Bioplastics

Extracted Attributes

• Composition

  Organic, main polymers starch and cellulose

• Key Advantage

  Potential for lower carbon footprint

• Health Benefit

  Free of bisphenol A (BPA)

• Primary Origin

  Renewable biomass sources

• Type (Durable)

  Bio-PET, biopolyethylene

• Application Area

  Packaging, agriculture, consumer goods, construction, disposable products, automotive, medical devices

• Type (Degradable)

  Polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)

• Production Method 1

  Direct processing of natural biopolymers (polysaccharides, proteins)

• Production Method 2

  Chemical synthesis from sugar derivatives and lipids

• Production Method 3

  Fermentation of sugars or lipids

• Production Method 4

  Biotechnological production in microorganisms or genetically modified plants

• Biodegradability Factor

  Molecular structure (not biomass origin)

• Historical Significance

  First plastics (e.g., shellac, cellulose)

• US Market CAGR (2023-2030)

  18.8%

• Definition (European Bioplastics)

  Either biobased, biodegradable, or both

• Commercially Important Types (2022)

  PLA, starch-based products

• Global Plastics Output Share (2018)

  Approximately 2%

• US Market Revenue Projection (2030)

  $10.6 billion

Timeline

• Natural bioplastics (e.g., shellac, cellulose) were increasingly superseded by fossil-fuel plastics. (Source: wikipedia)

  1800s (late)

• Bioplastics represented approximately 2% of the global plastics output. (Source: wikipedia)

  2018

• Polylactic acid (PLA) and starch-based products were the commercially most important types of bioplastics. (Source: wikipedia)

  2022

• The U.S. bioplastics market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 18.8%. (Source: web_search_results)

  2023-2030

• The U.S. bioplastics market is projected to reach a revenue of $10.6 billion. (Source: web_search_results)

  2030

• Bioplastics have gained increased spotlight as an alternative due to the push towards sustainability. (Source: web_search_results)

  Recent years

• Continued research and investment in bioplastic companies, alongside rising scrutiny on fossil-based plastics, are making bioplastics more dominant in some markets. (Source: wikipedia)

  Ongoing

Bioplastic

Bioplastics are plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources. Historically, bioplastics made from natural materials like shellac or cellulose had been the first plastics. Since the end of the 19th century they have been increasingly superseded by fossil-fuel plastics derived from petroleum or natural gas (fossilized biomass is not considered to be renewable in reasonable short time). Today, in the context of bioeconomy and circular economy, bioplastics are gaining interest again. Conventional petro-based polymers are increasingly blended with bioplastics to manufacture "bio-attributed" or "mass-balanced" plastic products - so the difference between bio- and other plastics might be difficult to define. Bioplastics can be produced by: processing directly from natural biopolymers including polysaccharides (e.g., corn starch or rice starch, cellulose, chitosan, and alginate) and proteins (e.g., soy protein, gluten, and gelatin), chemical synthesis from sugar derivatives (e.g., lactic acid) and lipids (such as vegetable fats and oils) from either plants or animals, fermentation of sugars or lipids, biotechnological production in microorganisms or genetically modified plants (e.g., polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). One advantage of bioplastics is their independence from fossil fuel as a raw material, which is a finite and globally unevenly distributed resource linked to petroleum politics and environmental impacts. Bioplastics can utilize previously unused waste materials (e.g., straw, woodchips, sawdust, and food waste). Life cycle analysis studies show that some bioplastics can be made with a lower carbon footprint than their fossil counterparts, for example when biomass is used as raw material and also for energy production. However, other bioplastics' processes are less efficient and result in a higher carbon footprint than fossil plastics. Whether any kind of plastic is degradable or non-degradable (durable) depends on its molecular structure, not on whether or not the biomass constituting the raw material is fossilized. Both durable bioplastics, such as Bio-PET or biopolyethylene (bio-based analogues of fossil-based polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene), and degradable bioplastics, such as polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, or polyhydroxyalkanoates, exist. Bioplastics must be recycled similar to fossil-based plastics to avoid plastic pollution; "drop-in" bioplastics (such as biopolyethylene) fit into existing recycling streams. On the other hand, recycling biodegradable bioplastics in the current recycling streams poses additional challenges, as it may raise the cost of sorting and decrease the yield and the quality of the recyclate. However, biodegradation is not the only acceptable end-of-life disposal pathway for biodegradable bioplastics, and mechanical and chemical recycling are often the preferred choice from the environmental point of view. Biodegradability may offer an end-of-life pathway in certain applications, such as agricultural mulch, but the concept of biodegradation is not as straightforward as many believe. Susceptibility to biodegradation is highly dependent on the chemical backbone structure of the polymer, and different bioplastics have different structures, thus it cannot be assumed that bioplastic in the environment will readily disintegrate. Conversely, biodegradable plastics can also be synthesized from fossil fuels. As of 2018, bioplastics represented approximately 2% of the global plastics output (>380 million tons). In 2022, the commercially most important types of bioplastics were PLA and products based on starch. With continued research on bioplastics, investment in bioplastic companies and rising scrutiny on fossil-based plastics, bioplastics are becoming more dominant in some markets, while the output of fossil plastics also steadily increases.

Web Search Results

• Bioplastics - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

  Bioplastics are biobased polymers that are produced from renewable resources including carbohydrates, vegetable oils, etc. in the presence of microorganisms (Sharma et al., 2021; Liu et al., 2023). They are alternative plastic source with similar physical properties to synthetic plastics. However, bioplastics are degradable by microbes (such as fungi, bacteria, and yeasts), leading to the production of CO2, water, and biomass under aerobic or anaerobic condition (Ru et al., 2020). They exist as [...] Bioplastics are a family of materials with different properties and applications. According to European Bioplastics, plastic can be termed as a bioplastic if it is either biobased, biodegradable, or consists of both properties (Bioplastics, 2016). If the plastic is resourced completely or significantly from a biological source, it can be considered biobased bioplastics. These types of bioplastics can be either biodegradable or non-biodegradable. Both types of bioplastics are presented in Fig. [...] Bioplastics are materials that have an organic composition, the main polymers that characterize them being both starch and cellulose (Riera A., & Palma R., 2018). It is necessary to have chemical structures that allow the degradation of materials from native biota where they have been discarded (mainly they must be degraded by soil microorganisms). View chapterExplore book Read full chapter URL:

• What Are “Bioplastics”? Defining Renewability, Biosynthesis ...

  and manufacturing of goods). “Bioplastics” are either biobased and/or biodegradable, at least to a certain degree and as per a given definition (standard, test method). Figure 2 summarizes the definition of bioplastics by the IfBB (Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites, Hannover, Germany) . [...] plus additives and fillers. In nature, several polymers can be found, e.g., starch, cellulose, lignocellulose, or proteins (so-called biopolymers and/or naturally occurring polymers). A bioplastic (bioplastics) can be defined as a biopolymer-derived formulation, e.g., starch + plasticizer, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) + additives for processing and coloration, or (natural) fiber-reinforced poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), to give three well-established examples. A plastic material derives its [...] A biopolymer is a macromolecule that is composed of biobased or “natural” building blocks. Plastics can be thermoplastics (the largest group), elastomers, or thermosets, and bioplastics can fall into any of these groups. Sometimes, the terms “biopolymer” and “bioplastics” are used synonymously; however, we prefer a delineation with the term “bioplastics” being used for the human-made product (formulation, compound) of biopolymer + other ingredients, for use in technical applications (processing

• Bioplastics 101: Making the Right Biopolymer Choice - SpecialChem

  | Construction | Bioplastics are finding applications in the construction industry for producing biodegradable materials such as insulation foams and biocomposite building components. | | Disposable products | Bioplastics are used in the production of disposable products like plates, cups, and cutlery. Some events and catering services are adopting biodegradable, plant-based alternatives to traditional plastic disposables. | [...] | Automotive | Bioplastics are used in the production of automotive components such as interior parts, panels, and trims. For example, A front-runner in adopting bio-based plastics is Japanese car manufacturer Toyota, which uses bioplastics such as biobased polyesters, bio-based PET, and PLA-blends in its production process6 Toyota hybrid vehicle Prius Alpha features automotive interior parts made of DuPont™ Sorona® EP polymer and a Mercedes Benz engine cover made of EcopaXX, a 70 percent [...] | Medical | Bioplastics are utilized in medical devices and packaging. Some medical implants and disposables are made from biodegradable polymers to reduce the environmental impact and provide a sustainable solution in the healthcare sector. A biodegradable and biocompatible polymer called PCL is being used in the medical industry to create implants for tissue regeneration and drug delivery. PCL is designed to degrade over time in the body, reducing the need for additional surgeries or

• Exploring the Rise of Bioplastics: A Sustainable Alternative

  In the recent years, the push towards sustainability has brought bioplastics into the spotlight as an alternative to 100% fossil fuel-based plastics. In the United States, the bioplastics market is projected to reach a revenue of $10.6 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 18.8% from 2023. Bioplastics, which include biodegradable and non-biodegradable options, are increasingly being integrated into various industries such as packaging, agriculture and consumer goods. [...] Bioplastics represent a significant step towards a more sustainable future. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and offering compostable/biodegradable options, bioplastics have the potential to reduce the environmental impact of traditional plastics. Bioplastics / Sustainable Solutions / [...] But what exactly are bioplastic? What are the differences between them and what benefits do they offer? ## What Are Bioplastics? As their name suggests, bioplastics are often entirely or partially derived from renewable biological sources rather than fossil fuels. They can be crafted from natural materials, including cornstarch, sugarcane, and cellulose, showcasing their versatility and potential in various industries. Bioplastics are often categorized into two main types:

• What is bioplastic? Types of bioplastics: PLA and PHA - renouvo

  The adoption of bioplastics as an alternative to traditional plastics offers a range of benefits that address environmental, economic, and health concerns. Here are some key advantages of using bioplastics: Renewable Resources: Bioplastics are typically derived from renewable resources such as sugarcane, corn, or plant oils. Unlike traditional plastics that rely on finite fossil fuels, bioplastics contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly material cycle. [...] Bioplastics can be produced entirely or partially from microorganisms like yeast or from sustainable biomass sources like corn and sugarcane. Under certain circumstances, certain bioplastics can undergo biodegradation or even composting. Because bioplastics derived from renewable resources may be organically recycled by biological processes, less fossil fuels are used, and the environment is safeguarded. Bioplastics are therefore biocompatible, sustainable, and mostly biodegradable. Bioplastics [...] Conventional plastic is derived from raw ingredients derived from petroleum. Some claim that bioplastics, which include at least 20% renewable resources, hold the key to reducing the pollution caused by plastics. Reduced usage of fossil fuel resources, a smaller carbon impact, and quicker disintegration are some of the frequently mentioned benefits of bioplastic. In addition to being less harmful, bioplastic is free of bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone-disrupting substance that is frequently present