PBAT Usage Aiding the Environment in Myriad Ways

The biodegradable copolymer polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) or polybutyrate is emerging as a good alternative for raw materials in the manufacturing of plastic materials. It is a copolymer of adipic acid and is commercially available as resin and as a compound with Polylactic acid (PLA) or starch. It is also marketed as fully biodegradable plastic. Plastic items are required for varied industrial, personal or household needs and play a vital role in modern life. Manufacturers prefer paper bags and boxes, as their manufacturing requires less energy consumption and water usage. They are much better than plastic bags and containers, as they are durable, lightweight, water-resistant, and most importantly can be reused. The market has various manufacturers of polybutylene adipate terephthalate and the product is commercially known by its brand names like Ecoworld, Wango, ecoflex, Eastar Bio, and Origo-Bi.

Traditionally, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is used in the production of plastic bags, containers, wash and dispensing bottles and molded equipment because of its toughness and low-temperature flexibility. These conventional plastics are made from fossil fuels and are difficult to dispose thus being a threat to the environment. The rising environmental disadvantages and the governmental prohibition on plastic usage are driving the Polybutylene adipate terephthalate market. PBAT is considered as a better replacement for LDPE in plastic manufacturing, as it breakdowns completely when decomposed, without leaving toxic residues. Along with these reasons, PBAT also resembles similar properties like flexibility and resilience. Thus the Polybutylene adipate terephthalate market has seen positive growth in the last two decades and its increasing demand is expected to drive the market in the coming years. According to Allied Market Research, the global polybutylene adipate terephthalate market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR from 2021to 2030.

With the development in the agricultural sector, the farmers are adopting various evolving techniques for better yield and improving the supply of food materials in the market. Mulching is one such technique used to prevent contamination of crops and soil from atmospheric agents. Biodegradable plastic mulches are more preferred than the conventional polyethylene mulch by farmers.  There is no need to take these films out after use, it simply needs to till in the soil for degradation. The food industries are approaching intelligent packing solutions for reducing food wastage, thus there is having a huge demand for Biodegradable and moisture-proof stand-up pouches.

The Food and Beverage industry is focusing on the use of antimicrobial packaging techniques, thus increasing the demand for antimicrobial PBAT films in the market. This antimicrobial packaging limits the growth of microbes thus improving the shelf life of packaged food products.

The polybutylene adipate terephthalate is also used in the manufacturing of environment-friendly compostable garbage bags along with other natural materials like Polylactide (PLA) and cornstarch. These compostable garbage bags are developed in a way that they should completely break down and turn into compost once dumped in the composting unit leaving no toxic products behind. These compostable garbage bags or bio bags are compostable certified but if not disposed of properly it has the potential to contaminate a whole batch of recyclables.

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