Synonyms:
biodegradable plastics, organic plastics
German:
Biokunststoffe / Bioplastik
Spanish:
bioplástico / plásticos biodegradables
French:
bioplastique / plastiques biodégradables
Italian:
bioplastica / materie plastiche biodegradabili
Russian:
биоразлагающейся пластмасс
Arabic:
الأصبااللدائن القابلة للتحلل الحيوي
Chinese:
生物塑料
Japanese:
バイオプラスチック
The most important bioplastic groups:
• Starch-based plastics
• Polylactic acid (PLA)
• Cellulose plastics
General overview of bioplastics
Expectations for bioplastics are high: a better image for plastics, independence from petroleum products, solutions for waste problems, contributions to environmental protection, as well as a new source of income for the agricultural sector. However, the characteristics and potentials of different bioplastics vary substantially - accordingly, there is a high demand for information.
There is no commonly accepted definition for the innovative and rapidly growing market segment of bioplastics. Above all, there are basically considered to be two material groups, which can differ substantially from one another:
1. Compostable plastics (biodegradable plastics) are entirely compostable without leaving behind any residue. The breakdown and transformation of materials as a result of microorganism activity, is determined by the chemical structure of the material - not by the origin. Compostable plastics can be manufactured from renewable materials, from fossil fuels as well as mixtures of renewable materials and fossil fuel-based substances. For example, biodegradable polyester and polyvinyl alcohols, which are processed into films, are produced from crude oil. As of yet, no content requirements concerning renewable materials in mixtures have been established.
2. Biobased plastics are manufactured from renewable raw materials. They are not necessarily biodegradable and compostable, but most varieties are. Material characteristics can also be modified during the manufacturing process, in order to increase long-term resistance. Starting substances typically originate from conventional agricultural production, not necessarily from organic farming. A more recent development is the production of established standard plastics with natural raw materials, such as bio-polyethylene and bio-polypropylene, derived from sugarcane.
A possibility for classification of bioplastics is the distinction between different manufacturing methods: The first generation of bioplastics is manufactured directly from natural or chemically modified polymers, such as thermoplastic starches made from starch or cellulose acetate from cellulose. They are somewhat modifiable for specific applications, through the use of additives. In contrast, second generation bioplastics are based on monomers acquired through fermentation, which are obtained from renewable materials and processed into plastics through polymerization. For example, PLA is manufactured from lactic acid. Because the starting substances are able to be modified in many ways, these bioplastics have more application possibilities. One could characterize polymers that are manufactured directly within microorganisms or genetically altered plants as third generation bioplastics. This currently only applies to Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA, PHB).
Plastics made from renewable materials and biodegradable polymers are rapidly catching up to other plastics. Bioplastics are already unbeatable in certain, special applications - for example, medical implants that dissolve in the body, or compostable mulch films for agriculture. As a result of remarkable advances in development, bioplastics are increasingly capable of replacing common, standard polymers. In this regard, packaging materials constitute the most important application area. However, the largest growth rates are seen in the automotive and electronics industries: Bioplastics can be applied to articles like consoles or cellular phone cases. During the past eight years alone, consumption of biodegradable plastics based on starch, sugar, and cellulose has increased by 600%. The environmentally friendliness of bioplastics is - among other things - dependent upon additives which accompany the actual polymers. These additives can either be petroleum-based or developed from renewable resources.
Market Study Bioplastics from Ceresana Research presents the most important information on the different bioplastic types, including their advantages and application possibilities, legal situations and certifications, as well as environmental aspects, disposal and recycling.
Last revision: 29-Oct-09
