Industry Overview - Biodegradable materials are high molecular materials that can undergo chemical, biological, or physical degradation in the natural environment through microbial metabolic activities, ultimately breaking down into harmless substances like water and carbon dioxide [1][4] - The industry can be categorized into natural biodegradable materials, synthetic biodegradable materials, and blended biodegradable materials based on their sources [4] Industry Development History - The biodegradable materials industry in China has gone through four stages: the budding phase (1990s to 2005), the initiation phase (2006 to 2014), the rapid growth phase (2015 to 2020), and the adjustment and optimization phase (2020 to present) [4][5] - The implementation of the "strictest plastic ban" in 2018 significantly boosted the demand for biodegradable materials, expanding their application from agriculture to packaging, takeaway, and medical fields [4][5] Industry Chain - The upstream of the biodegradable materials industry includes raw materials (biobased and petroleum-based) and production equipment, while the midstream involves the manufacturing of biodegradable materials [7] - The downstream applications encompass packaging, agriculture, modern medicine, 3D printing, and textiles [7] Market Size - The market size of China's biodegradable materials industry is projected to reach 29.9 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 29.59% [11] - The increasing environmental awareness among consumers is driving the demand for green and eco-friendly materials across various sectors [11] Key Companies' Performance - The market is segmented into four tiers based on production capacity, with leading companies like Hengli Petrochemical and Kingfa Technology having capacities exceeding 200,000 tons per year [13] - Kingfa Technology has developed a complete industrial chain technology for biodegradable materials, holding over 6,800 patents and achieving significant breakthroughs in high-temperature resistant materials [15][17] - Hengli Petrochemical is expanding its production capacity with a planned 600,000 tons per year for biodegradable materials, aiming to become the largest production base in China [17] Industry Development Trends 1. **Technological Innovation and Cost Optimization** - The industry is focusing on technological breakthroughs in biomanufacturing, chemical technology integration, and raw material diversification to reduce production costs [19] 2. **Policy Drivers and Market Demand** - The upcoming 2025 "plastic ban" and increasing market demand for high-end biodegradable products are reshaping the industry landscape [20][21] 3. **Industry Chain Integration and Internationalization** - Companies are pursuing vertical integration and international expansion to enhance competitiveness, with notable collaborations and certifications aiding market entry [22]