Biobased Biomaterials Towards A Sustainable Circular Future
Before the invention of plastic, humans relied on natural materials such as ivory, horn, tortoiseshell, amber, rubber, and shellac, all of which had been utilised since ancient times. In the 19th century, the comb-making industry was a significant consumer of ivory and animal horn. It was also used for various products, from medallions to cutlery.
However, concerns over the extinction of animal species and cruel animal welfare practices led to the invention of plastic. Plastics quickly became ubiquitous, infiltrating nearly every aspect of daily life. We brush our hair with plastic combs and eat takeaway lunch with plastic cutlery. It is nearly impossible to go through a day without encountering plastic.
As we have become increasingly climate-aware, the widespread use of plastics has come with significant drawbacks for the environment. Plastic pollution affects our landscapes, oceans, air, and even our bodies, with microplastics now found in nearly every corner of the planet. Plastics have even been unearthed in ancient soil samples.
Today, more than a century after the first synthetic plastic was invented in 1907, natural materials are making a comeback. Biobased biomaterials like Solinatra are the truly sustainable alternatives that do not threaten wildlife ecosystems and contribute to a circular economy.
What are Biobased Biomaterials?
Biobased biomaterials are materials that are naturally occurring and organic in origin. Biobased biomaterials have a significantly lower carbon footprint than fossil-derived plastic materials. Data analysis from 98 new biomaterials reported in 130 international studies showed that biobased products emit 45% less greenhouse gas (GHG) during their life cycle compared to their fossil counterparts.
Biobased materials are often biodegradable or compostable; they can break down into natural substances under certain conditions, reducing their impact on the environment. This characteristic makes these materials part of a closed-loop system, where they are fully biodegraded at the end of their life cycle.
Solinatra is a biobased bioplastic, made with biopolymers, and is biodegradable and compostable. Solinatra is 100% natural and made without petrochemicals or fossil fuel derived ingredients.
The Growing Market of Biobased Biomaterials
According to the Global Market for Bio-based and Sustainable Materials 2024-2035, the market for biobased and sustainable materials is experiencing rapid growth and transformation, with key application areas including packaging (biodegradable films, compostable containers), automotive (natural fibre composites in interiors), construction (biobased insulation, concrete alternatives), and textiles (recycled and biobased fibres).
In addition, the MarketsandMarkets report showed that the global bioplastics and biopolymers market size is valued at USD 15.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 45.2 billion by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 24.2% from 2024 and 2029, driven by consumer preference, increasing use in packaging and compostable applications, stringent waste management regulations in Europe, and government focus on green procurement policies and regulations.
The agriculture and horticulture end-user industry are expected to experience the highest CAGR in the bioplastics and biopolymers market. The biodegradability of biopolymers is increasingly preferred in agriculture for various applications such as plant pots, mulch films, and other agricultural products, leading to a surge in demand for bioplastics in agriculture.
Governments worldwide are also promoting biobased materials. The European Union’s Bioeconomy Strategy, for instance, aims to strengthen and scale up the biobased sectors and unlock investments and markets by developing substitutes for fossil-based materials that are biobased, recyclable, and marine biodegradable. Similarly, the United States has introduced the USDA BioPreferred Program, which mandates the use of bio-based products in federal procurement.
Biobased Biomaterials: Truly Sustainable Alternative for a Circular Economy
100% Natural: Other bioplastics and biomaterials may only be partially biobased, but Solinatra is a 100% biobased biomaterial. Products made of Solinatra are made fully from natural, renewable sources. The commitment to 100% natural derived ingredients ensures that Solinatra is free from fossil fuel-derived components, making them a truly sustainable alternative.
Plastic-Free: Solinatra goes beyond bioplastics by creating fully plastic-free products. Solinatra materials are naturally plastic free and are fully biodegradable and compostable, breaking down naturally without leaving behind microplastics or any harmful residues.
Home and Industrial Composting: Solinatra materials fully degrade in anaerobic and aerobic conditions, without leaving behind microplastics or any contaminants. Solinatra materials are suitable for home and industrial composting, making it practical for customers to dispose of products after use.
Non-Competition with Food Production: Solinatra material feedstocks are sourced from existing resources, including agricultural byproducts and spent coffee grinds. This approach avoids competition with land use for food crops, and ethical concerns associated with using food resources for material production and ensures that Solinatra's products do not compete with food production.
Versatility in Applications: Solinatra biobased biomaterials are highly versatile, suitable for various applications including packaging, cutlery, and food containers for injection moulding in existing machinery. Solinatra materials can be customised to meet the specific needs of different industries, providing a truly sustainable alternative to conventional materials across multiple sectors.
See also: Sustainable Packaging Materials for the Circular Economy
Industry Certifications for Solinatra Biomaterials
USDA Biobased: Products made of Solinatra are suitable for inclusion in the USDA BioPreferred Program, which promotes biobased products for federal purchasing and is a consumer recognised packaging label for products partly or wholly made with biobased packaging content.
TÜV Austria OK Compost Certification: Solinatra Universal Food is certified as compostable under industrial composting conditions, ensuring that they can break down into natural substances without leaving harmful contaminants. Many products made of Solinatra can be awarded
European Bioplastics Association and the Plant Based Products Council: Solinatra is a member of the European Bioplastics Association, which promotes the development and use of bioplastics and biobased materials in Europe, and the Plant Based Products Council in the USA. These memberships reflect Solinatra’s dedication to advancing the biobased materials industry.