Glossary

Bio-Based Polymers

Definition

A polymer that is partly or fully derived from biomass (plants). Biomass used to make bioplastics can be sourced from corn, sugarcane, cellulose or starch.

Not all bio-based plastics are biodegradable, although some can be biodegradable as well. Bio-based only refers to what is used to make the material and does not imply what happens at the end of its life.

Context

Bio-based polymers swap fossil feedstocks for renewable biomass, helping to reduce dependence on petroleum and lower emissions across a product’s lifecycle.

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