Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our plant-based biopolymer resins
What Are Plant-Based Plastics?
Plant-based plastics (also called bioplastics or biopolymers) are materials derived from renewable agricultural resources rather than petroleum. PlastScience's biopolymer resins are created from crop-derived materials including modified starches, cellulose derivatives, and other plant-based components. They combine the performance characteristics of traditional plastics with complete biodegradability.
Our biopolymer resins are created through a combination of:
- Chemical reaction: Proprietary processes that transform plant-based feedstocks into polymer building blocks
- Biological fermentation: Biotechnological production of polymer ingredients through controlled fermentation
- Renewable plasticizers: Plant-derived compounds for flexibility
- Natural strengthening agents: Natural reinforcement for durability
Our biopolymer resins are designed for a wide range of applications including:
- Tableware: Disposable cutlery, plates, bowls, cups, and straws
- Packaging: Food containers, clamshells, and protective packaging
- Films: Shopping bags, produce bags, and packaging films
- Molded goods: Consumer products and specialty applications
How Do Your Biopolymers Biodegrade?
Our plant-based biopolymers undergo complete biodegradation through natural processes:
- Hydrolysis: Moisture triggers initial polymer chain breakdown
- Enzymatic action: Natural enzymes from microorganisms break down plant-based components
- Microbial consumption: Microorganisms consume polymer fragments
- Complete mineralization: Final conversion to water, CO2, and biomass
Biodegradation time depends on environmental conditions:
- Industrial composting: 3-6 months for complete breakdown
- Home composting: 6-12 months
- Soil burial: 8-18 months
- Marine environment: 6-24 months
No. Our plant-based biopolymers undergo complete mineralization, breaking down into water, carbon dioxide, and minerals. They do not leave microplastics or toxic residues, making them safe for soil, freshwater, marine environments, and composting systems.
Are Your Materials Food-Contact Safe?
Yes, our PlastScience P100 formulation is specifically designed for food-contact applications. It meets FDA requirements for direct food contact and is suitable for hot and cold food items. The materials contain no harmful chemicals or heavy metals.
How Do They Compare to PLA, TPS, PBAT, and Conventional Plastics?
| Property | PlastScience Biopolymers | PLA |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Resistance | Good (60-80°C) | Lower (55-60°C) |
| Flexibility Options | Rigid to flexible | Primarily rigid |
| Biodegradation | Industrial & home composting | Industrial composting only |
| Cost | Competitive | Similar |
PlastScience biopolymers offer several advantages:
- Higher plant-based content: 100% renewable materials vs. partial bio-content
- Customizable properties: Tunable formulations for specific applications
- Processing compatibility: Works with standard equipment
- Complete biodegradability: No persistent residues
| Property | PlastScience Biopolymers | Conventional Plastics |
|---|---|---|
| Source | 100% plant-based | Petroleum-based |
| Biodegradation | 3-6 months | 200+ years |
| Microplastics | None | Yes |
| Processing | Standard equipment | Standard equipment |
| Performance | Equivalent | Excellent |
Processing & Manufacturing
Yes, our biopolymer resins are designed to be compatible with standard plastic processing equipment including injection molding machines, extruders, and blow molding equipment. Minor temperature adjustments may be needed, but no major equipment modifications are required.
Absolutely. We specialize in creating custom formulations to meet specific application requirements. We can optimize properties such as strength, flexibility, biodegradation rate, color, and processing characteristics to match your exact needs.
Minimum order quantities depend on the specific product and customization level:
- Standard formulations: 1,000 kg minimum
- Custom formulations: 5,000 kg minimum
- Sample quantities: 25-100 kg available for testing
Still Have Questions?
Our technical team is ready to help you find the right biopolymer solution for your application.
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