In terms of costs, processing ease, and useful properties, plastics are without a doubt superior to other materials. Plastics are used to create human life, and they are being used more frequently every day.
The innovative green trend comprises using biobased and biodegradable polymers made from the following constituent parts: PLA, PHA, PHB, and PHV to replace conventional plastic with sustainable bioplastic that has no negative environmental effects.
These materials are thermoplastic polymers made from natural and renewable resources, and they are perfectly suited to the current "Bioeconomy Strategy" or "circular bioeconomy" movement that is being supported by organisations with a worldwide consciousness as a means of resolving environmental issues.
The polymer known as polylactic acid plastic, or PLA plastic, is created from renewable resources like sugarcane, cornflour, and tapioca roots. It is environmentally friendly and has qualities similar to synthetic plastic. It consequently entered the plastic sector as a fiercely competitive good.
By fermenting starchy carbohydrates like sugarcane, corn, or maize under regulated conditions, polylactic plastic is created. Later, lactide monomer, or lactic acid, which is one of the components of PLA plastic, is polymerized to create PLA. PHA, more particularly PHB polyhydroxy butyrate, is formed inside of living cells and can be found in organisms ranging from bacteria to alfalfa plants. Hence, it can quickly decompose in the environment. PHA is a substance that some bacteria make when they are under stress. PHA has a wide range of potential uses. To better serve our needs, they can also be upgraded and modified. Every year, new species of bacteria that produce PHA are identified.
A wide range of industries, including textiles, packaging, medicine, cosmetics, and others, use PLA bioplastic. PHA plastic can be used for non-medical purposes such as packaging, fibre material, biofuels, nanoparticle delivery of pesticides to soil, and more. It can also be used for medical purposes such as cardiovascular tissue engineering, bone marrow scaffolds, cartilage repair, eye disorders, nerve regeneration, wound management, and skin regeneration.
Which role do regional value chains and markets serve? And what does a favourable regulatory environment entail? The state of production of the biodegradable types of plastics (PLA, PHA)? Join us on 1st - 2nd March, 2023 for the World Biopolymers and Bioplastics Innovation Forum, in Berlin, Germany to find out!
To register or learn more about the Forum please check here: https://bit.ly/3TQ1k8m
For more information and group participation, contact us: [email protected]
