Un biopolymer It is a long chain of molecules (polymer) that originates from natural or renewable sources such as plants, animals, or microorganisms. Some common examples include cellulose (from plants), starch (extracted from corn or potatoes), proteins such as gelatin or casein, and polylactic acid (PLA). In short, its origin is biological or natural. However, it is important to note that a biopolymer may or may not be biodegradable.
In turn, the bioplastic It is a specific subset of biopolymers used in the manufacture of plastic products.
A material biodegradable It is something that can be decomposed naturally in the environment thanks to the action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Some examples are paper, organic waste, and certain biodegradable plastics. The relevant thing here is that its final destination is ecological, regardless of whether its origin is natural or synthetic. That is, a biodegradable material may not be natural.
Key differences between biopolymer and biodegradable
- The origin of the biopolymer is natural or renewable, while a biodegradable material can be either natural or synthetic.
- A biopolymer may or may not be biodegradable, but a biodegradable material does decompose in nature.
- A common example of a biopolymer is polylactic acid (PLA), while examples of biodegradable materials include compostable bags and paper.
Everyday examples of packaging and products
- Compostable corn bags (PLA): Yes, they are biopolymers and biodegradable. They are made with polylactic acid, which decomposes under industrial composting conditions.
- “Oxobiodegradable” oil bags: They are not biopolymers and are only partially biodegradable. They are composed of conventional plastic with additives that break them down, but they do not degrade completely or in an environmentally friendly way.
- Soy wax cardboard packaging: They are both biopolymers and biodegradable. The cardboard and vegetable wax make the packaging completely compostable.
- Recycled PET bottles: They are neither biopolymers nor biodegradable. Although they are recyclable, they are made from petroleum-derived plastic.
- Covered in cornstarch: Yes, they are biopolymers and biodegradable, as long as they are composted properly.
- Polystyrene foam packaging: They are neither biopolymers nor biodegradable. They are petroleum derivatives and highly polluting.
In summary, Not everything biodegradable is natural, and Not everything natural biodegrades easily in nature without the appropriate conditions, such as in industrial composting.
Riduco hand in hand with sustainability
Our company has a long history of transforming plastic through the injection molding process, which has positioned us as a leading company nationwide. In line with market trends and thanks to the work of our innovation team, in 2018 we launched the project "Development and Application of Biodegradable Materials in Injection Molded Products."
With that goal in mind, we began researching the development of biodegradable materials worldwide. We wanted to apply these types of polymers to our products and thus propose developments that contribute to sustainability and environmental protection.
We prototyped various biodegradable resins from around the world, evaluating their technical characteristics and handling during processing. We also implemented a composting culture at our plant to analyze the polymers' actual behavior in a decomposition environment. This allowed us to compare actual results with supplier certifications and determine which biopolymers decompose most quickly based on their biomass content.
resins biobased, a family of biodegradable resins, have proven to be an alternative whose degradation begins within a few months when placed in a composting medium. This makes them especially useful for single-use, short-cycle products.
One of our most promising investigations was the development with avoplast, a resin based on biopolymers derived from avocado seeds. The results were very positive for its application in injected products.
Thanks to the initiative of our Technical Manager, Dr. Irene Rivas, we proposed to our client Buencafé Freeze-dried conduct pilot tests on the lids of its coffee jars. Today, this proposal has materialized in a prototype presented by the client, the result of the synergy between Riduco and Biophase, the developers of this resin.
With this proposal, we seek to support the environment, reduce our environmental footprint, and offer a sustainable solution for the production of organic products.
Riduco Innovation Team:
- Dr. Irene Rivas, Technical Manager
- Special Engineer Migdonia Solís, Director of Engineering
- Special Engineer Fabian Ospina, Head of Production
Riduco, committed to our customers and the environment.
