Leakage of plastic into the environment is a central issue of inappropriate EOL management3,22. Recycling of bioplastics is widely regarded as the most environmentally friendly EOL option and better than simple composting. However, bioplastics recycling streams are less established than those for traditional plastics98,99. Sorting of mixed plastic waste becomes even more demanding with novel (non-drop-in) bioplastics by increasing its heterogeneity, which raises concerns of higher rejection rates177,178. Spectroscopic techniques such as near-infrared scanners can be used to selectively identify bioplastics; for example, PLA can be identified with 98% accuracy179. Advanced sorting technologies include X-ray and UV spectroscopy, inert detectable markers in materials for &#;barcoding&#; and using artificial-intelligence-based robotic sorting19,178.
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Plastic and bioplastic recycling is generally complicated by the presence of additives in almost every finished plastic product3. For example, typical PVC flooring can be composed of up to 80% fillers, plasticizers and pigments180. An &#;ingredients table&#; (such as those found on food packaging or shampoo bottles) could detail the composition of a plastic product and, therefore, inform of its suitability for local recycling options. Furthermore, the complex and multimaterial design of plastic products typically prohibits recycling, which is why accounting for recyclability and simplicity in product design can greatly increase recycling rates. For example, achieving the necessary barrier properties for packaging through high-barrier monomaterials could improve recyclability by replacing non-recyclable multilayers2,128. Physical methods such as biaxial orientation can increase plastic film strength, clarity and barrier properties without the need for chemical additives180. Progressive extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, such as charging producers higher fees for less recyclable plastics, would help incentivize the design of easy-to-recycle products.
In this section, we discuss the EOL options for bioplastics, considering current and future recycling scenarios (Fig. 1).
Mechanical recycling is the simplest, cheapest and most common form of recycling181,182, and typically involves sorting the plastic waste by polymer type, removing labels, washing, mechanical shredding, melting and remoulding into new shapes. Mechanical recycling of bioplastics is generally not yet commercially available, but re-extrusion has been performed in the literature. The mechanical recycling of PLA and PHA is associated with the usual reduction in quality, such as loss of tensile strength and molecular weight125,151. Given the inability of mechanical recycling to effectively remove contaminants and additives from polymer waste, combined with the inherent thermal and mechanical stress, the products are generally &#;downcycled&#; into goods of lower quality. Coloured or low-density materials (films, foams), as well as medical contaminants, are further complications and can render products non-recyclable21,59,181. Food-grade recycled materials are, therefore, hard to obtain183,184. Virgin polymers are often mixed with the recyclates to improve the quality of the recycled ones180,181. Nevertheless, mechanical recycling is often described as the most desirable EOL option, owing to its divergence from virgin resources. The environmental impact of mechanically recycled plastic is typically lower than that of virgin plastic. For example, the environmental impact (GHG emissions from transport and process energy use) of recycled PET (rPET) is two times lower than that of virgin PET, increasing to three times for recycled PE and PP (rPE and rPP, respectively) relative to their virgin materials185,186. The overall capacity of this form of recycling is, however, very limited: globally, ~10% of PET and high-density PE is recycled, whereas for polystyrene and PP, the numbers are closer to zero. Textiles and fibre products are also rarely recycled3.
Deposit-refund systems and EPR schemes can increase return and collection rates for post-consumer plastics and increase the quality of the plastic collected187. The plastic that is most commonly mechanically recycled is PET from beverage bottles. As a polycondensation polymer, its quality can be upgraded within existing recycling streams, wherein solid-state post-polymerization (effectively, heating of recycled flakes under vacuum to remove volatile polymerization by-products) increases the molecular weight of recyclates for commercial applications. Examples of countries with high recycling rates are Norway (97%, )188, where an effective deposit system exists; Japan (83%, ), which has several EPR laws and fees in place189; and India (~90%, )190, where informal collectors can make a living from returned bottles that recyclers pay for. In Germany, 99% of PET bottles under deposit schemes are recycled but only 65% of non-deposit bottles191. Recollection rates were roughly 30% in the USA in (ref.192). Globally, PET bottle-to-bottle recycling was at only 7% before (refs2,193); the rest was downcycled into PET fibres (72%), sheets (10%) and tape (5%), which are generally non-recyclable19,194.
In contrast to mechanical recycling, chemical recycling offers the potential for making high-quality polymers from waste &#; termed &#;upcycling&#;. Plastic products are depolymerized into their monomeric subunits, which can then be repolymerized through controlled polymerization mechanisms into polymers of desired quality (such as with controlled molecular weight). For example, low-molecular-weight fibre polyesters can be depolymerized into monomers, which can then be polymerized into longer-chain polyesters that are required for bottles56,195. Impurities and colour can also be removed. Chemical recycling is performed mainly through solvolysis or thermolysis.
In solvolysis, polymers with cleavable groups along their backbone, such as ester bonds in PET, PEF and PLA, can be subjected to solvent-based depolymerization processes such as hydrolysis, glycolysis or methanolysis56,181,196,197. Aliphatic polyesters, such as PLA, PBS or PHAs, are more hydrolysable than aromatic ones. For example, PLA can be hydrolysed to 95% lactic acid without a catalyst at 160&#;180&#;°C for 2&#;h with an energy demand four times lower than that of virgin lactic acid production151 or depolymerized back into ~90% cyclic lactide monomers after 6&#;h using Zn transesterification catalysts198. The resulting monomers present a useful feedstock for the production of high-quality plastics. However, the need for chemicals and more complex separation units make chemical recycling more expensive and, therefore, currently less economically competitive than mechanical recycling. Chemical recycling accounts for <1% of all recycled plastics. Several large chemical companies are developing processes to make &#;chemcycled&#; products cost-competitive with virgin polymers57. As this approach provides monomers suitable for repolymerization into high-quality condensation polymers, such as polyesters and polyamides, the design and use of chemically recyclable polymers in plastic applications can solve persisting EOL issues and support a circular materials economy55,181.
In thermolysis, typically polyolefins, which do not possess hydrolysable functional groups, are pyrolysed at temperatures of ~200&#;800&#;°C (depending on the polymer and catalyst used) in the total or partial absence of O2. Under these conditions, the C&#;C bonds break, converting the polymer back into feedstock in the form of hydrocarbon oil or gas, or directly into olefin monomers. This feedstock can then be fed into traditional refineries and polymerization factories58,142,199. Thermolysis is most suitable for hydrocarbon polyolefin materials such as (bio)PE, (bio)PP and polystyrene. Thermolysis of polystyrene can recover >90% of liquid hydrocarbon oil58. One issue is the production of potentially toxic gases, as a result of the (often unknown) additives, that require appropriate capturing. Polyesters and other O-bearing, N-bearing and S-bearing polymers emit GHGs, such as CO, CO2, NOx and SOx, whereas halogenated polymers, such as PVC, produce HCl gas and chlorobenzene. The olefin monomer yield, selectivity and energy efficiency of thermolysis can be improved by incorporating advanced techniques, such as microwave pyrolysis, catalytic cracking, pressure and temperature profiling, and by adjusting the reactor configuration for surface maximization58,180,200.
Biodegradation and composting describe the microbial digestion and metabolic conversion of polymeric material into CO2, H2O and other inorganic compounds by various known species111. This process is typically aided by physical processes, especially those that help with fragmentation and the reduction of particle size. For example, amorphization of crystalline structures in typically semi-crystalline plastics through micronization or extrusion can make them more susceptible to enzymatic degradation201,202. Hydrolysis cleaves susceptible bonds in accessible amorphous regions of a polymer, typically aliphatic esters, and microbial enzymes and acids or bases can enhance hydrolysis. Photodegradation using UV light breaks tertiary and aromatic C&#;C bonds, typically leaving a brittle and discoloured material. This process can be enhanced by embedding metallic catalysts in the polymer203. Similarly, oxo-degradation (that is, decomposition by oxidation) can be triggered by metals; however, this can lead to fragmentation into microplastics and insufficient digestion. Thus, oxo-degradation has been restricted in the EU and Switzerland19,204.
Despite earlier hopes, biodegradation is non-trivial, as the rate of biodegradation is highly dependent on a polymer&#;s chemical structure, stabilizing additives, the surrounding conditions (such as the presence of H2O and O2) and any microorganisms used205. These conditions are often not met in home compost, open water or even in industrial composting facilities. Composters often reject biodegradable plastics, such as PLA shopping bags and utensils, as required decomposition times exceed typical composting process times of 6&#;8 weeks8,206. Typical biodegradation times for selected fossil-derived and bio-based polymers under industrial conditions and in ocean water are reported in Table 1.
Numerous certifications and labels are used to identify biodegradable materials (Box 2), typically related to industrial standards such as EN or ASTM D. However, revision and global harmonization of these guidelines are required, as the conditions mentioned in these standards may not necessarily be met in local disposal settings and, thus, may confuse consumers and converters39,179,207.
Plastic products are often labelled to indicate their chemical composition, whether they can be recycled, are bio-based and/or can be biodegraded and under which conditions. Consumers and converters are currently faced with various labels for bioplastics based on different industrial testing standards, some of which are referenced by major legislators, including the United Nations, the European Union (EU) or the US government. Some of these standards, particularly those certifying biodegradation, which were established around , are currently under investigation, with the aim of revision and harmonization. It is important to understand the basis for these certifications and also who the agencies behind them are.
Identification labels
The most commonly observed labels on plastic products are the plastic resin identification codes (examples from ASTM D/DM-20 in panel a of the figure), which identify the polymer but provide no information on the recyclability. The older version of these labels &#; the &#;chasing arrows&#; &#; still appears on products, and many consumers still falsely believe that products with these labels are recyclable, which may cause &#;wishcycling&#; and lead to consumers placing non-recyclable items in recycling bins262. In the USA, only products labelled &#;1&#; (polyethylene terephthalate (PETE)) or &#;2&#; (high-density polyethylene) have a viable market and are, therefore, recycled262,263. Environmental organizations such as Greenpeace as well as some US states, such as California and New York, favour laws to prevent companies from using recycling symbols for non-recyclable products, and instead aim to use extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws to foster the design of recyclable materials262,264. Bioplastics such as polylactic acid are currently labelled as &#;7&#; (other) and are typically not recycled.
Recycling-oriented labels
The &#;green dot&#; symbol (panel b of the figure) used in the EU indicates that the producer has paid an EPR fee that is intended to fund collection and recycling programmes, but not that the product can be recycled. The on-pack recycling label (&#;OPRL&#;) used in the UK (panel c of the figure) recommends whether consumers should place individual plastic packaging components into trash or recycling bins, based on the nationwide probability that the component is successfully collected, sorted and reprocessed into a new product with a viable market. The German certification body DIN CERTCO has established new labels to certify the recyclability of a plastic product based on the polymer and existing infrastructure to recycle the latter (panel d of the figure). Similarly, new labels to certify the recycled content are being proposed. The US-based How2Recycle label aims to provide more information on the recyclability of individual packaging parts.
Bio-based content labels
The labels shown in panels e&#;g of the figure certify the bio-based carbon content in plastic products. The DIN biobased (panel e of the figure) and OK biobased (panel f of the figure) labels are granted by DIN CERTCO and the Austrian technical service company TÜV Austria, respectively. The US Department of Agriculture&#;s BioPreferred program issues a label based on third-party analysis (panel g of the figure) and, in Japan, labels are issued by the Japan BioPlastics Association (JBPA). All these labels follow standards such as EN (Europe), ISO (international) and ASTM D (USA).
Industrial compostability labels
The &#;OK compost&#; (panel h of the figure) and &#;seedling&#; (panel i of the figure) labels used in the EU and the &#;BPI compostable&#; (panel j of the figure) label used in the USA have become more prevalent in recent years, yet, consumers have to understand the need for industrial capacity to biodegrade. The &#;industrial&#; sub-label is based on four tests specified in the standards EN and ASTM D: biodegradation (90% of material is converted into CO2 in inoculum derived from compost at 58&#;°C after 6 months), disintegration (90% of material is smaller than 2&#;mm after 3 months at 40&#;70&#;°C, depending on the standard), ecotoxicity (90% of regular plant growth in soil with plastic present) and the heavy metal content must not exceed a certain threshold265.
&#;Custom&#; compostability/biodegradability labels
The &#;home&#; compost label (panel k of the figure) has seen increased use but is not based on a legislative standard. This label was proposed by TÜV Austria as a modification of EN , with tests performed at 20&#;30&#;°C over time frames that are twice as long as those in the original tests. Similarly, TÜV Austria has developed further labels and certification procedures for different environments in which plastics may end up (panels l&#;n of the figure). New bioplastic testing standards are under review, such as prEN () by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), which focuses on tests aimed to inform home compostability specifically for plastic bags.
Panel a reprinted, with permission, from ASTM D/DM-20 Standard Practice for Coding Plastic Manufactured Articles for Resin Identification, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbour Drive, West Conshohocken, PA , USA. A copy of the complete standard may be obtained from ASTM International, www.astm.org. Panel b copyright Der Grüne Punkt &#; Duales System Deutschland GmbH. Panel c copyright OPRL Ltd. Panels d and e reprinted with permission from DIN CERTCO, www.dincertco.de. Panels f, h and k&#;n copyright TÜV AUSTRIA Group. Panel g copyright Department of Agriculture&#;s BioPreferred program based on third-party analysis. Panel i copyright European Bioplastics e.V. Panel j courtesy of the Biodegradable Products Institute.
Instead of complete biodegradation (composting), microorganisms and their hydrolysing enzymes can be used to depolymerize condensation polymers into monomers, instead of CO2, similar to chemical recycling208. Such biological processes are still underexplored but hold promise as they could be cleaner than the chemical approach209. Aliphatic esters can be readily hydrolysed, but aromatic polyesters are typically resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis. However, Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6, a bacterium that was discovered in a Japanese recycling site, can depolymerize PET at ambient temperatures within 40 days201. Interestingly, its PETase enzyme is specific to aromatic polyester degradation and ineffective for aliphatic polyesters202. Leaf compost cutinase can be genetically modified to increase substrate specificity and thermal stability. The optimized enzyme can depolymerize 90% of micronized, amorphous PET into its monomers over 10&#;h at temperatures close to the glass transition of PET (~75&#;°C)210. Near this temperature, the amorphous chain mobility increases, which increases the susceptibility to microbial degradation. The derived terephthalic acid monomer can be reused to synthesize bottle-grade PET210,211. This technology has also been used to depolymerize PEF212,213.
Compared with polyesters, polyurethanes are much less biodegradable, owing to the strength of the urethane bonds. However, fungi and various soil bacteria can help hydrolyse the ester groups within polyester-containing polyurethane214,215. Better understanding of enzymatic activity and gene editing to increase the specificity of microorganisms could potentially enhance the biorecycling of polyurethanes.
Biodegradation of polyolefin materials is even more challenging, as they lack cleavable functional groups along their backbones, are highly hydrophobic, have a high molecular weight and contain stabilizing additives216,217. Small fragments, <5,000&#;Da, are believed to be metabolized by some organisms; however, the molecular weight of most polyolefin plastics is millions of daltons. Partial biodegradation (5&#;20%) of PE films by waxworm bacteria as well as Pseudomonas strains has been observed, occurring over 1&#;2 months218,219,220,221.
Non-degradable polymers, such as PEF, can be made more degradable by copolymerization with more hydrolysable, more hydrophilic and less crystalline copolymers222,223. However, copolymerization can negatively affect the properties of the material. Polyolefins can also be blended with biodegradable polymers, such as starch, protein or natural fibre, to increase the material&#;s susceptibility to biodegradation224. However, it remains unclear whether such compounds decompose into sufficiently small particles or whether they are merely fragmented to form microplastic.
In the USA, ~20% of EOL plastic waste is incinerated ()3; in Europe, it is ~40% ()182. If only C/H/O-containing renewable material is combusted, CO2 emissions are net-zero and some of the resulting thermal energy can be recovered for energy production. However, combustion of N-containing, S-containing and Cl-containing polymers produces toxic NOx, SOx and HCl. Similarly, additives in polymers may release various toxic substances upon burning that require potentially costly capture and treatment interventions180,225. Furthermore, there are concerns of a &#;locking-in&#; effect, whereby the high investment cost for incineration plants and the need for constant waste influx may jeopardize the adoption of recycling technologies2.
In many countries, landfills are still the dominant waste disposal option: in the USA, 58% of waste ends up in landfills ()3, and in Europe, it is 27.3% ()182. Mismanaged and leaky landfills are considered a major source of environmental pollution. Biodegradable polymers should also be kept out of landfills as they can compost anaerobically to CH4, which has a GHG impact that is >20 times higher than that of CO2 (refs98,207). In the USA, the decomposition of organic material (such as paper and food scraps) in the ~1,500&#;2,000 operational landfills is the third largest CH4 emitter behind enteric fermentation (in farm animals) and natural gas systems226. Only 10% of CH4 produced in landfills was estimated to be captured globally in , which is an approach that offers potential for energy recovery while benefitting the climate and public health227,228. The UN has mentioned that landfilling fees could make recycling more cost-competitive16.
Controlled anaerobic digestion (which occurs in the absence of O2) in a methanization &#;biogas&#; facility produces CH4 from biodegradable polymer waste. The CH4 can then be captured and burned, which produces CO2 and H2O, and the heat and energy can be recovered for use. This process yields a net-zero carbon balance for the bioplastic waste while also producing energy229,230. The efficiency of anaerobic digestion can be increased by including elements such as a &#;bioreactor landfill&#;, in which H2O is circulated to enhance microbial activities for CH4 production227. Anaerobic digestion is feasible for several types of polymers, including thermoplastic starch, polycaprolactones and PHAs, as well as for PLA at elevated temperatures167.
Top 15 best bioplastic companies and suppliers worldwide
Bioplastics have been gaining popularity in recent years as a more sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Many companies have entered the bioplastics market with the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. In this article, we will recommend the top 15 best bioplastic companies and suppliers worldwide to help you make the right decision.
EuroPlas is one of the top bioplastic companies that has been dedicated to the production and development of sustainable materials since its establishment. The company's headquarters in Vietnam operates globally, with diverse plastic compounds and filler masterbatch for various industries.
EuroPlas's most significant innovation is a bioplastic compound called BiONext that can be biodegradable within 12 months. This compound derives from renewable biomass sources such as polylactic acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), plants and vegetables, or fossil fuels.
EuroPlas's bioplastics have the same physical and chemical properties as conventional plastics. Therefore, they are suitable for various applications, including food packaging, consumer goods, agriculture, and household appliances.
EuroPlas is committed to reducing the environmental impact of plastic production and use by offering biodegradable and compostable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. The company always guarantees that the final product goes through strict quality control to meet all requirements.
EuroPlas is also dedicated to sustainability throughout its supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to production, distribution, and disposal. The company ensures that all its processes comply with international standards for environmental management and social responsibility.
BASF is a multinational chemical company and a leading player in the bioplastic industry. Headquartered in Germany, BASF has a long history of innovation and digitalization, focusing on sustainable solutions and responsible business practices.
Bioplastics are a rapidly growing sector of the plastics industry, driven by consumer demand for more environmentally friendly materials. BASF has been at the forefront of this trend, developing a range of sustainable and high-performing bioplastics.
BASF biodegradable materials consist of bio-based content and are suitable for a variety of applications, including injection molding, film, and agriculture.
In addition to developing bioplastic products, BASF SE is committed to promoting sustainable practices throughout the value chain. The company is actively involved in developing new technologies to reduce the environmental impact of plastics and promoting the use of recycled or biodegradable materials.
BASF 's expertise in bioplastics and its commitment to sustainability has made it a leader in the industry. The company's products are used by businesses and consumers worldwide, and its research and development efforts continue to drive innovation in this vital sector.
TIPA is one of the top bioplastic companies offering innovative and sustainable solutions to the global packaging industry. With a solid commitment to environmental responsibility, Tipa has developed a unique range of eco-friendly and compostable bioplastics that offer the same level of performance as traditional plastics while ensuring a much lower environmental impact.
Based on years of research and development, TIPA's patented technology uses fully compostable polymers to create high-performing, flexible plastic packaging. Their products have been extensively tested and certified by leading industry organizations, confirming their performance, safety, and sustainability.
TIPA's expert team is dedicated to pushing sustainable packaging boundaries and constantly exploring new ways to improve its products' efficiency, quality, and environmental impact. Their materials are also compatible with many existing plastic and film extrusion lines.
In today's world, consumers and governments are increasingly demanding sustainable solutions to our pressing environmental challenges. By choosing Tipa, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while enjoying the economic benefits of a competitive, high-quality product.
Futerro is a pioneer and world leader in the bioplastic industry today. They are committed to providing sustainable and eco-friendly products made from biobased resources. Futerro's mission is to create a more sustainable future by developing bioplastics that replace traditional plastics. Their products are designed to reduce the environmental impact of existing oil-based plastics while also providing customers with a material of the same quality.
Futerro products derive from plant-based materials such as corn, sugarcane, and wheat straw, which can be used for various applications such as packaging, furniture, automotive parts, and more. Using these materials instead of traditional plastics, Futerro is helping businesses' ecological transition and reducing the carbon footprint.
Futerro is setting the standard for bioplastic companies worldwide with their dedication to creating sustainable solutions for our planet. Their flagship bioplastic, RENEW&#;, is acknowledged as a suitable replacement for many conventional petroleum-based plastics used in applications like thermoforming, fibers and non-woven, film and coating, injection molding, bottles, roto molding, and 3D printing.
TotalEnergies Corbion is a joint venture between TotalEnergies, a global energy company, and Corbion, a leading provider of sustainable food and biochemical ingredients. The company is dedicated to producing high-quality bioplastics made from renewable resources, with a focus on polylactic acid (PLA).
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In addition to its focus on sustainability, TotalEnergies Corbion also prioritizes innovation and customer service. The company works closely with its customers to develop custom solutions that meet their specific needs, and it invests heavvvvvvvvily in research and development to ensure that its products remain at the forefront among other bioplastic companies.
Plantic Technologies is one of the top bioplastic packaging companies dedicated to producing and distributing innovative and sustainable bioplastic materials. Founded in , Plantic Technologies is committed to providing solutions that meet the growing demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable materials in various industries.
Plantic Technologies is based in Australia, and the company's primary focus is on developing and commercializing renewable and biodegradable plastics that can be used in various applications. Their bioplastic materials are made from corn and are fully biodegradable, high-performance, and cost-effective.
The company has a wide range of bioplastics with highly renewable content, being the key material for numerous applications from food packaging, cosmetic packaging, and agricultural mulch film to industrial packaging. Countless regulatory bodies have also certified their materials, including Biobased, Home Compostable, Biodegradable, and disposal in wastewater to European Standards.
Plantic Technologies is committed to sustainable development and reducing the impact of plastic waste on the environment. By offering eco-friendly and biodegradable materials, the company contributes to a more sustainable future for our planet.
Mitsubishi Chemical is a leading global company that specializes in the production and development of a diverse range of goods. Besides chemicals, electronics material, fibers, one of the key areas of focus for Mitsubishi Chemical is bioplastics.
Mitsubishi Chemical's bioplastics are made from bio feedstocks. These materials offer excellent properties, including impact resilience, wear resistance, hydrolysis resistances and flexibility at low temperatures. Their bioplastics are used in a wide range of applications, such as packaging, consumer goods, electronics, and machine components.
The company&#;s objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create a circular economy with eco-friendly materials, aiding global food and water issues, and building the digital society for the next generation. The cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions have earned Mitsubishi Chemical numerous awards and accolades, supporting its place as one of the top bioplastic manufacturers.
NatureWorks LLC was founded in and is based in Minnesota, USA. Among many bioplastics companies, it stands out with a unique idea to turn greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide into products.
Their flagship product, Ingeo biopolymer, is a versatile and high-performance bioplastic. It is made from corn, cassava, sugar cane, or beets. This material is obtained in many usages, including baby wipes, coffee capsules, yogurt cups, and appliances.
NatureWorks LLC is committed to sustainable production practices and has implemented a closed-loop manufacturing process. The production of Ingeo biopolymer releases 80% fewer greenhouse gasses and uses approximately 52% less energy than petroleum-based polymers.
In addition to its commitment to sustainability, NatureWorks LLC is known for its innovative research and development efforts. The company has a team of experts who constantly work to improve their products, develop new sustainable materials, and set ambitious sustainability goals for the future.
Neste is one of the leading bioplastic suppliers with a mission to provide sustainable solutions for the plastic industry.
One of Neste's most notable bioplastic products is Neste RE, made from 100% recycled and renewable raw materials such as vegetable oils and waste fats. These materials are transformed into high-quality, durable plastics that can be used in numerous applications, from food packaging to consumer goods
Neste Bioplastics are designed to meet the same performance standards as traditional plastics while also being fully recyclable and biodegradable. This feature makes them an ideal alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, which can take hundreds of years to decompose and often end up in landfills or oceans.
Neste will continue to endeavor to increase the availability of renewable and recycled raw materials, as well as create methods to diversify our current raw material portfolio even further than it is already. This will help us ensure adequate raw material supply to sustain our expanding manufacturing capacity, allowing the company to maximize our positive climate impact.
Polymateria is one of the leading bioplastic packaging manufacturers that specializes in developing biodegradable fungible materials leaving no microplastics. The company's innovative Biotransformation technology allows plastic that has escaped garbage streams to entirely biodegrade in the natural environment.
Founded in in London, UK, Polymateria has quickly become one of the major bioplastic companies in the industry. The company's technology is based on a unique, patented formulation that enables the controlled biodegradation of plastics, which has been extensively tested and validated by independent laboratories.
Polymateria's biodegradable plastics are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of industries. The company offers a variety of products, including stretch film, toilet paper bags, flower sleeves, labels, detergent bottles&#;
In addition, Polymateria has collaborated with technical experts from Imperial College London, Avient, and BEIS to develop new standards for polymer analysis, eco-toxicity, and biodegradability testing. As a result, a new British standard for biodegradable plastic has been developed called BSI PAS .
Overall, Polymateria is a leader in the bioplastics industry, offering innovative, sustainable solutions that help to address the global problem of plastic pollution. With its commitment to sustainability and innovative technology, the company is well-positioned to play an important role in the transition to a more sustainable future.
Trifilon is a renowned Swedish plastic company specializing in developing sustainable plastic technologies. The company was founded in with the core mission of providing environmentally friendly solutions to the plastic industry.
Trifilon offers three unique material families made from natural fibers: BioLite, Switch, and Revo biocomposites. These materials are strong, and durable but also lightweight and biodegradable, making them an ideal alternative to traditional plastics.
Trifilon is committed to sustainability and has implemented a circular economy approach to its production process. They use recycled materials whenever possible and work to minimize waste throughout the production process. Additionally, their products are fully recyclable, ensuring that they can be repurposed and reused.
The company offers stock and customizes materials depending on individual material requirements. Trifilon collaborates closely with customers at every stage of adoption, from sample testing to pre-production runs, to guarantee that unique material grades meet sustainability and application performance goals.
Green Dot Bioplastics is a company that produces sustainable, compostable, and eco-friendly plastics. Headquartered in Missouri, United States, the company was founded in and has since stood out among many bioplastic companies.
Green Dot Bioplastics' proprietary technology is wood, starch, or hemp resources to create the Terratek® plastic family that is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The company's products are usually used in injection molding and extrusion. Green Dot Bioplastics is committed to sustainability and reducing the negative impact that traditional plastics have on the environment.
Because of the rise in environmentally conscious customer preferences and government restrictions, many companies seek to reduce their environmental impact. It's critical to ensure that a material meets industry requirements for true biodegradability and biobased content.
Many businesses want to be more sustainable, but it could be more financially practical. Not so with Green Dot bioplastics. The company's materials are less expensive than standard plastics but perform well with most applications.
BioLogiQ is a company that is considered to be one of the best in the plastic industry. They are a manufacturer of innovative plant-based plastic, which is designed to reduce plastic pollution in the environment.
BioLogiQ was established with the goal of creating a helpful plastic from the surplus starch produced during potato processing. For the next few years, BioLogiQ has successfully developed its proprietary plant-powered iQ Technology so that plastic producers and converters could use their existing equipment to produce a wide range of sustainable plastic goods.
One of their flagship products is NuPlastiQ®, a bio-based and compostable thermoplastic. NuPlastiQ BioPolymer resin helps to reduce the use of fossil fuel-based plastics and greenhouse gas emissions. They even improve the performance of classic plastics as well as newer biodegradable biopolymers.
BioLogiQ has evolved from a basic concept to a worldwide sustainability-first bioplastics firm with manufacturing capacity in the United States and Asia, offering plant-based biopolymer products to help create a world free of plastic pollution. Biopolymer resins and solutions from BioLogiQ are specifically designed to suit the sustainability needs of consumers and customers.
Demand for environmentally friendly bioplastics remains significant and growing, but current bioplastic costs are too high, and performance is relatively low to meet these expectations. Biobent Polymers has addressed these concerns and delivers bioplastics at lower prices with high performance.
Biobent Polymers is a bioplastic compounding and polymer manufacturer that turns petroleum-based thermoplastics into bioplastics by employing low-cost bio-feedstocks from agricultural waste and byproducts. Their biodegradable bioplastics are made from renewable resources and are commonly used in the food industry.
In addition to its commitment to producing sustainable products, Biobent also prioritizes transparency and ethical practices. They ensure that their supply chain is transparent and that all their materials are ethically sourced.
Plastrans is an Austria bioplastic company utilizing high-quality chemical raw ingredients and taking the lead in innovating biopolymers. With a solid commitment to environmental responsibility, Plastrans has developed a range of biodegradable and compostable materials that can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics.
In addition to traditional polymers, Plastrans also supplies bioplastics such as PLA, bio-based PE, bio-based PS, and plastic from tapioca. These polymers are derived from bio-based raw ingredients together with fossil raw materials.
Plastrans also focuses on delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service. They work closely with their clients to develop customized solutions that meet their specific needs and fulfill regulatory requirements. They are dedicated to ensuring that their products are produced to the highest quality and safety standards.
Generally, bioplastics have emerged as a promising solution to the plastic pollution crisis, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. As awareness about plastic waste's environmental impact grows, more arise to meet packaging and product needs.
The 15 bioplastic companies and suppliers listed in this article are among the best in the industry, offering a wide range of materials that are both eco-friendly and functional. These companies are paving the way towards a greener future, from cornstarch-based packaging to biodegradable plant-based resins.
The growing popularity of bioplastics is a positive sign that businesses and consumers alike are committed to finding sustainable solutions to our plastic waste problem. We hope to see a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations with continued innovation and investment in bioplastics.
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