DISTINGUISH COFFEE BIO-COMPOSITE FROM PBAT BIOPLASTIC

Basically, how is Coffee Bio-composite different from PBAT? Let’s find out the differences from the origin to the physical properties and applications of these two plastics through the comparison below.

Derivation

Coffee Bio-composite: this is a biodegradable plastic derived from coffee grounds that are collected selectively and combined with PP/PE primary plastic.

Bioplastic PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate): made from fossil fuels. Its compounds (starch, PLA) have a biological carbon content up to >30%. Although derived from fossil fuels, PBAT still has optimal biodegradability.

Composition

Coffee Bio-composite: 60% coffee grounds, 40% PP primary plastic or recycled plastic.

PBAT bioplastic: synthesized from a polymer of 1,4 butanediol and adipic acid and a polymer of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) with 1,4-butanediol.

Properties

In terms of mechanical and thermal properties, the difference between Coffee Bio-composite and PBAT bioplastics is shown by different indicators shown in the table below.

In contrast, Coffee Bio-composite have much higher stiffness than PBAT, because of this different property, we can infer that the applications of these two bioplastics will be different.

Biodegradable ability

Coffee Bio-composite:

• Thanks to derive from natural coffee grounds up to 50%, coffee bio-composite possesses optimal biodegradability, which is beneficial to the environment. The product is eligible for international biodegradation certification such as DIN certco, USDA,…
• Biodegradable conditions: Coffee Bio-composite bioplastics can be decomposed under the conditions of burial or incineration or under industrial processing conditions.
• Decomposition time: 6 – 12 months
• Biodegradable conditions: Coffee Bio-composite bioplastics can be decomposed under the conditions of burial or incineration or under industrial composting facilities conditions.
• The decomposition process produces CO2, water and biomass that are beneficial to the soil and plants, creating a closed cycle.

PBAT bioplastic

• Although derived from fossil fuels, PBAT is still biodegradable which is proved by the authoritative degradable certificates from Australia TUV (Belgium), DIN-CERTCO (Germany) and BPI (USA).
• Decomposition time: 3 months
• Biodegradation conditions: landfill or industrial composting, this process produces the presence of butylene adipate group.
• The decomposition process produces CO2, water and humus which are beneficial to the soil and plants.

Application

Coffee Bio-composite: Coffee bioplastic meets many applications in life from food to consumer goods.

• Products for food and beverage industry: Coffee bio-composite used in the production of cups, cutlery and forks. Safety for user health have been proven through Food Contact Materials (FCMs) certification, free of BPA and toxic additives, heat-resistant applications up to 100 degrees Celsius.

• Environmentally friendly consumer products: With its hard and durable properties, Coffee bio-composite can be combined with recycled plastic to create household products such as cosmetic containers, combs, knives, shavers, toothbrushes, flower pots … serve a wide range of products, from household products, agriculture, cosmetics to restaurants and hotels.

Up to now, there are not many enterprises in Vietnam that have developed biological materials capable of wide application. Biopolymer has been gradually proving a potential material to help replace fossil-based plastics in the future.

PBAT Bioplastic: As a source of raw materials of fossil origin but biodegradable, PBAT will be a biological material that can optimally replace current plastic. Currently, the development status of PBAT is getting more and more applications into the market. Many products based on PBAT have been applied in many fields such as shopping bags, garbage bags, cutlery and coating films, etc.

• Packaging: PBAT finds several applications in packaging, especially in shopping bags, product packaging, etc. There are a number of biodegradable PBAT-based materials available in the market which can be further processed to form packaging for the desired product. Some notable companies that have been developing materials based on PBAT are BASF, Novamont, BIOTECH and KINGFA, etc.

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• Agricultural mulch films: Modern agriculture is largely based on the use of conventional plastic mulch films, as these films can enhance crop yields by raising soil temperatures and maintaining soil moisture. , control weed growth and protect against extreme weather and pests. Coating films from PBAT today are widely developed to meet agricultural requirements. When applied in soil, PBAT mulch film can be less affected by water, high temperature and UV radiation during the service life and can fully biodegrade after use time.

Price

Both coffee bio-composite and PBAT bioplastics are competitively priced and greatly reduce production costs due to their low dependence on petroleum raw materials. Individually, coffee bio-composite is 100% researched and produced in Vietnam with available materials.

Purchasing Policy

Please visit Biopolymer Website, then click “Contact Us” and leave the necessary information. Our Biopolymer team will advise about sizes and quotes as soon as possible.

Hopefully this article can provide useful information about the two popular types of bioplastics on the market, bringing eco-friendly biological products closer to production and consumption, contributing to reducing the amount of plastic waste and future environmental pollution.