BASF develops its first biodegradable plastic based on renewable raw materials

BASF has developed Ecovio® - its first biodegradable plastic based on renewable raw materials. Ecovio® consists of 45% polylactic acid, a material obtained from corn (maize), and 55% existing biodegradable plastic Ecoflex®, which is derived from petrochemicals. With Giants like Walmart making the switch to bio degradable packaging, BASF expects the world market for biodegradable plastics to grow by more than 20% pa in the next five years. Diverse product characteristics and applications are made possible by combining the new plastic with the established biodegradable material. Ecovio® can be used to produce flexible films from which biodegradable carrier bags or other packaging can be made. With a combination of other polymers, mobile phone housings and yogurt cups can be.