The Global Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) Market was valued at USD 842 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.65 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.8% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This significant growth is driven by the expanding adoption of bio-based materials, tightening environmental regulations supporting biodegradable alternatives, and the rising demand for EPS in advanced biomedical applications like wound healing and drug delivery.

As industries shift towards a more sustainable, circular economy, EPS—complex biopolymers secreted by microorganisms—are emerging as crucial materials. They offer versatile solutions for wastewater treatment, sustainable packaging, and regenerative medicine. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Extracellular Polymeric Substances Industry—a dynamic mix of biotechnology pioneers, specialty chemical manufacturers, and sustainable material innovators shaping the future of this high-growth market.

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🔟 1. Metabolix Inc. (CJ Biomaterials, Inc.)

Headquarters: Woburn, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) biopolymers under the Mvera™ and Aonixx™ brands for specialty applications.

Metabolix, now operating as CJ Biomaterials following its acquisition by CJ CheilJedang, is a pioneer in microbial fermentation for PHA production. PHAs are a major class of EPS known for their complete biodegradability in various environments. The company’s proprietary technology platform allows for the cost-effective production of high-performance biopolymers used in packaging, coatings, and 3D printing filaments.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Leading the transition from conventional plastics to high-performance PHAs for flexible and rigid packaging.

• Strategic partnerships with global brands to develop certified compostable product solutions.

• Focus on scaling production capacity to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials.

Download FREE Sample Report: Extracellular Polymeric Substances Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. Danimer Scientific, Inc.

Headquarters: Bainbridge, Georgia, USA
Key Offering: Nodax® PHA biopolymers, a family of EPS materials for packaging, food service, agriculture, and fibers.

Danimer Scientific is a front-runner in the development and manufacturing of biodegradable PHA polymers. Their signature Nodax® PHA is derived from renewable plant oils and is certified to biodegradably break down in soil, freshwater, and marine environments. The company’s EPS solutions are critical for creating compostable products that address plastic pollution, serving major clients in the consumer goods and packaging sectors.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Expansion of manufacturing capacity with large-scale bioreactors dedicated to PHA production.

• Development of high-performance resin formulations for injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming.

• Research into next-generation PHAs with enhanced properties for durable goods applications.

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8️⃣ 3. Shenzhen Ecomann Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Key Offering: Microbial polysaccharides (e.g., Xanthan Gum, Curdlan, Gellan Gum) and specialty bio-based polymers.

Ecomann Biotechnology is a leading Asian manufacturer of microbial EPS, specializing in fermentation-derived biopolymers used as thickeners, stabilizers, gelling agents, and film-formers. Their product portfolio serves the food & beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and oilfield industries. The company is instrumental in supplying cost-effective, high-volume EPS for applications where functionality and natural origin are paramount.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Large-scale, vertically integrated fermentation facilities ensuring stable supply and competitive pricing.

• Continuous strain improvement and process optimization to increase yield and reduce production costs.

• Expansion into novel microbial EPS for agricultural bio-stimulants and water treatment.

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7️⃣ 4. Biomer

Headquarters: Krailling, Germany
Key Offering: Biomer® PHA granules and compounds for medical, packaging, and high-value specialty applications.

Biomer is a German specialist in the production of ultra-pure, medical-grade PHA. With a focus on high-margin, performance-critical applications, the company supplies EPS materials for biodegradable sutures, implants, drug delivery systems, and advanced packaging. Their expertise lies in tailoring polymer properties through precise control of fermentation and downstream processing.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Pioneering medical-grade PHA with certified biocompatibility for in-vivo applications.

• Development of custom PHA formulations with specific mechanical and degradation profiles.

• Collaboration with European research institutions on next-generation biomedical EPS.

Download FREE Sample Report: Extracellular Polymeric Substances Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Bio-on Srl

Headquarters: Bologna, Italy
Key Offering: Minerv® PHA biopolymers derived from agricultural by-products for luxury packaging, cosmetics, and advanced materials.

Bio-on specializes in producing high-quality PHA from waste substrates like sugar beet and cane molasses. Their Minerv® PHA is renowned for its high crystallinity, transparency, and excellent barrier properties, making it suitable for premium packaging, cosmetics microbeads, and 3D printing. The company’s technology emphasizes a circular economy model, converting waste into valuable biopolymers.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Utilization of non-food agricultural waste streams as feedstock for sustainable PHA production.

• Development of water-soluble PHA variants for controlled-release applications.

• Strategic licensing of proprietary fermentation technology to global partners.

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5️⃣ 6. PHB Industrial S.A. (Biocycle)

Headquarters: Serrana, São Paulo, Brazil
Key Offering: BIOCYCLE® PHB (Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate), a 100% biodegradable thermoplastic derived from sugarcane.

Operating under the brand Biocycle, PHB Industrial is a key player in the Americas and a joint venture between Brazil’s largest sugarcane processor and a leading chemical company. They produce PHB from sugarcane-derived sucrose, offering a fully bio-based and biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics. Their EPS is used in rigid packaging, disposable items, and agricultural films.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Integrated production from sugarcane field to biopolymer, ensuring a renewable and traceable supply chain.

• Focus on improving the processability and toughness of PHB to compete with polypropylene.

• Supplying certified biodegradable solutions to the Latin American market.

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4️⃣ 7. Newlight Technologies, Inc.

Headquarters: Huntington Beach, California, USA
Key Offering: AirCarbon® – a regenerative PHA material captured from greenhouse gases like methane.

Newlight Technologies stands out for its innovative carbon capture technology. Using microorganisms found in the ocean, the company converts methane and carbon dioxide from air and waste gases into a high-performance PHA they call AirCarbon®. This process not only produces a biodegradable material but does so with a verified negative carbon footprint, targeting industries from fashion to automotive.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Commercial-scale biocatalyst technology for converting GHG emissions into bioplastics.

• Production of carbon-negative materials verified by third-party life cycle assessments.

• Partnerships with brands like Nike and Shake Shack to incorporate AirCarbon® into products.

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3️⃣ 8. Yield10 Bioscience, Inc.

Headquarters: Woburn, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: Proprietary technology platforms for engineering plants to produce PHA bioplastics directly in their leaves and stems.

Yield10 Bioscience is innovating at the intersection of agriculture and materials science. Rather than relying solely on industrial fermentation, the company is developing Camelina and Canola plants genetically engineered to accumulate PHA granules within their biomass. This platform aims to create a scalable, low-cost agricultural system for producing biodegradable plastics directly from crops.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Pioneering the production of PHA in oilseed crops, creating a novel “plant factory” model.

• Targeting production costs competitive with conventional petroleum-based plastics.

• Collaborating with agricultural and energy partners to commercialize the technology.

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2️⃣ 9. TianAn Biopolymer Materials Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: ENMAT™ Y1000P PHA resin for packaging, films, fibers, and injection-molded products.

TianAn Biopolymer, a subsidiary of the major chemical company TianAn Group, is one of the largest commercial producers of PHA globally. With significant production capacity, they supply ENMAT™ PHA to a broad international market. Their materials are tailored for applications requiring biodegradability in both industrial composting and natural environments, focusing on disposable items and packaging.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Operating one of the world’s largest PHA production facilities with tens of thousands of tons of annual capacity.

• Developing PHA blends and compounds to enhance performance for specific end-uses.

• Promoting the adoption of biodegradable plastics in China and across Asia-Pacific markets.

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1️⃣ 10. RWDC Industries

Headquarters: Athens, Georgia, USA (with significant operations in Singapore)
Key Offering: Solon™ PHA, a versatile and cost-competitive biopolymer for single-use products like straws, cutlery, and flexible packaging.

RWDC Industries is a rapidly growing biotech company focused on solving the global plastic waste crisis. Their Solon™ PHA is designed as a drop-in replacement for traditional plastics in high-volume, single-use applications, offering excellent durability during use and rapid biodegradation afterward. The company is aggressively scaling production to meet demand from global consumer brands.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Building world-scale PHA manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Singapore.

• Targeting price parity with conventional plastics to drive mass-market adoption.

• Focusing on solutions for the most problematic single-use plastic items like straws and utensils.

Get Full Report Here: Extracellular Polymeric Substances Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of EPS is Integrated, Scalable, and Circular

The extracellular polymeric substances market is undergoing a fundamental transformation. While fermentation-derived biopolymers like PHA currently lead the commercial wave, the future lies in diversified production methods, advanced material properties, and seamless integration into the circular economy. The industry’s evolution is moving from niche, high-cost specialties towards high-volume, cost-competitive alternatives to conventional plastics.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Feedstock Diversification: Shift from food-grade sugars to non-food biomass, waste gases (methane, CO2), and wastewater streams to improve sustainability and reduce costs.

• Advanced Biomedical Engineering: Development of tailor-made EPS with specific bioactive functions for smart drug delivery, tissue scaffolds, and regenerative medicine.

• Policy-Driven Demand: Global regulations like the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes are mandating biodegradable alternatives, directly boosting EPS demand.

• Hybrid and Composite Materials: Blending EPS with other biopolymers, natural fibers, or nanotechnology to create materials with superior mechanical, barrier, or functional properties for demanding applications.

Get Full Report Here: Extracellular Polymeric Substances Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not just producing biopolymers—they are building the foundation for a post-petroleum materials economy. By harnessing biology to create functional, sustainable, and circular materials, these innovators are addressing some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges while unlocking significant economic value in the green materials revolution.