BIOPLASTICS

Bioplastics are types of biodegradable substances that are made from organic sources, unlike conventional plastics that are made from petroleum. In fact, they are not plastic as we know it but are substitute materials for plastic which have similar properties. There are several different types of bioplastic, made through different processes, each having different properties.

Single use plastics are only used once before they are disposed of. They are often food packaging items such as coffee cups, straws, water bottles, take-away containers, etc.

Single use plastic is becoming a problem with many millions on tonnes going into landfill sites and clogging up oceans. The chemicals that are in these types of plastics get into water supplies and into the earth, toxifying the environment which is bad news for both animals and humans.

Here at Ashmore Manufacturing, we are passionate about using recycled material, and making our packaging and moulds recyclable. More recently we have been testing and analysing how biomaterials work for the same products – another way to reduce the amount of single use plastics.

Please get in touch if you would like some free advice on the types of materials that are available to your project. 

There are several different bioplastics available today. Each bioplastic has its own properties with varying levels of bio-based content which have uses for different types of product.

• Starch-based plastics
• Cellulose-based plastics
• Protein-based plastics
• Some aliphatic polyesters
• Polylactic acid (PLA)
• Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate
• Polyhydroxyalkanoates
• Polyamide 11
• Bio-derived polyethylene
• Genetically modified bioplastics
• Polyhydroxyurethanes
• Lipid derived polymers

We would be happy to give advice on the best material for your project, whether that be one of the above, or perhaps a recyclable plastic material.

Compostable plastics are a type of bioplastic which are biodegradable through composting. These sorts of bioplastics are often made with corn starch or potato starch-based polymers, or other plant based raw materials, which then break down in the composting process. Generally, when a product is being talked about as being compostable, it is referring to the process that takes place at industrial composting sites. Whilst some products may be suitable for home composting, this usually will take a lot longer.

Here at Ashmore Manufacturing, we work with BioViron and Celanese. We have worked closely with both companies in developing these materials for thermoforming. BioViron is a home compostable plant PLA and you can find out more information by downloading the datasheet or visiting their website. Celanese is a home compostable woodpulp material. For more information, download the datasheet or visit their website.

It completely depends on what your project involves, the use that your product will have, your environmental values and your budget.

With many supermarkets currently exploring the options of going ‘plastic free’, the opinion of bioplastics is very high now. These are typically seen as a good alternative to single use plastics. Whilst there are some types of bioplastics which are compostable, some of these products do not have the same strength, durability or temperature resistance as recyclable plastics and therefore may be better suited for single use.

Whilst making plastic from scratch is rather uneconomical, using recycled plastic and making it recyclable can be an environmentally friendly, and cheaper alternative. For products that have repeated use, using recyclable plastic is often the best material to use.

We are happy to advise customers on the best material to use for their project. Feel free to get in touch for some free, friendly advice.

It depends on what your project involves. Bioplastics are typically seen as a good alternative to single use plastics. Whilst there are some types of bioplastics which are compostable, some of these products do not have the same strength, durability or temperature resistance as recyclable plastics and therefore may be better suited for single use.

We would be very happy to give you some advice on which is the best material to use for your project. Simply fill out the contact form on the page with some details and we will get back in touch.