Top 5 Biodegradable Resins For Your Plastic Injection Molding Project

Staying eco-friendly in today’s market is a smart idea.  It used to be that your new product didn’t need to worry about recycling and the end of lifecycle disposal.  The current trend with consumers is to seek out products that are environmental friendly, both on the manufacturing side and at the end when it’s time for disposal.  Choosing a biodegradable resinbiodegradable resins option for your new product makes sense, but which option do you choose?  We’ll explore the five top selections available that may be the best option for your new plastic injection molding project.

What is a Biodegradable Plastic?

Biodegradable plastics will degrade over time and turn back into base materials without any extra intervention from people or a supply of oxygen.  Compared to petro-chemical plastics, the main difference between a biodegradable plastic and petrochemical plastic relates to carbon.  Petroleum based plastics hold carbon after being formed.  After they are disposed of, that carbon is slowly released back into the atmosphere through degradation or melting to be recycled.  Biodegradable plastics do not release any carbon back into the environment after use.  Carbon isn’t used in the initial manufacturing, and isn’t a byproduct as it degrades.

Biodegradable plastics are engineered plastics that is meant to degrade quicker than a basic petroleum based plastic.  Biodegradable resins are typically decomposed by the action of living organisms like bacteria and fungi, which can eat the plastic and convert it back into a natural material.  It is a perfect option for one-time use plastic that will be discarded after initial use.  The most common types of biodegradable plastic resins used in plastic injection molding are:

• Thermoplastic Starch-based Plastics (TPS)
• Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
• Polylactic Acid (PLA)
• Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)
• Polycaprolactone (PCL)

 Thermoplastic Starch-Based Plastics (TPS)

Starch-based thermoplastics (TPS) are inexpensive and easily available.  They are often blended with other materials for use in plastic injection molding, but are commonly found in food packaging, takeout packaging for fast food, and one-time disposable utensils. Starch-based plastics are 100% biodegradable and can be carbon neutral.  This may be a particularly good selling point for TPS as consumers have a basic understanding of carbon’s effect on global warming.  They may choose TPS products because TPS can be carbon neutral when disposed of.

 Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) is a plastic resin produced by bacteria taking action on sugars or lipids. Various molecules are combined and the subsequent plastic resin has many different properties that benefit injection molding the environment. PHAs can withstand UV exposure without degradation, do not change when exposed to moisture, nor they do not absorb odors.  These resisting qualities make them a perfect option for food packaging, cosmetic products, and some medical devices likes surgical mesh and sutures.

Polylactic Acids (PLA)

Polylactic acids (PLA) are made from tapioca, cassava, sugarcane, or cornstarch. PLAs are used in manufacturing a large number of consumer products, such as medical implant rods and screws.  PLAs are also used widely in one-time use cups, disposable food packaging, and one-time use utensils.

Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)

Polybutylene succinate (PBS) is an aliphatic polyester with characteristics comparable to polypropylene.  One major difference is that PBS will degrade naturally and result in water and CO2 being introduced into the environment. PBS is made from succinic acid, which is an organic chemical common to most living organisms. PBS is frequently used in food packaging, packaging for cosmetic products, medical implants, and dissolvable drug encapsulation. PBS is also often blended with Polyactic acids (PLAs) to modify characteristics concerning strength and impact resistance without changing affecting thermal or tensile properties.

Polycaprolactone (PCL)

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is commonly added in the production of polyurethanes to increase impact resistance and improve water, oil, solvents, and chemical resistance. It is derived from vegetable oils and frequently mixed with starch-based plastics (such as TPS) to decrease material cost or to adjust tensile characteristics of a particular material. PCLs are typically used in dissolvable drug delivery systems, dissolvable sutures after medical procedures, and other medical products to aid in tissue repair.

Can Hemp Upset the Biodegradable Plastic Market?

Hemp has become the new ‘it’ material that everyone has talked about in the last few years.  It has a wide array of products that it can be used for and biodegradable plastic can be added to that list.  Hemp based plastics can be infused with hemp fibers to increase strength and durability, and also blended with other plastics to change the base material characteristics.  No machine changes are required to use hemp plastic in current injection molding machines, which makes it an ideal option to consider for a new product.  Current uses of hemp plastics include products in the automotive and building industries, as well as food grade products directly sold to consumers.

 The five main options mentioned, plus the addition of hemp plastics, give you many options to choose from for biodegradable resins as part of your next plastic injection molding product. If you don’t have a specific end of life scenario for your project, or don’t know which option is the best for your next invention, don’t feel overwhelmed.  The experts at SEA-LECT Plastics are here to help.  If you need advice on which biodegradable resin option would best for your product, or just need a sounding board to discuss the various options, we are ready to start your next project with you. Give us a call at (425) 339-0288 or email us at mattp@sealectplastics.mystagingwebsite.com. We have experts that can aid with resin selection on a new product to increase recyclability and reduce waste. We offer turn-key assembly options that reduce power requirements, and program management to see the complete development cycle through with success.  At SEA-LECT Plastics, we specialize in military product applications, outdoor adventure gear, musical instruments, supporting the medical and consumer product industries.  Our goal is to make your project efficient and cost-effective to manufacture, assemble, and ship no matter how complicated your concept is.

Matthias Poischbeg was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany. Matt moved to Everett, Wash., after finishing his bachelor’s degree in business in 1995 to work for Sea-Dog Corporation, a manufacturer, and distributor of marine and rigging hardware established in 1923.

In 1999, Matt took over the reins at Sea-Lect Plastics Corporation, a sister company of Sea-Dog and a manufacturer of plastic injection molded products with an in-house tool & die shop. Matthias Poischbeg is also a contributor to Grit Daily.

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Biodegradable plastic resins Biopolymer not only fully meet the outstanding features of regular plastic, but the product is also biodegradable, contributing to reducing the amount of plastic waste and being environmentally friendly.

What are biodegradable plastic resins Biopolymer ?

Biodegradable plastic resins Biopolymer are a material made from a combination of traditional PP and natural materials such as coffee grounds, starch, coir, bagasse, seaweed,…

The content of renewable materials in Biopolymer accounts for more than 60%, so that the product has optimal biodegradation. Specifically, after use, biodegradable plastic resins are buried or burned, under the impact of microorganisms in appropriate conditions, the product will be converted into CO2, CH4, water and biomass. So that they will not pollute the environment and are safe for health.

Biodegradable plastic resisn – Biopolymer

Besides, biodegradable plastic resins Biopolymer are resistant to heat and force. Therefore, they can apply the blow molding, extrusion molding, injection molding to create products such as mugs, cups, straws, knives,…

What is special about biodegradable plastic resins Biopolymer ?

What is special about biodegradable plastic resins Biopolymer ?

1. Biodegradation: Biodegradable plastic resins – Biopolymer meet the strictest biodegradation standards from prestigious organizations around the world such as: DIN CERTCO, TUV AUSTRIA, USDA,…

2. Environmentally friendly: Biopolymer – biodegradable plastic resins, after being buried or burned, will decompose into biomass, water, CO2 or CH4, helping plants to grow and develop. They do not decay into microplastics and cause no harm to the environment. After that, the plants will continue to provide natural materials for the production of Biopolymer biodegradable plastic resins. Thus, the life cycle of the Biopolymer biodegradable plastic resins continues to rotate, forming an optimal cyclic process, contributing to positive effects on the environment.

3. 100% safety for health : Biopolymer biodegradable plastic resins are absolutely safe to contact with food, including food with hot temperatures (100 degrees Celsius), completely free of BPA or exposure to any toxins. In particular, with the main ingredients from nature, the product does not contain any harmful styrene substances, ensuring the most optimal safety.

4. Reasonable price: Biopolymer’s raw materials are less dependent on finite sources of raw materials such as petroleum. Ensuring prices are not affected by market fluctuations, we keep costs at a reasonable level

Biopolymer biodegradable plastic resins are the passion, the result of more than 10 years of research and development of a team of engineers with the desire to bring to the market the best quality source of biological materials but still bring positive value to the environment.

Current application of Biopolymer

• Pens made from coffee grounds

Ballpoint pen from biodegradable plastic resins – Biopolymer Vietnam is a product with optimal green transition with uses and features not inferior to other ballpoint pens on the market.

With diverse design advantages, suitable for use, ballpoint pens made from coffee grounds Biopolymer confidently bring a new and satisfied experience to users. In addition, the inner ink core is replaceable, after using it, users do not have to throw it away but can reuse it.

Pens made from coffee bio-composite

Pens made from coffee grounds proudly passes the rigorous testing procedures for safety of famous organizations such as QUATEST 3, SGS, … The product does not contain toxic fillers, additives or BPA. , completely safe for children, adults or especially for those who have a habit of biting pens.

>>> See more : “BIOPOLYMER LAUNCHES PENS MADE FROM COFFEE GROUNDS – COFFEE BIOPLASTIC PENS“

• Spoons made from coffee bio-composite

The product is committed to not containing BPA – a substance capable of destroying the body’s hormones, causing many dangerous diseases such as cancer, affecting the nervous system, hypothyroidism … and other dangerous diseases. . In parallel with the above reasons, Coffee Bio-composite Vietnam spoons also possess many other outstanding features such as:

Spoons made from biodegradable plastic resins

-High strength, better heat resistance than traditional materials

– Smooth surface, creating a great experience when using and holding

– Suitable for foods such as yogurt, ice cream, …

-Possesses the natural mild aroma of coffee

-The price of the bioplastic coffee spoon is competitive and reasonable

• Mugs made from coffee grounds

The capacity of the cup is 450ml (15oz), the diameter of the cup is 85mm, the height is 100mm, the width is 120mm (including the handle) – this is the right size and handy for all kinds of drinks.

The product is uniquely engraved on the side of the cup and has a power-operated handle button design, helping to bring comfort to the user. In particular, during use, you will feel the characteristic light and gentle aroma of coffee.

Mugs made from coffee grounds

In addition, the cup made from biodegradable plastic coffee bio-composite Vietnam has good heat retention, high strength and heat resistance up to 125 degrees Celsius, can be used in microwave ovens and dishwashers

• Cosmetic bottles

Cosmetic bottles made from biodegradable plastic resins

Set of bottles of various sizes and uses such as jars, vacuum bottles, upside down bottles, bottles with faucets, etc. All bottles, jars, tubes are made from Vietnam coffee bio-composite bioplastic. , meet the standard of biodegradation.

Flexible bottles for a variety of soaps and cosmetics, ensuring that the quality and scent of the nutrients and solvents inside are not affected, ensuring that there are no spills and leaks. The surface of the product is rough, with a natural coffee brown color, bringing a luxurious and unique feeling.

• Plant pots made from biodegradable plastic resins

Plant pots made from Vietnam’s Coffee Bio-composite bio-plastics derived from coffee beans are the perfect alternative to conventional plastic planters.

The product is engraved with natural texture, providing a solid feeling when holding without creating a slippery feeling.

After use, you can either bury or burn. When the right conditions are met, the bio-plastic pot will biodegrade into water, CO2 and biomass – completely harmless to the soil or polluting the environment.

Purchasing policy.

Please visit Biopolymer Website, then click “Contact Us” and leave the necessary information. Our Biopolymer team will counsel sizes and price quotations as soon as possible.

Products from biodegradable plastic resins are on the rise with the aim of bringing more purpose for the future, especially with the living environment and human health. Therefore, the use of biodegradable plastic products is not only with the usual use of a must-have item, but it also brings a future without plastic waste, for the health of the next generation! Please stop by our fanpage for more information about our products.