The global polylactic acid market size is expected to reach USD 2,772.93 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 21.4% over the forecast period, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. Rising environmental concerns, improving awareness among consumers, and stringent government regulations are contributing to eliminating the use of non-biodegradable plastics, which, in turn, is driving the growth of the polylactic acid (PLA) market. Polylactic acids are bio-sourced, and break down faster as compared to petroleum-based plastics. Due to their decreased carbon footprint, they get preference over traditional plastics. The rising emphasis on sustainable products is a key factor driving the growth of the flexible packaging industry, which is expected to result in reduced consumption of petroleum-based products and a shift toward bio-based alternatives.

Moreover, PLA is increasingly being used to manufacture single-use packaging materials that include shopping bags and disposable cutlery, which is likely to boost its demand over the forecast period. PLA is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics, notably in flexible and rigid packaging applications, as it is bio-based, compostable, and biodegradable. Bioplastics are expected to witness significant growth in their demand in the market. Rising demand for flexible packaging in various countries, including India, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, and Germany, is further expected to fuel the demand for PLA.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Global Polylactic Acid Market

Polylactic Acid Market Report Highlights

  • North America dominated the global market in 2023. The North America regional market is characterized by strong demand for sustainable products
  • The demand for bioplastics in North America is expected to be spurred by initiatives by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for promoting eco-friendly products
  • Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 22.2%, in terms of revenue, over the forecast period. The regional market is primarily driven by the growing product demand from key industries including automotive & transportation, electronics, textile, packaging, appliance, and medical
  • Packaging dominated the end-use segment with a revenue share of over 36.0% in 2023. The growing demand for packaged foods, including frozen meals, cake mixes, and snack foods, is expected to increase the requirements for flexible packaging, thereby augmenting the growth of the packaging industry in the coming years
  • In March 2023, Toyota Boshoku Corp. announced a $54.4 million investment in its Jackson metal stamping facility to enhance production. This expansion will result in the emergence of 80 additional employment in Madison County
  • The new plant will add 87,000 square feet to TBTN's current Jackson location, allowing the company to arrange its manufacturing activities while also serving Toyota Boshoku America's subsidiary locations

Browse through Grand View Research's Plastics, Polymers & Resins Industry Research Reports.

  • Biodegradable Plastic Films Market: The global biodegradable plastic films market size was estimated at USD 1,215.36 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.47% from 2025 to 2030.
  • Commodity Plastics Market: The global commodity plastics market size was valued at USD 498.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.9% from 2025 to 2030.

 

Polylactic Acid Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global polylactic acid market on the basis of raw material, application, end-use, and region:

Polylactic Acid Raw Material Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Corn starch
  • Sugarcane
  • Cassava
  • Others

Polylactic Acid Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Rigid thermoform
  • Film & sheets
  • Bottles
  • Others

Polylactic Acid End-use Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Packaging
  • Agriculture
  • Automotive & transportation
  • Electronics
  • Textile
  • Consumer goods
  • Bio-medical
  • Others

Polylactic Acid Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America
    • S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Netherlands
    • Turkey
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Singapore
    • Malaysia
    • Indonesia
    • Philippines
    • Thailand
    • Vietnam
    • Australia
  • Central & South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • United Arab Emirates (UAE)
    • South Africa

Order a free sample PDF of the Polylactic Acid Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.