Bioplastics: Overview

Bio-based plastics can serve as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics in certain areas. Bio-based plastics consist of a certain proportion of renewable raw materials. Starch- and cellulose-rich plants or oilseeds serve as raw materials for bio-based plastics.

However, plastics of fossil origin (e.g., PBAT, PBS) are also biodegradable.

For more information about our Forbio and Forligno bio organic plastic series, see here:

PLA (polylactic acid)

PLA is made from renewable resources. It is a biodegradable and bio-based polymer.

PLA can be extruded, injection molded, or pressed. We will advise you on the selection of types.

PLA has some really cool properties. By mixing it with other stuff, you can make a bunch of different products.

PBAT (polybutyrate adipate terephthalate)

PBAT, a biodegradable and compostable plastic belonging to the aliphatic-aromatic polyester family, has been on the market for many years.

PBAT is versatile: Due to its high elasticity and high impact strength, PBAT is used for films, coatings, and blends with other plastics.

PBAT is readily available and competitively priced. The types currently available are mostly of fossil origin. Types based on renewable raw materials are also under development.

PBS (polybutylene succinate)

PBS is a biodegradable and compostable polyester made from succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol.

Depending on the base materials used, PBS types with different proportions of renewable raw materials are available. We currently mainly use PBS with a 60% proportion

Bio-PE

Bio-PE is a bio-based polyethylene for extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding. It is produced from non-GMO sugar cane.

Bio-PE is often used as packaging material that comes into contact with food. It can replace PE.

PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) / PHA

PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) is an isotactic, highly crystalline, absolutely linear polyester with 3-hydroxybutyrate as its monomer unit, in which the alpha carbon atom of the monomer is optically active (R configuration). It is produced from renewable raw materials via fermentation and extraction of PHB. Its strength is comparable to that of HD-PE and PP, and it has good solvent resistance, is waterproof, and is toxicologically safe. The operating temperature ranges from -30 to 120 °C.