The global polylactic acid (PLA) market is expected to grow at an annual compounded rate of 28% for the period 2011-2026, reaching USD 2.6bn, according to a new report by market research company Axis Research Mind (www.axisresearchmind.com). The 984-page report, "Polylactic Acid (PLA) – A Global Market Watch, 2011-2016", concludes that Asia-Pacific will be the highest growth market, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.3% during the forecast period. Europe follows at a CAGR of 28.9%, with the Americas expected to achieve 27.3%. According to Germany’s nova-Institut (Hürth; www.nova-institute.eu), the global PLA capacity could exceed 800,000 t/y by 2020 (see Plasteurope.com of 10.08.2012).

The end-use markets of textiles and electronics will be the major drivers for the entire PLA market development. However, the major investment focus is in the biodegradable packaging industry.

Dutch bioplastics specialist Purac (Gorinchem; www.purac.com) has started offering samples this month of its high heat-resistant PLA resins which are particularly suitable for applications in packaging and consumer electronics (see Plasteurope.com of 14.02.2013). PLA producer NatureWorks (Minnetonka, Minnesota / USA; www.natureworksllc.com) recently has opened its first Asian regional headquarters in Bangkok / Thailand (see Plasteurope.com of 28.01.2013).