Understanding everything about biodegradable polymers

comprendre polymères biodégradables

What is a biodegradable polymer?

The term “biodegradable” is said of a substance that may, through living micro-organisms in a natural environment (such as bacteria, fungi, and algae), decompose into various residues such as water, carbon dioxide, methane, mineral salts and a new, non-toxic biomass (humus).

Biodegradable polymers are not necessarily manufactured using renewable raw materials. They can also be derived from fossil resources.

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The mechanisms and kinetics of biodegradation are complex; understanding them is essential to gaining a better grasp of the issues surrounding biodegradable polymers. Biodegradation is, in fact, influenced by physicochemical parameters as well as the environment in which it takes place.

1.334

million tons is the world share that should represent the production of biodegradable plastics in 2024 according to European Bioplastique.

Understanding the biodegradation process

elixance biodegradable polymers biodegradation scheme
elixance biodegradability

Find Out More about biodegradable polymers

The mechanisms and kinetics of biodegradation are complex; understanding them is essential to gaining a better grasp of the issues surrounding biodegradable polymers. Biodegradation is, in fact, influenced by physicochemical parameters as well as the environment in which it takes place.

It should be noted that plastic matter qualified as being “oxo-degradable” or “fragmentable” cannot be classified in the bioplastics category.

Standards regulate and define the characteristics that a material must possess in order to be considered as being biodegradable.

Biodegradable polymer families

elixance family biodegradable polymers

Two possible evaluation methods depending on the environment

The biodegradability and compostability of any matter depend on the environment in which it deteriorates. Each environment, be it compost, soil, water or sea, has different temperatures and micro-organisms; the speed of the biodegradation process will vary from an environment to another!

Biodegradable in soil – NF EN 17033

elixance logo norme biodegradable sol
  • Temperature : ± 23°C
  • Sample : end product
  • Biodegradation  : <24 mois
    with a  Tx CO2 > 90%  (C -> CO2)
  • Ecotoxicity

Biodegradable the sea – ISO DIS 22403

elixance logo norme biodegradable marine
  • Temperature : depends on the marine environment
  • Sample: end product
  • Biodegradation : depends on the marine environment temperatures

Biodegradable in compost

  • Industrial : NF EN 13432
elixance logo ok compost industriel
  • Household : NF T51-800
lixance logo ok compost home
Find out what you need to know to understand the challenges of compostable polymers.
The integration of post-industrial or post-consumer co-products and plant fibres gives your parts an aesthetic appearance.