	At a Glance Code of conduct Seedling Licenses Member list Bioplastic Information Applications Code of conduct Seedling Licenses Member list Focus on Australia

The Australasian Bioplastics Association seeks to work closely with all levels of government, industry and consumer groups and other stake-holders to promote standards and labelling for bioplastics consistent with internationally recognised testing practices and methods.

Applications

As with conventional plastics, bioplastics have a very broad application spectrum. Initial applications have already established themselves successfully in important markets.  Commercial success occurs above all when the particular properties can be transformed into useful product functionality and added value.

Many bioplastics products are still being used in areas where compostability represents a significant benefit.  This is particularly the case for segments which are closely linked to biological recycling e.g. collection bags; compost, agricultural foils, graveyard or nursery products. Other applications such as packaging and technical applications are gaining importance. This is an area where functionality factors influence the decision for bioplastics.

Segment	Examples	Argumentation / Driver
Packaging	Loose fill foil, film Hollow bodies, bottles, trays, blisterpacks Nets, sacks, bags	Food packaging biologically contaminated Recycling is therefore difficult Plethora of materials hapers conventional recycling 'Short-lived applications
Fast Food Catering Stand	Crockery Cutlery Straws Beakers	Returnable is not always possible or cheaper Products often biologically contaminated through food contact
Fibres / Textiles	Clothing Technical textiles Fabric	Breathable Haptic properties Gloss
Toys	Craft materials Bricks and blocks Golf tees	Peadagogic advantages Environmental safety/education
Convenience	Organic-waste sacks Personal hygiene products e.g. nappy film, cotton buds Golf T´s	Short-lived articles Recycling difficult (see above) "Natural contact"
Horticulture	Plant pots Underlays Peat sacks Seed/fertilizer tape Binding material	"Natural contact" - Composting advisable Recycling very difficult due to contamination Lower manual costs
Agriculture	Covering film Mulching film Tying film	As for horticulture
Medicine	Implants Operation materials Oral hygiene Gloves	Safe absorption and degradation in the body Short lifetime, disposable
Other	Functional supports Mounting technology Grave lights Writing implements	Specific application advantages Lower manual / waste-management costs Compostability required Advertizing effects, etc.

Designed & Developed by: NexGen Technologies Inc.