Next to the origin of the raw materials (all stemming from biomass) a distinction can be made based on the disintegration of the materials at the end of life. In this next video, Christiaan Bolck explains the nuances in the term biodegradability, when to apply biodegradable materials, and he touches upon the question whether biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics can be mixed.

MAIN TAKEAWAYS

• At their end-of-life, some materials can biodegrade. This happens under specific circumstances: the presence of certain microorganisms, a certain temperature and a certain humidity.
• Some materials may biodegrade in all types of environments, while others require very specific industrial (composting) processes. Currently, research is focussed on making biodegradable materials more cost effective.
• An important challenge when designing biodegradable packaging is making sure it does not biodegrade during its functional life, for instance, through contact with the product or the environment.
• Biodegradability always has to make sense as a product’s end-of-life strategy: if it is impossible to retrieve waste packaging for recycling or reuse, it may be better if it is biodegradable.