Common biodegradable materials

Biodegradable materials are made from renewable plant resources such as corn, sugar cane, straw, and cassava. They can be gradually decomposed by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi in natural environments such as soil and seawater, eventually turning into carbon dioxide and water. They are environmentally friendly materials that do not cause white pollution.

The biggest difference between them and ordinary plastics is that the raw materials are not petroleum but plants and biomass; they can naturally degrade after use, do not cause long-term environmental pollution, and are low-carbon and safe. Many of them can come into contact with food and be used in medical fields.

1. PLA (Poly Lactic Acid)

• Raw materials: Corn, sugar cane, cassava

• Characteristics: Clean and transparent, good strength, biodegradable

• Applications: Takeout food containers, water bottles, plastic bags, 3D printing materials, disposable tableware

2. PHA (Poly Hydroxyalkanoates)

• Raw materials: Derived from microbial fermentation of biomass

• Characteristics: Can degrade in seawater and soil, excellent biocompatibility

• Applications: Medical implants, marine products, high-end packaging, sustained-release drug carriers

3. PBS (Poly Butylene Succinate)

• Characteristics: Heat-resistant, water-resistant, good toughness

• Applications: Hot food containers, agricultural mulch films, disposable items, medical materials

4. Starch-based materials

• Raw materials: Corn, potato, cassava starch

• Characteristics: Low cost, rapid degradation

• Applications: Packaging cushioning materials, disposable tableware, shopping bags, inner linings of tableware