Bioplastics can be processed into a vast number of products using all the conventional plastics processing technologies. The process parameters of the processing equipment have to be adjusted to the individual specification of each polymer. This is usually not a complex procedure. Machine and plant manufacturers are also getting involved in processing bioplastics on their equipment. They are searching for optimisation possibilities. For this reason, several manufacturers have joined the European Bioplastics association.

Photo: kenafibers.com

Numerous individual production steps are often necessary prior to achieving the finished product. Depending on the requirements, basic materials are modified through compounding with the result that there are different formulations for film or injection moulding types. If it is important that the biodegradability or compostability is maintained, this must be taken into account during the selection of the type of processing and materials. This concerns not only polymers and all additives, but also colourants and labels and stickers on the final product, as well as the contents in the case of packaging. The Certification of compostable products is undertaken by an independent body using strict criteria.

Source: european-bioplastics.org  

Plastic bags are popular with consumers and retailers as they are a functional, lightweight, strong, cheap, and hygienic way to transport food and other products.

Plastic Bags, The Environment And Alternatives
By Michael Bloch

When my parents were growing up, plastic bags were somewhat of a luxury. I remember my mother telling me stories of weekly plastic bag washing - they really made the most of them.

Photo: enn.com

As the plastic bags became cheaper, well, we ended up with the situation we have today. Literally billions of plastic bags discarded that won’t break down in the environment for hundreds of years.

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Dr Pairin Choochodthavorn, the vice manager of PTT Thailand talk about PTT group as the leader of Thailand Petrolium business that support the industry and innovation business strategy. By following Bioplastic’s develop plan of Thailand in 2008-2012.

Photo: pttplc.com

In the step of alternative energy and bioplastic hub of Asia, PTT Thailand group bend on research and develop the alternative energy continuously until produce the environment friendly products for consumer such as Gasohol, Biodiesel etc. Recently, PTT have already prepared the knowledge and manufacture technology about chemical product from natural sources and bioplastic. For more information, visit PTT Group Petrochemicals & Refining Technology Day.

Some companies have been claiming that they have created an additive that can be added to traditional plastics to make them biodegradable. These products become what is called OXO-Degradable, and sometimes is incorrectly identified as OXO-biodegradable.

Photo: boranmopack.com

Although this allows the plastic to return to the environment, these products are not biodegradable. Instead, the additive allows the plastic material to break down physically when exposed to water, into pieces small enough to be accidentally ingested by microbes. However, the microbes are not able to actually break this material down further. The end result is therefore a material that combines biomass with polymer residue. The plastic never decomposes as a result of interaction with the organisms. This process is therefore more accurately called “disintergration” rather than “biodegradation”.

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Dog waste bag for use when you take your dog for walking out side. It’s also bio-plastic products.

Biodegradable Dog Waste Bags - The Only Solution
By Keith King

For those of us who own dogs, especially those city dwellers, there is a common problem that we all face on a daily basis. Dog waste removal is not only a requirement of responsible pet ownership, but in many cities it is the law.

Photo: wormcomposting.ca

The idea of putting something that is 100% biodegradable into plastic bags seems less than earth friendly. Some plastic bags can take up to 100 years to degrade, this is not a solution.

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