Bio-based polymer materials: Definition, classification, technical routes, application status, cost challenges and market breakthroughs

Biobased materials refer to high-molecular materials that are obtained by using renewable biomass resources as raw materials. Through biological transformation or chemical transformation, they are converted into polymer monomers, and then synthesized through addition polymerization or condensation polymerization reactions.

The three departments have released an action plan to accelerate the formulation of standards for green products such as bio-based and degradable fiber materials.

On March 31st, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the State Administration for Market Regulation jointly issued the "Action Plan for Promoting Optimization and Upgrading of the Textile Industry under the Guidance of Standards (2026-2028)". The plan proposes that by 2028, more than 300 standards related to diversification adaptation, digital transformation, green and low-carbon, health and safety, etc. will be formulated and revised, and the supply capacity of textile standards will be comprehensively enhanced.

For the first time! Biobased materials are included in the "14th-15th Five-Year Plan"

On March 12th, the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress of China voted to pass the "15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China". The plan is divided into 18 chapters, and it mentions many emerging and future industries such as new energy, new energy vehicles, robots, bio-manufacturing, high-end equipment, aerospace, quantum technology, hydrogen and nuclear fusion energy, brain-computer interfaces, embodied intelligence, and more.

The European Association calls for a unified approach across Europe to accelerate the implementation of the plastic circular economy.

In February 2026, the European Plastics Association (Plastics Europe) released a significant position paper, presenting clear recommendations for a unified and implementable producer responsibility extension (EPR) framework within the European Union. The aim was to eliminate market fragmentation, reduce administrative burdens, and establish uniform rules to promote the large-scale application of recycled plastics, thereby facilitating the realization of the EU's circular economy goals.

China Post has released its key work plans for 2026! They will focus on promoting the green transformation of express packaging and widely adopt bamboo fiber fully biodegradable express packaging bags.

Recently, the China Post Group Corporation has, in accordance with the "2026 Key Points for Ecological and Environmental Protection Work in the Postal Industry" issued by the National Post Bureau and the overall green postal work plan of the group company, formulated and issued the "2026 Green Postal Construction Action and Ecological Environmental Protection Work Key Points", focusing on promoting the green transformation of express packaging, reducing carbon emissions in the green transportation process, enhancing the level of green financial services, accelerating energy conservation and carbon reduction in production methods, and adding new highlights to the high-quality development of China Post.

NTEX | Development Prospects of Poly-Lactic Acid Fiber 2026: A Market Worth Trillions to Boom, Technological Breakthroughs Reconfigure the Industry Landscape

With the continuous advancement of global "plastic ban" policies and the in-depth implementation of the "carbon neutrality" goal, polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, as the most mature bio-based degradable material, are entering a critical period of transitioning from policy-driven to market-driven.

Degradable materials, bio-based applications and packaging environmental standards

On March 12, 2026, the 14th National People's Congress Fourth Session adopted the "Environmental Protection Law of the People's Republic of China". As a fundamental legal document in the field of environmental protection, this law systematically constructed a system framework for pollution prevention and control, ecological protection, and green and low-carbon development.

Fully biodegradable plastics are embracing new development opportunities

Against the backdrop of the deepening advancement of the "dual carbon" goals and the continuous efforts of the "solid waste revolution", fully biodegradable plastics, as a core alternative solution for plastic pollution control, are transitioning from "encouraged use" to "mandatory promotion" in accordance with the law.

The National Bureau of Statistics: In January-February, the bio-based materials manufacturing industry grew by 25.1%

On March 16th, the National Bureau of Statistics released the industrial production data for January-February 2026.

Nature Food | From "Yield-Saving Tool" to "Ecological Burden": The Agricultural Pollution Caused by Plastic Mulch Film Is No Longer Just an Environmental Issue

Plastic mulch films—primarily composed of petroleum-based polymers such as polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride—are widely used to raise soil temperature, retain soil moisture, and suppress weeds, thereby increasing crop yields. However, these benefits come with an increasingly heavy ecological cost.

China's second "code" has been born! Illegally producing and selling non-biodegradable disposable plastics will face a maximum fine of three times the amount.

On March 12, 2026, the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress held its closing meeting at the Great Hall of the People. The meeting voted to adopt the "Ecological Environment Code of the People's Republic of China".

Deputies to the Two Sessions proposed: Accelerate the layout of the bio-based materials industry

Wang Liping put forward three suggestions for promoting the development of bio-based materials.

The policies of China's polylactic acid degradable plastic industry over the past six years

In recent years, under the continuous improvement of the "plastic ban and restriction" policy system and the in-depth implementation of the "carbon neutrality" strategy, China has established a systematic and multi-level policy support system.

The National Two Sessions have set the strategic direction. The National Development and Reform Commission has released six future industry layouts, and has listed biomanufacturing as a key area for cultivation!

(Biotechnology Manufacturing Industry Network) At the economic theme press conference held on March 6th during the 14th National People's Congress Fourth Session, Director Zheng Gese of the National Development and Reform Commission stated that the country will focus on building six major emerging pillar industries and six major future industries.

The Two Sessions have begun! Chairman Mo Dingge of China Chemical Engineering proposed: Accelerate the high-quality development of the biodegradable plastic industry.

At 3 p.m. on March 4th, the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference opened at the Great Hall of the People. The conference will conclude on March 11th, with a duration of 7 days. The 14th National People's Congress Fourth Session will open on March 5th and conclude on the afternoon of March 12th, lasting for 8 days.

Yale University research: By 2050, biodegradable plastics are expected to reduce ecological toxicity by 34%.

A study by Yale School of the Environment shows that if cities and enterprises invest in building appropriate waste treatment systems, switching to biodegradable plastics could reduce toxic pollution by more than one-third by the middle of this century and significantly lower the global waste volume; however, without proper composting facilities, biodegradable plastics might double greenhouse gas emissions.

The Central Political Bureau: Accelerate the promotion of a comprehensive green transformation!

The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held a meeting on February 27 to discuss the draft of the 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China and the draft of the Government Work Report, which the State Council intends to submit to the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress for review and deliberation.

Total has launched unlabeled polylactic acid (PLA) mineral water bottles!

Recently, the unlabeled polylactic acid (PLA) bottles jointly developed by TotalEnergies Corbion and Sansu (i’m eco) are set to enter the Korean market. These products are made from the Luminy® polylactic acid raw material under this French group. The bottle body has no traditional labels, and the brand logos and text are presented in relief form.

Germany develops high-performance compounds based on polylactic acid for the electrical industry

Plastics are crucial materials in the electrical industry, which need to fulfill functions such as insulation and protection. Therefore, they must possess characteristics such as high heat resistance, flame retardancy, and excellent mechanical properties.

Fu Xiangsheng, the vice president of Sinopec, discusses "Circular Economy and Bio-based Chemicals"

On October 28, 2025, the "2025 Petroleum and Chemical Industry Circular Economy Development Conference and the Third Shanghai Chemical Industrial Zone Green and Low-Carbon Development Conference" was held in Shanghai. Vice President Fu Xiangsheng of the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation was invited to attend and deliver a keynote speech.