At Greenfib, we recognize the importance of clarity, sharing knowledge, and building responsibly. Etymologically, ecology means “knowledge of the house,” while economy refers to “management of the house.” We believe in providing a solid answer to a well-posed question. This article aims to contribute to a better understanding of bioplastics, taking the role of educator rather than claiming absolute expertise.
What is bioplastic?
The term “bioplastic” is widely used today—sometimes inaccurately. It appears in media, on packaging, and in discussions about ecological transition. But what does it really mean?
Definition of Bioplastic
A bioplastic is defined as: “a biodegradable plastic derived from renewable resources (such as starch), or a non-biodegradable plastic also derived from renewable resources.” (Source: Larousse)
Bioplastics thus fall into two main categories:
- Bio-based plastics: Plastics made wholly or partially from natural, renewable raw materials.
- Biodegradable plastics: Plastics capable of decomposing under certain conditions (industrial or domestic), whether or not they are plant-based.
A bioplastic describes both the origin of the material and the way it breaks down. It is always bio-based but not necessarily biodegradable.
Types of Bioplastics
Bio-based plastics
These plastics reduce dependence on petroleum and are made from plant or animal biomass, such as sugarcane, potato, corn starch, sweet potato, or castor oil. Bio-based plastics are not automatically biodegradable.
⚠ Legally, a plastic can be labeled as bio-based if it contains at least 20% bio-based material. This means it could still contain up to 80% petroleum-based material. At Greenfib, we emphasize that our material is 100% bio-based, with zero petroleum-based content.
Biodegradable plastics
Biodegradable plastics are made from organic (plant or animal) or fossil-based materials that can be broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, and assimilated by the environment.
However, proper decomposition requires specific conditions: high temperature, controlled humidity, a high concentration of microorganisms, and the presence of organic matter. These conditions are rarely met in natural environments such as forests, rivers, or oceans, which makes degradation slow or incomplete.
Contrary to common belief, a “biodegradable” plastic does not automatically disappear in nature. Rapid biodegradation is only guaranteed in controlled environments, such as industrial composting facilities, where conditions are carefully regulated.
Without appropriate treatment, biodegradable plastics can accumulate in soils and aquatic environments, contributing to pollution. It is therefore crucial not to confuse biodegradable and compostable, and to ensure proper collection and processing to minimize ecological impact.
⚠ In practice, “biodegradable” does not automatically mean “compostable.” Most still require industrial processes or infrastructure that is not yet widely available.
Greenfib and Bioplastic
Greenfib® is a bioplastic, 100% bio-based, manufactured in France, made from PA11® (a polymer derived from castor oil), and reinforced with organic fibers and mineral fillers.
It is not biodegradable, because this is not always the most sustainable solution. Instead, we offer a material that is:
- robust and compatible with standard industrial processes,
- resistant to everyday use,
- capable of supporting more sustainable production and consumption models: repair, reuse, rental, and circular economy.
Conclusion
The term bioplastic covers a complex reality that is often misunderstood. Bio-based does not always mean biodegradable, and biodegradable does not necessarily mean harmlessly disappearing. Clarity and rigor are essential when discussing sustainable materials.
At Greenfib, we choose a 100% bio-based, non-biodegradable bioplastic, designed to last, be repaired, reused, and integrated into a circular economy. Responsible materials depend not only on their composition or end-of-life, but on the entire production and usage cycle.
By offering robust solutions compatible with current industrial practices, Greenfib is committed to building a concrete, functional, and sustainable ecological transition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bioplastics
1. Are all bioplastics biodegradable?
No. A bioplastic can be either bio-based (from renewable resources), biodegradable, or both. Therefore, a bioplastic may be bio-based but not biodegradable, as is the case with Greenfib®.
2. What is the difference between biodegradable and compostable?
A biodegradable plastic can break down via microorganisms, but this does not mean it decomposes in nature without impact. Compostable plastics, in contrast, must fully and rapidly degrade in a controlled composting environment, without affecting compost quality.
3. Why isn’t Greenfib® biodegradable?
Greenfib has chosen durability. Its 100% bio-based composition is designed for long-term use, repair, and reuse, to reduce waste at the source. Biodegradability is not always the most ecological solution, especially when it can lead to overconsumption or improper end-of-life handling.