Sustainable materials

Bio-based materials are made of renewable sources such as plants or microorganisms. Their key advantage is reducing dependence on fossil fuels and potentially decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. However, bio-based nature alone does not necessarily guarantee that the material is biodegradable or environmentally friendly. In most cases, the properties of these materials are similar to those obtained from oil, as the manufacturer can obtain the same type of material from both oil and renewable sources.

Examples of the use of bio-based materials include packaging for food and beverages, such as plastic bottles, storage containers, and bags. Additionally, bioplastics can be used to make cosmetic packaging, medical devices, clothing, and even automotive parts.

Bio-degradable materials are those that microorganisms in the environment can break down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass over a reasonable period of time. However, it is important to understand that biodegradability does not necessarily mean that the material is made from bio-based sources, as most of these plastics are actually made from fossil fuels. It is also important to distinguish between compostability options with biodegradable materials. Some can be composted at home in traditional compost bins, where they are exposed to natural degradation conditions, while others require special thermal and humidity conditions provided by industrial composting facilities. Ensuring proper material degradation is crucial for environmental preservation, so appropriate composting guidelines should be followed when handling biodegradable plastics.

Biodegradable plastics are increasingly being used as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. Examples of use include packaging for food and beverages, as well as products such as single-use bags and seedling pots. Their ability to degrade after use allows for a reduction in waste and negative environmental impacts.

The difference between bio-based and biodegradable plastics lies in their origin and ultimate environmental impact. Bio-based materials originate from renewable sources, whereas biodegradability describes the material's ability to decompose under natural conditions with the help of microorganisms. Therefore, while bio-based materials can be sustainable, it does not necessarily mean that they are also biodegradable, and vice versa. It is important to consider these differences when choosing and using materials to reduce environmental impact.

PIR involves processing waste generated during production, such as trimmings, scraps, etc. These waste materials have never reached the consumer. This material can be directly reused in the manufacturing process, reducing waste and the need for new raw materials.

PCR involves recycling materials discarded by end-users or from waste. These materials are collected, sorted, cleaned, and processed into new products.

This method transforms polymer structures back into their monomeric forms or other chemicals that can then be used to produce new polymers or other products. Chemical recycling enables the processing of plastics that are difficult to recycle using mechanical methods and offers the potential for an unlimited number of recycling cycles, thereby reducing the need for new resources. However, compared to PCR recycling, this process is energetically wasteful. Products of chemical recycling include pyrolysis oil, which is used to produce new virgin material, with this part of the raw material included as part of the mass balance.

The production of plastics from a mass balance approach involves using a combination of renewable and fossil raw material sources. This method enables plastic manufacturers to partially substitute fossil fuels with renewable sources, thereby reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions. The process begins with the processing of renewable raw materials, such as plant oils or biomass, into monomeric feedstocks. These monomeric feedstocks are then used alongside fossil raw materials in the plastic production process, allowing the final product to be composed of a combination of renewable and fossil sources.

SABIC employs a mass balance calculation approach through its TRUCIRCLE program. This means that a portion of the plastics they produce contains monomers derived from renewable sources, such as biological feedstocks, as well as fossil sources. In this process, some fossil raw materials are substituted with renewables sourced from chemical recycling products, resulting in a reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions.