WHAT ARE BIOPLASTICS?
Bioplastics are a family of materials.
They are not a single material, but a family with a wide range of technical properties, many of which can be very similar to those of conventional plastics.
They can be classified according to their origin and end of life:
- Biobased origin: the material is obtained from natural raw materials, agricultural waste, organic waste or biomass.
- Biodegradable end of life the material can break down into non-polluting substances, such as water, carbon dioxide or ammonia, through the natural action of microorganisms such as bacteria or enzymes, in different environments.
- Biobased origin and biodegradable end of life: this is the most comprehensive approach. A material derived from biological sources that also biodegrades fully without leaving microplastics or toxicity behind.
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¿BIODEGRADABLE O COMPOSTABLE?
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Aunque a menudo se usan como sinónimos, biodegradable y compostable no significan lo mismo. La diferencia está en el cómo, el dónde y el cuándo se descompone un material.
¿Qué significa biodegradable?
Un material biodegradable se descompone gracias a microorganismos como bacterias o enzimas, transformándose en elementos inocuos como agua, dióxido de carbono o amoníaco.
Pero atención: biodegradable no significa que lo sea en cualquier entorno ni en un tiempo determinado. Depende del entorno, la formulación y el formato del producto.
¿Y compostable?
Un material compostable es siempre biodegradable, pero además genera nutrientes aprovechables, como compost.
En Europa, los requisitos para certificarlo los marcan normas como EN 13432 (compostaje industrial) o EN 14995.
BIODEGRADABLE OR COMPOSTABLE
Key differences
Although they are often used as synonyms, biodegradable and compostable do not mean the same thing. The difference lies in how, where and when a material breaks down.
- What does biodegradable mean?
A biodegradable material breaks down through the action of microorganisms such as bacteria or enzymes, transforming into harmless elements such as water, carbon dioxide or ammonia.
However, biodegradable does not mean it will break down in any environment or within a defined timeframe. It depends on the environment, the formulation and the format of the product.
- And what does compostable mean?
A compostable material is always biodegradable, but it also generates useful nutrients, such as compost.
In Europe, the requirements for certification are defined by standards such as EN 13432 (industrial composting) and EN 14995.
BIODEGRADATION AND COMPOSTING ENVIRONMENTS
Where and how bioplastics break down
The behaviour of a bioplastic depends on the environment in which it degrades. These are the main environments in which biodegradation can take place:
01
Biodegradation in soil
Biodegradation in soil occurs when a material breaks down naturally in contact with the ground through the action of microorganisms, without generating persistent residues.
It is particularly important in agricultural applications or products that may end up in the field, where collection is not always feasible.
Certification: OK biodegradable SOIL
02
Biodegradation in freshwater
Biodegradation in freshwater occurs when a material degrades naturally in rivers or lakes, without releasing toxic substances or persistent residues.
It is especially relevant for applications where there is a risk of accidental release into aquatic environments.
Certification: OK biodegradable WATER
03
Marine biodegradation
Marine biodegradation refers to the ability of a material to degrade in marine environments, where conditions are more demanding and degradation is slower.
It helps reduce persistent waste and the accumulation of microplastics in the sea.
Certification: OK Marine (TÜV Austria), ASTM D6691
04
Biodegradation under anaerobic conditions
Anaerobic biodegradation takes place in the absence of oxygen, such as in anaerobic digesters for organic waste, generating biogas and other valuable by-products.
It is relevant for applications integrated into organic waste management systems.
Es relevante para aplicaciones integradas en sistemas de gestión de residuos orgánicos.
05
Biodegradation in landfill
Biodegradation in landfill occurs under low-oxygen conditions, typical of controlled landfill sites, where degradation is slower.
It applies to products whose most likely end-of-life route is landfill, helping to reduce their long-term persistence.
06
Home composting
Home composting takes place in domestic compost bins, without the need for industrial conditions, becoming part of the compost generated at household level.
It is suitable for everyday products used in domestic environments.
Certification: OK compost HOME (TÜV Austria)
07
Industrial composting
Industrial composting takes place in controlled facilities with managed temperature, humidity and aeration, ensuring rapid and standardised decomposition.
It is suitable for products managed through organic waste collection systems.
Certification: EN 13432, EN 14995
BIODEGRADATION TIME
How long does a bioplastic take to biodegrade?
A bioplastic does not automatically biodegrade in any environment. It requires minimum conditions of temperature, humidity, oxygen and microbial activity.
Factors that influence biodegradation time:
- The degradation environment industrial composting, home composting, soil, water, etc.
- The material formulation designed according to the product’s intended service life.
- The physical format: thickness, volume and shape of the material.
That is why, at Benviro, we formulate materials that retain their functionality during use and activate biodegradation at the end of their service life, ensuring safety, performance and genuine sustainability.
AVAILABLE GRADES
One solution, multiple applications
beo adapts to your product through technical grades designed for different uses:
Our grade for rigid applications such as caps, rigid packaging, technical components and packaging parts.
Flexible materials with excellent heat-sealing performance, ideal for replacing conventional films without compromising functionality or finish.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We answer your questions
Si todavía no tienes claro si tu producto puede hacerse con nuestro material, te ayudamos a resolver tus dudas.
Are all bioplastics the same?
No. Bioplastics are not a single material, but a family of materials with different origins, behaviours and applications.
Some are biobased, some are biodegradable, and others combine biobased origin with biodegradability. Understanding this difference is key to making the right decisions.
How long does a bioplastic take to biodegrade?
Biodegradation time varies according to three key factors:
The environment (soil, water, composting)
The material formulation
The physical format of the product
A bioplastic does not disappear immediately: it is designed to maintain its performance throughout the product’s service life and activate only when it is no longer needed.
Are bioplastics safe?
Yes, provided they are properly formulated and validated.
Our materials are developed according to safety, quality and regulatory compliance criteria, and are validated based on the application and sector involved (food, cosmetics, agriculture, etc.).
What happens if the product ends up outside a waste management system?
A well-formulated bioplastic can integrate into natural cycles without remaining in the environment for decades or fragmenting into persistent microplastics.
That is why, at Benviro, we design materials for real-world scenarios, not just the ideal one.
Do bioplastics generate microplastics?
Not necessarily. At Benviro, we work with microplastic-free bioplastics, designed to biodegrade fully without leaving persistent plastic particles in the environment.
How do I know whether a bioplastic is suitable for my product?
There is no universal bioplastic. The key is to analyse the product’s use, service life and expected end of life.
At Benviro, we support companies throughout this process to help them choose the right material and avoid generic solutions that do not work in practice.
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