Market Overview

In Japan today, biomass fillers are produced typically from materials such as wood flour, starch, cellulose fiber, seashells, and eggshells. While cellulose fiber and starch are manufactured industrially, many biomass fillers originate from byproducts, so called “remains”: wood scraps from construction sites, offcuts from wood processing facilities, timber from thinning of forests, waste shells of scallop and oysters from seafood processing, and eggshells in egg processing operations.

Traditionally, these byproducts were repurposed for agricultural use, serving as fertilizer, animal feed, or soil conditioners. Seashells and eggshells also found a secondary usage as field marking powder for school sports grounds. However, the volume of these scraps has long exceeded demand in such applications. As a result, biomass fillers were often perceived as low-value, downcycled materials with limited appeal beyond basic reuse.

In recent years, growing concern over environmental issues like climate changes and marine pollution has surged the demand for carbon neutrality, largely driven by efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This has created a strong push to reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics and transition to renewable materials, moving away from finite resources like petroleum and minerals. In this context, the use of composites containing a high proportion of biomass-based fillers like wood flour, eggshell, and seashell is gaining momentum, particularly in everyday goods, toys, and general merchandise. These materials are no longer viewed merely as downcycled waste; instead, they are seen as upcycled, higher-value products, creating new opportunities for innovation and sustainability in product development.

In the market survey, we targeted the trends of the upcycled biomass fillers. In 2024, the market size of the biomass filler resins is valued at 368t, with upcycled biomass fillers at 189t. In 2025, the volume of biomass filler resins is expected to grow to 490t (133.2% YoY), and the volume of upcycled biomass fillers to 254t (134.4% YoY). By 2030, the volume of biomass filler resins is projected to grow to 3,680t, and the volume of upcycled biomass fillers to 1,605t. (All excluding the volume of wood flour for construction.)

Noteworthy Topics

“Beyond Plastic Alternative” Required For Biomass Fillers Market to Take Additional Leap

In recent years, efforts to reduce plastic usage by incorporating biomass filler resins have expanded across a range of industries. Notably, under current waste separation and recycling regulations in most Japanese municipalities, products containing more than 51% biomass filler by weight are classified as "combustible waste" rather than "plastic waste." This classification simplifies disposal and is likely to drive continued growth in the use of biomass filler resins for everyday goods and general merchandise, which do not presently have recycling system/scheme.

At the same time, while the value of biomass fillers has evolved beyond their traditional role in downcycled materials, their overall market positioning still needs to be elevated.  
As long as they are seen merely as substitutes for existing materials, comparison based on cost and properties will remain predominant. Without a clear advantage, product owners may hesitate to adopt them. To move from being an alternative to being a preferred material, biomass filler resin manufacturers must focus on creating unique value propositions that go beyond substitution.

Future Outlook

Biomass filler is not a new material. It has been widely used in applications like wood-plastic composites (WPC) and as a filler in composite resins to reduce plastic content. However, its adoption in categories like fashion, tableware, and other non-traditional plastic applications is still in the early stages of growth.

To expand into new industries, manufacturers of biomass filler resins must move beyond past successes and established uses. This requires a proactive, strategic marketing approach—one that clearly defines target applications and customer segments. It’s essential to identify how biomass fillers can align with or enhance the performance, aesthetic, and sustainability goals of different brands and industries.

The key question is: what exactly resonates with potential customers? Is the bio-based nature of the material a meaningful differentiator? Does the unique texture or design potential offer added value over conventional plastics? Biomass filler resin manufacturers need to grasp the trends in fields they may not have traditionally engaged with, such as fashion, tableware, furniture, and automobiles. Sustainability metrics like CO₂ reduction and reduced plastic use are important but not enough.

Research Outline