Many brands are reshaping the way they do business to appeal to the growing demand for sustainability from customers. But is going green just a trend or does it have long-term benefits for companies and the planet alike?
At GAIM Plastics, we offer a biodegradable plastic option for brands looking to make a more eco-conscious impact. As leading experts in the field of injection plastic molding, we’re here to explain what biodegradable plastic is, how it’s best used, and what companies can expect if they decide to make the switch.
What is Biodegradable Plastic?
The term “bioplastics” is a broad term that people use when referring to plastics that are made bio-based and biodegradable, but these are two distinct concepts. Bio-based plastic products are made, either partially or fully, out of starch, sugar, lignocellulosic biomass, or other biomass materials.
Biodegradable plastics, on the other hand, are plastics that break down into natural materials like water or carbon dioxide with the help of microorganisms. Biodegradable plastics are often bio-based but can also be made of traditional petroleum resources.
Decomposition: Biodegradable Plastic vs. Conventional
While there is no exact number, there is a significant difference in the range of time it takes biodegradable plastic to break down versus regular plastic.
In an industrial compost setting, biodegradable plastic can take three or six months to fully decompose. In soil, it can take one to three years but can take ten years or more in a landfill to fully decompose. Regular plastic can take one hundred to a thousand years to completely break down.
Characteristics of Biodegradable Plastics
Want to make the switch to biodegradable plastic, but worried about losing the durability and flexibility that regular plastic offers? Don’t be! Like conventional plastic, biodegradable plastic can also be injection molded, extruded, colored, and formed into different shapes.
Color and grain can also be added to biodegradable plastic to completely customize its appearance. Plus, it can be injected with other plastic materials to produce a fully robust and sturdy product.
How Can Biodegradable Plastic Be Applied?
Biodegradable plastic can be used in a variety of applications, just like regular plastic! This includes:
- Consumer products
- Appliances
- Lawn and garden
- Construction
- And more!
The Future of Biodegradable Plastic Companies
Local governments and municipalities across America are starting to take the environmental future of the nation more seriously than ever before. As a result, many areas are taking initiatives to ban or reduce the use of traditional plastic.
In the world of manufacturing, this means that biodegradable plastic companies are in high demand from brands looking for a green partner.
A key figure that shows why biodegradable plastic companies are the path forward is that the demand for biodegradable plastic in the USA is expected to experience exponential growth by 2035, with a CAGR of 9.0%.
Benefits of Biodegradable Plastic Companies in Manufacturing
Below is a breakdown of the most significant benefits of partnering with a biodegradable plastics company like GAIM for your manufacturing needs:
- Regulatory Compliance- If your region is being affected by a ban on traditional plastics, partnering with a biodegradable plastic company can help you stay compliant
- Increased Customer Demand- Consumers across various industries are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint by making greener purchases. Help deliver what your customers are seeking by finding the best biodegradable plastic company to manufacture your products.
- Rapidly Growing Market- With the demand for biodegradable plastic expected to grow 9.0% in the next ten years, it can be a wise, long-term investment to partner with a biodegradable plastic company.
Biodegradable Plastic Companies Are the Future! Partner With GAIM Today!
Are you looking to become a more ecofriendly business? Contact us at GAIM Plastics, today! We offer expert biodegradable plastic injection molding solutions for many different industries. From development to market-readiness, we’re your manufacturing partner at each phase of manufacturing.