Asahi Kasei Corporation, BASF, Bioweg, CELLiCON, CH-Bioforce Oy, Croda, Daicel Corporation, Green Science Alliance, Lactips, LignoPure GmbH, Naturbeads and TerraVerdae BioWorks.
As concerns about the environmental impact of microplastics continue to mount, the demand for sustainable and biodegradable alternatives is expected to soar. This report serves as an essential resource for companies, researchers, and investors looking to capitalize on this trend and contribute to a greener future. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the market landscape, key players, and growth prospects, this report empowers stakeholders to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the global shift towards eco-friendly microbeads and microplastic alternatives.

1 REPORT METHODOLOGY 12

2 MICROPLASTICS MARKET 13

2.1 Microplastics added to products 13
- 2.1.1 Classification 13
- 2.1.2 Function and applications 14
2.2 Microplastics legislation 16
- 2.2.1 REACH 16
- 2.2.2 United States 16
- 2.2.3 Canada 16
- 2.2.4 Australia 16
- 2.2.5 Asia 17

3 BIODEGRADABLE MICROBEADS MATERIALS 18

3.1 Use as an alternative to microplastics 18
3.2 Natural hard materials 20
3.3 Natural polymers 20
- 3.3.1 Polysaccharides 20
  - 3.3.1.1 Starch 20
    - 3.3.1.1.1 Applications and commercial status 20
    - 3.3.1.1.2 Companies 21
  - 3.3.1.2 Cellulose 22
    - 3.3.1.2.1 Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) 22
      - 3.3.1.2.1.1 Applications and commercial status 22
      - 3.3.1.2.1.2 Companies 22
    - 3.3.1.2.2 Regenerated cellulose microspheres 23
      - 3.3.1.2.2.1 Applications and commercial status 23
      - 3.3.1.2.2.2 Companies 23
    - 3.3.1.2.3 Cellulose nanocrystals 23
      - 3.3.1.2.3.1 Applications and commercial status 24
      - 3.3.1.2.3.2 Companies 25
    - 3.3.1.2.4 Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) 27
      - 3.3.1.2.4.1 Applications and commercial status 30
      - 3.3.1.2.4.2 Companies 31
  - 3.3.1.3 Chitin 31
    - 3.3.1.3.1 Applications and commercial status 31
    - 3.3.1.3.2 Companies 31
- 3.3.2 Proteins 32
  - 3.3.2.1 Collagen/Gelatin 32
    - 3.3.2.1.1 Applications and commercial status 32
  - 3.3.2.2 Casein 32
    - 3.3.2.2.1 Applications and commercial status 32
- 3.3.3 Polyesters 32
  - 3.3.3.1 Polyhydroxyalkanoates 32
    - 3.3.3.1.1 Applications and commercial status 34
    - 3.3.3.1.2 Companies 35
  - 3.3.3.2 Polylactic acid 36
    - 3.3.3.2.1 Applications and commercial status 37
    - 3.3.3.2.2 Companies 37
- 3.3.4 Other natural polymers 38
  - 3.3.4.1 Lignin 38
    - 3.3.4.1.1 Description 38
    - 3.3.4.1.2 Applications and commercial status 40
    - 3.3.4.1.3 Companies 41
  - 3.3.4.2 Alginate 43
    - 3.3.4.2.1 Applications and commercial status 43
    - 3.3.4.2.2 Companies 45

4 MARKETS FOR BIODEGRADABLE MICROBEADS 46

4.1 Alternatives to microplastics (1-50μm), by application and market 46
4.2 Likelihood of market penetration of natural microplastic alternatives, by market 47
4.3 Personal care 47
- 4.3.1 Market overview 47
- 4.3.2 Applications 48
- 4.3.3 Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale 50
4.4 Cosmetics 50
- 4.4.1 Market overview 50
- 4.4.2 Applications 51
- 4.4.3 Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale 53
4.5 Agriculture and horticulture 53
- 4.5.1 Market overview 53
- 4.5.2 Applications 54
- 4.5.3 Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale 55
4.6 Paints & coatings 56
- 4.6.1 Market overview 56
- 4.6.2 Applications 56
- 4.6.3 Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale 57
4.7 Soap, detergents and maintenance products 58
- 4.7.1 Market overview 58
- 4.7.2 Applications 58
- 4.7.3 Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale 60
4.8 Oil and gas 60
- 4.8.1 Market overview 60
- 4.8.2 Applications 61
- 4.8.3 Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale 62
4.9 Medical products 63
- 4.9.1 Market overview 63
- 4.9.2 Applications 64
- 4.9.3 Total quantity of microplastics present 2023 (tonnes), by scale 66
4.10 Global market size 67
- 4.10.1 Primary microparticles (volume in tonnes) 67
  - 4.10.1.1 By sector 67
  - 4.10.1.2 By region 71
- 4.10.2 Biodegradable microbeads (volume in tonnes) 72
  - 4.10.2.1 By market 74
  - 4.10.2.2 By region 75

5 PRODUCER PROFILES 77 (36 company profiles)

6 REFERENCES 114

List of Tables

Table 1. Summary of functions and applications for microplastics. 14
Table 2. Biodegradable polymers. 19
Table 3.Companies developing starch microspheres/microbeads. 21
Table 4. Companies developing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) spheres/beads. 22
Table 5. Companies developing cellulose microbeads. 23
Table 6. CNC properties. 24
Table 7. Applications of cellulose nanocrystals (NCC). 25
Table 8. Companies developing cellulose nanocrystal microbeads. 25
Table 9. Cellulose nanocrystal production capacities and production process, by producer. 26
Table 10. Applications of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). 30
Table 11. Companies developing bacterial nanocellulose microbeads. 31
Table 12.Companies developing chitin microspheres/microbeads. 31
Table 13.Types of PHAs and properties. 33
Table 14. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) producers. 35
Table 15. Companies developing PHA for microbeads. 36
Table 16. PLA producers and production capacities. 37
Table 17. Technical lignin types and applications. 38
Table 18. Properties of lignins and their applications. 40
Table 19. Production capacities of technical lignin producers. 41
Table 20. Production capacities of biorefinery lignin producers. 42
Table 21. Companies developing lignin for microbeads (current or potential applications). 42
Table 22. Companies developing alginate for microbeads (current or potential applications). 45
Table 23. Alternatives to microplastics (1-50μm) by application and market. 46
Table 24. Likelihood of market penetration of natural microplastic alternatives, by main markets. 47
Table 25. Personal care products containing primary microplastics. 48
Table 26. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Personal Care. 49
Table 27. Types of Microplastics in Cosmetics. 51
Table 28. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Cosmetics. 52
Table 29. Types of Microplastics in Agriculture and Horticulture. 54
Table 30. Agriculture and horticulture products containing microplastics. 54
Table 31. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Agriculture and Horticulture. 55
Table 32. Types of Microplastics in Paints and Coatings. 56
Table 33. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Paints and Coatings. 57
Table 34. Soaps, detergents and maintenance products containing microplastics. 58
Table 35. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Soap, Detergents, and Maintenance Products. 59
Table 36. Types of Microplastics in Oil and Gas. 60
Table 37. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Oil and Gas. 61
Table 38. Example microsphere products in drug delivery. 63
Table 39. Medical products containing microplastics. 64
Table 40. Alternative Microplastic Materials in Medical Products. 65
Table 41. Global market for primary microparticles 2017-2023, by sector, (tonnes). 67
Table 42. Global market for primary microparticles 2024-2035, by sector, tonnes. 69
Table 43. Global market for primary microparticles 2020-2035, by region, (tonnes). 72
Table 44. Global market 2017-2035, for biodegradable microbeads, (tonnes). 72
Table 45. Global market 2017-2035, for biodegradable microbeads, by region (tonnes). 75
Table 48. Lactips plastic pellets. 102

List of Figures

Figure 1. Typical sources of primary microplastics. 13
Figure 2. Bacterial nanocellulose shapes. 28
Figure 3. Total quantity of microplastics present in personal care products 2023 (tonnes), by scale. 50
Figure 4. Toothpaste incorporating microbeads. 52
Figure 5. Total quantity of microplastics present in cosmetics 2023 (tonnes), by scale. 53
Figure 6. Total quantity of microplastics present in agriculture and horticulture 2023 (tonnes), by scale. 55
Figure 7. Total quantity of microplastics present in paints and coatings 2023 (tonnes), by scale. 57
Figure 8. Total quantity of microplastics present in Soaps, detergents and maintenance products 2023 (tonnes), by scale. 60
Figure 10. Total quantity of microplastics present in oil and gas 2023 (tonnes), by scale. 62
Figure 11. Total quantity of microplastics present in medicinal products 2023 (tonnes), by scale. 66
Figure 13. Global market for primary microparticles 2017-2023, by sector, (tonnes). 68
Figure 14. Global market for primary microparticles 2024-2035, by sector, tonnes. 70
Figure 15. Global market size by region 2023, primary microparticles, (tonnes). 71
Figure 17. Global market 2017-2035, for biodegradable microbeads, (tonnes). 74
Figure 17. Global market 2017-2035, for biodegradable microbeads, by market (tonnes). 74
Figure 18. Global market 2017-2035, for biodegradable microbeads, by region (tonnes). 76
Figure 21: 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: 91
Figure 22: NCCTM Process. 92
Figure 23. Pressurized Hot Water Extraction. 93
Figure 24. BELLOCEA™. 96
Figure 25. VIVAPUR® MCC Spheres. 101
Figure 26. Viscopearl®. 108
Figure 27. The Proesa® Process. 112

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1 REPORT METHODOLOGY 12

2 MICROPLASTICS MARKET 13

3 BIODEGRADABLE MICROBEADS MATERIALS 18

4 MARKETS FOR BIODEGRADABLE MICROBEADS 46

5 PRODUCER PROFILES 77 (36 company profiles)

6 REFERENCES 114

List of Tables

List of Figures

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