TYPES OF BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS IN THE PACKAGING WORLD

Above all, one of the objectives we have established at RAJA is to select the materials which best respect the environment when manufacturing our packaging. So our efforts to be increasingly Eco-Responsible include, for example, recycled cardboard and paper, recycled plastic and reusable tissue paper. And, likewise, different types of biodegradable plastics, suitable for making the bags or filling chips.

Firstly, biodegradable plastics have seen a very big growth in the polymer industry. So, do you know their characteristics and main advantages? As well as their different origins? If your answer is no… you just need to read on!

What are biodegradable plastics?

In short, biodegradable plastics are different from other plastics because, under certain conditions of temperature and humidity, they are consumed by micro-organisms. Thus, this type of plastics enter an oxidation process that favours their conversion into water, carbon dioxide and biomass. In this way, they reintegrate into the carbon cycle without leaving waste.

In this sense, and unlike biodegradable plastics, conventional plastics only degrade with the action of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Over time, conventional plastic fragments into small particles, the micro-plastics, which do not change their composition and therefore cannot be digested by living beings.

Classification of biodegradable plastics

Biodegradable plastics fall into different categories. Mainly on the basis of their origin and whether or not they can be composted.

a) By origin

• Biodegradable plastics of fossil origin.
• Biodegradable plastics of biological origin or bioplastics.

b) By their compostability

• Non-compostable biodegradable plastics.
• BioComplastics which, according to the Spanish Association of Compostable Biodegradable Plastics (Asobiocom), are defined as plastics of vegetable origin (corn, wheat, potatoes, manioc, stews, etc…), partially vegetable or synthetic. They are therefore: biodegradable and compostable.

How long does it take for biodegradable plastics to decompose?

The decomposition process of biodegradable plastics in the soil is harmless to the environment. It also has another advantage: it is much faster than conventional plastic resins.

As a result, biodegradable plastics are generally suitable for use for a period of around 18 months from the time they are manufactured. Thereafter, they take between one and a half and three years to disappear and be absorbed into nature.

However, and despite its positive implications, the use of biodegradable plastics in the manufacture of packaging gives rise to a problem. In this sense, bioplastics cannot mix with conventional plastics due to recycling, or this would make it impossible to recover the whole batch. When separating the waste, plastics of organic origin should go one way and non-biodegradable ones the other.

Types of biodegradable plastics in containers and packaging

For the manufacture of containers and packaging, we have several types of biodegradable plastics:

• Types of biodegradable plastics of synthetic origin
• PBS (polybutylene succinate). Ideal for bottles, trays and different packaging solutions.
• PES (polyethersulfone). Hydrophilic material widely used in the food industry and also in pharmaceuticals.
• PBAT (polybutylene terephthalate adipate). For example: with good tolerance to heat, this type of plastic is characterised by its flexibility and transparency.
• PCL (polycaprolactone). Very strong, often used to make films.
• TPS (thermoplastic starch). A mixture of polyesters with starches from different plants.

Types of biodegradable plastics of biological origin

• PLA (polylactic acid). Derived from lactic acid made from 100% renewable raw materials. It is therefore suitable for making containers and packaging that are in contact with food.
• PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates). Derived from the bacterial fermentation of vegetable raw materials. They are therefore used in tampons and bags.
• Starch-based bioplastics. More fragile than the above, their great advantage is that they degrade more quickly. However, it should be borne in mind that they are water-soluble.
• Cellulose-based bioplastics. Rigid and with appreciable resistance, these are used to make labels and lids.

RAJA’s commitment to biodegradable plastics

Always at the forefront of environmental care, RAJA has incorporated different types of biodegradable plastics into its packaging catalogue. Two examples of products made with these compounds are:

1. Renature filling chips, made with corn starch, are 100% recyclable, biodegradable and compostable. They are very spongy and ideal for protecting fragile and delicate objects.
2. The plastic bags with handles are 100% biodegradable, made from cereal starch.

You too can join RAJA for a greener world. Take a look at our selection of Eco-Responsible packaging and renew your brand packaging to adapt it to the demands of consumers who are increasingly aware of the value of sustainability. With RAJA you can!