Bioplastics are produced using low carbon footprint processes, and are not derived from fossil fuel feedstocks. They can be extruded, formed, blown and spun using the same manufacturing technologies as conventional plastics.

CSIRO’s Future Manufacturing Flagship develops  manufacturing processes for bioplastics which outperform conventional petrochemical-derived plastics.

High performance bio-derived and biodegradable composites

Composite materials are  created by adding inorganic fillers or fibrous reinforcements to  plastics to improve strength or material properties or reduce cost. Composite plastics have a variety of applications in the automotive, aerospace and construction industries.

One of the most versatile biopolymers is polylactic acid (PLA), which can be blended with starches to improve its toughness, stiffness and thickness. Plant fibres added to PLA  improve strength and flexibility.

PLA is used in a wide variety of applications, from packaging to biodegradable medical implants.

A shipping pallet made of biodegradable Biofiba composite. Case study: biodegradable pallets - BioFiba Limited Working with Biofiba Limited and Telford Smith Engineering CSIRO have developed a revolutionary natural material, BioFiba88, an extrudable simulated timber which combines a renewable polymeric binder with cellulose fibre-based reinforcing elements. The material can be extruded and sawn into planks to make biodegradable pallets.  It provides a sustainable alternative to timber for use in shipping pallets. Pallets made from Biofiba composites break down easily into earth-friendly, natural matter. BioFiba Biopallets are targeted at the US$90 billion global export pallet market. In 2010, BioFiba set up a Biopallet manufacturing plant in China, in association with a Chinese partner, producing product for the Chinese pallet market. Downloads Biofiba Fact Sheet (pdf - 0.37mb)

Biopolymer trays for packaging chocolates (photo from Plantic Technologies). Case study: ECO-friendly packaging – Plantic Technologies Pty Ltd Plantic is an Australian company, set up in 2001 to commercialise bio-derived and biodegradable starch-based packaging materials developed by CSIRO through the Food and Packaging Cooperative Research Centre. The company produces specialised bio-based barrier materials for packaging refrigerated fresh foods such as meats, fish and pasta, as well as totally biodegradable plastic feedstock (derived from corn starch) used in packaging, medical, automotive and aerospace applications. Plantic customers include Nestlé, Lindt and Cadbury Schweppes. Plantic plastic products are estimated to require 50 per cent less energy for manufacture, and have lower GHG emission impact (40-70 per cent lower) than conventional plastics. Plantic Pty Ltd was valued at £15 million when it was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2007. Since that time, the company has passed into private ownership.

Nano-modifed composites

Nanocomposites have extremely small particles (of less than 100 nanometres) dispersed within the material.

The particles can change material function, improving mechanical performance, fire resistance, or barrier properties against water or air, or shielding sensitive electrical components from electromagnetic radiation or to dissipate electrical charge.

Nano-modifed coatings can also protect against heat and light.

CSIRO has coated clear plastic bottles with a nanocomposite that protects against a range of UV light or other wavelengths to prevent ‘light strike' affecting the flavour of the liquids inside.

Learn more about CSIRO's work at Lightweight composites to get trimmer and smarter.