Bioplastics can be distinguished based on two main criteria:
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Source of raw materials
Bio-based: Made from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cellulose.
Fossil-based: Made from fossil resources (e.g., petroleum), but still biodegradable. -
Biodegradability
Biodegradable: Can be broken down by microorganisms under certain conditions.
Non-biodegradable: Does not biodegrade, even if it is bio-based.
Examples:
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PLA (Polylactic Acid): Bio-based & biodegradable
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Bio-PE (Polyethylene): Bio-based, but not biodegradable
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PBAT: Fossil-based, but biodegradable
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PET: Fossil-based & non-biodegradable
Bioplastics can also be split up in generations
🌽 1st Generation
Food-based Raw Materials
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Raw materials: corn, sugarcane, wheat, potatoes
Examples: PLA (polylactic acid), bioethanol-based PE
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Advantages: Widely available, established technology
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Disadvantages: Competition with food production (food vs. fuel dilemma)
🌾 2nd Generation
Non-edible Plant Residues
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Raw materials: cellulose, wood waste, straw, agricultural residues
Examples: Cellulose acetate, lignin-based polymers
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Advantages: No competition with food supply, more sustainable
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Disadvantages: More complex processing, not yet widely established
🧫 3rd Generation Microorganisms & Algae
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Raw materials: algae, bacteria (e.g., via fermentation)
Examples: PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates)
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Advantages: Highly sustainable, no competition with agriculture
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Disadvantages: Still expensive and under development
The following list provides a good overview of the currently available bioplastics but does not claim to be exhaustive due to the rapid pace of development.
🌿 biobased & bio-degradable​
🌱 biobased & not bio-degradable
🧪 fossil-based & bio-degradable
