What is driving China's ESBO market growth and trade dynamics?

What is driving China's ESBO market growth and trade dynamics?
China's ESBO market is expanding on regulatory pressure against phthalate plasticizers and rising demand for non-toxic, biodegradable alternatives in food packaging, medical devices and children's products. Domestic capacity is concentrated among producers like Jiaao Environmental, Nantong Hairma, Xinjinlong and Dongguan Lingchuang, with Hairma's subsidiary alone capable of 200,000 tonnes per year and exporting refined grades with oxirane values of 6.15-6.4 to Europe and the US. Global market size reached about USD 1.04 billion in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 3.5% through 2031. Import tariffs range 3-5% plus 13% VAT, and HS classification typically falls under 1516 or 3907, requiring careful documentation to avoid delays.