bio-based Production capacities for bio-based polymers in Europe: Status and trends towards 2020 By Dipl.-Phys. Michael Carus Managing Director Nova-Institut GmbH T he European market data presented in this paper - based on the market study published by the nova-Institute in spring this year and on its continuously updated database - show the latest production capacities for bio-based polymers in Europe. The "Bio-based Polymers Producer Database" shows that Europe's production of bio-based polymers is limited Europe's current position in the production of bio-based polymers is limited to a few polymers but several new developments and investments are foreseen: the first industrial-scale European PLA plant by 2014, the introduction of new PET production facilities by 2015, recent developments in the commercialization of bio-based PBT and further advancements in the field of high-value fine chemicals for PA, PUR and thermoset production. to just a few polymers. So far, Europe has established a solid position mainly in the field of starch blends (blends of polymers with native starch or thermoplastic starch) and it is expected to remain strong in this sector for the next few years (Figure 1). scale European PLA plant is scheduled to become operational in 2014. PET production is growing worldwide, largely due to the Plant PET Technology Collaborative (PTC) initiative, whose global value chain development will lead to the introduction of future production facilities in Europe by 2015 (Figure 2). This figure shows predicted production capacities for bio-based polymers but A number of new developments and investments are foreseen A few years after the installation of industrial-scale PLA capacities in North America and Asia, the first industrial- Fig. 1: A paper cup coated with a PBAT/PLA plastic film will not get soggy and can be industially composted (photo: BASF SE) 20 jec composites magazine / No84 October 2013 Fig. 2: Bio-based polymers - Forecast of production capacities in Europe from 2011 to 2020 (excluding cellulose acetate and thermosets)