Polyglycolic Acid Market Size and Outlook 2031

Report Description

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 6.18 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	10.18%
Fastest Growing Segment	Fibre
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 11.06 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Polyglycolic Acid Market will grow from USD 6.18 Billion in 2025 to USD 11.06 Billion by 2031 at a 10.18% CAGR. Polyglycolic Acid is a crystalline and biodegradable thermoplastic polymer distinguished by its high tensile strength and exceptional gas barrier properties which make it essential for medical and industrial applications. The market continues to expand due to the critical requirement for absorbable sutures in surgical procedures and the increasing adoption of dissolvable downhole tools in the oil and gas sector which necessitate materials that degrade controllably under specific environmental conditions.

A significant challenge impeding broader market adoption is the high manufacturing cost of polyglycolic acid compared to other biodegradable alternatives which limits its penetration into price sensitive packaging segments. According to European Bioplastics, in 2024, the global production capacity for bioplastics reached 2.47 million tonnes representing the growing industrial infrastructure for biodegradable materials despite the economic hurdles facing niche polymers.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing utilization in oil and gas downhole tools acts as a primary catalyst, particularly for hydraulic fracturing operations where dissolvable components are essential. Polyglycolic acid is favored for manufacturing frac plugs and balls because it degrades completely without requiring expensive drill-out operations, thereby streamlining well completion processes. This demand is directly linked to sustained drilling activities in major shale basins which require reliable, degradable intervention materials. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, August 2024, in the 'Drilling Productivity Report', oil production in the Permian region alone was projected to reach 6.3 million barrels per day, highlighting the intense extraction activity that drives the consumption of dissolvable tools.

Rising adoption of biodegradable medical sutures and implants further propels the market, driven by the material's ability to hydrolytically degrade into non-toxic metabolites within the body. This characteristic is vital for minimally invasive surgeries where removing temporary tissue supports is impractical or risky. The expansion of the medical device sector underscores this trend; according to Johnson & Johnson, January 2024, in the 'Full-Year 2023 Results', their MedTech division reported worldwide operational sales growth of 12.4%, reflecting a surge in surgical procedure volumes. This specific demand aligns with broader healthcare trends; according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in 2024, annual growth in U.S. national health spending is projected to average 5.6% over the coming decade, creating a sustained avenue for advanced biomedical materials.

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Key Market Challenges

The high manufacturing cost of polyglycolic acid constitutes a substantial economic barrier that directly restricts its expansion beyond specialized niche sectors. While the material possesses superior mechanical strength and barrier qualities, its elevated production price renders it commercially unviable for high-volume, cost-critical applications such as mass consumer packaging. This price disparity forces manufacturers to prioritize cheaper biodegradable alternatives for bulk applications, thereby isolating polyglycolic acid to low-volume, high-margin uses in medical and oilfield industries. Consequently, the market cannot leverage the full volume potential of the packaging sector, which is necessary for achieving economies of scale and broad industrial commoditization.

The inability to align production capabilities with actual market consumption due to pricing pressures is evident in broader industry performance metrics. According to European Bioplastics, in 2024, the average utilization rate for the global bioplastics industry was 58%. This statistic underscores the significant gap between installed infrastructure and actual market uptake, illustrating that despite the availability of production facilities, economic hurdles such as high material costs prevent the market from absorbing the full capacity of advanced biodegradable polymers like polyglycolic acid.

Key Market Trends

Expansion of PGA applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is shifting the market focus from simple wound closure to complex biological scaffolds. Unlike traditional sutures, these advanced matrices utilize the polymer's controlled hydrolytic degradation to match the rate of new tissue formation, facilitating the growth of cells in three-dimensional environments. This capability is increasingly critical for developing bioabsorbable supports that eliminate secondary removal surgeries while promoting faster cellular integration. The substantial capital flowing into this sector supports this technological shift; according to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, in the '2024 Annual Report', the agency's funded projects have attracted a total of $24.4 billion in follow-on funding, demonstrating the massive financial scale of the ecosystem driving demand for advanced biomaterials like polyglycolic acid.

Integration of high-barrier PGA layers in multilayer food and beverage packaging is emerging as a solution to extend product shelf life and reduce spoilage. Manufacturers are incorporating thin polyglycolic acid films into multilayer structures to leverage the material's superior oxygen barrier properties, which significantly outperform standard polyethylene terephthalate. This application targets the preservation of perishable goods where preventing oxidation is paramount, effectively counterbalancing the material's higher cost through the economic value of waste reduction. This trend is accelerated by the urgent need to address supply chain inefficiencies; according to the Flexible Packaging Association, October 2024, in the report 'The Role of Flexible Packaging in Reducing Food Waste', per capita food waste in the United States is rising at approximately 6% yearly, creating a critical imperative for advanced barrier solutions that preserve freshness longer.

Segmental Insights

The fibre segment is identified as the fastest growing category in the Global Polyglycolic Acid Market, driven by its critical applications in both healthcare and industrial sectors. This growth is largely attributed to the high tensile strength and predictable degradation rates of PGA fibres, which are essential for absorbable surgical sutures that meet rigorous FDA standards. Additionally, the oil and gas industry increasingly relies on these biodegradable materials for downhole tools used in hydraulic fracturing. Consequently, the ability of PGA fibres to perform under extreme pressure before dissolving is propelling their rapid market expansion.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the Global Polyglycolic Acid Market driven by extensive applications in the medical and energy sectors. The region possesses a developed healthcare framework that prioritizes biodegradable sutures and surgical implants, adhering to rigorous standards set by the Food and Drug Administration. Furthermore, the significant scale of shale gas extraction in the United States accelerates the demand for polyglycolic acid in manufacturing dissolvable downhole tools. This regional leadership is reinforced by established production capabilities and increasing investments in environmentally sustainable packaging technologies that leverage the high barrier properties of the material.

Recent Developments

In October 2024, Corza Medical announced the launch of its new Onatec™ line of ophthalmic microsurgical sutures at the American Academy of Ophthalmology conference. This innovative portfolio includes Onasorb® PGA, a synthetic absorbable suture composed of polyglycolic acid, which is designed to provide optimal tissue compatibility and predictable absorption for delicate ophthalmic procedures. The launch represents a significant expansion of Corza Medical's offerings, providing surgeons with high-precision tools that feature advanced needle geometries and high-quality surface finishes to minimize tissue trauma during surgery.
In May 2024, Kureha Corporation unveiled its "Rolling Plan 2025," a medium-to-long-term management strategy aimed at revitalizing its technology-driven operations and expanding its existing businesses, including its polyglycolic acid (PGA) division. Under this plan, the company reaffirmed its commitment to the PGA business, positioning it as a key area for creating social value despite facing temporary market headwinds. Kureha aims to maximize the value of its proprietary PGA technologies, such as Kuredux, by focusing on applications that contribute to a sustainable society and improving corporate value over the medium term.
In April 2024, Medincell entered into a strategic co-development and licensing agreement with AbbVie to develop next-generation long-acting injectable therapies across multiple therapeutic areas. These innovative therapies utilize Medincell's proprietary BEPO® technology, which relies on bio-based biodegradable polymers, specifically copolymers of polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polylactic acid (PLA). These critical polymer components are supplied through CM Biomaterials, a joint venture between Medincell and Corbion, highlighting the essential role of Corbion’s biomedical polymer portfolio in advancing controlled-release drug delivery systems.
In January 2024, Gunze Limited announced the construction of its third medical plant in Ayabe, Kyoto, Japan, with completion scheduled for early 2025. This facility is designed to increase the production capacity for the company's medical materials, which include absorbable adhesion barrier sheets and surgical sutures often derived from polyglycolic acid (PGA) and related polymers. The expansion reflects the growing global demand for absorbable medical devices and aims to strengthen the company's development capabilities for next-generation products while establishing a more efficient mass production system.

Key Market Players

KUREHA CORPORATION
Corbion NV
BMG Inc
Teleflex Incorporated
Shenzhen Polymtek Biomaterial Co., Ltd.
Merck KGaA
Hitachi, Ltd.
Orion Sutures (India) Private Limited
DuPont de Nemours Inc
BASF SE

By Form	By End-Use	By Region
Fibre Film Others	Medical Oil & Gas Packaging Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Polyglycolic Acid Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Polyglycolic Acid Market, By Form:

Fibre
Film
Others

Polyglycolic Acid Market, By End-Use:

Medical
Oil & Gas
Packaging
Others

Polyglycolic Acid Market, By Region:

North America

United States
Canada
Mexico

Europe

France
United Kingdom
Italy
Germany
Spain

Asia Pacific

China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea

South America

Brazil
Argentina
Colombia

Middle East & Africa

South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Polyglycolic Acid Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Polyglycolic Acid Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Polyglycolic Acid Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]

Table of content

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Scope of the Market

1.2.1. Markets Covered

1.2.2. Years Considered for Study

1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Baseline Methodology

2.3. Key Industry Partners

2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources

2.5. Forecasting Methodology

2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation

2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market

3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations

3.3. Overview of Key Market Players

3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries

3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Form (Fibre, Film, Others)

5.2.2. By End-Use (Medical, Oil & Gas, Packaging, Others)

5.2.3. By Region

5.2.4. By Company (2025)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Form

6.2.2. By End-Use

6.2.3. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.1.1.1. By Value

6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.1.2.1. By Form

6.3.1.2.2. By End-Use

6.3.2. Canada Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.2.1.1. By Value

6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.2.2.1. By Form

6.3.2.2.2. By End-Use

6.3.3. Mexico Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.3.1.1. By Value

6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.3.2.1. By Form

6.3.3.2.2. By End-Use

7. Europe Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Form

7.2.2. By End-Use

7.2.3. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.1.1.1. By Value

7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.1.2.1. By Form

7.3.1.2.2. By End-Use

7.3.2. France Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.2.1.1. By Value

7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.2.2.1. By Form

7.3.2.2.2. By End-Use

7.3.3. United Kingdom Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.3.1.1. By Value

7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.3.2.1. By Form

7.3.3.2.2. By End-Use

7.3.4. Italy Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.4.1.1. By Value

7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.4.2.1. By Form

7.3.4.2.2. By End-Use

7.3.5. Spain Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.5.1.1. By Value

7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.5.2.1. By Form

7.3.5.2.2. By End-Use

8. Asia Pacific Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Form

8.2.2. By End-Use

8.2.3. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.1.1.1. By Value

8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.1.2.1. By Form

8.3.1.2.2. By End-Use

8.3.2. India Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.2.1.1. By Value

8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.2.2.1. By Form

8.3.2.2.2. By End-Use

8.3.3. Japan Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.3.1.1. By Value

8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.3.2.1. By Form

8.3.3.2.2. By End-Use

8.3.4. South Korea Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.4.1.1. By Value

8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.4.2.1. By Form

8.3.4.2.2. By End-Use

8.3.5. Australia Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.5.1.1. By Value

8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.5.2.1. By Form

8.3.5.2.2. By End-Use

9. Middle East & Africa Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Form

9.2.2. By End-Use

9.2.3. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.1.1.1. By Value

9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.1.2.1. By Form

9.3.1.2.2. By End-Use

9.3.2. UAE Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.2.1.1. By Value

9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.2.2.1. By Form

9.3.2.2.2. By End-Use

9.3.3. South Africa Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.3.1.1. By Value

9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.3.2.1. By Form

9.3.3.2.2. By End-Use

10. South America Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By Form

10.2.2. By End-Use

10.2.3. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.1.1.1. By Value

10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.1.2.1. By Form

10.3.1.2.2. By End-Use

10.3.2. Colombia Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.2.1.1. By Value

10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.2.2.1. By Form

10.3.2.2.2. By End-Use

10.3.3. Argentina Polyglycolic Acid Market Outlook

10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.3.1.1. By Value

10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.3.2.1. By Form

10.3.3.2.2. By End-Use

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)

12.2. Product Launches (If Any)

12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Polyglycolic Acid Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry

14.2. Potential of New Entrants

14.3. Power of Suppliers

14.4. Power of Customers

14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. KUREHA CORPORATION

15.1.1. Business Overview

15.1.2. Products & Services

15.1.3. Recent Developments

15.1.4. Key Personnel

15.1.5. SWOT Analysis

15.2. Corbion NV

15.3. BMG Inc

15.4. Teleflex Incorporated

15.5. Shenzhen Polymtek Biomaterial Co., Ltd.

15.6. Merck KGaA

15.7. Hitachi, Ltd.

15.8. Orion Sutures (India) Private Limited

15.9. DuPont de Nemours Inc

15.10. BASF SE

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

What was the market size of the Global Polyglycolic Acid Market in 2025?

Which is the dominating region in the Global Polyglycolic Acid Market?

Which is the fastest growing segment in the Global Polyglycolic Acid Market?

What is the expected growth rate of the Global Polyglycolic Acid Market?

Polyglycolic Acid Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Form (Fibre, Film, Others), By End-Use (Medical, Oil & Gas, Packaging, Others), By Region, and By Competition, 2021-2031F

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

What was the market size of the Global Polyglycolic Acid Market in 2025?

Which is the dominating region in the Global Polyglycolic Acid Market?

Which is the fastest growing segment in the Global Polyglycolic Acid Market?

What is the expected growth rate of the Global Polyglycolic Acid Market?