Bioplastics & Biopolymers: Are They the Same Thing?

September 20, 2024

If you've spent any time exploring the world of sustainable plastics manufacturing, you've most likely come across the terms biopolymer or bioplastic. A little clarification of these similar terms can make it easier to understand some of your sustainable options for custom plastics manufacturing.

What Are Biopolymers?

Polymers are substances that are made when groups of smaller molecules (monomers) form larger molecules and those larger molecules join together. Biopolymers are polymers which are found in living organisms, such as the cellulose in wood, silk from silkworms, or collagen in mammals. Synthetic biopolymers can also be created to reproduce those found naturally. Neither natural nor synthetic biopolymers are produced from petroleum products.

What Are Bioplastics?

Technically, bioplastics are a subset of biopolymers, meaning all bioplastics are biopolymers but not all biopolymers are bioplastics. While the word bioplastics is used freely in many discussions of sustainable plastics, it does not always mean quite the same thing. Typically, it is used to describe plastics with one or more of these characteristics:


  • Plant- or animal-based source
  • Biodegradability 
  • Compostability

Common Bioplastics

Bioplastics, or bio-derived plastics include everything from some of our oldest plastic formulations to the innovative formulations of today. Many bioplastics can perform as well or better than their traditional counterparts. Some more popular bioplastics include:


  • Cellulose acetate - plant or wood fiber based
  • PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) - sugar or glucose based
  • PLA (polylactic acid) - based on sugar cane, sugar beets, or corn


Source materials for bioplastics are extremely diverse and include everything from chicken feathers and avocados to used cooking oil and potato peels.


At Bennett Plastics, we are committed to sustainable plastics manufacturing through the materials we offer, our design, prototyping, and manufacturing services, and throughout our facility itself. Contact us today to learn more about making a sustainable choice for your plastic packaging, parts, and products.

Recent Articles

The 3 Best Qualities of Successful Plastic Manufacturers : Bennett Plastics

The 3 Best Qualities of Successful Plastic Manufacturers

September 23, 2024
Many organizations that use plastic products do not necessarily manufacture them on their own. There are plastic manufacturing companies that offer production services, but don't offer a comprehensive service to create and distribute your product. Like everything in business, you need to make an informed choice when selecting a top plastic manufacturing company for your products. Your products are one of the most important aspects of your business, so deciding who to trust with them is a big decision.
4 Helpful WaysTips to Prevent Defects in Common Plastic Injections : Bennett Plastics

4 Helpful WaysTips to Prevent Defects in Common Plastic Injections

September 23, 2024
When it comes to plastic injection molding, there's room for several errors. Quality issues in plastic injection-molded items range from negligible surface defects to severe problems that affect the performance, safety, as well as function of the final product. Often times, the flaws are linked to the material used, tooling design, molding process, or a combination of all three.
5 Great Benefits of Plastic Manufacturing in the U.S. : Bennett Plastics

5 Great Benefits of Plastic Manufacturing in the U.S.

September 23, 2024
Despite living in the world's greatest nation, it has become tough to find items labeled "Made in America" in recent times. In fact, according to the Washington Post, 98% of shoes worn in the US are made abroad. Then, when you think about plastics, food items, electronics, and a surplus of items used regularly that are made overseas, you may wonder if Americans are producing anything.
SHOW MORE