Bioplastics can be divided into three main categories:
- Bio-based and biodegradable plastics: Examples include polylactide (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA).
- Bio-based but non-biodegradable plastics: These are bio-based versions of conventional plastics, such as bio-based polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).
- Fossil-based but biodegradable plastics: Examples include polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT).
- Common misconception
A common misconception is that all bioplastics are biodegradable. This is not true; a plastic can be bio-based without being biodegradable and vice versa. For example, bio-based polyethylene is chemically identical to fossil-based polyethylene and does not biodegrade.
