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Characteristics of Bioplastics

Bioplastics are not a single class of polymers but rather a family of products which can vary considerably one from the other. A generally recognised definition of the concept does not exist. European Bioplastics, like other associations, regards bioplastics as having two differentiated classes.

Definitions of bioplastics according to European Bioplastics:

• Plastics based on renewable resources
• Biodegradable polymers which meet all criteria of scientifically recognised norms for biodegradability and compostability of plastics and plastic products. In Europe this is the EN 13432 / EN 14995

In both classes, a high percentage of renewable resources is used in the polymer production. Whereas products from the first group do not necessarily have to be biodegradable or compostable, those from the second group do not necessarily have to be based on renewable materials in order to meet the EN 13432 / EN 14995 criteria. Even a number of petrochemical-based polymers are certified biodegradable and compostable. They broaden the range of applications and are often responsible for creating the pre-requisites to enable renewable resources to be used in plastics production.

Plastics are not homogenous products. They are compounds based on the actual polymer and additives, such as processing aids, stabilisers, colourants etc. Each polymer has its own specific property profile. Each formulation and each finished product is specifically optimized with regard to both processing and application – in the same manner as for conventional plastics. The development is still in a relatively early phase, however for these reasons it will neither be possible nor expedient in the long term to manufacture products from 100% renewable resources.  The majority of companies set themselves the target of using the highest proportion of renewable resources possible.  The Association estimates that, averaged across all applications, the bioplastics currently available on the market and which come under the above definition, contain considerably more than 50% weight (estimations based on production and precise consumer statistics do not yet exist). Polymers such as PLA or PHA can be made from up to 100% renewable resources. Colourants and additives can also be formulated on the basis of renewable resources. By this means, some products almost reach a 100% proportion.

Most bioplastics are biodegradable, however this is not an inherent requirement. Biodegradability is a directly linked to the chemical structure rather than the origin of the raw materials. As a result, there are synthetic polymers which are certified biodegradable. This distinguishes them from conventional standard plastics which are universally neither biodegradable nor compostable (eg. polyolefins such as PE, PP, PS, PET or PVC). All naturally occurring carbon-based polymers e.g. starch, cellulose, lignin and the monomers they are based on, are biodegradable.  Such biopolymers can also generally be processed using common plastics processing. Bioplastics based on naturally occurring components (monomers) can lose this property through chemical modification and polymerisation e.g.  Polyamid 11 based on castor oil, or the Nylon 9 types based on the fatty acid "oleic acid ".

The concept bioplastics should not be too narrowly conceived or understood. One must always keep in mind the fact that these are technologically very demanding products competing in an extremely strong international market (annual plastics consumption approx. 200 million tons; approx. 5% average growth per annum). The European Bioplastics association, in cooperation with other groups and associations, will continue to develop the definition of the bioplastics concept.