Amid growing global concern on environmental pollution by single-use plastics, Japan is now at a major turning point, with a series of countermeasures formulated by public and private sector. Under the circumstances, marine biodegradable materials are garnering attention. The purpose of this research is to provide insights to businesses on the usage of marine biodegradable materials, by highlighting current status of the market, challenges in product development, and outlook on major applications.

 

1. Market Drivers of Marine Biodegradable Materials

- While reducing marine plastics is a global challenge, marine biodegradable material manufacturers are expected to contribute to the progress.

- “Moonshot Research and Development Project” (JST) has chosen the development of marine biodegradable plastics as one of its projects.

- The Plastic Resource Circulation Act demands business operators using single-use plastics heavily to address plastic pollution.

- CLOMA (Japan Clean Ocean Material Alliance) accelerates alliance across industries, providing a platform for business matching. 

2. Trends by Material Type

(1) Paper: Have not been taken up as expected due to issues in quality, processability, and pricing. Various types of new materials are being developed. Systematic approach needed to promote the shift to paper.

(2) Cellophane: Some cellophane materials earned international certification as marine biodegradable. The biomass-based cellophane gather attention for its transparent property. Quality improvement without losing biodegradability and development of applications accepting cost are needed. Gaining popularity in Europe and the US, yet still limited in Japan.

(3) Biomass-based composites: Unused plant-based resources utilized in the context of “local production for local consumption” business model, which invigorates economy of regional areas.

(4) Marine Biodegradable Plastic: Aims to become an alternative to plastics known to polluting the oceans, mainly fish nets and primary microplastics. Challenges remain in marine biodegradability of products made with such plastics, as well as in production cost.

(5) Summary: Improving recognition is a common challenge for all material types. Public relations to brand owners and consumers need to be worked out better. 

 

 

1. Plastic bags

2. Disposable cutlery

3. Straws

4. Drinking cups

5. Food containers

6. Cosmetics (as raw materials)

7. Fishery/aquaculture 

8. Apparel

 

1. SHOSANDO CO., LTD.

2. Aotoplus .inc.

3. TOKAN KOGYO CO., LTD.

4. DIXIE JAPAN LTD

5. NIKKO RICA CORPORATION

6. NICHIMO CO.,LTD.

 

- Results of the Questionnaire 

- Profiles of Companies Surveyed 

Marine Biodegradable Materials Market in Japan: Key Research Findings 2023