Are bioplastics the next big thing?
Reducing reliance on fossil resources or minimizing waste in the food industry are challenges of high social relevance. So called “biomaterials” are always being talked about as an already proven alternative for the transition to sustainable packaging systems. And they are repeatedly treated as key enabler of the EU’s circular economy and climate neutrality goals, paving the way to meet PPWR goals.
Biobased plastics are not just an alternative but a necessary component of the EU’s transition to sustainable packaging systems. They reduce reliance on fossil resources and offer real solutions for achieving the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s goals. Biobased plastics can be seamlessly integrated into existing recycling streams, supporting the development of a circular economy for packaging.
Although the topic is on everyone's lips, discussions about biomaterials or bioplastics are often still very undifferentiated. This begins with the terminology: biobased – biodegradable – compostable? Rosalyn Bandy, Vice President Sustainability at US TLMI (Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute) and an experienced environmental leader with a demonstrated history of working in the package printing and label industry, addresses precisely this issue in her article “Biodegradable vs compostable materials”.
Learn more: Biodegradable vs compostable materials | Labels & Labeling
Bio-materials are being increasingly used for the production of biaxially stretched packaging films – the most successful so far has been polylactic acid, PLA. Brückner has vast experience with PLA going back to 1999. Numerous trials on the Brückner pilot line with mono- and bi-axially oriented PLA have shown excellent results. A current series of trials together with renowned partner such as NatureWorks have proven that Brückner is still ready to help to conquer the markets for bio-based and bio-degradable film with various kinds of renewable sources, for example cellophane, bio-PE, PEF or PHA.
Learn more: New drive for biomaterials: Brückner Maschinenbau