Abstract:

The use of conventional flexible plastics allows companies to provide cost-effective packaging solutions coupled with excellent product protection characteristics. However they are difficult to recycle leaving incineration as the only practical solution for creating value from waste when they’re used in laminates. Compostable bioplastics are also suitable for incineration but in addition they can generate value via composting (industrially or at home) and anaerobic digestion at the end of their end life. The development of new high barrier bioplastics (mineral oil barrier included) together with the combination of two or more different compostable films (like the conventional packaging industry is doing) opened the doors for them to be used in very demanding packaging applications with long-shelf life requirements. Many examples of bioplastic structures can be currently found in the market place.