Cultivating Capacity for Bio-based Materials and Chemicals through 2017

Investment and growth in bio-based material and chemical capacity continues to increase globally. We analyzed 229 sites from 217 companies that were planned, operating, or shuttered between 2005 and 2017. We then categorized their products – 133 chemicals and classes like succinic acid and polyols – into seven main product categories (e.g., intermediate chemicals, polymers, and specialty chemicals) and 22 subcategories (e.g., isoprenoids, gases, and starch plastics). We also classified them by feedstocks, country, and geographic region. This report assesses product growth, identifies feedstock trends, determines the fastest growing geographies, and analyzes the regional product and feedstock trends. This report also evaluates industry growth trends and commercialization successes, highlighting lessons to be learned and emerging opportunities.