Bioplastics as a material option for specific requirements
Find out more about bioplastics. Whether you are looking for a material for your specific application or just want to find out more – you've come to the right place.
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What are biobased, biomass-balanced and biodegradable plastics?
Bioplastics: Properties, Classification and Applications
Bioplastics are materials which, depending on the type, may be biobased, biomass-balanced or biodegradable. The specific properties in each case depend on the material in question, its formulation and its intended application.
Depending on the application, bioplastics can serve as a complementary material option to conventional plastics. Key factors for assessment include, in particular, the raw material base, processing, regulatory requirements and end-of-life strategies.
Advantages and properties of bioplastics
We have developed bioplastic compound series with different properties to suit your needs. We can also supply you with matching masterbatches:
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Biodegradable plastics
Most M·VERA® compounds are certified as biodegradable or compostable under defined conditions. For certain applications, biodegradability at the end of the life cycle may be a suitable option.
Learn more
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What criteria do we take into account when selecting materials?
There is no single material solution that meets all the requirements for the various applications of plastics. In addition to mechanical, optical and tactile properties, we also take into account aspects relating to raw materials, regulatory requirements and end-of-life considerations:
Do the raw materials come entirely or partially from closed cycles?
Are the raw materials fully or partially biobased or renewable?
What is the ecological or CO2-Footprint of a material?
Are the plant-based raw materials GMO-free and do they come from controlled cultivation?
Does the material contain harmful substances? Is the material free of PFAS (per-/polyfluorinated chemicals), heavy metals and BPA, for example?
What happens next when the product reaches the end of its life cycle? What end-of-life options are available, and what evidence is there to support each recycling or disposal method?
Can the material be recycled and does the design of the component support the reuse of the plastic?
Does the product comply with the various legal requirements (PPWR: EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation; REACH: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals; KWG: Recycling Management Act, DüMV: Fertiliser Ordinance, EU End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation, Disposable Packaging Ordinance, etc.)?
Please get in touch so that we can work together to find the right material solution for your requirements!
Properties and processing of bioplastics
Bioplastics have similar properties to conventional plastics. They can be stored under comparable conditions and processed on conventional plastics machines without any problems – if necessary by adapting the processing parameters. The product specialists at BIO-FED will be happy to help you here. Our bioplastic compounds are suitable for:
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Bioplastics can be made from plant starch, sugar cane or cellulose, for example.
What are bioplastics?
Bioplastics are materials which, depending on the type, can have different raw material and end-of-life properties. Did you know that plastics can be made from plant starch, sugar cane or cellulose, for example, and that the industry is even researching the production of plastics from greenhouse gases? Find out more about the role biobased plastics can play in the carbon cycle. Many thanks to European Bioplastics e.V. for providing the following video.
Definition and importance of bioplastics
Bioplastics are materials that may be biodegradable or produced wholly or partly from renewable resources – or both. We distinguish between:
Biobased and biodegradable
Biobased and non biodegradable
Not biobased and biodegradable
Depending on the application, bioplastics can offer an additional material option alongside conventional plastics. Whether they are suitable for a specific application depends, in particular, on the requirements, the raw material base, regulatory requirements and the available end-of-life scenarios.
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Coordinate system for categorising biobased and biodegradable plastics.
Difference between biobased and biodegradable plastics
Biobased plastics are made entirely or partly from renewable raw materials, such as plant starch, sugar cane or vegetable oil. Depending on the material and its intended use, biobased plastics can help to reduce the use of fossil raw materials.
Biodegradable plastics can – depending on the environment, temperature and chemical structure – be broken down by microorganisms into their natural constituents, such as CO₂, water and biomass. Whether complete degradation occurs, and under what conditions, must be demonstrated on a material-by-material basis. Biodegradable plastics can be produced from both renewable and fossil-based raw materials.
The use of bioplastics in industry and the economy
Bioplastics are becoming increasingly important in industry and the economy. They offer an alternative to conventional plastics and can be used in many areas – from packaging to technical applications. The use of bioplastics can help companies to address material requirements, raw material strategies and product-specific regulatory requirements.
Possible factors depending on the material and application:
partial substitution of fossil raw materials
impacts on CO₂ and PCF metrics to be assessed on a product-specific basis
support with selected regulatory requirements
additional end-of-life options depending on product design, infrastructure and supporting evidence
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Bioplastics are already part of our daily lives, as they are already used in many everyday applications.
Application examples: From packaging to technical components
Bioplastics are used in many industries. They are particularly widespread in
Food packaging
Packaging
Films such as carrier bags, pouches, etc.
Agricultural industry: mulch film
Automotive industry: interior parts, technical components
Medical technology: resorbable implants, biocompatible materials
Electrical industry: housings, insulation materials
Great variety: You can also produce your application from bioplastics.
Processing of bioplastics
Our M·VERA® and M·BIOBASE® bioplastics can be used for a wide range of applications. They are suitable for various processing technologies, such as injection moulding, blown film extrusion and extrusion, and can be processed on standard plastics machinery. They can also be coloured with our matching masterbatches.
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Closing the loop: End-of-life options - What happens to plastic products after their use.
CO₂ emissions and life cycle analyses of bioplastics
Life cycle assessments (LCA) can show that, depending on the material, application and scenario, bioplastics have different CO₂ and PCF values to conventional plastics. The key factors are the origin of the raw materials, the production process and end-of-life scenarios such as recycling or composting.
For some products, biodegradability at the end of their life cycle may be a suitable option, such as compostable coffee capsules or soil-degradable mulch films.
Biodegradability under real conditions
No product is made to last forever. At some point, the question arises: what happens when it reaches the end of its life cycle? Bioplastics have various end-of-life scenarios. One of these is biodegradability in different environments, such as in specific environments – each of which must be assessed separately – for example, in an industrial composting plant, in domestic compost or in soil. Certificates issued externally by independent testing institutes attest to biodegradability under defined conditions.
Potential formation of microplastics
A critical issue is the potential formation of microplastics. Statements regarding complete biodegradation and the absence of persistent residues should only be made for materials that have been specifically tested and for defined environments/conditions. Independent testing laboratories can confirm material biodegradation.
Independently tested!
Regulations and certifications
Independent testing institutes may be commissioned by manufacturers or distributors to test specific material properties, such as biodegradability or biobased content, in accordance with defined standards, and to confirm these by issuing a certificate.
Degradability can be tested and certified in a variety of environments. These certifications promote market transparency and trust, and provide guidance to customers and consumers.
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Certifications of biodegradability.
Certification of degradability by TÜV AUSTRIA or DIN CERTCO
Independent testing bodies measure biodegradability or the biobased content on behalf of clients and confirm this by issuing a certificate. This promotes market transparency and guides customers and consumers. In Europe, TÜV AUSTRIA (Belgium) and DIN CERTCO (Germany) are among the most prominent certification bodies. In North America, BPI is the most prominent certification body.
Importance of certificates for companies
Certificates can support communication if they clearly state exactly what has been assessed and what the certificate relates to. They can signal to customers that environmental standards have been met and enable a company to stand out in the market.
EU legislation
The EU regulates materials and applications through various regulations, including the Single-Use Plastics Directive and the Packaging Regulation. Companies should familiarise themselves with the requirements at an early stage to ensure compliance.
Challenges in assessing the environmental impact of bioplastics
The environmental impact of bioplastics cannot be assessed in general terms. Factors such as the area of land used for cultivation, water consumption and end-of-life options must be examined critically. Only a holistic approach can assess the actual environmental impact.
The production of raw materials for bioplastics is largely based on renewable raw materials such as maize or sugar cane. This is often equated with competition for land with food production. However, only around 0.02 per cent of the world’s agricultural land was actually used for the cultivation of bioplastics (source: European Bioplastics e.V., as at 2019).
It is also argued that many bioplastics are not compatible with existing recycling infrastructure, which complicates the circular economy. As bioplastics currently account for less than 2 per cent of total plastic production, the quantities available are too small, making the collection and recycling of bioplastics (as yet) uneconomical. Whether bioplastics fit into existing recycling infrastructure depends on the material, product design, collection system and available quantities.
Bioplastics for application-specific material concepts
Classification of properties and areas of application
In summary, bioplastics offer different properties depending on their type and application. Whether they are suitable for a specific application depends in particular on the raw material base, processing, regulatory requirements and end-of-life strategy.
Classification of CO₂ and PCF aspects
The use of renewable raw materials or biomass-balanced approaches can – depending on the material, process and calculation methodology – affect CO₂ and PCF indicators. Reliable conclusions must be drawn on a product-specific basis using a transparent methodology.
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In a circular economy, materials are reused – in contrast to a linear economy, in which materials usually end up as waste.
Classification of potential circular economy models
Bioplastics can be integrated into various circular economy models, depending on their material properties, product design and end-of-life management. Whether recycling or biodegradability is the appropriate approach depends on the specific application and the available infrastructure.
Contact us for customised bioplastics solutions.
Would you like to use bioplastics in your company? We offer customised solutions that are tailored to your specific requirements.
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