Category: Blog

Industrials using bio-based materials often encounter supply difficulties. Does this mean that bio-based materials are rare?

In this article, we will see that this is not the case. On the contrary, biomass is a considerable source of carbon that expands the application fields of bio-based materials!

 

Bio-based materials, what are we talking about?

According to the NF EN 16575 standard, a bio-based material is:

• Wholly or partly derived from biomass
• Of both animal and plant origin
• Typically derived from agricultural or forestry co-products

 

Biomass : a broad definition The sources of bio-based material are numerous because the concept of biomass encompasses “the mass constituted by all living beings present on the planet.” Therefore, while current bio-based materials are mostly of agricultural or forestry origin, any source of carbon of biological origin can be used in the production of bio-based materials: algae, organic waste, etc.

 

Partially bio-based products

To be considered bio-based, a material may be partially composed of biomass-derived matter.

The bio-based portion varies depending on the products!

The “Bio-based Product” label has thus been created to certify materials that incorporate a significant proportion of bio-based content. Minimum thresholds are set by material families.

To determine the amount of renewable carbon contained in a material, a carbon 14 dating method is used (according to ASTM D6866, ISO 16620 standards, etc.).

 

The scarcity of bio-based materials is a myth!

According to a study¹, the total biomass on Earth is estimated at 550 gigatonnes (GT) of carbon (GT C), with 450 GT C coming from plants alone.

But plants are not the only sources of biological carbon!

Indeed, microorganisms are also a very important source. Here is the distribution in GT of carbon:

• Bacteria: 70
• Fungi: 12
• Archaea (archaebacteria): 7
• Protists: 4

Finally, the animal kingdom should not be forgotten either, as it represents 2 GT C, mostly distributed among arthropods (1.2) and fish (0.7).

The biomass of the oceans² only accounts for 1% of the total biomass. This is a surprising figure considering that the oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface!

If biomass is ubiquitous, then where does this apparent “scarcity” of bio-based materials come from, especially concerning bioplastics?

 

The issue of commercial availability of bio-based materials

As detailed in another article, bio-based materials mainly suffer from a lack of commercial availability.

This situation is quite normal, as for the industry, these materials are relatively new. The bio-based sector is still young, and production capacities are not always in line with demands (BioPE, BPS, PHA, PLA, etc.).

The advantage of biomass is its availability since it is found all around us, unlike oil, whose reserves are unevenly distributed on Earth. To exploit biomass, it is therefore sufficient to search for relevant reserves and try to cultivate them!

This innovative approach, which is beginning to take root in minds, is the one undertaken by Lactips.

Finally, working with bio-based materials also means improving the economic resilience of one’s territory!

 

A situation that will improve The biopolymers industry is currently undergoing structuring, and production capacities are expected to triple within the next 5 years. According to a study conducted by European Bioplastics3, in 2023 the bioplastics industry was operating at full capacity, indicating strong demand. To meet this demand, “the global production capacity of bioplastics is expected to increase significantly, from approximately 2.18 million tonnes in 2023 to around 7.43 million tonnes in 2028.”

 

Multiple deposits of bio-based materials

Various sources of biomass can be exploited to create bio-based materials. Here are some examples.

Food-origin biomass:

• Vegetables oils – soybean, palm, sunflower…
• Starch – corn, potato…
• Glucose – sugarcane, beet…

Non food-origin biomass:

• Lignocellulosic Biomass – Wood, wood co-products, agricultural waste…
• Non-Food Vegetable Oils – castor oil and waste from oil production…

Non-Food-Origin, Soilless Cultivable Biomass:

• Sugars
• Oils produced by microorganisms
• Municipal waste

Moreover, this list is far from exhaustive, as new materials will continue to enter the market, thanks to innovation and the multiple deposits of exploitable biomass!

Examples of innovation

• LACTIPS: natural material based on proteins
• Chitosan⁴: polymer based on chitin from shellfish
• Agarose⁵: polymer derived from agar-agar, hence from marine algae

 

The numerous industrial applications of bio-based materials

Regulatory developments (AGEC, EGALIM) have promoted the development of bio-based materials and their use in the food packaging sector in particular.

• BioPET: bio-based PET bottle packaging
• BioPE: shampoo bottles, garbage bags
• PBS/PBSA/PBAT: flexible packaging
• Etc.

But the packaging sector is not the only one interested, and industrial applications are multiplying or under study.

• PHA: cutlery, toys, consumer products
• BioTPE: shoes, watch straps, sports articles
• BioPA – PA11⁶: high-performance industrial parts (aerospace, automotive, medical, etc.)

 

Conclusion

Bio-based materials are not strictly rare in the literal sense; however, their availability is often problematic.

Fortunately, the situation is evolving in the right direction because the bio-based materials sector is undergoing significant development, and industrial opportunities are only going to increase!

 

Do you want to boost the biodegradability of your plastic products?

 

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¹ https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1711842115

² https://www.fondationbiodiversite.fr/repartition-globale-de-la-biomasse-au-sein-de-la-biosphere

³ https://www.european-bioplastics.org/market/

⁴ https://www.ledevoir.com/environnement/542215/des-crustaces-qui-font-du-plastique

⁵ https://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/l-industrie-c-est-fou-une-designer-cree-du-bioplastique-a-partir-d-agar-agar.N796015

⁶ https://www.initial.fr/nouvelle-matiere-pa11-biosource/

 

Controversial for several years now, PFAS are a group of artificial chemical substances manufactured and used in various industries worldwide.

The OECD defines them as “fluorinated substances containing at least one fully fluorinated methyl or methylene carbon atom (without attached H/Cl/Br/I atom), meaning that with few exceptions, any chemical substance containing at least one perfluoroalkyl methyl group (-CF3) or perfluoroalkyl methylene group (-CF2-) is a PFAS.” This carbon-fluorine bond, being extremely stable, makes them degrade very slowly. Hence, PFAS are dubbed as “forever chemicals”.

 

Current situation overview

 

Recently, a mapping  has revealed the extent of pollution in Europe. They are found in groundwater (drinking water, agricultural irrigation water), surface waters (lakes, rivers, etc.), soils, eggs, our blood and our hair (found in 94% of the people tested in the study!).

Considering that the revision of the European directive (directive 2020/2184 of 12/16/2020 concerning the quality of WFD, water intended for human consumption) proposes a maximum of 500 ng/L (for all PFAs) in drinking water, and observing the levels in certain areas, particularly in Northern Europe (72 800 000 ng/L found in a groundwater sample in Zwijndrecht, Belgium), it is clear that this is an extremely alarming issue.

RTBF is not exempt from this awareness. A few months ago, a documentary project was initiated to highlight alternative solutions to the use of PFAS in food packaging. In response to the Belgian national channel’s request, Lactips stepped forward.

 

Legislative Developments

 

In France, a bill aims to ban PFAS in cosmetics, clothing textiles, and ski waxes, then in all textiles by 2030. It was passed in the first reading in the National Assembly on April 5th. Many still regret the lack of ambition because not all products are targeted.

As a reminder, in 2022, a bill aimed to ban the addition of polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging and containers, kitchen utensils, technological auxiliaries, toys, childcare articles, baby diapers, and intimate hygiene protection products as of 2025.

Furthermore, five European countries (Norway, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden) have proposed a complete ban on all types of PFAs.

At the EU level, for now, the ban would cover PFAS in food contact materials (PPWR) by 2026.

 

In the US, there are also movements: On February 28th, the FDA announced that PFAS used in grease-resistant agents for food packaging are no longer sold in the United States.

 

Solutions exist

 

To address this urgent health and environmental issue while aligning with future regulations, LACTIPS has been working for 10 years to combat microplastic pollution. It now offers a concrete solution to the PFAS issue in the paper food packaging sector through the development of a coating that substitutes for the use of PFAS.

PFAS, long favored by industries for their excellent technical properties, no longer fit the current context due to their environmental toxicity and impact on human health.

 

A similar future for microplastics?

 

 

The packaging industry is gradually turning towards more sustainable packaging solutions, composed mainly of bio-based and/or biodegradable materials. Although this transition is necessary, finding a balance between environmental and economic aspects is crucial.

In this article, we will address the financial issues that condition the widespread adoption of biodegradable materials.

What are the main biodegradable plastic materials?

 

PLA

This aliphatic polyester is obtained from sugars such as corn starch, beet, or sugarcane.

It is the oldest and best-known biodegradable plastic, compostable in an industrial environment.

PHA

This polymer is naturally produced by microorganisms, 100% biodegradable and compostable both domestically and industrially.

PHA is mainly formed by injection molding.

PBS/PBSA

Poly(butylene succinate), or PBS, is also a polyester. While it was long produced from petro-sourced materials, current PBS is generally 50% bio-based and mostly compostable.

PBSA, or polybutylene succinate adipate, is 35% bio-based, very flexible, and biodegradable.

Le PBAT

Poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) is a biodegradable polyester copolymer. Highly flexible, it is a very good candidate for replacing PE film packaging.

Other materials and innovations

Other materials exist, including starch-based compounds, cellulose, and BioTPE. Among these partially bio-based materials, some references are also biodegradable.

 

Biodegradable under what conditions?	Industrial compost	Home compost	Soil	Water
BioTPE (TPU, SEBS, etc.)	Some references	No	No	No
PLA	Yes	No	No	No
PHA	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PBS/PBSA	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
PBAT/PCL	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Cellulosic	Some references	Some references	Some references	Some references
Starch based	Yes	Yes	Yes	Some references

Source: Presentation of NaturePlast during the Polyvia Materials Purchasing Day, organized in October 2021.

 

 

The importance of accelerated biodegradation  Most biodegradable polymers on the market are certified as biodegradable for thin products, around a hundred micrometers thick, and some manufacturers achieve up to a millimeter in standardized tests for home composting, but without certification. Fortunately, it is possible to accelerate this biodegradation by adding additives (including enzymes and bacteria) or by mixing the material with a biodegradable polymer such as CareTips® resin.

 

Biodegradable polymers: more expensive than traditional plastics

According to Polyvia, in October 2023, the prices of polyethylene were as follows:

• LDPE : between 1,55 and 1,65 €/kg 
• HDPE : between 1,60 and 1,70 €/kg 
• LLDPE : between 1,75 and 1,90 €/kg 

Comparing these figures with the prices of bioplastics, we can see that:

• BioPE is at least twice as expensive as HDPE or LDPE
• The price gap reaches a factor of 5 for biodegradable polymers such as PHA and PBS

 

Polymer	Availability	Price range (€/kg)	Biodegradable
BioPET	Limited offers	2 to 2,5	No
BioPE	High demand, tight market	3 to 3,5	No
BioPP	Limited capacities	3,5	No
BioPA	Often made to order or high demand	6 to 18	No
BioTPE (TPU, SEBS, etc.)	Often made to order	5 to 8	In some cases
PLA	High demand, new players entering	3 to 3,5	Yes
PHA	Limited capacities	6 to 8	Yes
PBS	High demand, tight market	4 to 8	Yes
Cellulosic	Good	4 to 6	In some cases
Starch based	Good	4 to 5	Yes

Source: Presentation of NaturePlast during the Polyvia Materials Purchasing Day, organized in October 2021.

 

What are the financial constraints for manufacturers of biodegradable polymers?

 

• Cost of raw materials

As mentioned earlier, the high costs of bioplastics do not encourage industrialists to use these materials.

These costs are partly due to the use of more expensive raw materials such as starch, vegetable oils, and cane sugar. However, this situation is expected to evolve thanks to innovation.

 

• Cost of adapting production equipment

The production of bioplastics requires different manufacturing processes from those used for traditional plastics, notably involving processes from the biotechnology sector.

Adapting current processes requires investments and thus entails additional costs for industrialists.

 

How to generalize biodegradable alternatives and increase their profitability?

 

Economies of scales

This is one of the main levers to reduce the cost of biodegradable materials: accelerating production to achieve economies of scale and increase the availability of these new materials.

The situation is expected to evolve in the right direction: according to European Bioplastics, the annual production capacity of bioplastics, whether bio-based or biodegradable, will be multiplied by 3 by 2027.

 

 

Innovation in production

Innovation also plays a significant role in reducing production costs. The emergence of new, simpler, and more environmentally friendly production processes will thus lead to obtaining less expensive materials.

Example: In the “classic” PLA manufacturing process, the lactide used is synthesized via a two-step process that is very expensive and generates a significant amount of waste.

Two Belgians, Michiel Dusselier and Bert Sels, have developed a PLA manufacturing method with a single step, using a catalyst based on synthetic zeolite. This innovative process, which is less energy-intensive and economical in raw materials, could reduce the total production cost of PLA by 30%.

 

Regulatory developments

The current European regulations tend to favor recycling, which slows down the emergence of biodegradable solutions.

However, the growth of biodegradable polymers seems inevitable, given the projected explosion in global plastic consumption.

 

Collection bags for biodegradable polymer piowaste: an ADEME approved application Several European countries have already implemented the collection of biowaste, and France has been part of it since January 1, 2024. For collection, Italy, which is a leader in this field, has opted for the use of biodegradable plastic bags. In France, ADEME also considers this solution relevant if it “contributes to increasing the quantities of valorized biowaste and does not disrupt waste treatment channels”.

 

Conclusion

Available biodegradable materials are increasing, and new innovations will continue to emerge in the coming years. However, their adoption by industrialists will depend on their accessibility in terms of both economics and production capacity.

Facing with the risks of scarcity or rising costs, packaging industry professionals will also need to demonstrate resilience, notably by integrating the use of multiple materials into their processes.

 

Do you want to boost the biodegradability of your plastic products?

 

Download our white paper!

 

 

3 days, 1700 exhibitors, and nearly 22,000 visitors. These are the figures for the 2024 edition of the CFIA in Rennes, which took place from March 12th to 14th. Lactips had the opportunity to participate in this essential event in the agri-food sector, thereby consolidating its status as a pioneer in the world of natural materials, by offering a sustainable solution for plastic-free food packaging.

 

A changing ecological, health and regulatory context

 

Indeed, at a time when concerns are growing about PFAS and the dangers they pose, and when recycling packaging is becoming increasingly necessary and demanding, we were able to present our solution, CareTips®, during this edition.

Firstly, let’s recall that PFAS, present in many of our everyday consumer product packaging (such as primary food packaging), are now a major environmental and health concern. Persistent, these dangerous chemicals are found as micro-particles in our bodies and in the environment, with harmful consequences, leading to their prohibition in food packaging as early as 2026.

Our CareTips® pellets, which are coated onto paper packaging to provide sealing functionalities and a barrier against fats and mineral oils, while being natural, plastic and PFAS-free, and 100% water-soluble, are therefore an asset not only to limit the use of PFAS but also during paper recycling. Certified by the stringent recyclability protocols PTS and CEPI, our product ensures the recovery of almost 100% of paper fibers, unlike paper coated with petroleum-derived materials.

 

A concrete response with a finished product

 

2024 is also a particularly special year, as it coincides with the 10-year anniversary of Lactips.

And over the course of 10 years, significant progress has been made, both in terms of research and development, and in terms of market expansion and commercial collaborations. This now enables us to proudly present not only our solution but also very tangible applications, such as our flagship collaboration with CGP Coating. This partnership has allowed us to finalize two packaging developments: for la Mère Poulard biscuits and Mademoiselle Desserts’ chocolate cake. The latter, tested with consumers in the bars of TGV Inoui trains at the end of 2023, was a great success thanks to its plastic-free sealed paper packaging. 38% of consumers chose the chocolate cake for its paper packaging, and 46% because it was the only product offered that was not made of plastic.

 

If you wish to know more about our Plastic Free Paper ™ innovation, please watch the interview of our product innovation manager Benoît Berny for Emballages Magazine.

 

Shall we say “see you next year”?

 

On a human level, the CFIA has left a mark on the Lactips teams with increasingly enriching exchanges, which we are certain will lead to beautiful future collaborations. We are extremely proud to be part of the transition towards virtuous food packaging of tomorrow. So, for that too, thank you, and see you at the CFIA in Rennes in 2025! In the meantime, we invite you to watch the filmed interview of Bernard Davroux, business development manager, by Fabrice Peltier!

 

 

You missed the event? Don’t worry! You can always contact our teams, who will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with all the technical and market information you need!

 

 

Do you wish to know more about 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿™?

 

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To reduce the amounts of petroleum used by the plastic industry, there are several complementary strategies:

• Elimination of plastic unnecessary for essential needs
• Lightening of parts and packaging
• Integration of recycled materials (MPR)
• Use of bio-based raw materials

Here is an overview of bio-based alternatives to widely consumed materials such as PE and PP.

 

Bio-based Alternatives to PE and PP

Bio-based and biodegradable biopolymers

 

The most well-known bio-based and biodegradable polymers are PLA, PHA, and PBS/PBSA.

While PLA and PHA are 100%bio-based, PLA is only compostable under industrial composting conditions, whereas PHA is also :

• Compatible with home compost
• Biodegradable in water
• Biodegradable in soil

PBS is also compostable, at home and in industrial environments, but is not currently entirely bio-based.

Biodegradable under what conditions?	Industrial compost	Home compost	Soil	Water
BioTPE (TPU, SEBS, etc.)	Some references	No	No	No
PLA	Yes	No	No	No
PHA	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PBS/PBSA	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
PBAT/PCL	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Cellulosic	Some references	Some references	Some references	Some references
Starch based	Yes	Yes	Yes	Some references

Source: Presentation of NaturePlast during the Polyvia Materials Purchasing Day, organized in October 2021.

 

New biopolymers resulting from R&D efforts These materials are recent on an industrial scale, and the emergence of new formulations in the market requires sustained R&D efforts. Among these new materials, we find natural polymers based on proteins, cellulose, algae, as well as biocomposites made of bioplastic resin and plant fibers.

 

Biopolymers exclusively bio-based

Caution: not all bio-based polymers are biodegradable!

This is the case for bioPE and bioPP, which are bio-based equivalents to PE and PP plastics. They have the same properties as conventional PE and PP, are potentially recyclable, and are also easy to process using traditional methods.

The only difference: they are derived from sugarcane, molasses, or vegetable oils rather than petroleum.

 

Bio-based, biodegradable or recyclable: which direction to take?

 

Use of bio-sourced materials, biodegradable substances, incorporation of recycled materials (MPR): industries cannot overlook these circular economy practices.

What material to choose as a substitute for traditional petroleum-based plastics?

What strategy to adopt when, for the same process, in the same market, several solutions are possible?

Let’s take the example of a food paper packaging

For this application, two major market transformers have chosen to position themselves on two very different solutions:

• On one hand, a 100% natural and recyclable solution;
• On the other hand, a 100% bio-based solution, not necessarily recyclable. The selection of materials thus largely depends on choices. These choices are motivated by both the company’s long-term vision, its environmental policy, and by techno-economic criteria!

 

The chosen solutions also depend on geographic regions The trends in selection between bio-based, biodegradable, and recyclable materials vary significantly depending on countries and local political choices. It is known that European regulations tend to favor recycling. This is not the case in the United States, as the country lags behind in available infrastructure. American regulations therefore strongly encourage the use of biodegradable materials, as the country has ample land available for composting facilities. Regarding available materials, there are also significant disparities. For example, some grades of PHA for films are only available in Japan, while Europe mainly has access to grades for injection molding. However, these trends are likely to evolve, as the bioplastics market is still young.

 

Examples of companies that innovate and turn to bio-based materials

LEGO is switching from recyclable materials to bio-based ones!

This was big news in 2023. After 2 years of testing and experimenting with over 250 material variations, the world’s leading toy manufacturer, Danish company LEGO, has decided to abandon its mass production project of bricks made from recycled PET.

This decision is all the more surprising considering that the process had just been approved by the FDA and EFSA! So, what are the reasons behind this abandonment? LEGO simply adhered to environmental reality: after conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA), it appears that with current processes, carbon emissions would be higher when switching to rPET.

Instead of rPET, LEGO decides to focus on reuse, brick refurbishment, and also the use of bio-based plastics! Since 2018, a production line using bio-based PE has been in operation, and LEGO is also turning to PLA.

 

Coca-Cola is offering bottles made 100% from plant-based sources

In 2009, Coca-Cola introduced its “PlantBottle ^™” a PET bottle partially bio-based, as it was made from bioMEG derived from sugarcane and petro-sourced terephthalic acid (PTA).

Since 2009, the group has continued to innovate, with technologies evolving significantly. The new prototypes produced in 2021 are now 100% plant-based. Firstly, the PTA used is manufactured from bio-based paraxylene (bPX), using a green chemistry process owned by the company Virent.

Secondly, Coca-Cola has partnered with the Chinese company Changchun Meihe Science & Technology to produce bioMEG from raw materials sourced from sawmills and by-products of the wood industry.

Lastly, the group is clearly committed to developing a supply chain, as Coca-Cola has authorized companies like Heinz to use the technology behind this new type of bottle.

 

Do you want to boost the biodegradability of your plastic products?

 

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In the face of environmental challenges, we urgently need to move away from our dependence on fossil fuels, particularly petroleum. Fortunately, the packaging industry now has a range of alternative bio-based and biodegradable solutions.

 

Bio-based food packaging 

Bio-based plastic: definition     According to the NF EN 16575 standard, a bio-based product is: Wholly or partly derived from biomass Of animal or plant origin Mainly derived from agricultural or forestry co-products

 

What are some potential solutions for switching to petroleum-free packaging?

 

• Recyclable paper and cardboard

Paper/cardboard is made from cellulose. This material is therefore the main example of bio-based packaging and has the advantage of being highly recyclable. There has also been an increase in its use since the use of plastic secondary packaging for fruit and vegetables was banned in January 2022.

Examples: Greaseproof paper and cardboard for takeaway food, biscuit and chocolate packaging, etc.

 

• PLA

Polylactic acid, or PLA, is a polyester-type biopolymer of plant origin produced via the lactic fermentation of a sugar.

This sugar is generally corn starch, but it can also be extracted from sugar cane, wheat or beetroot.

It is currently the best-known and most widely used bio-based plastic.

Examples: Thermoformed PLA trays for packaging foods with a short shelf life. PLA yoghurt cups.

 

• Other bio-based materials and innovations

There are other bio-based plastics, some of which are also biodegradable: these include PHAs and PBS.

Innovation also plays an important role in the search for new bio-based polymers, as any material derived from biomass can be used: microalgae, lignin, tannins, fatty acids, milk proteins, etc.

 

The advantages of bio-based solutions

 

• Reducing our dependence on petroleum

Petroleum-based polymers consume 44 million tonnes of petroleum every year in Europe alone!

 

 

Unlike fossil fuels, the use of biomass was an integral part of a sustainable world – a world from which we departed!

Source: The conversation 

 

Extending the use of bio-based materials would therefore avoid the need to use petroleum and would provide the possibility of a plastics economy that would be less dependent on petroleum prices, while at the same time reducing the resource’s payback period.

 

• Using renewable resources

Bio-based materials are renewable, meaning that they can be regenerated for new uses on a human time scale. Of course, to be virtuous, the exploitation of bio-based resources must be sustainable and rational and must not lead to deforestation.

 

The recent “ReShaping Plastics” study has shaken up the plastics industry, showing that the measures taken to recycle and reduce the use of certain single-use plastics will not achieve the targets set. In addition to recycling and reuse, the use of bio-based materials as a substitute for petroleum-based materials is an obvious solution, particularly for packaging. Source: https://plasticseurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SYSTEMIQ-ReShapingPlastics-April2022.pdf   Evidence of the toxicity of microplastics Scientific evidence of the toxicity of microplastics is beginning to emerge. Some studies suggest, among other things, that: polystyrenemicroplastics reduce the viability of cells, move around the body, modify the behaviour of mice, and change immune markers in the liver and brain after short-term exposure plastic particles “tend to elicit multiple reproductive consequences in a variety of organisms, leading to the decline of female fertility and the developmental anomalies of offspring” exposure to microplastics may be linked to certain cancers. If you would like to find out more, please refer to the following sources:    https://www.foodpackagingforum.org/news/microplastics-can-lead-to-behavioral-changes-in-mice https://www.foodpackagingforum.org/news/researchers-detect-microplastics-in-human-semen-and-heart https://www.foodpackagingforum.org/news/two-studies-associate-microplastic-exposure-with-cancer

 

Biodegradable food packaging

What plastics are biodegradable?

 

• PHAs (Polyhydroxyalkanoates)

PHAs are biodegradable and are obtained via the bacterial fermentation of sugars (generally starch) or lipids, i.e. vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil.

Example: Cosmetics manufacturer RIMAN is looking to replace its ABS caps with a PLA-PHA blend¹.

 

• PBS (Polybutylene succinate)

This aliphatic polyester has properties similar to those of polyolefins. At present, 35% of it comes from renewable resources, and it has the advantage of being biodegradable under industrial composting conditions.

Examples: Single-use coffee capsules, food trays, compostable bags

 

• Biodegradable PLA

As well as being bio-based, PLA also has the advantage of being biodegradable, because it can be composted at high temperatures, i.e. in an industrial environment. Although not all PLA can be composted.

 

• Innovation in biodegradable polymers

The search for new biodegradable, bio-based and sustainable solutions is mobilising researchers around the world. Here are a few innovations:

• Bioplastics made from microalgae and green algae collected on beaches²

• Edible polymers containing casein and other proteins
• Biodegradable lignocellulose-based polymers

 

The advantages of biodegradable solutions

• Compostability

The biodegradability of these polymers means they could potentially be compatible with industrial or domestic composting.

If these polymers are both bio-based and biodegradable, this return to nature becomes part of a virtuous circle, contributing in particular to the re-carbonisation of soils worn down by intensive agriculture³. In this way, the carbon cycle is neither slowed down nor blocked.

 

• Reducing pollution

Water⁴ contamination by nano-, micro- and macroplastics is reaching critical levels. The use of polymers that are truly biodegradable in water appears to be necessary for many applications, particularly fishing.

 

Widespread adoption of bioplastics and biopolymers: what challenges are we facing?

A European legal framework is urgently needed

 

The European Commission considers that a legal framework needs to be established to specify the extent to which these bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics can be part of a sustainable future.
As far as composting is concerned, ANSES recommends banning compostable plastics from domestic composting, in the absence of sufficient standardisation.

ANSES is therefore proposing the introduction of a single, mandatory standard for products made from plastics claiming to be biodegradable or compostable.

 

A need to “educate” consumers

 

The growing use of biodegradable plastics is currently the subject of debate, not least because of the risk of confusion on the part of consumers. They could be encouraged to dispose of their biodegradable waste in the environment, which is clearly undesirable.

That being said, recycling cannot be seen as the only solution, as some waste that is “lost” in nature will never be recovered for recycling. For these specific applications⁵, the use of biodegradable polymers is much more realistic!

 

What does the future hold for sustainable food packaging?

 

A clearly defined regulatory and normative framework is still lacking, which is holding back the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions.
Nevertheless, although bioplastics only account for a small proportion of packaging, their use is set to increase sharply in the coming years, particularly with the separate collection of bio-waste becoming mandatory from 2024. In Italy, where separate collection has already been in place since 2022, the collection of compostable bioplastics is presented as a model of Italian excellence⁶.
PLA, PHA and PBS are currently the best-known bio-based and biodegradable polymers. Thanks to innovation, ever more effective solutions are emerging, suggesting that petroleum will no longer be used in the food packaging sector in the not too distant future.
With its 100% bio-based and 100% biodegradable solution, made from milk proteins, Lactips wants to contribute to this objective!

 

Do you want to boost the biodegradability of your plastic products?

 

Download our white paper!

 

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¹ https://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/partenariat-coreen-dans-les-bioplastiques.N2172397

² https://www.lesechos.fr/weekend/planete/eranova-du-bioplastique-a-base-dalgues-vertes-1915204

³ https://www.lesechos.fr/idees-debats/sciences-prospective/climat-et-si-on-cultivait-du-carbone-1396673

⁴ and air, clouds, mountains, soil, etc.

⁵ Golf tees, horticultural and agricultural equipment, etc

⁶ https://eng.biorepack.org/communication/press-releases/compostable-bioplastics-food-waste-collection-model.kl

Plastic materials vary in terms of properties, functions, origin, and the nature of their end of life. Petro-sourced polymers impose a significant dependence on fossil fuel whereas bio-based plastics provide a renewable alternative. However, it is essential to note that not all bio-based plastics are automatically biodegradable, and vice versa.

 

The challenges of reducing dependency on fossil fuel and using renewable materials are crucial.

 

Through this white paper, Lactips aims to address themes related to the origin and end of life of plastic materials, while offering an innovative alternative solution. This represents a major advancement in the field of plastics, allowing for an increase in the proportion of bio-based and/or biodegradable content in a polymer. The use of CareTips® in blends with biopolyesters provides flexibility in material transformation, while contributing to a reduction in its environmental impact. These blends are intended for the plastics industry, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics in alignment with corporate social responsibility goals.

 

This approach creates a virtuous cycle, preserving resources and promoting carbon circularity. The innovations presented in this white paper will facilitate your transition to more sustainable and environmentally friendly plastics.

READ THE WHITE PAPER

The reintroduction of glass bottle deposits comes at a time when promoting the circular economy is necessary, all while limiting the use of single-use containers. This initiative aligns with sustainability goals and aims to reduce our environmental footprint, while emphasizing the many benefits of reuse.

Reusing glass containers requires less energy than recycling glass. Indeed, the production of recycled glass involves extremely high temperatures for melting the material, which is a highly energy-intensive process. Promoting reuse helps to minimize this energetic demand,  thereby reducing our carbon footprint. When it comes to water, glass manufacturing is once again very water-intensive, and reuse drastically reduces this demand, contributing to the conservation of this increasingly precious resource.

However, reusing containers does require the ability to clean them. Washing stations, once more numerous in France, are now experiencing a renewed interest from the industrial field and investors. The major challenge these stations currently face is the presence of labels that persist on certain containers, despite an extended soaking time, making them ineligible for cleaning and, consequently, for reuse.

What is Lactips’ solution? 

Lactips offers an innovative solution to this challenge, thanks to the water-soluble label made with its material: CareTips®. This material, 100% bio-sourced, biodegradable and water-soluble, is transformed into a printable adhesive film. The resulting label contains no paper.

When the glass container arrives at the washing station, the label dissolves very quickly upon contact with water, leaving no residue or microplastics. The washing water is then less polluted and can be reused for a higher number of cycles before being replaced. Finally, the label will completely biodegrade once it reaches the wastewater treatment plant, with no impact on the subsequent water cycle.

 

Pioneer in natural polymers based on proteins since 2014, Lactips rethinks plastic by developing and manufacturing a plastic without plastic, 100% bio-sourced, fully biodegradable in all environments and water-soluble without leaving any microplastics. Processable like any plastic, Lactips commercializes its technology, called CareTips®, in markets such as film and paper flexible packaging, labels, agriculture and outdoor sports.

 

A growing manufacturing sector over the next 5 to 10 years

Within the global production of plastics, the bioplastics part is around 1% today. However, under the combined pressure of regulations and consumers awareness, the market demand is expected to grow rapidly and the production should be multiplied by 3 by 2026 – 2027, according to the OECD.

 

A response to the challenges of the plastics industry

Because plastics are necessary for human activity, but controlling their end-of-life management is essential, Lactips is facing the biggest challenge of pollution by developing a natural polymer ingredient which has the power to boost the biodegradability of other biopolymers. Some injected parts represent fugitive plastics because they cannot be collected and recycled. Adding CareTips® in formulation can limit the impact of plastic products with a high risk of loss in the environment by boosting their biodegradability.

 

A company that stands out from its competitors

The material produced by Lactips differs from standard plastics in its technical properties. As such, it has specific performances linked to its properties: solubility in water without leaving microplastics, biodegradability in all environments, support regulatory transition… It also contributes to improving the biodegradability of the plastics with which it is associated, and to having end of life in the environment. Moreover, our technology is a drop-in solution that can be used by plastics manufacturers without any additional investment, to allow a transition to an environmentally friendly economy without destabilising the industry, and by opening up new possibilities. In addition, Lactips has become French Tech 2030 winner, a system promoting the development of breakthrough solutions, such as CareTips®, which meet the challenges of society and industrial sovereignty.

 

Technological development projects for 2024

Lactips has tested its new blended film solution with a leader blown film extrusion manufacturer for the lamination of bio-waste collection bags adapted to methanisation. The product offers several advantages as being compatible with the different processes, like methanisation and compost ; being a bio-sourced blend film with high methanogenic power and being a facilitator for the upcoming French regulation in 2024 on the collection of bio-waste.

 

By Bertrand Dupeyroux, VP Sales & Marketing at Lactips

 

The world as we know it doesn’t work without plastic, but that doesn’t mean we’re all familiar with the terms plastic, bioplastic, biosourced or even biodegradable material. A brief overview of these definitions:
The dictionary defines plastic as “a mixture containing a macromolecular substance as its fundamental component and that has usually been moulded or shaped”. A rather broad definition, encompassing materials that differ in nature, properties, end-of-life and origin.

 

With this in mind, bioplastic is a type of plastic that is either biosourced or biodegradable. Plastic is said to be biosourced if it comes from biomass resources, and biodegradable if it decomposes when in contact with living organisms. Combined, these two features make it what we call a renewable resource: in other words, a resource that can be reused after a “human” time cycle. But be careful: biosourced plastic is not necessarily biodegradable, and vice versa!

Under the terms of the “Single Use Plastics Directive” (2019/904/EU) and the REACH Regulation (1907/2006 EC), natural polymers such as our CareTips®️ pellets that have not been chemically modified are not considered to be “plastic”, and are therefore excluded from the scope of the Single Use Plastics Directive. So it’s a non-plastic plastic, both biosourced and fully biodegradable! It degrades quickly and completely, leaving absolutely no trace in the environment where it is used, whether water or soil.

In regard to this, if it is mixed with other plastics, it accelerates the disintegration process of the mixture. Lactips therefore offers a “blend” product, a true biodegradability booster with a higher biosourced component content.

 

Why is this interesting? 

The Lactips solution anticipates future regulations and directives regarding the use of plastics, enabling the introduction of a product that meets the eco-design needs of its customers, while raising consumer awareness. The result is recycled polymers with enhanced biodegradability or biosourced content, and a lower rate of rejected microplastics, meaning better control of your product’s end-of-life.