Manufacturer of Green Solutions
Bioplastics are biodegradable and/or biobased materials. Biobased polymers are produced using renewable resources. Bioplastic materials have properties similar to those of conventional plastics and can be warehoused in a comparable manner and processed on conventional plastics machines. Biodegradable plastics can degrade in different environments, such as industrial composting, home composting, soil and water.
They are tested by independent certification bodies; amongst the most important of these are TÜV AUSTRIA Belgium, DIN CERTCO in Germany and BPI in North America. Industrially compostable plastics or products which are certified to EN 13432 are permitted to bear the Seedling® label from the European Bioplastics e.V.
The Benefits of Bioplastics
Bioplastics make it possible to develop innovative, alternative solutions compared to conventional plastics. Even more, biobased plastics reduce dependence on fossil resources whilst improving a product’s carbon footprint. Biodegradable plastics allow enhanced end-of-life scenarios for disposal and recycling. This may lessen the burden on our existing waste systems and also the environment. The packaging industry is currently the largest user of bioplastics, but there are many other suitable applications possible, and consumers are increasingly interested in alternative bio solutions.
Did you know plastics can be made from starch, sugar cane or cellulose and that the industry is even researching producing plastics out of greenhouse gases? Learn more about how biobased plastics contribute to a closed CO2 cycle.
Many thanks to European Bioplastics e.V. for providing the informative video “The bioplastic revolution”.
Use of Bioplastics on the Increase
Environmental awareness
Society’s interest in environmental awareness continues to grow and with it the demand for sustainable, environmentally-friendly products. In response, many shops and supermarkets have stopped giving away plastic bags for free.
Product feature
Biodegradability is becoming an increasingly popular and lucrative product feature, for example, plants and flowers planted in pots that can be placed straight into the soil to biodegrade naturally.
Changes to the law
Legal requirements such as plastic bag bans in a number of countries have led to an increased demand for environmentally-friendly solutions.
Waste reduction
The growing use of bioplastic helps to reduce the amount of waste produced, which in turn has a positive effect on the environment.
Global Bioplastic Production Capacity Raises
Currently, about 367 million tonnes of plastic are produced worldwide each year. According to European Bioplastics e.V., the share of bioplastics is presently less than one percent. However, the demand for bioplastics is steadily increasing, as they are already being used in numerous markets for more and more challenging products.
The global production capacity of bioplastics is currently highest for the packaging industry and will remain so at 46 % in 2026. The share in agriculture and horticulture is expected to increase from 9 % to 15 %. It is assumed that the global production capacity for bioplastics will grow in the medium term from around 2.41 million tonnes in 2021 to around 7.59 million tonnes in 2026 (according to European Bioplastics e.V.).
Certificates and Regulations
Further information about certifications and regulations for bioplastics can be found here:
