The packaging industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability to address climate change and environmental damage. Biodegradable materials have become a popular alternative to traditional plastics. Common biodegradable materials on the market include Polylactic Acid (PLA), Starch-based biodegradable plastics, calcium carbonate-filled materials, cellulose films, chitosan, mushroom mycelium packaging, seaweed packaging, and more. Today, we will introduce the three most common types: PLA, Starch-based biodegradable plastics, and calcium carbonate-filled materials.
What are PLA, Cornstarch-Based biodegradable plastics, and Calcium Carbonate-Filled Materials?
1. What is Polylactic Acid (PLA)?
PLA is a bioplastic derived from renewable biomass, typically fermented plant starch from sources like corn, cassava, sugarcane, or sugar beet pulp. It is widely used in eco-friendly packaging, such as compostable food containers and biodegradable medical devices. PLA is fully compostable in industrial facilities, contributing to sustainable circular economy models by minimizing waste. Its production does not compete with food resources, and ongoing research focuses on utilizing non-agricultural feedstocks, further boosting its eco-friendliness. PLA offers significant environmental and economic advantages over traditional petroleum-based plastics.
PLA-Based Biodegradable Materials
Our PLA-based packaging is made from PLA + PBAT, offering high transparency, excellent gloss, and great stiffness.
Key Benefits:
- High transparency and gloss for a premium look
- Strong edge sealing and excellent aging resistance
- Available in powder-free PLA for clothing and food-grade PLA options
- Certified industrially compostable to Australian and European standards (BPI D6400and EN13432), meaning it can break down in commercial composting facilities within 12 weeks, unlike traditional plastics that can take centuries
2. What is Starch-based biodegradable plastics?
Cornstarch-based biodegradable plastics are eco-friendly materials made from the starch of carbohydrate-rich plants like corn, cassava, and potatoes. During production, this starch is converted into a thermoplastic form, which enhances its strength and durability. These biodegradable plastics are biodegradable and renewable, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. They are highly versatile, suitable for both rigid and flexible packaging applications, including protective foam for shipping boxes and biodegradable bags. As a result, cornstarch-based biodegradable plastics are increasingly popular in the sustainable packaging industry, combining environmental benefits with practical functionality.
Starch-Based Biodegradable Materials
Our starch-based packaging is made from a blend of cornstarch（The Zero-Waste Materials） + PBAT + PLA (in small amounts). This composition results in a soft, light yellow material with excellent flexibility and a natural starch scent.
Key Benefits:
- Eco-Friendly Alternative: Made from renewable resources, this material is a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. It is produced with significantly less energy and fewer carbon dioxide emissions, making it a greener choice.
- Enhanced Physical Properties: The thermoplastic form of the material is much stronger and more durable than its raw form, ensuring high performance in various applications.
- Smooth, Fine-Textured Surface: Offers a premium feel with excellent flexibility, high puncture and tear resistance.
- Unique and Recognizable: Its distinctive texture and natural starch aroma make it easily identifiable.
In addition, we can also provide PLA dust-free series for clothing packaging and PLA food-grade options.
3.What is Calcium Carbonate-Filled Materials
Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is a widely used material, naturally found in limestone and comprising about 5% of the Earth's crust. Calcium carbonate is mainly divided into two types: Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC), produced by grinding limestone into fine powder, and Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC), a synthetic, nano-sized material. In the plastics industry, calcium carbonate fillers are widely used to adjust the properties of plastic products, such as elasticity, durability, and heat resistance, and are commonly found in bags, bottles, and packaging materials. As demand evolves, the production processes for calcium carbonate fillers are also continuously developing. Advances in grinding technology result in smaller particle sizes, affecting the texture and opacity of products.
Calcium carbonate-filled materials are the most common type of biodegradable bags on the market, primarily due to their lower cost. However, these materials have several limitations in terms of performance, which is why they are generally used in price-sensitive packaging applications.
Disadvantages:
- Soft texture and low-quality feel: Calcium carbonate-filled materials tend to be softer and less durable, giving a cheaper feel and appearance.
- Weak sealing strength: The sealing strength is relatively low, making these bags prone to cracking or breaking during transport or use.
- Short re-sealing effectiveness: The effectiveness of re-sealing is poor, affecting the bag's ability to be reused.
What are their differences?
1、Differences in Appearance
PLA is naturally transparent, allowing for various degrees of opacity and translucency depending on color, additives, and processing techniques. Starch-based biodegradable plastics generally have a more opaque and matte finish, often designed to look similar to traditional plastics but with a more natural appearance. In contrast, pure calcium carbonate is a white, odorless fine powder with no inherent color, and it appears as a solid, typically white substance when used as a filler. Each material's appearance is tailored to its specific applications and processing requirements.
2、Differences in Texture
PLA has a smooth and glossy texture with a pleasant, solid feel, though it can be somewhat rigid and less flexible unless specifically formulated. Starch-based biodegradable plastics offer an exceptionally soft and smooth texture with a refined, silky feel, enhanced by their excellent flexibility and a natural starch scent that adds to the overall comfort. In contrast, Calcium Carbonate-Filled Materials have a more basic and rough texture. While these materials are soft, the presence of calcium carbonate makes them feel cheaper and less refined, with a lower degree of smoothness and tactile comfort compared to PLA and starch-based biodegradable plastics.
3、Differences in Application Scenarios
PLA is widely used in 3D printing, medical implants, textiles, and packaging due to its low melting point, biocompatibility, and compostability. It is particularly favored for applications requiring non-toxic emissions and environmental sustainability. PLA is commonly used for packaging cold food items, such as salad containers and drink cups, and is also ideal for apparel packaging that demands a powder-free environment to keep products clean and uncontaminated.
Starch-based bioplastics, known for their strong physical properties and eco-friendliness, are utilized in a variety of applications. These bioplastics are commonly used for packaging, including apparel, gift packaging, and electronic product packaging. Their resistance to high temperatures makes them suitable for applications that require durability and environmental benefits. In addition to packaging, starch-based bioplastics are used in disposable medical items, adhesives, coatings, and foams.
In contrast, calcium carbonate-filled materials are primarily employed as cost-effective fillers in polymer formulations. They enhance the mechanical properties of products while reducing production costs. These materials are commonly used in rubber base adhesives and various industrial applications, providing a balance between performance and affordability.
How to Choose the Most Suitable Biodegradable Packaging for Your Products
Food Industry
PLA biodegradable bags are perfect for packaging cold food products such as salads, fruits, and vegetables. The transparent PLA material helps keep food fresh by allowing moisture to escape, similar to conventional plastic bags. Additionally, kraft paper bags with PLA lining are an excellent eco-friendly option for packaging snacks, nuts, grains, and dry goods. These bags provide effective moisture protection, ensuring the contents stay fresh for longer.
Agriculture and Horticulture Industry
Starch-based biodegradable plastics are also widely used for packaging agricultural and horticultural products such as seed bags, seedling trays, and garden mulch films. Its biodegradable properties make it an excellent choice for this sector, as the packaging can decompose naturally without polluting the soil or affecting plant growth. This eco-friendly option supports sustainable farming practices by reducing plastic waste.
Coffee Industry
A popular packaging option for the coffee industry is Kraft paper combined with PLA material, which can be used to create both stand-up pouches and flat-bottom bags. This eco-friendly material combination not only aligns with sustainability goals but also provides excellent protection for coffee products. Kraft paper offers a natural, rustic appearance, while PLA ensures biodegradability, making it an ideal choice for coffee roasters looking to reduce their environmental impact. These durable bags are designed to preserve the freshness of coffee during storage and transport, offering a high-quality, sustainable packaging solution for the coffee market.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry
Kraft PLA bags are increasingly popular for packaging cosmetics and personal care items. The combination of kraft paper and PLA lining ensures moisture resistance, protecting product quality while promoting an eco-friendly brand image. The natural and earthy appearance of kraft PLA bags also adds a premium, sustainable aesthetic to cosmetics packaging, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Our Expertise in Biodegradable Packaging
With over 20 years of experience in packaging bag production and more than a decade of expertise in the degradable market, our company is dedicated to providing high-quality, eco-friendly packaging solutions. Prioritizing excellence, we use food-grade materials that have been rigorously tested by SGS Switzerland to meet global standards. We also hold ISO and QS certifications, ensuring our commitment to quality and safety.
After over a decade of sustained growth, we now operate two state-of-the-art production bases, and our nationwide sales network is expanding globally. This expansion has positioned us as a leading manufacturer of plastic packaging bags, with a strong focus on sustainable, degradable packaging options for a wide range of industries.