The Global Bio-Based Ethylene Market was valued at US$ 241.8 Million in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 241.8 Million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 0.0% during the forecast period (2022–2029). This steady state reflects the impacts of global events like COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine War, yet it is underpinned by increasing demand for eco-friendly alternatives, technological advancements in bioethanol fermentation, and a shift toward renewable feedstocks in industries such as packaging and detergents.

As the chemical sector moves toward circular economies and reduced fossil fuel dependency, attention turns to the innovators producing bio-based ethylene from sustainable sources like sugars, starch, and lignocellulosic biomass. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Bio-Based Ethylene Industry—a blend of chemical giants, agribusiness leaders, and biotech specialists pioneering greener production pathways for plastics, lubricants, and additives.

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🔟 1. Braskem S.A.

Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Key Offering: Bio-based ethylene from sugarcane, bio-polyethylene derivatives

Braskem stands as a pioneer in the bio-based ethylene space, having launched the world’s first commercial-scale production of polyethylene from bio-ethylene derived from sugarcane ethanol. Operating multiple facilities in Brazil, the company supplies renewable building blocks for packaging, automotive parts, and consumer goods, emphasizing compatibility with existing petrochemical infrastructure while partnering with global brands to replace fossil-based plastics and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Produced over 200,000 tons of bio-based resins annually, avoiding millions of tons of CO2 emissions

• Collaborations with sugarcane farmers to promote ethical sourcing and biodiversity

• Commitment to carbon-neutral operations by 2050 through lifecycle assessments

Download FREE Sample Report: Bio-Based Ethylene Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. Dow Inc.

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: Bio-ethylene monomers, renewable polymers for packaging and adhesives

Dow is a major force in advancing bio-based chemistry, integrating bio-ethylene into its vast portfolio of performance materials through joint ventures and internal development. The company produces ethylene from bioethanol, targeting applications in detergents and lubricants where sustainability demands are high, benefiting from North American operations near corn-based ethanol producers for efficient scaling and securing long-term contracts with consumer goods companies.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in bio-refinery technologies to increase renewable content in products

• Partnerships with agricultural suppliers for traceable, low-impact biomass

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8️⃣ 3. DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Bio-based ethylene for fibers, coatings, and specialty chemicals

DuPont leverages its biotechnology expertise to develop bio-ethylene pathways, focusing on high-value applications like additives and textiles through microbial fermentation of sugars that reduce energy use compared to traditional processes. With a global footprint, the company supplies bio-ethylene to Asian and European markets, capitalizing on regulatory incentives while addressing feedstock volatility through diversified sourcing for stable supply.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Targets 30% renewable materials in product portfolio by 2030

• Collaborative projects on waste-to-ethylene conversion

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7️⃣ 4. Cargill, Incorporated

Headquarters: Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Bio-ethylene from corn starch and cellulosic sources

As a leading agribusiness, Cargill brings integrated supply chain strengths to bio-ethylene production, utilizing starch processing to create bioethanol precursors for ethylene dehydration in packaging and lubricants. Operating in over 70 countries, the company’s scale enables cost-competitive bio-products for Asia Pacific markets, enhancing traceability by linking farmers directly to production and supporting rural community development.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Goal to source 100% verified sustainable crops for bio-production

• Investments in precision agriculture to optimize biomass yields

Download FREE Sample Report: Bio-Based Ethylene Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. TotalEnergies SE

Headquarters: Courbevoie, France
Key Offering: Bio-ethylene via hydroprocessing and fermentation

TotalEnergies combines petrochemical prowess with renewable investments to produce bio-ethylene for European packaging and additives, incorporating lignocellulosic biomass in facilities in Belgium and France to meet EU mandates. Strategic biotech acquisitions accelerate efficiencies and lower costs, bridging the price gap with fossil ethylene and making renewables more accessible globally.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Aiming for 20% bio-sourced chemicals by 2030

• Partnerships with waste management firms for circular feedstocks

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5️⃣ 6. Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation

Headquarters: Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Bio-ethylene for advanced polymers and detergents

Mitsubishi Chemical drives bio-ethylene innovation in Asia, focusing on starch and sugar-based production for high-performance materials with R&D centers developing catalysts to enhance bioethanol yields for lubricants and packaging. Strong regional biomass ties address urbanization-driven demand, while quality control ensures compliance for electronics and automotive adoption amid fossil competition.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Current capacity expansion to 100,000 tons annually by 2025

• Initiatives for zero-waste bio-refineries

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4️⃣ 7. Solvay S.A.

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Key Offering: Specialty bio-ethylene for additives and surfactants

Solvay excels in niche bio-ethylene applications from renewable sources for detergents and lubricants in Europe, using integrated plants with fermentation to optimize carbon footprints and aid regulatory compliance. Investments in enzymatic processes improve scalability, turning challenges into growth opportunities in emerging economies.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Bio-based product line contributing to 50% sustainable sales by 2030

• R&D collaborations for advanced biomass pretreatment

Download FREE Sample Report: Bio-Based Ethylene Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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3️⃣ 8. Arkema S.A.

Headquarters: Colombes, France
Key Offering: Bio-ethylene intermediates for coatings and packaging

Arkema focuses on bio-ethylene for specialty chemicals from agricultural residues via French innovation hubs, targeting global packaging and additives where bio-content boosts brand appeal and integrates seamlessly into supply chains. Regional strategies leverage Europe’s Green Deal to promote bio-ethylene as a decarbonization tool.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Expansion of renewable capacity through European grants

• Life-cycle analysis to verify emission reductions

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2️⃣ 9. Avantium N.V.

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Bio-ethylene glycol and derivatives from biomass

Avantium specializes in furan-based chemistries from bio-ethylene precursors for packaging like PET bottles, collaborating with Coca-Cola and Danone to scale production in Europe using YXY technology for high-purity, food-grade outputs. Focused biotech addresses traditional route limitations, paving the way for full bio-PET.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• First commercial plant for bio-ethylene glycol operational since 2024

• Targets 90% renewable content in polymers

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1️⃣ 10. Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Bio-ethylene from corn and cellulosic ethanol

ADM, a global agribusiness leader, produces bio-ethylene through extensive ethanol facilities, supplying packaging and lubricants worldwide with North American dominance from abundant corn and expansions into Asia. The integrated farm-to-factory model ensures quality and volume, prioritizing non-food feedstocks to balance food security and support sustainable goals.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Sustainable agriculture programs covering millions of acres

• Joint ventures for next-gen bio-refining technologies

Read Full Report: Bio-Based Ethylene Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Bio-Based Ethylene Is Greener and More Integrated

The bio-based ethylene market maintains equilibrium amid global uncertainties, with traditional ethylene still prevalent but bio-alternatives gaining traction through policy and consumer pressures. Investments in R&D for lignocellulosic processes and circular economy models are pivotal, alongside expansions in key regions like North America and Asia Pacific.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Growth in packaging applications, driven by bans on single-use plastics in Europe and Asia

• Regulatory incentives for bio-content in detergents and lubricants across the US and EU

• Advancements in feedstock diversity, including waste biomass for cost reduction

• Regional shifts, with China leading production capacity boosts

Read Full Report: Bio-Based Ethylene Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only powering sustainable chemistry—they’re leading the renewable revolution in global materials.