BOSTON – Bio-based polymers have been largely limited to specialized niche applications, but a new analysis from Lux Research finds that the top markets for bio-based materials are largely the same ones currently dominated by petro-based materials.

“Bio-based material developers must aim for large, addressable markets, among which the biggest are composites and coatings, industrial manufactured intermediates, and packaging,” said Kalib Kersh, Lux Research Analyst and the lead author of the report, titled Bridging the Divide between Demands and Bio-Based Materials.

“To meet expectations, developers must bring cost parity, offer more bio-based drop-in monomers, and close performance gaps on temperature distortion and brittleness, as well as advance bio-based polymers beyond their reputation as merely disposable,” he added.

Lux Research analysts examined the size of a wide range of potential markets to determine commercial attractiveness of 38 applications and 21 conventional and bio-based polymers.

Researchers found that coatings offer many opportunities to substitute bio-based raw materials. In many cases, they offer significant improvements, such as elimination or reduction of VOCs above incumbent offerings.

The researchers also report that bio-based plastics offer many opportunities. They can be biodegradable, recyclable and less energy intensive to process, making them tough to beat as disposables. Applications would include medical use, flatware, cleaning, bags, liners and bottles.

Industrial intermediate components target huge markets such as electronics, building materials, automotive, aerospace and consumer goods. New innovations are letting bio-based developers like Vertec Biosolvents and Crey Bioresins access these markets.

The report is part of the Lux Research Bio-based Materials and Chemicals Intelligence service. Visit www.luxresearchinc.com for more information.