1.2 Characteristics of biodegradable polymers

natural bio-polymers

made from natural materials

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synthetic bio-polymers

made from renewable materials but chemically engineered to break down faster

biodegradable polymers

made from finite resources but contain additives to degrade it faster

cons of biopolymers

* can produce methane when decomposing (GHG)
* can take high temps to decompose (needs fuel)
* can leave behind toxic residues
* natural bio-polymers need land to grow
* they cannot be recycled, contributes to throw away culture

pros of biopolymers

* natural bio-polymers save finite resources
* reduces landfill space and waste
* can be processed the same e.g. injection moulding or film making

corn starch polymer

* natural (potato/corn starch)
* packaging, straws, disposable cutlery, bags

potatopak

* natural (potato starch)
* single use items
* bin bags

biopol

* natural additive
* made from bacteria
* added to thermoplastics
* packaging, nappies, surgical stitches, pill coverings

polylactide acid (PLA)

* synthetic (corn kernels fermented to lactic acid)
* packaging, slow-release medication patches, films, filament for 3D printing

PHA

* natural (bacteria)
* fully compostable
* packaging, bone repair fixings, detergents sachets

lactide

* synthetic (PLA and cellulose)
* fully compostable and water soluble
* packaging, bone repair fixings, detergents sachets

glycolide

* synthetic (PLA and cellulose)
* fully compostable
* food film, packaging wrap, flower wrap, bin bags