Recycled Plastics - Bioplastics and biodegradable plastics
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Bioplastic is defined as a plastic material based on biomass rather than fossil resources, which conventional plastic is typically made from.
Additionally, reinforcing bio-based fibers can be added to either bio-based or conventional plastics in the so-called bio- or natural fiber composites.
Bioplastics can be biodegradable (i.e., decomposed by microorganisms), but are not necessarily so – conversely, conventional plastics can also be biodegradable.
Biodegradable materials are used, among other things, for packaging, bags, and agricultural films, and it is naturally important to be aware of the material’s stability and degradability in different environments.
Read more: Worth knowing about bioplastics
Bioplastics are perceived by many as a more sustainable alternative to conventionally produced plastics. At the Technological Institute, we advise our clients to consider sustainability from a comprehensive perspective, e.g., through a life cycle analysis that includes environmental considerations for all stages of the material’s lifetime, as well as challenges related to collection, recycling, and degradation.
From a climate perspective, bioplastics can be a good solution, as CO₂ emissions during the production of bioplastics are lower than during the production of conventional plastics. From a waste perspective, bioplastics may not be the best solution, since bioplastics are not necessarily biodegradable. The choice of (bio)plastic thus depends on how the plastic product will be used and the intended lifespan of the product.
The Danish Technological Institute can help you with:
- Consultation on material selection in connection with bioplastics and biocomposites
- Consultation on product design and production using bio-based and/or biodegradable raw materials
- Degradability/stability analysis of materials and finished items
- Testing, characterization, and quality assurance of bio-based and/or biodegradable raw materials
- Development projects within bioplastics and biodegradability
- One-stop-shop: Product solutions in bioplastics
Read more in the case below:
Biodegradable plastic film: Weeds controlled without chemicals