Bioplastics (as defined by European Bioplastics e.V.The industry association representing the interests of Europe’s thriving bioplastics’ industry. Founded in Germany in 1993 as IBAW, European Biopl… More) is a term used to define two different kinds of plasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More:

1. PlasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More based on renewable resourcesAgricultural raw materials, which are not used as food or feed, but as raw material for industrial products or to generate energy. The use of renewabl… More (the focus is the origin of the raw material used). These can be biodegradableBiodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. or not.
2. BiodegradableBiodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. and compostable plasticsPlastics that are biodegradable under composting conditions: specified humidity, temperature, microorganisms and timeframe. In order to make accurate … More according to EN13432 or similar standards (the focus is the compostability of the final product; biodegradableBiodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. and compostable plasticsPlastics that are biodegradable under composting conditions: specified humidity, temperature, microorganisms and timeframe. In order to make accurate … More can be based on renewable (biobasedThe term biobased describes the part of a material or product that is stemming from biomass. When making a biobased claim, the unit (biobased carbon c… More) and/or non-renewable (fossil) resources).

Bioplastics may be:

• based on renewable resourcesAgricultural raw materials, which are not used as food or feed, but as raw material for industrial products or to generate energy. The use of renewabl… More and biodegradableBiodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.;
• based on renewable resourcesAgricultural raw materials, which are not used as food or feed, but as raw material for industrial products or to generate energy. The use of renewabl… More but not be biodegradableBiodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.; and
• based on fossil resources and biodegradableBiodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.