Are bioplastics applied in mainly short-lived products?

Bioplastics are used in both short-term and long-lasting applications. Durable, biobased commodity plastics like biobased PE and biobased PET are commonly found in packaging but are also used in long-lasting products such as car parts, toys, and consumer electronics. These "drop-in solutions" integrate seamlessly into existing recycling streams and represent the largest share of global bioplastics production. 

Meanwhile, innovative biobased and biodegradable materials such as PLA, PHA, and starch blends are primarily used in applications like packaging, where they offer unique benefits such as compostability and improved barrier properties to extend shelf life and reduce food waste. Although these materials can also be used for durable products, their key advantage lies in providing sustainable alternatives for items that typically have a shorter use cycle.