| Market |
Application |
| Packaging |
- Bioplastic packaging is widely used in various industries. For instance, companies are using bioplastic films for food packaging, including bags (Mater-Bi, Novamont), wraps, and containers.
- Brands like Coca-Cola have also introduced bioplastic bottles made from plant-based materials.
- Danimer Scientific has successfully introduced extrusion blow mold PHA/PLA blend bottles.
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| Agriculture |
- Biodegradable mulch films made from bioplastics are used in agriculture to enhance soil fertility, control weed growth, and improve crop yields. These films break down into natural components, reducing environmental impact.
- BASF has developed a biodegradable mulch film made from a biopolymer called ecovio®. The mulch film is used by farmers to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. It can be plowed into the soil after use, reducing waste and pollution.
- Unlike polyethylene, certified soil-biodegradable mulch films made of ecovio® M 2351, which is based on BASF’s ecoflex® (PBAT), can be left in the soil after harvesting to fully biodegrade.
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| Consumer goods |
- Bioplastics are increasingly used in the production of everyday consumer goods such as cutlery, plates, cups, and containers.
- Companies are opting for bioplastic alternatives to reduce reliance on traditional plastics.
- The LEGO Group has developed a line of sustainable building bricks made from a plant-based bioplastic called PHA.
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| 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 removal procedures
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| 3D printing |
- Bioplastics like PLA are used as filaments in 3D printing, enabling the production of biodegradable and environmentally friendly 3D-printed objects. This application aligns with the growing interest in sustainable manufacturing processes.
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| 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 bio-based polyamide (PA4.10) produced by DSM.
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| Textile |
- Bioplastics, especially those derived from corn or sugarcane, are being used in the textile industry for manufacturing fibers.
- These biodegradable fibers can be used to produce eco-friendly clothing and accessories.
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| Electronics |
- Bioplastics can be used in the production of casings for electronic devices.
- Some companies are exploring the use of bioplastics in electronic components to reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste.
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| Construction |
- Bioplastics are finding applications in the construction industry for producing biodegradable materials such as insulation foams and biocomposite building components.
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| 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.
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