Bio-composites are composites that are biocompatible and/or environmentally friendly. Bio-composites can be found in a variety of forms, including films, membranes, moldings, coatings, particles, fibers, and foams. Aside from studies aimed at improving the materials' basic mechanical properties and functionalities, a large number of studies have been conducted to develop eco-friendly or biomedical materials for use in sensors, implants, tissue engineering, and scaffolds. The reason behind the demand for bio-composites is that, unlike synthetic materials, bio-composites degrade without emitting poisonous gases or substances. In the degrading process, microbes breakdown biomaterials into an organic substance by compositing, while also releasing minerals, water, and CO2. For this reason, industry players are encouraged to use bio-friendly materials to improve their environmental impact. These bio-composite materials are the best way to overcome current environmental issues and reduce energy demand. These factors are causing the market to grow exponentially, and according to OMR Research, the global bio-composites market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.8% during the forecast period of 2023–2029.
Segments of the Market
The global bio-composites market is segmented on the basis of product, polymer type, fiber type, and end-use. Based on product, the market is sub-segmented into green bio-composites and hybrid bio-composites. Based on fiber type, the market is sub-segmented into wood fiber composites and non-wood fiber composites. Based on polymer type, it is sub-segmented into synthetic polymer composites and natural polymer composites. Based on end-use, the market is sub-segmented into consumer goods, building and construction, transportation, automobiles, and others.
Based on product, the green bio-composites are made solely with natural materials such as jute, soy, and others that are completely biodegradable, whereas hybrid bio-composites are made from biodegradable and non-biodegradable components together to make them less fragile and increase the longevity of the product that they are used in. Since green biodegradable bio-composites lack the required mechanical properties and durability in high humidity or wet environments, their applicability is limited. Furthermore, natural fibers and resins utilized in biocomposites have intrinsic limits and are difficult to manufacture. To address the constraint of employing only one reinforcement or matrix produced from bioresources, hybrid composites with several reinforcements or matrices are being created.
Recent Developments
BASF SE, Bcomp Ltd., Celanese Corp., Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials AG, Fiberon, FlexForm Technologies, Lanxess AG, Lingrove Inc., and other market players are assisting in the market’s growth with various mergers and acquisitions activities and the launch of new innovations. Some of the recent market developments include:
• In December 2022, RUDN University announced that RUDN chemists had developed a biodegradable polymer made from chitosan and polyhydroxybutyrate. Chitosan, derived from animal shells and fungal cells, provides antibacterial qualities to the molecule, allowing it to be employed in disposable medicinal and sanitary materials and products.
• In November 2022, LIUX, a Spanish electric car start-up that was founded in 2021, presented its debut model, "Animal," which will be available in 2024. Animal is made of sustainable materials, and the company claims the vehicle is 90% plant-based and uses bio-polymers made from organic fibers and resins. These materials are used to create the outer skin of the vehicle and its chassis parts. According to the company, the bodywork and chassis molds of the 3D-printed car assist the company in reducing its manufacturing times, energy use, and CO2 emissions by around 70%.
• In October 2022, Faurecia (Nanterre, France), a Forvia Group company, is a worldwide automotive supplier dedicated to developing solutions for safe, sustainable, sophisticated, and customizable transportation. The company announced to advance sustainability in its four business segments, including vehicle interiors, mobility, electronics, and seating. By 2030, the company aims to reduce the CO2 footprint of the materials it uses by 87%. For this, the company will build a dedicated sustainable materials R&D center and a pilot plant that will be operational by 2023.
• In June 2022, Porcher Industries announced the introduction of a new line of automotive industry-grade thermoplastic composite stiffeners predominantly comprised of flax fibers that are farmed, selected, blended, and woven in France. These fabrics will be offered as thermocompressed and injection-molded textiles. Three thermoplastic filament alternatives are recyclable PP, biosourced PLA, and PA11.
• In April 2022, BMW I Ventures, the premium carmaker's venture capital unit, made an investment in Bcomp, the largest supplier of high-performance composites built from natural fibers in Switzerland. The Series B funding round was closed with $35 million.
Conclusion
The bio-composites market is growing significantly due to various factors, such as investments in research and development of cost-efficient bio-composites, technological advancements, government regulations and reforms for eco-friendly materials and products due to increasing pollution and carbon emissions, and others. In addition, the growing construction, textile, automobile, and packaging industries are another major factor driving the market. In the automobile industry, bio-composites are used to cut down on production costs, reduce the overall weight of a vehicle, and improve fuel efficiency. Bio-composites are used to produce different vehicle components, such as bumpers, cup holders, door panels, seat pads, trunk covers, headrests, armrests, and seat pads, among others. Using renewable raw materials and natural fibers such as hemp, kenaf, or flax reduces material use while also reducing the weight of the vehicle by up to 50% over conventional materials. As a result, the energy usage of the vehicles is also reduced. Moreover, in the textile industry, they are used to manufacture window frames, windows, floor mats, ceilings, and others. Such use cases of bio-composites in various industries are driving the growth of the market.