BASF has developed its first biodegradable plastic based on renewable raw materials.
The plastic Ecovio is manufactured from a blend of polylactic acid (45%), a material obtained from corn (maize), and BASF’s existing biodegradable plastic Ecoflex (55%), which is derived from petrochemicals.
BASF plans to start marketing Ecovio in
Ecovio itself can be used to produce flexible films from which biodegradable carrier bags or other packaging can be made. If other materials are added to it, it can also be used to make items such as mobile phone housings and yogurt cups.
Biodegradable plastics are completely degraded within a few weeks under compositing conditions and may be produced from either petrochemical or renewable raw materials. BASF says that its new plastic Ecovio, however, offers an additional advantage: the polylactic acid used in its manufacture is largely carbon dioxide-neutral when composted.
Massive new Coventry campus targets 60GWh battery output
Where will all the raw materials come from for the manufacturing process? How will they be transported to the factory and what is going to be done with the various scrap and residues?