How much does biodegradable plastic cost?

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Biodegradable plastic generally costs more than conventional plastic, but the exact price depends on the polymer type, raw materials, production scale, supplier, and market conditions. Indicative prices range from about USD 2.2–2.8/kg for PLA, USD 2.5–3.2/kg for PBAT, and USD 3.0–3.8/kg for PBS, while PLA–PBAT blends are listed at around USD 2.4–2.9/kg. The higher cost is mainly linked to raw-material prices, more complex production technology, limited production capacity, and specialized end-of-life processing requirements. This article explains how much biodegradable plastic costs, why it is more expensive, and which factors have the greatest impact on price.

1. Development of biodegradable plastics in Vietnam and some proposals

In recent times, Vietnam's plastic industry has demonstrated robust growth, with a remarkable 17.5% increase during the 2011-2020 period, trailing only behind the telecommunications and textile sectors. The plastic production in our country reached 8.9 million tons in 2019, with an average plastic consumption of 41 kg per person in the same year, a figure more than tenfold higher than the 3.8 kg per person consumed in 1990.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, out of over 30 billion plastic bags disposed of, only 17% are recycled. Plastic bags constitute one-third of plastic waste in Vietnam, placing Vietnam among the leading Asian countries contributing to ocean plastic pollution.

Aligned with the global trend in the plastics industry, the research and utilization of biodegradable plastics and bio-based plastics have become focal points for domestic plastic enterprises. Vietnam's perspective on plastic industry development emphasizes high efficiency and sustainability, closely tied to environmental conservation.

Some companies have undertaken research and successfully produced biodegradable plastic products. For instance, An Phat Bioplastics has achieved success in developing fully compostable biodegradable plastics under the AnEco brand. These products include nylon bags, gloves, utensils, straws, agricultural films, and are utilized both domestically and for export.

Currently, the proportion of biodegradable plastics compared to the total plastic consumption in Vietnam remains low. In the future, if this proportion is increased closer to the global average, Vietnam's total demand for biodegradable plastics is estimated to reach approximately 80,000 tons annually by 2025. Consequently, the potential for development in the biodegradable plastics sector is significantly promising.

Development of Biodegradable Plastics in Vietnam and Some Proposals

2. What is the price of biodegradable plastic?

The price of biodegradable plastic can vary depending on several factors, including the type of plastic, raw materials, thickness, size, manufacturer, and so on. However, in general, biodegradable plastics tend to be more expensive than traditional plastics.

According to a study by the Vietnam Biodegradable Plastics Association (VBPA), the current price of biodegradable plastic is 2-3 times higher than traditional plastics. The main reason for this price difference is the cost of raw materials used in biodegradable plastics, such as cornstarch, potatoes, and cassava, which tend to be higher than the cost of petroleum-based plastics. Additionally, the production cost of biodegradable plastics is also higher due to the complex technology and production processes required.

Here are some examples of the prices of biodegradable plastics:

PLA Plastic: 2.2 - 2.8 USD/kg
PBS Plastic: 3.0 - 3.8 USD/kg
PBAT Plastic: 2.5 - 3.2 USD/kg
PLA + PBAT blend: 2.4 - 2.9 USD/kg

What is the Price of Biodegradable Plastic?

3. Why is biodegradable plastic expensive?

Biodegradable plastic is expensive for several reasons:

Expensive Raw Materials: Biodegradable plastic is made from natural raw materials such as cornstarch, cassava starch, potato starch, vegetable oils, or cellulose. These raw materials are often more expensive than the raw materials used to produce traditional plastics, such as petroleum.
Complex Production Process: The production process of biodegradable plastic is more complex than that of traditional plastics. This requires the use of costly technologies and equipment.
Limited Production Capacity: The ability to produce biodegradable plastic is still limited compared to demand. This results in higher product costs.
Environmental Benefits: Biodegradable plastics offer significant environmental benefits as they do not contribute to pollution when disposed of in landfills or incinerated. They can also be broken down into organic nutrients, aiding soil improvement.

Additionally, the cost of handling biodegradable plastics is higher compared to traditional plastics because biodegradable plastics often require specialized facilities for processing.
With the advancement of technology and increasing demand, the cost of biodegradable plastics may decrease in the future.

Why is Biodegradable Plastic Expensive?

4. Factors affecting the price of biodegradable plastic

4.1. Raw material sources

Many biodegradable plastics, such as PLA and PBS, are derived from renewable sources like corn starch, sugarcane, or palm oil. Seasonal price changes and fluctuations in agricultural commodity markets directly impact the cost of these raw materials.

For instance, a spike in U.S. corn prices often drives up the cost of PLA as a result.

4.2. Global supply capacity

The number of large-scale biodegradable plastic manufacturers is still limited. Global supply is concentrated in regions like China, Germany, the U.S., and Japan. Disruptions in the supply chain—such as container shortages or export restrictions—can push prices higher.

4.3. Environmental regulations

Countries like those in the EU, India, and several U.S. states have implemented bans or restrictions on single-use plastic, thereby increasing demand for biodegradable plastic. As demand outpaces supply, prices tend to rise. On the other hand, markets with fewer regulations are slower to adopt biodegradable alternatives due to cost sensitivity.

4.4. Production scale and technology

Biodegradable plastics require more advanced production technology and equipment, which contributes to their higher price. However, as major global players continue expanding production capacity, unit costs are expected to decrease over time.

For example, companies like NatureWorks (USA) and Total Corbion PLA (Netherlands) are investing in new production lines that could lower the cost of PLA to around 1,800 USD/ton in the near future.

Factors Affecting the Price of Biodegradable Plastic

5. EuroPlas - leading biodegradable plastic pellet manufacturer in Vietnam

EuroPlas produces BiONext biodegradable plastic pellets, which are divided into two main types:

5.1. BiONext 102 and 152 biodegradable plastic pellets

BioNext 102 and BioNext 152 are made from biodegradable plastic and CaCO3 limestone powder. Both types of pellets share the common feature of biodegrading within 12 months after use, minimizing environmental impact. However, BiONext 102 has higher hardness and durability compared to BiONext 152.

5.2. BiONext 400, 500, 600, and 700 biodegradable plastic pellets

BiONext 400, BiONext 500, BiONext 600, and BiONext 700 are made from biodegradable plastic and various other additives. Each type of pellet has its own characteristics and applications:

BioNext 400: Biodegradable plastic pellets made from biodegradable plastic and modified starch, capable of degrading within 12 months after use.
BioNext 500: Biodegradable plastic pellets made from biodegradable plastic and reinforced CaCO3 limestone powder, capable of degrading within 12 months after use.
BioNext 600: Biodegradable plastic pellets made from biodegradable plastic, talc powder, and specific additives, possessing the full functionality of a final material.
BioNext 700: Biodegradable plastic pellets made from specific plastic and biodegradable plastic, capable of degrading within 12 months after use.

EuroPlas - leading biodegradable plastic pellet manufacturer in Vietnam

6. FAQ

6.1. How much does biodegradable plastic cost?
The price varies by material and supplier. The current EuroPlas article lists indicative prices of around USD 2.2–2.8/kg for PLA, USD 2.5–3.2/kg for PBAT, USD 3.0–3.8/kg for PBS, and USD 2.4–2.9/kg for PLA–PBAT blends. These figures should be treated as reference values rather than fixed market prices.

6.2. Is biodegradable plastic more expensive than conventional plastic?
Yes, biodegradable plastics are generally more expensive. The article attributes the price difference to higher raw-material costs, more complex manufacturing processes, limited production capacity, and additional processing or waste-management requirements.

6.3. Why is biodegradable plastic expensive?
Major cost drivers include raw materials, advanced production technology, limited global supply, production scale, and the need for specialized processing or composting infrastructure.

6.4. Which biodegradable plastic is the cheapest?
There is no single material that is always the cheapest because prices change over time and by market. In the price examples provided in the article, PLA is listed below PBS and PBAT, but actual purchasing prices can vary by grade, order volume, supplier, and region.

6.5. How much does PLA cost?
The article gives an indicative PLA price of approximately USD 2.2–2.8/kg. Market prices can differ depending on resin grade, supplier, volume, and location.

6.6. How much does PBAT cost?
The article lists PBAT at approximately USD 2.5–3.2/kg. Actual prices may vary according to supply conditions, product grade, and order size.

6.7. How much does PBS cost?
The article gives an indicative PBS price of around USD 3.0–3.8/kg. Final purchasing costs depend on supplier, market conditions, and technical specifications.

6.8. How much does a PLA–PBAT blend cost?
The article lists PLA–PBAT blends at approximately USD 2.4–2.9/kg. The actual price depends on the blend ratio, formulation, additives, and required product properties.

6.9. What factors affect the price of biodegradable plastic?
The main factors include raw-material costs, global supply capacity, environmental regulations, production scale, manufacturing technology, and supply-chain conditions.

6.10. Do raw-material prices affect biodegradable plastic cost?
Yes. For materials that rely partly on agricultural or renewable feedstocks, changes in commodity prices can influence production costs. The article specifically notes that raw-material source and seasonal price fluctuations can affect biodegradable plastic pricing.

6.11. Can biodegradable plastic become cheaper in the future?
Potentially, yes. The article notes that larger production capacity, technological improvements, and growing demand could help reduce unit costs over time. However, the timing and extent of price reductions will depend on market conditions.

6.12. How should manufacturers evaluate biodegradable plastic cost?
Manufacturers should compare not only the resin price per kilogram, but also processing performance, required additives, product design, production efficiency, compliance requirements, order volume, and end-of-life targets. The cheapest resin is not always the lowest-cost solution for the finished product.

7. About the Author

EuroPlas Technical Content Team

This article was prepared by the EuroPlas specialist team based on knowledge and experience in plastic materials, masterbatch, additives, and engineering plastic compounds. EuroPlas aims to provide clear and practical technical information to help manufacturers better understand material properties, potential applications, and key considerations when selecting plastic materials for production.

The information provided in this article is for reference purposes. Formulation, loading levels, and material performance should be evaluated according to the polymer type, processing technology, and actual end-use conditions.