Hidden potential for bio-based composite materials

The five month market and technology study started on 22^nd October and is open to interested companies. Companies such as REHAU, an Automotive Tier 1, Asahi Kasei, Johns Manville, Mahr Metering Systems and several material manufacturers are participating in the study.

Bio-plastics are well established in industry, especially in packaging applications. The market for biopolymers is expected to grow from $10.5 billion in 2020 to $27.9 billion in 2025.

At the same time, bio-based raw materials, such as natural fibres, are available on the market in a cost-effective manner. Composites with wood or natural fibre content are also increasingly used in products.

Michael Emonts, managing partner of AZL, said: “Together with our partner companies we want to identify hidden business potential for composites with bio-based materials. To do so, we will reapply our established approach for market and technology studies: Based on a detailed market analysis, we will dive deep into the technological evaluation of technologies, applications and business cases.”

Based on a detailed market segmentation, AZL’s technology experts analyse the various market segments in terms of their size, growth potential, relevant players and existing and future applications. For the identified applications, the participants in the study will receive detailed insight into the respective technical and legal requirements as well as an overview of value chains, processes and materials.

In the following, the strengths and challenges of bio-composites compared to conventional materials are elaborated. The consortium will select the components with the highest potential, for which suitable production scenarios will be developed and analysed in terms of costs in a business case analysis.

www.azl-aachen-gmbh.de