PLA, PBAT Bioplastic Polymers and Compostable / Biodegradable Products
What are the 3 most commonly used Bioplastics
PLA, PBAT and Starch Blends
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is made from renewable biomass, which is typically produced through the extraction and fermentation of starch from plants such as corn, sugar beets and sugarcane. PLA accounts for the second largest volume of any bioplastic currently being consumed in the biodegradable and compostable products market place.
Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT) is a biodegradable random copolymer bioplastic that is made from fossil raw materials. In addition, PBAT is marketed as an additive for more rigid biodegradable plastics like starch blends and PLA in order to improve the flexibility and impact of the polymer, while maintaining full biodegradability of the final product. PBAT is made from co-polyester of adipic acid, 1,4-butanediol and dimethyl terephthalate, and is currently the third largest volume of any bioplastic being consumed in the world market.
Starch Blends (Starch) are thermoplastic polymers produced by blending starch with plasticizers in order to improve the performance of the finished product. All starch-based polymers are typically brittle at room temperature, so plasticizers are added to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of the thermoplastic, and to improve the processability of the blended polymer. While all starches are biodegradable, not all plasticizers are biodegradable. Therefore, the biodegradability of the plasticizer determines the biodegradability of the starch-based polymer to which it is added. Starch Blends currently have the highest consumption volume of any bioplastic in the world.
9 reasons why every company should sell products that are made from biobased polymers!
Protect the earth’s environment, reduce solid waste, and to conserve nonrenewable natural resources.
- It shows the customers and vendors that you care about the environment by offering green eco-friendly products that are better for the environment.
- We are all stewards of the earth and should pass is on to our children with a cleaner environment than we inherited from our parents.
- Offers the customer a way to make environmentally responsible choices to reduce the volume of waste that goes to the landfill.
- Bio based polymers are made from eco-friendly sustainable plants and fossil materials that do not deplete the earths natural nonrenewable resources.
- Helps eliminate the need to use petroleum or natural gas to produce plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene to make disposable products that are not compostable.
- If a bag that is made from PBAT ends up in the ocean, lake, or river it will biodegrade and breakdown naturally and not float on top of the water for years to come.
- Bioplastic production significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions that have a direct impact on climate change, and nonrenewable energy consumption.
- It will breakdown naturally over time if the product is not disposed of properly, and ends up being introduced into the environment.
- The advantages of using biobased polymers are reduced use of nonrenewable petroleum-based resources, reduces the carbon footprint, and faster decomposition of the finished product in the waste stream.