Examples of biobased products

It is important to distinguish two categories of biobased products:

-          Directly biobased end-products, easily recognizable as biological material. Examples: frames of sunglasses made of wood, crates made of tomato plants

-          Refined biobased polymers and other chemicals: PLA, Starch Blends, PHA, PA, PBAT, PBS, Polyolefins, PET, CA (cellulose acetate), PU, Thermosets,

-          Biobased fibers: Flax, Jute/Kenaf, Hemp. Coir, Abaca, Sisal, Cotton

-          Fuzzy materials: mixes or fossil assisted materials

 

Why are natural fibre composites used in the automotive industry?

There are different reason for using natural fibre composites in automotive applications, often mentioned by experts from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs, producing for the consumer marketplace) and tier-one suppliers (producing for the OEMS):

• Easy and cost-efficient processing of materials with a resilient formula and long know-how

• Weight reduction (up to 30%)

• Price competitive

• Good accident behaviour (good energy absorption (side impact), no sharp edges)

• Good mechanical and acoustic properties

• Low fogging

• No creaking on contact

• Flame resistant – slow burning speed

• High bio-based share (non-food crops)

Source: Market Developments of and Opportunities for biobased products and chemicals (2013) nova-Institute for Ecology and Innovation

 

In the cases that biobased products are unable to compete with fossil-based products, there still remains an option to “push” them with financial help from the government. This can be done by tax deductions, subsidies or other forms of financial compensation. This can help producers to overcome a transition period wherein the production can grow to a size that it becomes profitable.

Some products might also not be accepted by consumers because they have been produced with the use of GMO’s