Biopolymers are a class of materials made from renewable biological sources and are often biodegradable or compostable. Unlike conventional plastics derived from petroleum, biopolymers offer a sustainable solution to plastic pollution.
They include natural polymers (e.g., starch, cellulose, proteins) and synthetic bioplastics like PLA, PHA, PBAT, and more.
| Type | Examples | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | Polylactic Acid | Corn starch, sugarcane |
| PHA | Polyhydroxyalkanoates | Bacteria-fermented oils |
| PBAT | Polybutylene adipate terephthalate | Petroleum + biodegradable |
| Starch-Based | Thermoplastic starch (TPS) | Potato, maize, tapioca |
| Cellulose-Based | Cellophane, rayon | Wood pulp, cotton |
| Protein-Based | Soy protein, casein-based polymers | Milk, soy, wheat |
Packaging: Biodegradable films, bags, containers
Agriculture: Mulch films, seed coatings, planting trays
Food Industry: Disposable cutlery, food wrappers
Medical: Sutures, drug delivery, implants
Textiles: Biopolymer-based fibers and threads
3D Printing: PLA filaments
Cosmetics: Sustainable packaging tubes, jars
✅ Made from renewable resources
✅ Biodegradable and compostable
✅ Reduces carbon footprint
✅ Safer for food contact applications
✅ No toxic by-products during degradation
✅ Suitable for circular economy and zero-waste goals
❌ Generally more expensive than petro-based plastics
❌ May require industrial composting for full degradation
❌ Mechanical and thermal properties vary
❌ Limited barrier properties in food packaging applications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.25 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 50–70 MPa |
| Melting Point | 150–160°C |
| Biodegradability | Yes (in composting conditions) |
| Food Contact Safe | Yes |
Feedstock Collection – Corn, sugarcane, or oils
Fermentation – Microorganisms convert sugars to monomers
Polymerization – Monomers are turned into biopolymers (e.g., PLA)
Forming – Via injection molding, film extrusion, or 3D printing
Compostable – Breaks down into CO₂, water, biomass
Mechanical Recycling – Limited in current infrastructure
Chemical Recycling – Emerging technologies for depolymerization
Landfill Safe – Some biopolymers degrade even in anaerobic conditions
India:
NatureWorks India
EnviGreen Biotech
Kaneka India Pvt Ltd
Earthware
Global:
NatureWorks LLC (USA - PLA)
BASF (Germany - Ecovio PBAT)
Total Corbion PLA (Netherlands)
Danimer Scientific (PHA - USA)
Novamont (Italy - Mater-Bi)
Global Market Size: USD 14+ Billion by 2030
Growth Rate: ~13% CAGR
Driving Factors:
Single-use plastic bans
Government subsidies
Eco-conscious consumers
Brand sustainability goals
Post buy offers for bioplastic granules, films, scrap
List biopolymer products for sale (PLA granules, PHA, PBAT blends)
Connect with global and Indian manufacturers and buyers
Explore partnerships for green packaging, OEM, or private labels
Biopolymers are at the forefront of the plastic industry's shift toward sustainability. Their eco-friendly nature, versatility, and rising demand across industries make them an essential category for future-ready businesses. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or manufacturer, Plastic4trade is your platform to connect, trade, and grow in the biopolymer market.
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