Biodegradable Polymers

Natural bio-polymers

Made from natural materials such as cellulose, starch, and polysaccharides

Synthetic bio-polymers

Made from renewable resources but chemically engineered to break down more easily

Biodegradable polymers

Polymers which contain additives to promote the breakdown of materials

These can take high temperatures to decompose, and can produce methane gas or carbon dioxide

Oxy-degradable polymer

With exposure to oxygen the polymer breaks down into a fine powder

Photodegradable polymer

With exposure to UV light the polymer bonds are weakened and the polymer breaks down

Hydro-degradable polymer

With exposure to water and microorganisms the polymer breaks down

Corn starch polymer

Natural biopolymer made from high starch vegetables

Potatopak

Natural biopolymer made from potato starch

Biopol / Bio batch

Natural biopolymer made from bacteria grown in cultures with an additive to promote degradation

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)

Natural biopolymer made from bacteria grown in cultures and is fully compostable

Polylactide Acid (PLA)

Synthetic biopolymer made from corn kernels or cane sugar which is fermented then synthesised

Lactide

Synthetic biopolymer based from PLA and cellulose which is fully compostable and water soluble

Glycolide

Synthetic biopolymer based from PLA and cellulose which is fully compostable