Bio resin, also called bioplastics, are making a big splash across industries as consumers and businesses alike are looking for ways to be kinder to our planet. While plastics, in general, can contribute to this cause – by reducing weight to increase fuel efficiency, providing barriers to food to reduce waste, using less energy to manufacture compared to other materials, and being used for components in renewable energy systems – bio-resins and biocomposites can go even further. Compared to traditional plastics, bio-resins and biocomposites have a lower carbon footprint, can be compatible with existing recycling programs, and/or can be biodegradable.
Demand For Eco-Friendly Products
Consumer and corporate interest in bioplastics and biocomposite plastic products has grown significantly over recent years due to increasing environmental awareness and sustainability concerns. Several factors are driving the need for products made with bio-resins and biocomposite materials, including:
Corporate Social Responsibility – Many companies have environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives as part of their business strategy. Companies increasingly recognize the importance of sustainable practices in maintaining their brand image and attracting consumers. Many are switching to bioplastics and biocomposites as part of their sustainability initiatives.
Consumer Demand – Consumers are becoming more educated about their purchases’ environmental impacts and actively seeking more sustainable options. Consumers have reported a strong desire for environmentally and ethically sustainable products. A NielsenIQ survey found that 78 percent of US consumers say a sustainable lifestyle is important to them. Fortunately, it appears they are willing to back that up through sales. Analyzing five years (2017-2022) of sales data, researchers of another study found that consumers are purchasing more products that have ESG-related claims. In fact, they found products making ESG-related claims averaged 28 percent cumulative growth over the time period, while products without these claims averaged 20 percent.
Regulatory Pressure – Many states and municipalities are introducing regulations to limit the use of traditional plastics and encourage the use of more sustainable alternatives. This is pushing companies to adopt bioplastics and biocomposites, and this shift is often marketed to consumers as a selling point.
So it is no surprise that the US bio-resin market is expected to see significant growth by 2030 and expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.3%. In 2022, the biodegradable market segment held the most significant share (52%) and is expected to maintain a healthy growth rate, with packaging applications leading the market. Non-biodegradable bio-resins are also growing because of the rising demand for products from end-users and the increasing desire to reduce dependency on petroleum-based products.
What are Bio Resins?
Bio resin can be a confusing term because it describes a variety of materials. The accepted definition is a plastic that meets one of the following:
- Is made from a renewable resource (bio-based)
- Will break down completely through a natural process (biodegradable)
- Is both bio-based and biodegradable
Bio-Based Resins
While much of the plastics we are familiar with are petroleum-based, bio-based resins are derived from biological sources. To be considered bio-based, some or all of its carbon is derived from a renewable source. In the US, corn and soybean byproducts from bio-diesel fuel refinement are commonly used to provide feedstocks for some monomers (molecules that are bonded to others to form polymers). However, sugar cane, sugar beets, potatoes, and other products can be used. And research has been ongoing to use agricultural, municipal waste, algae, and other biobased feedstocks that are not from food sources. To be considered bio-resin, the biobased content may be the polymer, filler, or an additive. These products are not necessarily biodegradable or compostable.
Bio-based resins are becoming more mainstream and are used for packaging, consumer goods, medical applications, automotive and more. Even the iconic plastic brand Lego has started creating bio-based plastic toys.
Biodegradable Resins
Biodegradable bio resins do not have to come from a renewable resource. They just need to degrade into biomass, carbon dioxide, and water through biological action in a precisely defined environment (composting, anaerobic digestion, marine or soil environments) and within a specified timeframe. Federal and state regulations guide claims that can be made about biodegradability, which must be backed up by reliable scientific evidence.
Products made from biodegradable resins tend to be those that don’t require a long life span, such as single-use products (e.g., utensils, cups, packaging), gardening pots, and mulching films.
Biocomposite Plastics
Another type of resin used in injection molding is biocomposite plastics. These composite materials are formed by a matrix (resin) and a reinforcement of natural fibers. These kinds of materials often have a plastic-based matrix, which can be either traditional plastic or bioplastic. The organic fillers that are often used include starch, reclaimed wood, corn bob, jute, hemp, or flax. Biocomposites provide an ecological value without sacrificing appearance, performance, or quality.
An Injection Molder with Bio Resin Experience
Injection molding bio-resins and biocomposites present challenges not encountered with traditional plastics. Process temperatures and cycle times must be adjusted. In addition, the manufacturer must understand the plastics’ physical and mechanical properties that will affect product strength and durability. Also, some bio-resins, such as polylactic acid (PLA), have a high affinity for moisture, which can lead to issues such as hydrolysis during processing and degrade the polymer. Proper storage and drying of the resin before processing are typically necessary. Working with an injection molder that has experience with Bio Resins will be critical.
SEA_LECT Plastics has been on the leading edge of green injection molding, and our expertise will bring your eco-friendly plastic product ideas to reality. For our first green project, we created a luggage tag for Pearl Jam’s fan club, which ultimately enhanced the industry standard for sustainable injection molding practices. Watch this video to learn how we are working to protect the environment.
Ready to create a sustainable product while enhancing your brand image and exciting your customers? Contact us, and let’s talk!