Biobased Polyesters

Properties and Applications

Biobased polyesters are a a large class of bioplastics that are derived from renewable resources such as natural fats and oils. Some biobased polyesters that have gained commercial use or that are currently investigated for commercial use include polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and poly(3-hydroxy valerate). Among these, PLA is the most extensively studied biodegradable thermoplastic polyesters. It is truly biodegradable and biocompatible polyester with a relatively high melting point (160 °C).

Aliphatic polyesters are often blended with other resins to improve their processing and end use properties. For example, they can be blended with starch to lower cost and to increase the biodegradability. Biodegradable polyesters are also used as the matrix resin for mostly unidirectional bio-composite materials.

Biobased Polyesters are used as a feedstock for injection-molding of disposable articles like drinking cups and food containers. Some other applications include soil retention sheething, waste bags, and packaging material in general. Biopolyesters have also found many applications in the medical and pharmaceutical industry, for example, in drug delivery systems, wound closure, surgical sutures, implants, and tissue engineering.

Manufacturers

1The global market of biodegradable plastics is to reach ca. $3.5 billion by 2022, growing at CAGR of approx. 11.5 percent.2
2Global Information Inc., Market Research Report Global Biodegradable Plastics Market Insights, June 13, 2016