Bioplastic / PLA

What are bioplastics and what are they used for?

For some, bioplastics are plastics made from renewable raw materials. For others, they are all plastics (including petroleum-based ones) that are biodegradable. Our bioplastics are both: they are made from renewable raw materials and are biodegradable. Most of our plastic products are made from the bioplastic polylactic acid (PLA), which is derived from plant starch.

Bioplastics are used as more environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based plastics such as PP (polypropylene) and PS (polystyrene). They share similar properties: They are transparent and can be easily processed into various objects such as cups or bowls. Their most important market is therefore the packaging industry, especially in the food sector. Unlike conventional plastics, bioplastics can be disposed of with food waste.

From plant starch to bioplastic cups

Every plant undergoes photosynthesis and, with the help of sunlight, converts absorbed CO₂ and water into glucose and oxygen. The unused sugar is stored in the form of starch. This plant starch is particularly important to us because it forms the raw material basis for the production of bioplastics.

Our PLA products are made exclusively from industrially grown plants (e.g., corn) that are not suitable for human consumption. Below, we explain step by step how plant starch is transformed into environmentally friendly Green Box PLA cups and bowls.

Manufacturing steps for bioplastic products

1. The plant starch is fermented into lactic acid by lactic acid bacteria and then converted into long-chain carbon polymers – polylactic acid – through polymerization.
2. Polylactic acid (PLA) is used to create small plastic granules that can be used to mold any object. In our case, this is used to produce bioplastic films. These films are run through various machines and processed into cups and bowls using molds, punches, and heat.
3. Done! The Green Box cups and bowls are ready for transport and are looking forward to being used in your company.

Special properties of bioplastics

• High stability
• Free from BPA and other harmful substances
• Based on plant starch
• Fully biodegradable according to EN/DIN 13432
• Thermoplastic and therefore can be molded into any shape

Advantages over conventional plastics

Studies conducted by our suppliers show that bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) also offer advantages over conventional plastics in manufacturing. Compared to petroleum-based plastics such as PS and PET, the production of PLA results in approximately 60% fewer CO₂ emissions and consumes 50% less non-renewable energy.

PLA also performs well in cradle-to-cradle studies in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, resource conservation, and overall environmental impact. However, studies may differ due to different calculation bases for the overall environmental impact.

Short lifespan instead of durable plastics

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and compostable bioplastic. PLA is certified according to DIN 13432 and decomposes by at least 90% in an industrial composting facility within 90 days. Outdoors, decomposition usually takes longer, depending on the conditions. After decomposition, no toxic residues such as chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds or inorganic substances remain—apart from basic organic substances. In contrast, the degradation of petroleum-based plastics can take centuries or even millennia. Even then, tiny, potentially toxic microparticles remain, which are ingested by animals and, in some cases, by us. In the ocean, these microplastic particles even absorb toxins from the water. On land, plastics can also release pollutants and impair soil fertility. Therefore, it is important to replace long-lasting plastic products that outlive us with short-lived bioplastic products.