Books About Bioplastics

Bioplastics are a form of plastics made from plant materials such as corn starch (polylactic acid), sugar, vegetable oil and cellulose rather than petroleum based plastics. Most bioplastics will biodegrade. Bioplastics are generally regarded as environmentally friendly because their production relies less on fossil fuels than their petroplastic counterparts. Further they emit fewer greenhouse emissions when they biodegrade.

Bioplastics have many applications. One of the most common uses is for packaging materials. However, they are also used in the production of disposable dishware (plates, cups, cutlery, trays), waste bags, carpet fibers, gift cards, plastic pipes, phone casings and soft drink bottles, just to name a few.


Bioplastics types include starch based plastics, representing approximately 50% of the bioplastics market, poly-3-hydroxbutyrate (PHB), polylactic acid plastics, polyamide 11 (PA11) and bio-derived polyethylene. Since bioplastics are derived from renewable biomass resources they make a positive contribution to the protection of our environment. This innovation in the plastics industry will offer exciting opportunities for years to come.