What's the Problem?

Bioplastics account for only 1% of the total plastics market. Scaling up their production is essential for ensuring sustainable development. The main barriers are their higher prices compared to traditional plastics, limited biodegradability, and lack of mechanical properties to meet all application needs. For example, the most widely used bioplastic, PLA, is 60% more expensive than its traditional counterpart, PET, and is only biodegradable if processed in industrial composting facilities. Due to its natural rigidity and tendency to break under stress, it is challenging to use PLA in flexible packaging such as supermarket bags or wrapping films. Currently, PLA production involves both a biological and a chemical step, with high purification costs.