Biopolymers & Bioplastics

Natural Polymers

Natural polymers include the RNA and DNA that are so important in genes and life processes. In fact, messenger RNA is what makes possible proteins, peptides, and enzymes. Enzymes help do the chemistry inside living organisms and peptides make up some of the more interesting structural components of skin, hair, and even the horns of rhinos. Other natural polymers include polysaccharides (sugar polymers), Cellulose, starch, lignin, chitin and polypeptides like silk, keratin, and hair. Natural rubber is, naturally a natural polymer also, made from just carbon and hydrogen. These materials and their derivatives offer a wide range of properties and applications. Natural polymers tend to be readily biodegradable, although the rate of degradation is generally inversely proportional to the extent of chemical modification. US companies demand for natural polymers is forecast to expand 6.9 % annually to $4.6 billion in 2016. Cellulose ethers, methyl cellulose, will remain the largest product segment. This study analyses the $3.3 billion US natural biopolymer industries. It presents historical demand data for the years 2001, 2006 and 2011, and forecasts for 2016 and 2021 by market.