Bio-PE is chemically identical to conventional polyethylene but produced from renewable feedstocks like sugarcane ethanol instead of fossil fuels. It's a drop-in replacement offering identical performance with a reduced carbon footprint.
Bio-PET is partially or fully bio-based polyethylene terephthalate produced from renewable feedstocks. Chemically identical to conventional PET, it's commonly used in beverage bottles with 20-30% bio-content from bio-ethylene glycol.
Also known as: Green PP, Bio-based Polypropylene, Plant-based PP, Renewable PP
Bio-PP is polypropylene manufactured from renewable feedstocks like sugarcane ethanol instead of petroleum. Chemically identical to conventional PP, Bio-PP offers the same performance while reducing carbon footprint and fossil fuel dependency.
Biodegradable materials can be broken down by microorganisms into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Biodegradation rates and conditions vary significantly by material and environment, making standardized testing essential.
Compostable materials meet strict international standards requiring complete biodegradation and disintegration within 180 days in industrial composting facilities. Certification ensures environmental safety and compatibility with composting systems.
Composting infrastructure refers to the facilities, systems, and processes that collect, process, and decompose compostable materials at scale. Adequate infrastructure is essential for biodegradable and compostable materials to achieve their environmental benefits.
A drop-in replacement is a material that can substitute for a conventional polymer in existing applications and manufacturing processes without requiring equipment or process modifications.
Also known as: European Standard for Compostability, EN 13432:2000, Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation
EN 13432 is the most stringent and widely recognized European standard for compostable plastics, establishing requirements for biodegradation, disintegration, and ecotoxicity. It is the benchmark standard globally for certifying compostable materials.
Microbial degradation is the breakdown of polymers through enzymatic processes performed by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. This natural process is fundamental to biodegradation and composting of organic materials.
PBAT is a biodegradable copolyester that combines flexibility with compostability. Primarily used blended with PLA or starch, PBAT improves mechanical properties and enables EN 13432 certified compostable films and packaging applications.
PBS is a biodegradable polyester with excellent mechanical properties and heat resistance. Synthesized from renewable or petrochemical sources, PBS offers superior processability and performance compared to PLA for engineering and durable applications.
PCL is a synthetic biodegradable polyester with exceptional flexibility, low melting point, and excellent blending capabilities. Primarily used in medical devices and specialty applications requiring biocompatibility and controlled biodegradation.
PHA is a family of biodegradable polyesters naturally produced by bacteria through biotechnology. Fully biodegradable in soil, marine, and composting environments, PHAs offer versatile material properties and can be produced from renewable feedstocks including food waste.
PHB is the simplest member of the PHA family, produced through bacterial fermentation. Fully biodegradable in soil, marine, and composting environments, PHB offers true biological sustainability despite processing challenges from brittleness.
PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. It's one of the most widely used bioplastics globally, offering similar processing to conventional plastics with a lower carbon footprint.
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer commonly used in packaging, automotive, and consumer products. Bio-PP is a renewable alternative with identical properties produced from plant-based feedstocks rather than petroleum.
Starch-based bioplastics are created from renewable starch sources like corn, potato, or cassava. The most cost-effective bioplastic option, they're fully biodegradable and widely used in packaging and agricultural applications.