MUNDOMATERIAL

Before I start, I would like to say that this post intends to be a brief introduction to the wide field of bioplastics, which I intend to discuss in more detail in the future. Let’s say that it’s a guide for those of you who are not familiar with this family of products. When talking about bioplastics, we usually refer to polymers sourced partial or totally from natural and renewable resources. Some of them have a different chemistry from already existing plastics while others are as common in their oil based form as polyolefins or polyurethane. Today I’m going to talk about the “new” ones; soon I’ll discuss how old plastics are renewing themselves thanks to plants.

There are two main rivals at the moment in the bioplastics market: PLA, or polylactic acid, and starch based blends. Both are mainly sourced from corn, although any plant rich in starch or sugar can potentially be a viable source. They also share their capacity to biodegrade, a quality that used to be their main advantage, even more than being renewable.

PLA is more expensive, it has a greater renewable content and it’s used mainly in rigid packaging applications, like transparent trays for tomatoes. Starch based blends are lest costly, but up to now they need to be blend with synthetic polyesters, reducing their green content. Starch base blends are mainly use as films.

As for market dynamics, both bioplastics couldn’t be in a more different situation. Up to now NatureWorks is the only PLA producer, although in the last two years there have being modest attempts from other companies to start production. NatureWorks is a joint venture between Cargill, giant US agricultural company, and Teijin, a Japanese chemical company. The combination of both know-hows, together with the total market dominance, hinders the entrance of other competitors in the PLA market.

On the other hand, there are several producers of starch based bioplastics, a great part of them based in Europe. Novamont, based in Italy and active since 1990, is the market leader. Its market base is bags and agricultural films. Other European producers are Biotec, Rodenburgh Biopolymer, FKuR and Vegeplast. The variety of producers in the market has lead to healthy competition, helping products to evolve. Some of the players involved in the market think that the lack of competition makes NatureWorks a bit slow to innovate.

There are other bioplastics with new chemistries, apart from the already mentioned and everyday we can read news of more appearing. Amongst the most promising ones are PHAs, polyhydroxyalkanoates, which are actually a family of linear polyesters that promises to increase the limited range of properties of bioplastics. In particular they could be used in injection moulding, opening up totally new opportunities in the market. Sadly, their commercialisation is reduced, with a small overall capacity production.

Being this my first post about bioplastics, I would love to know what you would like to read about, since it is a wide subject. Some of the possibilities for next related posts are:

• Bioplastic producers profiles
• Future applications
• Growth factors
• Other bioplastics

If you have any preference, let me know.

photo credit: Sweeter Alternative