Rather than using fossil carbon in manufacturing conventional plastics, bio-based polymers use carbon from renewable resources such as sugar, starch, vegetable oils or cellulose in production. Corn, potatoes, cereals, sugar cane and wood are the most commonly used feedstocks.

Bioplastics are generally used where functionality (fit for purpose) and environmental performance offer benefits. A purchasing cost surcharge can pay itself off when disposal or labour costs are lower.

Market studies have revealed a generally very high consumer acceptance of bioplastics in many countries.

The following applications or product segments are exhibiting high growth rates:

Compostable waste bags to collect organic waste and carrier bags which can also be used as organic waste bags. They can increase the volume of collected organic waste, therefore reduce landfill, and improve the composting process and compost quality. Such bags are often regarded to be a key market for bioplastics with regard to the sizeable market volume and valid arguments in favour of their use.

Biodegradable mulch film which can be ploughed into the field once it has been used, offering the opportunity to reduce labour and disposal cost.

Catering products for large events or service packaging for snack food sales. They can simply be composted after use along with any remaining food scraps. The available compostable product portfolio includes trays, cups, plates, cutlery and bags amongst others.

Film packaging for foods with short shelf life which require attractive presentation, or to extend shelf life. These include compostable pouches, netting and (foam) trays for (organically produced) fruit and vegetables, and recently also fresh meat. The simple disposal and the fact that the sale period could in part be extended are beneficial to retailers. Spoiled foodstuffs can be recovered via composting with no need for separation of packaging and contents at point of sale.

Rigid packaging such as containers and bottles. Bottles made from PLA are used for nonsparkling beverages and dairy products.

Many other products make use of their specific functionalities, such as tyres with starch materials incorporated to reduce hysteresis and fuel consumption, diapers with silky soft touch back sheet, urns etc.

Below is a range of industry proven bioplastic resins available to converters from BioPak.