Top 10 Companies in the Polylactic Acid Bioplastic Industry (2026): Innovators Driving the Sustainable Materials Revolution

In Business Insights
January 21, 2026

The Global Polylactic Acid Bioplastic Market was valued at USD 1.21 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.73 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.8% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is propelled by escalating global demand for sustainable packaging, stringent government regulations against single-use plastics, and significant investments in biopolymer research and development.

As the world accelerates its transition toward a circular economy, PLA bioplastics have emerged as a leading alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Polylactic Acid Bioplastic Industry—a collection of pioneering manufacturers, technology developers, and chemical giants shaping the future of sustainable materials.

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Polylactic Acid Bioplastic Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔟 1. NatureWorks LLC

Headquarters: Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Ingeo™ PLA biopolymer resins

NatureWorks is the world’s leading producer of PLA biopolymers, manufacturing its flagship Ingeo™ brand from renewable plant sugars. The company operates one of the largest PLA production facilities in Blair, Nebraska, and serves a diverse range of markets from packaging to 3D printing filaments.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • World’s first commercially scaled PLA manufacturing plant

  • Pioneering advanced recycling technologies for PLA

  • Committed to achieving carbon-negative production by 2030


9️⃣ 2. TotalEnergies Corbion

Headquarters: Gorinchem, Netherlands
Key Offering: Luminy® PLA resins

TotalEnergies Corbion is a joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corbion, established as a global technology leader in PLA bioplastics. The company produces high-performance Luminy® PLA resins that are used in demanding applications from hot-fill packaging to durable consumer goods.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • 75,000 tons annual PLA production capacity in Thailand

  • Development of heat-resistant and high-performance PLA grades

  • Plans to build a 100,000-tonne PLA facility in Grandpuits, France

Download FREE Sample Report:
Polylactic Acid Bioplastic Market – View in Detailed Research Report


8️⃣ 3. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Ecovio® certified compostable bioplastics

While BASF produces various bioplastics, its Ecovio® portfolio includes PLA-based compounds designed for specific applications like organic waste bags, compostable packaging films, and agricultural mulch films. The company leverages its extensive polymer expertise to create tailored bioplastic solutions.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Integrated biorefinery concepts for sustainable feedstock

  • Development of certified compostable and biodegradable solutions

  • Commitment to circular economy principles across product lifecycle


7️⃣ 4. Futerro

Headquarters: Escanaffles, Belgium
Key Offering: Futerro PLA resins and recycling technology

Futerro specializes in the entire PLA value chain, from lactic acid production to PLA polymerization and dedicated recycling through its proprietary Loopla® technology. The company represents a fully integrated approach to circular PLA manufacturing.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Integrated biorefinery model with complete lifecycle management

  • Proprietary Loopla® chemical recycling technology

  • Partnerships across agriculture, chemical processing, and recycling sectors


6️⃣ 5. Teijin Limited

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Biofront® high-performance bioplastic

Teijin Limited has developed Biofront®, a high-performance bioplastic based on PLA technology with enhanced heat resistance and durability. This advanced biomaterial maintains biodegradability while offering performance characteristics comparable to traditional engineering plastics.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of heat-resistant PLA with melting point of 210°C

  • Focus on automotive and electronics applications

  • Commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050


5️⃣ 6. Sulzer Chemtech

Headquarters: Winterthur, Switzerland
Key Offering: PLA production technology and licensing

Sulzer Chemtech is a key technology provider for PLA manufacturing, offering licensed processes, engineering services, and specialized equipment for lactic acid purification and polymerization. The company enables other producers to enter the PLA market with proven technologies.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Licensing partner for NatureWorks’ Ingeo™ PLA technology

  • Development of efficient polymerization and purification processes

  • Support for bioplastics infrastructure development worldwide

Download FREE Sample Report:
Polylactic Acid Bioplastic Market – View in Detailed Research Report


4️⃣ 7. Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials

Headquarters: Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Hisun PLA resins

Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials is one of China’s leading PLA producers, operating a significant production facility with annual capacity of 50,000 tons. The company serves both domestic and international markets with competitively priced PLA resins for various applications.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Major PLA production capacity expansion projects underway

  • Focus on cost-competitive bioplastics for mass markets

  • Integration with parent company’s pharmaceutical and chemical expertise


3️⃣ 8. Toray Industries

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: PLA-based fibers and composites

Toray Industries, a global leader in advanced materials, has developed PLA-based fibers and composites that combine sustainability with high performance. The company’s expertise in polymer science enables creation of PLA materials for textiles, packaging, and engineering applications.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of PLA fibers for apparel and textiles

  • Advanced compounding technologies for enhanced PLA properties

  • Commitment to sustainable innovation in material science


2️⃣ 9. Synbra Technology

Headquarters: Etten-Leur, Netherlands
Key Offering: BioFoam® expanded PLA

Synbra Technology specializes in expanded PLA (EPLA) foam products under the BioFoam® brand, providing sustainable alternatives to expanded polystyrene (EPS) for packaging and insulation applications. The company’s technology enables creation of lightweight, insulating PLA foam materials.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Pioneer in expanded PLA foam technology

  • Development of compostable packaging solutions

  • Closed-loop manufacturing concepts


1️⃣ 10. Unitika Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Terramac® PLA compounds and films

Unitika Ltd. manufactures Terramac® PLA resins, compounds, and films with enhanced properties for various applications. The company has developed advanced modification technologies to improve PLA’s heat resistance, flexibility, and processability for industrial applications.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of high-heat resistant PLA grades

  • PLA film technologies for packaging and agricultural uses

  • Focus on bio-based and biodegradable material solutions

Get Full Report Here:
Polylactic Acid Bioplastic Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of PLA Bioplastics Is Brighter and More Circular

The polylactic acid bioplastic market is experiencing transformative growth as sustainability becomes a core business imperative across industries. While traditional plastics still dominate volume, the industry is rapidly scaling production capacities, improving material performance, and building recycling infrastructure.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rapid capacity expansion in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific

  • Development of high-performance PLA grades for demanding applications

  • Advanced recycling technologies enabling circular PLA economies

  • Growing regulatory support and plastic bans accelerating adoption

Get Full Report Here:
Polylactic Acid Bioplastic Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only producing sustainable materials—they’re building the foundation for a circular plastics economy that reduces environmental impact while meeting growing consumer and industrial demand.