The term “bioplastics” comprises two different groups of products: “bio-based” and “biodegradable” plastics.

Bio-based plastics are wholly or partially derived from renewable raw materials. For example, this material group includes polylactic acid (PLA), poly- hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) as well as the partially bio- based plastic TerraSafe® from 2MB. Bio-based materials can also be simultaneously biodegradable. This is the case in the examples mentioned above. In contrast, bio-polyethylene (bio-PE) is an example of a bio-based, yet non-biodegradable plastic.

Biodegradable plastics can be broken down by microorganisms. In the process, the microorganisms emit enzymes which break down the polymer chains of the plastic into smaller molecular components. These are subsequently absorbed by bacteria and fungi, metabolized and, in the process, converted into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. Biodegradable plastics can, but do not have to be, produced based on renewable resources. The biodegradability does not depend on the raw material, but solely on the chemical structure and the physical properties of the plastic. There are biodegradable plastics developed especially for decomposition under conditions of industrial composting. In addition, these can be degraded in a backyard compost or soil. Depending on the application, this differentiation is important (e.g. bio garbage bags vs. mulch film).