What are the applications of PBAT?

06 May.,2024

 

What is PBAT plastic? Pros and cons of PBAT - EuroPlas

What is PBAT plastic? Pros and cons of PBAT

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PBAT, or Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate, is a type of biodegradable and compostable plastic that is gaining popularity as an eco-friendly solution to the problem of plastic waste. PBAT is made from renewable resources, such as corn starch and sugarcane, and can break down naturally in the environment. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of PBAT plastic and its applications. Whether you're looking to use this material in your business or just want to learn more about it, this article provides valuable information that you can use to make informed decisions.

Related:

- What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of bioplastics

- What are bioplastic compounds? Outstanding benefits and applications

- Bioplastics - The arduous revolution of the plastic industry

- PLA masterbatch - the future of the plastic industry

1. What is PBAT plastic?

1.1. What is PBAT?

PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) is a type of thermoplastic polymer that is quickly gaining popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. 

- What is PBAT made from? PBAT is made from renewable resources such as sugar cane and corn starch and is a copolymer of polybutylene adipate and terephthalic acid.

- Is PBAT biodegradable? It is known for its biodegradability and compostability, which means it can be broken down into its constituent parts by microorganisms in the environment, reducing its impact on the ecosystem. 

PBAT polymer can be processed using conventional plastic processing techniques and can be blended with other biodegradable polymers to improve its properties. The use of PBAT in packaging and consumer goods is expected to continue to grow as consumers and businesses look for more sustainable solutions.

1.2. Applications:

PBAT plastic has a wide range of applications due to its unique properties and eco-friendly nature. Some of the most common applications of PBAT polymer include:

- Compostable food packaging: PBAT's flexibility and moisture resistance make it ideal for packaging food items, such as fruit and vegetable bags, snack packaging, and cereal boxes. Its ability to provide a good barrier against gases and liquids helps extend the shelf life of food products.

- Compostable agriculture films: PBAT's toughness and resistance to moisture make it suitable for use in agriculture films, such as mulch films, greenhouse films, and silage covers.

- Compostable biodegradable shopping bags: PBAT can be used to manufacture biodegradable shopping bags, which can help reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment.

- Compostable home and personal care products: PBAT can be used to manufacture a variety of home and personal care products, such as shampoo bottles, soap containers, and toothbrushes.

- Medical products: PBAT can be used in the manufacture of medical products such as suture materials, wound dressings, and other medical devices.

Overall, the versatility and eco-friendly nature of PBAT polymer make it a promising alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics, and its use is expected to continue to grow as consumers and businesses seek more sustainable solutions.

2. Advantages and disadvantages of PBAT

This section will provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of PBAT, helping you make an informed decision about whether it's the right choice for your needs.

2.1. Advantages of PBAT:

- Biodegradability and compostability: PBAT is biodegradable and compostable, meaning it can be broken down into its constituent parts by microorganisms in the environment. This helps to reduce its impact on the ecosystem and minimizes plastic waste.

- Renewable resources: PBAT is made from renewable resources such as sugar cane and corn starch, reducing its reliance on non-renewable petroleum-based resources.

- Versatile: PBAT is flexible and tough, making it suitable for a wide range of applications such as food packaging, agriculture films, and biodegradable shopping bags.

- Good barrier properties: PBAT provides a good barrier against gases and liquids, helping to extend the shelf life of packaged goods and maintain the freshness of food items.

2.2. Disadvantages of PBAT:

- Cost: PBAT is more expensive to produce compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics, which can make it more expensive for consumers.

- Limited industrial use: PBAT is not as widely used in the industry compared to traditional plastics, which may limit its availability and make it harder to find a suitable solution for some applications.

- Environmental impact: Although PBAT is biodegradable and compostable, it still has an impact on the environment if not disposed of properly. The composting process also requires specific conditions to break down the material effectively.

- Performance limitations: PBAT has some performance limitations compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics, such as a lower melting temperature and reduced resistance to UV light and heat.

3. PBAT vs PLA: what is the difference?

PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) and PLA (Polylactic Acid) are both biodegradable and compostable plastics that are gaining popularity as alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. However, they have some key differences that set them apart from each other.

- Composition: PBAT is a copolymer made from a combination of polybutylene adipate and polyethylene terephthalate, while PLA is made from lactic acid, which is derived from corn starch, sugarcane, or other renewable resources.

- Performance: PBAT is flexible and tough, making it suitable for a wide range of applications such as food packaging and biodegradable shopping bags. On the other hand, PLA is rigid and brittle, making it more suitable for applications where stiffness and dimensional stability are important, such as cutlery, drinking straws, and packaging for electronics.

- Biodegradability and compostability: Both PBAT and PLA are biodegradable and compostable, but PBAT has a faster degradation rate compared to PLA, meaning it will break down more quickly in the environment.

- Cost: PBAT is more expensive to produce compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics, while PLA is typically more expensive compared to PBAT.

In conclusion, both PBAT vs PLA have their own unique advantages and disadvantages and the choice between them will depend on the specific requirements of the application. It is important to carefully evaluate the trade-offs between performance, cost, and environmental impact when making a decision.

4. Finding a reliable PBAT plastic supplier?

As environmental concerns grow, more and more companies are looking for eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. In this pursuit, PBAT (polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate) plastic has emerged as a promising option.

For those looking to incorporate PBAT plastic into their products, finding a reliable supplier is crucial. In this regard, EuroPlas is a top masterbatch manufacturer in Vietnam, offering a wide range of bioproducts to meet the needs of various industries. EuroPlas offers two bioproducts, the BiONext bio-compound, and the BiOMates bio filler. 

4.1. Bio compound - BiONext

- Components: BiONext is a combination of bioplastic and other components such as reinforced CaCO3 powder, modified starch powder, specific plasticizers, talc, and specific additives. This unique composition of components offers a range of useful characteristics.

- Characteristics: The biodegradable nature of BiONext makes it an environmentally friendly choice, breaking down within 12 months after use. Its full function in one material allows it to be directly processed without the need for additional materials. BiONext boasts high stiffness, low melt flow index, high impact strength, and ease of processing, making it an ideal material for a range of applications. It also has the ability to keep moisture on the surface, resulting in longer food preservation.

- Applications: BiONext is ideal for a variety of applications such as food packaging, biodegradable shopping bags, and other packaging materials. Its durability and sustainability make it a preferred choice for businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

For more information, please visit custom biodegradable bags.

- Product Codes: BiONext is available in a range of product codes including 102, 152, 400, 500, 600, and 700. Each product code offers different properties and performance characteristics, making it easy to find the right BiONext product for your specific needs.

4.2. Biofiller - BiOMates

- Components: BiOMates, a bio filler produced by EuroPlas, is a crucial component in the creation of biodegradable products. It is made of a mixture of bio-resin and modified components, such as CaCO3, BaSO4, talc, along with dispersion additives. The result is a material that provides added strength and durability to biodegradable products.

- Characteristics: The characteristics of BiOMates include its biodegradability, making it an environmentally friendly choice for various applications. In addition, it offers a cost-effective solution, as it can be used in conjunction with other bio-based resins.

- Applications: The applications of BiOMates are diverse, including biodegradable film, dental picks and floss, straws, thermoformed trays, single-use utensils, shopping bags, food packaging film, rolling film, and mulch film.

- Product Codes: To purchase BiOMates, customers can choose from product codes 01, 02, and 03. Each product code offers different properties and performance characteristics, making it easy to find the right BiOMates product for your specific needs.

Overall, these bioproducts from EuroPlas are designed to meet the growing demand for environmentally-friendly products. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, EuroPlas has established a reputation for producing high-quality products and providing excellent customer service.

For more information about EuroPlas and our bioproducts, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is always available to answer any questions you may have and help you find the best solution for your needs. So why wait? Take the first step towards a more sustainable future today by choosing EuroPlas as your PBAT plastic supplier.

What Are PBAT Plastic and Its 6 Applications?



The harm caused by unrecyclable plastic to the environment is significant and widespread. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050 if current trends continue to rise. Not only that, but plastic waste in the ocean harms marine life. It can equally enter the human food chain because fish and other aquatic organisms consume tiny particles known as microplastics. Considering that, one study estimates that people who eat seafood ingest up to 11,000 pieces of microplastic each year.

To combat this problem, there is a growing interest in eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. One alternative is PBAT (PBAT's complete form is polybutylene adipate terephthalate), which refers to a biodegradable polymer from renewable resources like corn starch and vegetable oil. Let's explore what PBAT plastic is, what it offers, and how it works in various applications.

What Exactly Is PBAT Plastic?

PBAT, a random copolymer, is a biodegradable substance comprising a copolyester of adipic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and terephthalic acid (derived from dimethyl terephthalate). This material may also be called poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), occasionally polybutyrate-adipate-terephthalate, or simply "polybutyrate." PBAT, or polybutylene adipate terephthalate, is marketed as a fully biodegradable substitute to low-density polyethylene and has similar properties, such as flexibility and resilience, making it suitable for applications like plastic bags and wraps.

What Are the Benefits of PBAT Plastic?

Here are some of the notable benefits offered by PBAT plastic:

ü Good Ductility: PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate) is a type of biodegradable plastic known for its good ductility, which refers to a material's ability to deform under stress without breaking. PBAT has a relatively high elongation at break, which means it can stretch without breaking. For example, PBAT films can stretch up to 350% of their original length before breaking, and this property makes PBAT plastic ideal for flexible packaging applications, including food packaging or compostable bags.

ü Good Elongation at Break: PBAT has an excellent elongation at break, which means that it can stretch considerably before breaking. The elongation at break for PBAT can range from 100% to 700%. For instance, PBAT fibers may have an elongation at a break of around 200%, and this property makes PBAT plastic suitable for applications requiring high flexibility and stretchability, such as disposable gloves or stretch wrap.

ü Good Heat Resistance: PBAT has good heat resistance, meaning that it can withstand high temperatures without degrading or losing its physical properties. The melting temperature of PBAT is around 160-170°C, and its glass transition temperature is around -30°C, which makes PBAT plastic suitable for applications requiring high-temperature resistance, like microwaveable food containers or hot drink cups.

ü Excellent Biodegradability: One of the most significant benefits of PBAT plastic is its excellent biodegradability – PBAT is a biodegradable polyester that can decompose under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The biodegradation rate of PBAT can vary depending on the environmental conditions, but it typically takes 60 to 120 days for PBAT to biodegrade in soil or compost completely. Meanwhile, this property helps PBAT plastic to become an ideal choice for applications that require sustainable and eco-friendly materials, incorporating single-use packaging or disposable cutlery.




How Does PBAT Work in Its Applications?

In this section, we will have a look at how PBAT plastic works in numerous applications:

1. Shopping & Express Bags

The production of shopping bags, express bags, and other forms of packaging that are intended to be used just once may be accomplished with the help of PBAT plastic or polybutylene adipate terephthalate plastic. Essentially, these bags are able to be composted once they have been used, meaning that they produce less waste and have less effect on the environment.

2. Packaging Films

PBAT may also be used in the production of many types of packaging films, some of which are utilized in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors. In addition to being able to shield objects from moisture and oxygen, these films are also biodegradable and may be composted.

3. Agricultural Films

The production of agricultural films, which are used to cover crops and shield them from both insects and severe weather, may be accomplished with the help of polybutylene adipate terephthalate plastic. These films may also be biodegradable and compostable, which will ultimately help cut down on the amount of trash produced by the agricultural sector.

4. 3D Printing Material

PBAT may be used as a filament in 3D printers, which enables the development of 3D-printed objects or products that serve the purpose of biodegradability and compostability. Eventually, these products have applications in many different fields, such as the packaging industry, the consumer products sector, and the medical supply sector, among others.

5. Disposable Tableware

The production of disposable tableware, such as plates, cups, and utensils, may be completed with the use of PBAT plastic. Since these goods may be composted after use and are biodegradable, they contribute to a reduction in waste in the food service business.

6. Disposable Medical Supplies

PBAT polymer or plastic may be used in the production of a variety of one-time-use medical products, including but not limited to gloves, gowns, and masks. Since these goods are compostable and biodegradable after they have been used, they help the healthcare sector save resources while simultaneously meeting rigorous safety and hygiene requirements.





HENGLI PBAT Plastic Is Highly Recommended to Consider!

HENGLI is a trusted provider of PBAT plastic, a biodegradable and compostable material that offers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. PBAT plastic is made from renewable resources and breaks down naturally in the environment, reducing waste and pollution. HENGLI's PBAT plastic is of high quality and can be used for various applications, including packaging, agricultural films, and disposable items. By choosing HENGLI's PBAT plastic, you can positively impact the environment while still enjoying the benefits of a reliable and versatile material.

Are you interested in learning more about is resin better than plastic? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!