Bioplastics

A bioplastic is a plastic that is either biobased and/or biodegradable. Biobased plastic is a type of plastic material made from renewable biological sources—such as corn starch, vegetable fats, or sugarcane—instead of traditional fossil fuels. Some bioplastics, whether biobased or fossil based, are also biodegradable, designed to decompose completely via natural processes.¹

Bioplastics

Biobased

Bioplastics are derived from biobased sources, meaning their carbon originates from renewable plant materials rather than fossil fuels. The core principle is simple: follow the carbon as it moves from the atmosphere into plants and eventually into plastic products.

What It Means

Made (partially or fully) from renewable biological sources like plants, corn, sugarcane, or algae instead of fossil fuels.

Focus

Where the material comes from.

Important Notes

A biobased product is not necessarily biodegradable. The carbon absorbed by the plants from the atmosphere helps to offset emissions throughout the manufacturing process. Biobased plastic can be used in both durable and fast-moving applications. Based on the polymer type and application, biobased plastic products can be either recycled or composted.

Biodegradable

Biodegradable plastics are designed to break down through the action of living organisms, typically microbes such as bacteria or fungi. Under the right environmental conditions, they degrade into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, leaving minimal or no toxic residue.

What It Means

Can be broken down naturally by microbes (bacteria, fungi, etc.) into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass over time.

Focus

What happens at the end of its life.

Important Notes

A biodegradable product is not necessarily biobased—some petroleum-based plastics are engineered to biodegrade. Biodegradability does not mean that these products should be littered. All manufactured products should be properly disposed of through contained waste management channels. Compostability is a type of biodegradability in which products break down under specified conditions of time, temperature, and moisture.

Did you know?

North America is the second largest producer of bioplastics in the world, with an annual production capacity of approximately 0.89 billion pounds of bioplastic resin.