Insight into Global Bio-Based Plastics Development: A Bibliometric Analysis-Aided Assessment of the Past Decades’ Research Exploit

Nonso E. Nnolim () and Uchechukwu U. Nwodo
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Nonso E. Nnolim: Patho-Biocatalysis Group (PBG), Department of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Uchechukwu U. Nwodo: Patho-Biocatalysis Group (PBG), Department of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-22

Abstract: The global biobased plastics market is on an upward trajectory due to the quest for a clean/sustainable environment and the growing concerns over climate change. This study used a meta-analysis approach to investigate the global trend in the research evolution and development of bio-based plastics research from 1990 to 2023. The publication records of 2742 articles were retrieved from the Web of Science data collection using the following key terms: “bioplastic* or biodegradable plastic* or biobased plastic* or biodegradable polyester* or biobased polyester* or biodegradable polyethylene* or biobased polyethylene*”. The analysis showed that scientific productivity generally increased across the spectrum of the survey timelines, with the highest publication of 331 articles recorded in 2023. The articles were published in 863 sources by 10,408 authors, with an annual growth rate of 13.55%. China demonstrated the highest number of publications recorded, with 404 articles within the survey period, followed by the United States, with 303 articles. The international collaboration was recorded at 20.86%, while the average citation per article was 27.99. The swift advancement in biodegradable plastic research, as indicated by relevant metrics, highlights the current research trends and underscores the importance of bio-based plastics in promoting a sustainable environment and a circular economy.

Keywords: biodegradable plastic; circular economy; collaboration; emerging technology; meta-analysis; sustainable environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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