Inga Plastics are developing a polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a type of biodegradable polyester, that uses captured CO2 as feedstock. The pilot project used carbon dioxide from a waste incineration plant in Riihimaki, Finland. Here they proved their carbon capture technology, which together with hydrogen is used to produce the intermediate product, methane. Image Inga Plastics.

Sparxell produce non-toxic and biodegradable pigments from cellulose. Their technology exploits the highly reflective nature of plant-based cellulose. The colour comes from reflected light, so called structural colour, does not fade and can be used in the same contexts as conventional pigments, glitters, and sequins. The company does not use mica, titania or dye, ensuring their pigments have the least impact possible on the environment. Image Sparxell.

Two new Surlyn ionomer resins developed by Dow offer carbon savings compared to virgin material. Surlyn REN ionomers are produced using bio-waste such as cooking oil. This process utilises waste residues or by-products from alternative product processes from other industries meaning the raw feedstock materials will not consume extra land resources or compete with the food chain. Surlyn CIR ionomers are created through chemical recycling technologies, breaking down mixed waste plastics into their basic chemical elements, giving plastic waste a second life. This produces a raw material that is equivalent to those made from virgin fossil feedstock. Image Dow.

Corn Next CN2017 is a starch bioplastic made from corn starch, water and oil. It is suitable for extrusion and injection moulding, food safe and home compostable. CN2017 can break down in as little as 30 days and can degrade in any environment, leaving behind no harmful chemicals. Image Corn Next.

Mitsubishi Forzeas is a compounding resin that uses biodegradable and bio-based polybutylene succinate (bioPBS), mixed with other materials. Each grade has its own unique features and can be used in various applications including packaging, tableware and eating utensils. Image Mitsubishi.

Kaneka produce bio-based and biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) as Green Planet. It is suitable for a range of applications include foam packaging, disposable cutlery, single use packaging and reusable food packaging (such as these in-flight meal container served on JAL’s international flights). The colour of the container comes from natural minerals, which means that both materials and colour additive are fossil-free. Image Kaneka.

Tecnaro Arbofill materials are made from renewable raw materials and plastics. Aesthetic materials with interesting applications are the result of combining plastic and natural filler materials. Arbofill is suitable for injection moulding processes.

Tecnaro Arboblend combines a range of bio-based plastics, including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), starch, bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE), bio-based polyamides (bio-PA), lignin and natural fibres. The recipe depends on the requirements of the application.

Sun Circle produce polybutylene succinate (PBS) for packaging, kitchen items and agricultural products. These are biodegradable co-polyesters with properties similar to polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Typically produced from fossil fuel, it is also possible to make these plastics from bio-based materials, such as through the bacterial fermentation of sugarcane, cassava, and corn. Grades exist that are derived from biomass and are suitable for home composting, without any specialised composting facilities. Image Sun Circle.

Woodoo Augmented Wood uses a patented process to remove lignin from wood and replace it with a bio-based polymer (probably polyurethane). Their products include Slim, a see-through and touch sensitive veneer suitable for automotive and products; Flow which is designed as a flexible veneer-like substrate that the company suggests provides an alternative to leather; and Solid, an engineered wood composite for construction and furniture. Image Woodoo.

AMSilk started producing Biosteel Fiber in 2015: a pioneering protein based fibre development that combined high performance properties with sustainability. Today AMSilk produce a range of fibres, from Biosteel to Ultrafine. It is made with biotechnology and is petroleum free. It is completely biodegradable in marine and aerobic conditions, leaving no plastic residue. It is converted into fabric using standard textile manufacturing equipment, turning man-made proteins into fibres for commercial textiles – footwear and garments, bags and wristbands, home textiles and even composites in automobiles. Image AMSilk.

Bloom Labs are developing protein based fibres using food natural waste by-products. Bioplastic pellets are produced from regenerated protein using their proprietary technology and spun into textiles for fashion. Image Bloom Labs.

Simplifyber produce moulded shoe uppers from a cellulose-based pulp. It is poured into a mould as a liquid and formed into the final shape with heat and pressure, reducing cutting and sewing. The material is made from a mix of wood pulp and other plants and biodegradable additives. It works somewhat similarly to making paper, but the resulting material is strong and durable. The strength comes from an additive derived from food waste, which creates cross-links in the bioplastic structure. It is recyclable with paper. Image Simplifyber.

HUID are developing packaging materials from onion skins. Their developments include Pyber card-like material made from biologically processed onion skin fibres and Cellofil flexible film designed as an alternative to plastic packaging films such as low density polyethylene (LDPE). Image HUID.

Arda Biomaterials created New Grain, a new type of leather alternative that is currently in development, made from brewers’ spent grain (BSG). According to Arda Biomaterials, for every 100 ltr of beer, there are 20 kg of spent grain. The protein and fibre in the waste grain is processed into materials suitable for textiles that can be processed using similar techniques to leather. Image Arda Biomaterials.

Oceanium develops functional seaweed ingredients for applications in health and wellbeing, skincare, packaging materials, food and beverages. As an example, they developed Ocean Ink, which is a fully biodegradable water-based ink derived from sustainably sourced seaweed. It has a naturally golden colour, which lends itself to high end and luxury packaging, offering an alternative to foil embossing (hot foiling, foil blocking). Image Oceanium.

Searo Labs has developed a unique formulation of seaweed-based materials that are food contact safe, home compostable, moisture and texture controllable, optically clear, and heat sealable. Potential applications range from film packaging for fresh food to dissolvable shampoo and detergent pods, and feminine care products. Image Searo Labs.

B’ZEOS develops sustainable packaging solutions using seaweed as the main biomass source, in particular sargassum extracts. They are in the process of developing flexible films, paper coatings, thermoformable materials, and injection moulding grades for various types of packaging application. Image B’ZEOS.

VTT, LUT University, and companies (including Borealis) have opened a pilot plant in Finland to process captured CO2 into compounds that can replace fossil raw materials in the production of polypropylene (bio-PP) and polyethylene (bio-PE). At this stage, they are produced at VTT Bioruukki from flue gas carbon dioxide. In the future, the technology can be brought into production wherever bio-based carbon dioxide is produced, such as in forest industry or waste incineration plants.

Made of Air convert biomass waste streams (such as forestry offcuts and secondary agricultural materials), which have photosynthesised CO2, into a form of biochar through controlled pyrolysis. Burning materials without oxygen means the carbon cannot form CO2 and instead forms biochar. Using their technology the biochar is converted into a functional carbon-rich filler for plastic biocomposites. Biochar has been produced for centuries and is increasingly being used as a fertiliser as well as a way of sequestering carbon in the soil, because the carbon is locked in and it remains stable for hundreds of years. Image Made of Air.

Colourful bio-based plastic by Ornamin using Tecnaro Arboblend with colour masterbatch from Grafe. It is 94% bio-based consisting of a mix of polyesters, natural waxes, minerals and fibres. Image Grafe.

Sequinova sequins and glitter are made with cellulose and are fully biodegradable in water in two months. There are a range of effects and colours, providing an alternative to regular polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester or polyamide (PA), nylon. Image Sequinova.

Borealis produce Bornewable bio-based polypropylene (bio-PP) using feedstocks derived from waste, such as used cooking oil. In this way, they do not compete with food. Up to around twice the price of standard PP, bio-PP offers a potentially carbon neutral solution in many applications. Image Borealis.

Fibre walls by Belén for Kvadrat, 2024. In collaboration with Dynaplak and Huis Veendam, Belén developed an acoustic wall covering based on potato starch binder and wool fibre waste from Kvadrat‘s production. Wall spray and stucco application techniques have been used to create textures and smooth finishes, respectively.

Granulous bio-based composite is made with bioplastic and 40% brewers spent grains (a waste material from the beverage industry). Granulous material is designed and tested to short life applications, can last in dishwasher, repeated uses, with low moisture exposure it can last indefinitely. It is suitable for home composting and will decompose in both soil and sea. Image Granulous.

The feedstock for UBQ is household waste, which is largely comprised of organic materials – everything from food residues and mixed plastics to cardboard, paper, and even dirty diapers, that would have otherwise been sent to landfill or incineration. Metals and minerals, which have high recyclability, are removed and sent over to traditional recycling streams. UBQ’s waste conversion technology breaks down the organic matter into its basic particulate constructs—lignin, cellulose, fibres, and sugars—and then reassembles them into a matrix. Residual plastics present in the waste stream melt and get mixed into the matrix to create a homogeneous and consistent composite thermoplastic material. Image UBQ.

BrightPlus biodegradable polyester materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA), are suitable for injection moulding, 3D printing, extrusion and other plastic forming processes. As industrially compostable bioplastics they are suitable for packaging, consumer products, prototyping and a range of other applications. Bio-based content ranging from 25% (elastomeric grade) to almost 100%. Image BrightPlus.

Bio-Fed M•Vera bio-based plastics by Akro Plastics are suitable for injection moulding and are used for coffee capsules, cutlery, cosmetic packaging, toys, plant clips and so on. Renewable grades are based on starch, cellulose, polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Fossil-based types include polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The amount of renewable content is tailored to the application. Image Bio-Fed (a branch of Akro Plastics).

Renol from Lignin Industries is a bio-based additive for thermoplastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). The lignin used to make the additive is a by-product of the paper pulping industry and is typically burnt for energy generation. As an additive it can bring the carbon footprint down by replacing a proportion of the plastic in moulding and extrusion applications.

Braskem produce bio-based plastics from sugar cane residue. Their portfolio covers polyethylene (bio-PE) including HDPE, LLDPE and LDPE with a renewable content range of 80-100%, used in packaging, cleaning products and toys, for example. And ethylene vinyl acetate (bio-EVA), with a bio-based content of 45-80%, which can be used in products like sports products, shoe soles and toys. Image Welli Bins in I’m Green bio-based EVA.

Vegaplac by Bark Cloth is a biocomposite material made up of agricultural waste (palm leaf residue and banana fibre, for example), bound together with bio-based polyurethane resin (bio-PUR).

OceanSafe have developed a 25-30% bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, that is biodegradable in soil, marine and landfill. In marine water it biodegrades by >93% within 99 days, and is Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold. Alternatively, it can be recycled with regular polyester. It offers drop-in replacement for polyester as fill and fabric for fashion and interior applications. Image OceanSafe.

NaturePlast produce a range of bio-based and biodegradable polyesters, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), as well as bio-based polypropylene (bio-PP) and polyethylene (bio-PE). Their materials are suitable for a range of applications spanning packaging, products, automotive and textiles. Image NaturePlast.

Terratek includes bio-based composites using fibres such as hemp, jute, sisal, bamboo and flax, instead of glass or carbon fibre. Green Dot Bioplastics produce a range of engineering polymers including compostable, flexible (elastomer) and natural fibre-reinforced grades. Image Green Dot Bioplastics.

Eastman Treva is a partially cellulose-based engineering material made with 45% bio-based ingredients. It has excellent surface gloss, clarity and tactility and is suitable for many of the same applications as polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It was created to meet the requirements of packaging, eyeglass frames, wearable electronics, headphones and other personal devices and electronics housings and automotive parts. Image Eastman.

Ecuran is a high-performance flooring made with bio-based polyurethane (bio-PUR), manufactured primarily from canola oil or castor oil, as well as minerals like chalk. It is free from plasticisers, solvents and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is odourless and non-toxic. Image Wineo Pureline Organic Flooring.

Kintra polybutylene succinate (PBS), bio-based and biodegradable polyester fibre, is produced from the fermentation of sugars derived from wheat and corn. PBS is tuneable and can be spun on the same equipment used for polyester (PET). While its performance is similar to polyester and nylon, it biodegrades in industrial composting environments. Image Kintra.

Uluu polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), biodegradable polyester, is produced using farmed seaweed feedstock. Image Uluu.

Algopack produce compostable packaging using seaweed bioplastic, as well as blends of seaweed with other plastics to help reduce the carbon footprint of products. Image Algopack.

Zerocircle produce seaweed-based plastics for packaging films and coatings. They are home compostable and provide an effective barrier to oxygen, water and oil. Image Zerocircle.

AirCarbon polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), biodegradable polyester is produced by Newlight Technologies. They use a novel catalytic process based on microorganisms from the ocean. These microorganisms take oxygen from the air and carbon and hydrogen from methane and CO2, and combine these into molecules that make up PHB polymer. Image Newlight Technologies.

The Virent Bioforming process converts carbohydrate rich feedstocks, such as sugar beet and sugar cane, into bio-based hydrocarbons that can be used as the building blocks for plastics. The bio-based chemistry uses catalytic conversation to provide a drop-in replacement for petroleum derived products in the production of plastic like polyester (PET), nylon (PA) and polyurethane (PUR). Applications range from packaging and moulded products to textiles and films. Image Virent.

Mirel is a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), bio-based and biodegradable polyester, produced by by Telles (dissolved 2012). A semi-crystalline PHA approved for food contact – from frozen foods to boiling water – it is suitable for injection moulding, film extrusion and thermoforming. In addition to packaging materials and food service items, it could be used to replace polystyrene (PS) in electronics packaging applications. Image Telles.

Ecopel Koba faux fur is produced using DuPont Sorona, a partially bio-based polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyester fibre, with up to one-third renewable ingredients.

Other Matter is an experimental design studio setup by Jessie French offering algae-based bioplastic products, objects, screens and decals. Decals made with seaweed provide an alternative to the conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used for shops, signage and exhibitions. Image Other Matter / Jessica Maurer.

LignoPure, a spin-off from the TVT Institute of the TUHH, produce sulphur-free lignin suitable as an ingredient in the production of bio-based plastics and composites. It is under development for a range of manufacturing processes like injection moulding, extrusion, melt spinning and 3D printing. Image LignoPure.

Foresso timber terrazzo is produced with a mix of wood waste and bio-based epoxy (bio-EP). It is produced by casting and is machined to the desired shape and finish. As a sheet material, it is suitable for interiors and furniture. Image Foresso.

Nurel Inzea are bio-based and biodegradable polyesters, up to 85% of which are produced from various bioplastics such as non-genetically modified polylactic acid (PLA) and starch. Image Nurel.

Solvay Amni Soul Eco polyamide 66 (PA66), nylon fibre, with accelerated decomposition in landfill and marine environments, designed to reduce the environmental impact of microplastics generated in laundry that end up in marine environments. It contains an additive that activates the accelerated decomposition of its microplastics. Image Fulgar.

Nurel Neride Bio polyamide 6 (bio-PA6), nylon fibre, is designed to biodegrade in landfill and marine environments. This reduces the potential for microplastics to become pollution during the washing and disposal of textiles. However, anaerobic biodegradation can lead to the production of methane, which must be managed properly as it is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). Image Nurel.

Evo bioplastic by Fulgar is made with a not for feeding castor oil plant grown spontaneously — a renewable resource that does not require high amounts of water nor subtracts arable land for food uses. The fibre is lightweight, moisture wicking and resilient, and available in a range of vivid colours. Image Fulgar.

Xylem and GWT wastewater algae comes from cleaning polluted water and provides the raw material for biodegradable polyester such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The innovative RAB system from GWT uses atmospheric CO2 and sunlight to grow algae on a fixed film, conveyer belt that rotates in and out of a wastewater reservoir. Image GWT (Gross-Wen Technologies).

Evonik Vestamid Terra bio-based polyamide (bio-PA), nylons are made from castor oil. They are durable, long-lasting and offer demanding applications, for example, in the automotive or textile industries. Typical fields of application are extrusion, injection moulding, fibres, powders, and films. Vestamid Terra PA610 is 62% bio-based and PA1010 is 100%. Image Evonik.

UPM Formi EcoAce is a bio-based polypropylene (bio-PP) produced from bio-based naphtha, which is made from crude tall oil, a byproduct of the paper pulp process. The bio-composite version contains certified wood fibre (40-60%) or cellulose fibres (30-50%). Based almost entirely on renewable materials, it provides a drop-in replacement for fossil-based PP. It is recyclable and suitable for food contact applications.

Traceless bio-based packaging materials are being developed as a drop-in replacement for conventional fossil-based plastics such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). The material is derived from second-generation biomass which would typically be sold as animal feed. The home compostable materials under development include coatings, films, and rigid packaging. Image Traceless.

TômTex bio-based leather-like material that is made with chitosan – a biopolymer derived from chitin from waste shrimp, crab and lobster shells as well as fish scales – mixed with food waste. Currently under development, it promises to be biodegradable and durable while remaining soft enough to be hand-stitched or machine-sewn. Image TômTex.

Technoform bio-based polyamide (bio-PA), nylon, is produced from castor oil, polymerised into nylon. Image Technoform.

Technipol Bio by Sipol is a range of biodegradable co-polyesters with up to 90% renewable ingredients, based on polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT) and polybutylene succinate (PBS), for example. Properties range from low melt-temperature resins suitable as hot melt adhesive (shoe making) to relatively high hardness and high melting temperature bioplastic with performances close to polypropylene (PP). Image Sipol.

Super Sap by Entropy Resins is a modified epoxy that contains 15-37% bio based ingredients (bio-EP). These ingredients are sourced from waste streams, such as wood pulp or biofuel production. A range of resins exist, suitable as replacements for conventional petroleum-derived epoxies, from ultra-clear casting through laminating and compression moulding.

Sulapac includes an innovative range of bio-based plastics and composites suitable for injection moulding, thermoforming and 3D printing. Various biodegradable polyesters are blended to ensure optimum properties depending on the requirements. Including wood or other water absorbing additives draws moisture into the plastic and so initiates biodegradation from within, accelerating the composting process. This opens up a wider range of applications, especially within packaging. Ranging from 70-100% renewable ingredients, the materials are industrially compostable and recyclable. Image Sulapac.

Sorona by DuPont is a partially bio-based polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyester. With up to one-third renewable ingredients, it is available as a polyester fibre and injection moulded compound. As such it is suitable for a range of applications, from interior textiles and carpets to faux fur, through product housings and engineering components. Image DuPont.

Soleic partially bio-based and biodegradable polyurethane resin (bio-PUR) by Algenesis. The monomers are created from algae oil and engineered to biodegrade. Currently 52% bio-based, there is development ongoing to increase this to 98%. Image Algenesis.

Bio-Fluff Savian faux fur is a mixture of cellulose and bast fibres. They transform materials such as nettle, hemp and flax – approximately 50% of which can be sourced from agricultural waste streams – into luxurious textile fibre that mimics fur, fleece and shearling. Image Bio-Fluff.

Rilsan bio-based polyamide 11 (bio-PA11), nylon, by Arkema is made from castor oil. It is 100% bio-based, suitable for a range of applications and manufacturing processes including extrusion, blow moulding, injection moulding, rotation moulding and 3D printing. Image Arkema.

Rezign bio-based and recycled panels are made with waste textile, flax, hemp and starch-based biodegradable binder. Available in a range of formats, they are suitable for furniture, interiors and acoustic panels. Image Rezign.

ReSound bio-based thermoplastic elastomer (bio-TPE) by Avient (formerly PolyOne) utilise between 40-50% content derived from sugarcane, and offer hardness levels and performance comparable to standard TPE. Image Avient.

Radilon partially bio-based polyamide 610 (bio-PA610), nylon fibre, by Radici is made with sebacic acid derived from castor oil. It contains 63% bio-based monomer. Image Radici.

Procel by Natural Material Studio is handmade from protein-based bioplastic, mixed with softening agents, pigments and additives. Here it is used as hanging screens in the Åben brewery restaurant, Copenhagen, made with waste from the Åben brewing process that takes place just down the road.

Piñatex partially bio-based leather-like fabric by Ananas Anam is made up of a nonwoven fabric with 80% pineapple fibre from waste pineapple leaves mixed with 20% polylactic acid (PLA), coated with polyurethane resin (PUR). Image Ananas Anam.

Phact is an amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a biodegradable polyester produced by CJ Biomaterials, that is suitable for food contact applications including rigid and flexible packaging, food serviceware and other products. Amorphous PHA is relatively soft and rubbery, offering fundamentally different performance characteristics than crystalline or semi-crystalline forms of the biopolymer. It is a bio-based material that is certified for industrial and home compost, soil biodegradable and marine biodegradable. When combined with other bioplastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA), it enhances the biodegradability and compostability of products. Image CJ Biomaterials.

Pebax bio-based elastomer by Arkema is a polyether block amide (PEBA) produced from castor beans. These are high performance materials with good strength-to-weight, impact resistance, low temperature performance (low cold temperature stiffening), high resistance to fatigue, and good chemical resistance. Image Hoka.

PaperFoam consists of starch, natural fibres, water and a proprietary premix. It provides a lightweight, protective and home compostable packaging solution. It provides a bio-based and biodegradable alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS), styrofoam. Image PaperFoam.

Nuatan bio-based plastic from Crafting Plastics is made with polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA). They are formed by 3D printing, injection moulding, extrusion and CNC machining. They are suitable for industrial composting end of life. Image Crafting Plastics.

Nexis partially bio-based polyamide 610 (bio-PA610), nylon fibre, is made with sebacic acid derived from castor oil. It contains 63% bio-based monomer. Image Nexis.

Mater-bi starch-based bioplastic by Novamont can be used in a wide variety of packaging applications including bags, pouches, sealing films, cling film plus ridged pots, trays and lids. It is designed to be used on existing blown, cast film, thermoformed and injection moulding equipment used for traditional plastics. Image Novamont.

Mango Materials bio-based polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) biodegradable polyester provides an alternative to fossil-based synthetics in fashion, textiles and injection moulded products. They are pioneering a process with YOPP+ to convert excess methane into PHA. Image Mango Materials.

Luminy by Total Corbion includes a portfolio of bio-based and industrially compostable polylactic acid (PLA) includes both high heat and standard PLA grades and is used in a wide range of markets from packaging to durable consumer goods and electronics. Image Total Corbion.

Evoco Fates 70-80% bio-based polyurethane foam (bio-PUR) for shoe insoles.

Estane Eco partially bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (bio-TPU) by Lubrizol contains 30-70% bio-based ingredients. They are suitable for textiles, coatings, foams and mouldings. Image Lubrizol.

EcoPaXX by DSM is a high-performance 72% bio-based polyamide (bio-PA410), nylon, that combines low moisture uptake with high mechanical performance. The bio-based content is produce from castor oil and the balance is fossil based. It is suitable for packaging, plumbing and water management systems, household equipment, automotive and electrical. Image DSM.

Celium bacterial cellulose leather by Polybion is produced by feeding bacteria with agro-industrial fruit waste. The cellulose structure is a metabolic by-product. Once formed, Celium’s cell-based membrane undergoes a stabilisation process to achieve its high-performance characteristics. Image Polybion/Ganni.

Cardia Bioplastics Compostable starch-based bioplastic films for bags, paper coatings and laminates, blow mouldings and cast film. The material is suitable for composting in home or industrial facilities. Image Cardia Bioplastics.

Biopure bio-recycled polyester by Protein Evolution is made from rigid packaging waste and industrial textile strappings. Protein Evolution uses AI-designed enzymes to break down polyester (PET) waste into the raw materials of new polyester that are indistinguishable to the petroleum-derived raw materials used in polyester manufacturing. The process is capable of handling a variety of waste streams, from plastic bottles and clam-shells, to industrial textiles and garments. Image Stella McCartney.

BioPBS polybutylene succinate (PBS) produced in a joint venture between Mitsubishi Chemical Company and PTT Global Chemical Public Company. This grade of biodegradable co-polyester is derived from biomass, such as sugarcane and cassava, and decomposes into water and CO2 with the microorganism under the soil in ambient conditions (30 degC) – it is suitable for home composting and doesn’t require any specialised facilities. PBS has relatively good heat resistance compared to other biodegradable plastics and can be converted into a fibre. It is applied as a coating to paper, such as for disposable coffee cups, as an injection moulding resin and flexible packaging. Image Mitsubishi.

Biolo bioplastic film packaging manufactured from plant-based polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), biodegradable polyester, and suitable for home composting. Biolo are a subsidiary of Columbia Packaging Group with expertise in flexographic printing and conversion, providing high-quality bag, pouch, and roll stock products. Image Biolo.

BioFoam by Bewi is an expanded polylactic acid (EPLA), providing an alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) in packaging applications. Image Bewi.

Bio-Flex by FKuR is a certified industrially compostable and partially bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) suitable for flexible film applications, such as agricultural, household and hygiene films, but are also used in injection moulded products or thermoformed articles. Image FKuR.

Balena BioCir partially bio-based thermoplastic elastomer (bio-TPE) contains 50-85% bio-based ingredients. It is suitable for injection moulding, extrusion, and 3D printing with filaments or pellets, and is industrially compostable end of life. Image Balena.

Avani compostable bio-based plastic packaging films are produced from starch derived from cassava. It is home compostable and recyclable with paper. Image Avani.

Avantium polyethylene furanoate (PEF), bio-based polyester is suitable as a fossil-free replacement for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, such as in packaging applications. It is recyclable, but not biodegradable. Image Avantium.

DSM Arnitel Eco is a high-performance partially bio-based thermoplastic co-polyester elastomer (bio-TPC) made with rapeseed oil. It is suitable for use in consumer products (providing soft touch in 2k injection moulding applications), sports, textile membranes, automotive, furniture (suspension fabrics) and packaging. Image Sympatex.

Arboform by Tecnaro, also called liquid wood, is made up of around 30% lignosulfonate (LS) – a byproduct of papermaking – 60% fibre and around 10% polylactic acid (PLA) additives. While preparation is not quite the same as for conventional plastics, it can be injection moulded on regular thermoplastic forming machines. The recipe depends on the requirements of the application.

Apilon 52 bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (bio-TPU) by Trinseo contains raw materials from renewable sources and offer the same performance as traditional fossil-based TPUs. This family of materials includes soft and rigid, as well as transparent, grades suitable for fashion and footwear applications. Image Trinseo.

Akro Plastics Akromid partially bio-based polyamide (bio-PA), is a range of nylons (PA6, PA610, PA11) manufactured from castor oil, corn or sunflower oil, for example. Image Akro Plastics.