Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market: Rising Demand for Sustainable Bioplastics Driving Rapid Global Growth

Polylactic Acid Market Size and Forecast 2025 to 2034

The global polylactic acid market size was calculated at USD 968.74 million in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 1,121.69 million in 2025 to approximately USD 3,864.79 million by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 14.73% from 2025 to 2034.

Polylactic Acid Market Key Takeaways

• The global polylactic acid market was valued at USD 968.74 million in 2024.
• It is projected to reach USD 3,864.79 million by 2034.
• The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.73% from 2025 to 2034.
• North America led the global market with the highest market share of 38.94% in 2024.
• By raw material, the cornstarch segment has held the largest market share in 2024.
• By application, the packaging segment captured the biggest revenue share of 37.14% in 2024.
• By component, the sugarcane & sugar beet segment is anticipated to show considerable growth in the market over the forecast period.

U.S. Polylactic Acid Market Size and Growth 2025 to 2034

The U.S. polylactic acid market size was exhibited at USD 170.80 million in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 745.27 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 15.76% from 2025 to 2034.

North America is estimated to be the largest Market for Polylactic Acid. Geographically, the polylactic acid market is dominated by North America owing to favorable government mandates for the production of polylactic acid, coupled with easy availability of the raw materials for the production of polylactic acid in the countries of this region, especially in the United States.

Asia-Pacific is expected to register the fast growth rate, on account of increasing research and development investment by key market players and increasing awareness regarding use of bioplastics in the region. Also, governments in the region are offering subsidiaries for the production of biodegradable products in order to reduce the environmental concerns which is another factor anticipated to propel growth of the target industry in the countries of Asia Pacific region.

Polylactic Acid Market Growth Factors

• Governments initiatives for the production and use of biodegradable products.
• Increasing preferences for the bioplastic over conventional plastic.
• Growing demand for the polylactic acid from the cosmetic industry.
• Easy availability of raw materials for the production of PLA.
• Growing awareness among the consumers regarding green packaging and sustainability.
• Capacity addition by the major players operating in the target industry.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Driver

Growing demand from the flexible packaging industry

The polylactic acid market is showing a strong and positive growth trend, mainly due to increasing demand for flexible packaging and sustainable packaging systems. Alternative polymer materials to conventional petroleum-derived plastics include the use of biodegradable and compostable polymer materials, PLA, aimed at mitigating the impact that conventional plastics have on the environment. The PLA packaging has also become more popular in the food and beverage industry, where it is characterized by its eco-friendly nature, its capability to promote the aesthetic appeal of products, and its capacity to replace plastic-based packaging. 

The pharmaceutical industry is also gaining prominence as a market growth driver of the PLA besides food packaging. A significant improvement has been experienced in the global pharmaceutical industry as a result of research, technologies that are more profound, and a heightened level of healthcare awareness. Such trends have increased the demand for safe, hygienic, sustainable packaging solutions. PLA is very strong, transparent, and moisture resistant, which is highly essential to maintain pharma products. 

Restraint

High Production Costs

The high cost of production of polylactic acid is one of the major limitations in market growth in relation to the conventional petroleum-based polymers. The manufacture of PLA is done by new technologies, the manufacturing process of which is based on renewable resources like corn, maize, or sugarcane. Though environmentally friendly, they end up costing more because of the cost of acquiring the raw materials and conducting the complicated processes of fermentation and polymerization of lactic acid, an important constituent of PLA. Such increased cost of production may pose a challenge to most industries, particularly those whose activities run on a strict budget or on price-sensitive markets. 

Opportunity

Growing demand for bioplastics

There is an increasing trend in bioplastics, such as PLA and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), because they are renewable sources, such as corn, sugarcane, algae, and starch, and are compostable or biodegradable. The materials represent an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics, particularly in the fields of flexible and rigid packaging. Their smaller carbon footprint and faster biodegradability make them very attractive at a time when fears are growing over the problem of plastic pollution. 

The increased awareness among consumers and regulatory agencies against fossil-fuel-based plastics, more industries are shifting their focus to Bioplastics, which is helping them achieve their environmental targets. This change is being sped up by government incentives, tighter restrictions on single-use plastics, and growing demand for green packaging in food, beverage, and personal care markets.

• In May 2023, Sulzer agreed with China-based Jindan New Biomaterials to manufacture polylactic acid (PLA), a biobased plastic. Jindan obtains a licensed PLA technology offered by the Sulzer company with the help of which it is going to build a new manufacturing plant in the Henan Province where it is going to produce up to 750,000 tonnes of PLA annually, which will be used mainly in the food packaging industry and in making molded goods as well as making fibers.

(Source: https://www.sulzer.com)

Raw Material Insights

The sugarcane & Sugar Beet segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. Promoted by the increased demand for sustainable substitutes for petroleum-based plastics. Because of the world trend in environmental responsibility and the practice of giving preference to the principle of a circular economy, bioplastic products have become especially popular, including polylactic acid. The PLA has increasingly launched renewable raw materials, such as sugarcane and sugar beet, in its manufacturing. 

One particular by-product known as sugar beet pulp (SBP) is of particular interest as a cost-effective and fully biodegradable filler in fully biobased polyesters. Advancement of sugarcane and sugar beet in remote locations, especially in high-yield areas like Brazil, Thailand, and India, also enhances the dominance of this segment in the PLA raw material market. The rapid growth of the segment is also supported by the growing demand in various industries such as packaging, consumer goods, and textiles. 

Application Insights

The textiles segment is expected to grow substantially in the polylactic acid market. PLA is environmentally friendly because it is produced from renewable sources that include corn starch and sugarcane glucose, which provide a viable alternative to the use of conventional synthetic materials. The recyclable, compostable, and lightweight PLA makes it very appealing to textile manufacturers, concerned with making eco-friendly products. As consumer consciousness of the need for environmental sustainability grows, the appetite for greener clothing and textiles has skyrocketed. Brands currently striving to foster sustainable fashion are turning more towards the incorporation of PLA into their stores.

Raw Material Insights

The corn starch segment dominated the polylactic acid market with a 64% market share in 2024. Corn starch-based polylactic acid meets regulatory requirements and certifications for biodegradability, compostability, and food contact safety, making it suitable for a wide range of applications including food packaging, disposable utensils, and food service products. Compliance with stringent environmental and safety standards further strengthens the market position of corn starch-based polylactic acid.

Polylactic acid derived from corn starch exhibits favorable properties such as high transparency, good mechanical strength, and biodegradability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications including packaging, textiles, disposable tableware, and biomedical devices. Corn starch-based polylactic acid offers comparable or superior performance to petroleum-based plastics while offering the added benefits of biodegradability and environmental sustainability.

Application Insights

The packaging segment is projected to dominate the application segment of polylactic acid market revenue. The packaging application segment dominated the market with a share of 36.94% in 2024. The growth is attributed to the growing demand for packaging from food and beverage and cosmetic industries across the globe. These factors are primarily responsible for the greater market share of packaging in the application segment of the polylactic acid market.

The textiles segment is observed to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period. Polylactic acid fibers are biodegradable and compostable, offering an environmentally friendly solution for textile applications. As concerns about plastic pollution and waste disposal escalate, Polylactic acid textiles provide a sustainable alternative that can be recycled or composted at the end of their life cycle, reducing environmental impact and contributing to circular economy initiatives. Polylactic acid is a biodegradable and renewable polymer derived from natural resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. As consumers and industries increasingly prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics in the textile industry.

Polylactic Acid Market Revenue, By Application, 2022-2024 (USD Million)

Polylactic Acid Market Companies

• NatureWorks LLC
• Corbion Purac
• Chongqing bofei biochemical products co., ltd.
• Synbra
• Futerro
• Nantong Jiuding Biological Engineering Co. Ltd
• Hisun Biomaterials

In order to better recognize the current status of polylactic acid, and policies adopted by the foremost countries, Precedence Research predicted the future evolution of the polylactic acid market. This research study bids qualitative and quantitative insights on polylactic acid market and assessment of market size and growth trend for potential global market segments.

Recent Developments

• In December 2024, Emirates Biotech entered into a partnership with Sulzer to build the largest PLA production facility in the world, located in the United Arab Emirates. The facility will be built in two phases, each with an annual capacity of 80,000 tonnes (160,000 tonnes a year total). Construction will begin in 2025 and be completed by early 2028. 
• In May 2023, TotalEnergies Corbion entered into a cooperation agreement with Bluepha Co., Ltd, on making advanced sustainable biomaterials solutions in China.  By using Bluepha PHA, which allows for biodegradability, strength, and quality standards with Luminy PLA technology, the potential sustainable applications are endless. 
• In May 2023, TotalEnergies Corbion agreed with Xiamen Changsu Industrial Pte Ltd on making advances in the polylactic acid market. They will collaborate on market promotion, research and development, and the latest applications and technologies of biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA).

(Source: https://www.sulzer.com), (Source: https://totalenergies-corbion.com), (Source: https://totalenergies-corbion.com)

Segments Covered in the Report

By Raw Material

• Corn Starch
• Sugarcane & Sugar Beet
• Cassava
• Others

By Application

• Packaging
• Agriculture
• Transport
• Electronics
• Textiles
• Others

By Geography

• North America
  • • U.S.
    • Canada
• Europe
  • • Germany
    • France
    • United Kingdom
    • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • Southeast Asia
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • • Brazil
    • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
  • • GCC
    • North Africa
    • South Africa
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa