Bioplastics, Biodegradation and Bio-based plastics

2020.11.24

Plastics comprise a large family of materials which can be classified into various types.

What are bioplastics?

According to European Bioplastics’ definition, bioplastics – plastics that are bio-based, biodegradable, or both – have the same or similar properties as conventional plastics but offer additional benefits, such as a reduced carbon footprint, better functionalities, or additional waste management options, such as organic recycling.

Biodegradation is a chemical process during which microorganisms that are available in the environment convert materials into natural substances such as water, carbon dioxide, and compost (artificial additives are not needed).

Bio-based and non-biodegradable plastics are such as bio-based polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), bio-based technical performance polymers, such as numerous polyamides (PA) or polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT); Bio-based and biodegradable plastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and starch blends;

Plastics that are based on fossil resources and biodegradable, such as polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), but that may well be produced at least partly bio-based in the future.

Source: European Bioplastics

What applications make use of bioplastics?

Bioplastics offer a broad range of functionalities optimised for each type of application. They can be processed into a vast array of products using conventional plastics processing technologies. Bioplastics can be found in the following market segments: Packaging, Food-services, Agriculture/horticulture, Consumer electronics, Automotive, Consumer goods and household appliances.

Source: European Bioplastics

Packing remains the largest field of application for bioplastics.

Many different bioplastics are used for flexible packaging solutions. Biodegradability is a feature often sought when it comes to food packaging products for perishables. Biodegradable food packaging certified as industrially compostable was the first successfully commercialised bioplastic product. Films and trays are particularly suitable for fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables as they enable longer shelf life. In addition, confectionary, such as chocolate and biscuits, or dry food, such as tea or muesli, are now increasingly being packaged with bioplastics.

Rigid bioplastics applications are available for cosmetics packaging of compact powders, creams and lipsticks, as well as beverage bottles. Materials such as PLA, bio-PE, or bio-PET are used in this section.

Process and typical applic ations for bioplastics in packaging as follows:

Source: European Bioplastics

More bioplastics products please view here.

OKCHEM PLA, PBAT and PBS Distribution Project

OKCHEM is the strategic partner of Anhui BBCA (the largest PLA producer in China) and Xinjiang Blue Ridge Tunhe (the largest PBAT producer in China) to look for buyers and partners globally. If you want to join us in this project, please contact us at info@okchem.com. You may also make the application online at: https://www.okchem.com/agent/detail/degradableplastics/oem