TABLE OF CONTENTS St phane Guilbert and Bernard Cuq
Over the last two decades, there has been a renewal of interest in the development of recyclable, biodegradable and/or edible materials formed with raw materials of agricultural origin. These materials are often referred to as agromaterials or biopackagings (when used to make trays or packaging films). Natural biodegradable thermoplastic materials are commonly called bioplastics . The agromaterial concept generally involves the use of renewable raw materials that can be recycled after utilisation [1-3]. The main uses of agromaterials and bioplastics are reviewed in Table 11.1.
| Plastics to be composted or recycled |
| Food packaging (dried foods, short life cycle food, egg boxes, fresh or minimally processed fruits and vegetables, dairy products, organically grown products, etc.) Paper or cardboard (windows from paper envelopes or for cardboard packaging, coating for paper or cardboard) Hygienic disposable (nappies, sanitary napkins, sticks for cotton swabs, razors, toothbrushes, etc.) Miscellaneous short life goods (pens, toys, gadgets, keys holders, etc.) Dishes and cutlery (trays, spoons, cups, etc.) Loose-fill packaging (shock absorbers) Waste and carrier bags (compost bags) Blister packaging |
| Plastics used in natural environment (no recovery) |
| Biodegradable/soluble/controlled release materials for agriculture and fisheries (mulching plastic, films for banana culture, twine, flower pots, materials for controlled release fertilisers or agrochemical, high water retention materials for planting, soluble sachets, biodegradable containers for fertilisers or agrochemical, fishing lines and nets) Civil engineering, car industry and... |
