Bioplastic

Not only because of pollution of the world’s seas and our environment through plastic, consumers and customers have become sensitive to the issue of plastics. Whilst plastics provide us with a multitude of benefits we can hardly do without and consider indispensible, we are at the same time confronted almost daily with the consequences and effects of negligent handling of the resource of "Plastics" and how resistant they are, and reminded of our carelessness.

As a processor of plastics, we are constantly on the lookout for sustainable alternatives to oil-based polymers, and pay special attention to developments in the field of bioplastics. Wherever possible in this day and age, we implement so-called bioplastics or recyclates. Unfortunately, this is however not always possible for a multitude of reasons, since the provisions of regulations (EU 10/2011; EUG 1935/2004) do not (yet) permit the comprehensive application of bioplastics or recyclates. Nonetheless, giant steps have been taken to develop this field, so that we can expect further success and consequent solutions in this area.

What exactly does "Bioplastics" mean?

"Bioplastics" are plastics which are entirely or mainly manufactured from biopolymers. The term "Bioplastics" does not reveal anything about the compostability and / or biodegradability of the material.

What does "biodegradable " mean?

Biodegradability means the decomposition of material by microorganisms. This process is not subject to any time limit and depends on various factors such as temperature or humidity. The decomposition of PLA is only possible under industrial conditions.

What does "compostability" entail?

A material is said to be compostable if it meets all the requirements of European Directive EN 13432 with regard to composting. This means that a product made of a compostable material must be degraded to at least 90% in a time frame of 6 to 12 weeks under standardized conditions.

A comparison between oil-based plastics and bio-based plastics