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September 2025
The U.S. biodegradable plastics market size is calculated at USD 2.14 billion in 2024, grew to USD 2.34 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around USD 5.27 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 9.44% between 2025 and 2034. The shift towards sustainable manufacturing practices has sparked notable advancements in the industry.
The U.S. biodegradable plastics market has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Also, the United States has seen under a heavy plastic usage due to its advanced industrial sectors and export statistics. As the polymeric materials (bio-based and/or fossil-derived) engineered to undergo breakdown by biological activity into water, CO₂ (or CH₄), and biomass under specified environmental conditions (industrial composting, home composting, soil or marine), are used as drop-in or specialty resins across packaging, agriculture, consumer goods, medical, textiles, and other end-uses.
The governmental push towards environmentally friendly manufacturing and waste reduction has heavily improved the performance and scalability of the sector in recent years. Moreover, the manufacturers in the United States are actively promoting compostable packaging where it can be industrial areas or food chains. Furthermore, the major brands in the country have been putting in an enlarged investment into the biodegradable plastic R&D activities in the past few years. Also, factors like consumer awareness and single-use plastic bans are likely to maintain industry potential in the United States for the forecasted period.
| Report Attributes | Details |
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 2.34 Billion |
| Expected Size by 2034 | USD 5.27 Billion |
| Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 | CAGR 9.44% |
| Base Year of Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 - 2034 |
| Segment Covered | By Material Type, By Product Form, By End-use Industry, By Compostability / Biodegradation Environment, By Processing Technology, By Feedstock Origin |
| Key Companies Profiled | NatureWorks LLC, TotalEnergies Corbion, BASF SE, Novamont S.p.A., Braskem S.A., Danimer Scientific, Inc., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd., FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, Biome Bioplastics Ltd., Plantic Technologies Ltd., Trinseo S.A., Kaneka Corporation, Arkema S.A., CJ CheilJedang / CJ Biomaterials, Biomer (Biomer GmbH), Toray Industries, Inc., Perstorp Holding AB, Solvay S.A., NaturePlast (Groupe Barbier) |
Agriculture and Food Waste Fuel the Next Bioplastic Boom
The initiatives, like waste-to-bioplastic production, are expected to become a cornerstone for future industry gains. Moreover, several companies are focused on reducing dependence on the regular food crops like corn and others for the development of plastic instead of using agricultural waste and municipal food waste in recent years. Also, the manufacturers can gain major industry advantages by establishing a collaboration with regional waste management companies during the projected period.
Economic Constraints Slow Bioplastic Industry Growth
The higher cost of the bioplastic as compared to the regular plastic is likely to produce industry barriers in the coming years. Also, the bioplastic production methods, like long fermentation and other specialized processing, seem to be increasing the production cost of bioplastics. Also, the cost can limit market entry for new market entrants where the limited budget is the priority.
How did the Starch-Based Blends Segment Dominate the U.S. Biodegradable Plastics Market in 2024?
The starch-based blends segment held the largest share of the market in 2024, due to its easy processing and cost-effective properties. Moreover, the United States has seen under a huge corn starch availability, which primarily supports the segment growth in the country nowadays. Also, the United States manufacturers are increasingly using starch-based blends in films, bags, and food packaging in recent years.
The PHA segment is expected to grow at a notable rate during the predicted timeframe, owing to its versatility and any environmental adaptability. Furthermore, PHA has gained attention in sectors like textiles, packaging, and healthcare, akin to its thermal stability and biocompatibility. Also, these sectors are seen to expand, which is likely to create greater opportunities for the PHA segment during the forecast period, as per the industry expectations.
Why Does The Films Segment Dominate The U.S. Biodegradable Plastics Market By Product Form?
The films segment held the largest share of the U.S. biodegradable plastics market in 2024, as it is considered the direct replacement of single-use plastics in the current period. Moreover, several industrial sectors are actively seeking starch-based biodegradable films due to increased bans on polyethylene and polypropylene films in the United States nowadays. Also, having benefits like easy manufacturing and wide availability due to being integrated with the existing distribution channel, the film segment has gained industry attention in recent years.
The fibers and nonwovens segment is expected to grow at a notable rate in the market during the forecast period, as biodegradable plastics enter textiles, hygiene products, and medical applications. Non-wovens made from PLA or PHA are increasingly used in diapers, wipes, and feminine hygiene products, which are under scrutiny for generating long-lasting waste.
How Packaging Segment Dominate the U.S. Biodegradable Plastics Market in 2024?
The packaging segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024 because it is the largest source of plastic waste and the first target for bans and sustainability pledges. Brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Unilever are investing heavily in biodegradable packaging for bottles, wrappers, and food containers to reduce environmental impact. Retailers and e-commerce giants are also transitioning to compostable mailers and films.
The medical & healthcare is expected to grow at a significant rate in the market during the forecast period, as biodegradable plastics become integral to safe and sustainable medical products. Materials like PLA and PHA are biocompatible, making them ideal for sutures, implants, tissue scaffolds, and drug delivery systems. Single-use medical items like gloves, syringes, and gowns are also being reimagined with biodegradable alternatives to reduce biomedical waste.
How did the Industrial Compostable Segment Dominate the U.S. Biodegradable Plastics Market in 2024?
The industrial compostable segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024 because most biodegradable plastics today require controlled, high-heat environments to break down effectively. Industrial composting facilities provide the right temperature and conditions for PLA and starch-based plastics to degrade within months. Many state policies, such as California's, specifically mandate the use of industrially compostable packaging.
The marine biodegradable is expected to grow at a significant rate in the market during the forecast period, as plastic pollution in oceans becomes a central environmental crisis. U.S. policymakers, NGOs, and global treaties are increasingly targeting ocean plastics, pushing demand for materials that can break down safely in seawater. PHAs and new biopolymer innovations can degrade in marine environments without leaving harmful microplastics, making them ideal for fishing gear, packaging, and coastal industries.
Why Does The Extrusion Segment Dominate The U.S. Biodegradable Plastics Market By Processing Technology?
The extrusion segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024 because it is the most widely used processing method for films, sheets, and packaging products. Biodegradable plastics like PLA and starch blends can be processed using standard extrusion equipment with minimal modification, making it cost-efficient for manufacturers.
The 3D printing filament production is expected to grow at a significant rate in the market during the forecast period, as additive manufacturing continues to grow across industries. PLA is already the most widely used filament in desktop 3D printing because of its ease of use, safety, and biodegradability. Future demand will expand into industrial 3D printing, where sustainable materials are increasingly valued for prototyping and small-batch production.
How can Corn/Maize Reform the U.S. Biodegradable Plastic Industry?
The corn/maize segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024 because it is abundant, affordable, and deeply integrated into the agricultural economy. The U.S. has one of the world's largest corn supplies, making it a reliable feedstock for starch-based blends and PLA production. Using corn for bioplastics also leverages existing supply chains and processing facilities, reducing costs.
The waste-derived feedstock is expected to grow at a significant rate in the market during the forecast period, because of the dual benefit of reducing waste and producing sustainable materials. Instead of competing with food crops, waste-based sources such as agricultural residues, municipal food waste, or even algae offer a more circular and ethical production pathway. In the U.S., policies are pushing for reduced landfill waste and innovative recycling of organics, making waste-to-bioplastics a perfect fit.
By Material Type
By Product Form
By End-use Industry
By Compostability / Biodegradation Environment
By Processing Technology
By Feedstock Origin
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September 2025
September 2025
September 2025
September 2025
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