Cellulose Bioplastics: The Choice of Leading Companies

The cellulose bioplastics market is rapidly expanding, driven by investments from companies like Amazon and leading research laboratories in biodegradable materials.

Global demand for sustainable plastics is soaring, with cellulose-based bioplastics leading the shift. As industries and consumers become more environmentally conscious, the cellulose-based bioplastics market is experiencing significant growth.

According to a recent publication by European Bioplastic, Bioplastics currently represent roughly half a percent of the almost 414 million tons of plastics produced annually. Its growth is driven by demand and new advanced applications. Global bioplastics production will rise from 2.47 million tons in 2024 to 5.73 million in 2029.

You can also read: Key Players Shaping the Future of Plastics.

Environmental Advantages and Key Trends

One of the main factors driving the rise of cellulose-based bioplastics is the growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional plastic production and disposal. Companies across various sectors are working on developing new cellulose-based bioplastics that offer a renewable and biodegradable alternative.

Some of the latest projects and initiatives introduced this year come from major players like Amazon, as well as specialized laboratories focused on developing cutting-edge technologies and innovation.

Amazon Introduces Bio-based Shopping Bags

According to a company statement, the first trials of these bags are underway in Valencia, Spain, for Amazon Fresh orders. “They are food-safe, weather-resistant, biodegradable, and can be recycled and transformed into new bags in the future.”

As part of its sustainability strategy, Amazon is collaborating with Novamont (a Versalis, Eni subsidiary) to develop bio-based packaging for food products like yogurt cups, coffee capsules, and containers for fruit and meat. Amazon’s scientists are also collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bottle Consortium “to develop low-temperature recycling processes for biodegradable materials.”

Amazon Fresh bags use plant-based materials like corn starch and oils, offering protection from rain and spills.

Accelerated Biodegradation in Textiles

Cellulose-based textiles are gaining attention for their potential to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry.

This year, Eurecat Technology Center introduced a new  polulactic acid (PLA) formulation for low-impact textiles. These biodegradable fabrics reduce landfill waste and ocean pollution.

“The innovation stems from Eurecat’s research into bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics used in the industry, as they can be used to manufacture single-use textile products that naturally degrade quickly without leaving residues in the environment,” said Javier Baselga Zapatero, Innovation Manager of Polymeric & Composites Processes at Eurecat.

Eurecat’s innovation modifies PLA to accelerate biodegradation while maintaining quality. The lab has developed biodegradable multifilaments that comply with ISO standards for sustainable textile production.

The textile industry commonly uses synthetic plastics like polyester (PET, PBT, and PTT), nylon (polyamide), and polypropylene. However, manufacturers also produce polyesters from natural resources, such as PLA, which provide a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Finally, the Spanish laboratory developed and evaluated the material process, from biodegradable multifilament to textile manufacturing, meeting ISO standards and ensuring sustainable production.