Home/Materials

Material Knowledge

BAMBOO FIBER

Bamboo Fiber Biodegradable Material

Made from renewable bamboo and blended with PBAT and a trace amount of PLA to form a biodegradable system. It gives a natural matte finish and fine texture while raising the bio-based content. Bamboo matures in just 3–5 years and absorbs carbon as it grows. Its density of 0.98 g/cm³ is lower than most bio-based formulations, so the same weight makes about 27–38% more bags. This makes it one of the most cost-effective and eco-friendly bio-based options available.

Matures in just 3–5 yearsNo harsh chemicals such as bleachAbsorbs carbon as it growsLower cost per bag thanks to lower density

The process does not use harsh chemicals such as bleach. We provide machine parameter settings to lower the barrier to entry. Haze, texture, and stiffness can be tuned through fiber content and treatment, then confirmed with samples.

STARCH-BASED

Starch-Based Material

Made from natural starch blended with PBAT and PLA to form a biodegradable system. Its mature processing and good heat sealing make it the most widely used biodegradable option for consumer packaging. Starch is plentiful (corn, cassava), but it absorbs moisture easily, so it must be dried carefully before processing. Poor compatibility with PBAT can cause "starch migration," which leads to rough film surfaces and uneven quality.

Mature technology that is easy to adoptBiodegradable, leaving less residueLess water-resistant, so consider where it is usedLimited heat resistance; needs careful processing

Note: Starch-based materials are less water-resistant and can soften in humid conditions, so they are not suited to liquid containers or long contact with moisture. Heat resistance is also limited, so temperatures need careful control during processing.

CONVENTIONAL

Conventional Plastic (Fossil-Based)

Fossil-based polymers such as PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), and PET. PE comes in two main types: LDPE, which is soft and common in bags and wrap film, and HDPE, which is rigid and common in shopping bags and rigid containers. PP handles heat better and is common in food containers, straws, and bottle caps.

LDPE: soft bags, wrap filmHDPE: shopping bags, rigid containersPP: food containers, straws, bottle capsMicroplastic pollution and tighter plastic rules worldwide

Conventional plastics have a mature supply chain and a wide processing window, but they barely biodegrade in nature and can last for hundreds of years after disposal. Microplastic pollution is now a global issue, and more countries are introducing plastic restrictions and packaging rules. This growing regulatory and brand pressure is a key driver of the shift to bio-based materials.

Material Comparison

Bamboo Fiber vs. Starch-Based — In Depth

Comparison	Bamboo Fiber Masterbatch	Starch-Based Masterbatch
Density	0.98 g/cm³	~1.25–1.35 g/cm³
Bags from the same weight	About 27–38% more	Baseline
Water resistance	Better moisture resistance	High-starch blends absorb moisture; depends on the formula
Processing stability	Stable processing; consistent batches	Starch can turn brittle and deform at high temperatures
Degradation consistency	Steady degradation from batch to batch	Sensitive to conditions; less stable in humid environments

Bamboo Fiber & Carbon Reduction

Conventional plastic bags are made from fossil-based materials, and producing one metric ton of PE releases about 1.7–2.0 tons of CO₂ equivalent. The bamboo fiber in our masterbatch has 97% bio-based carbon content. That carbon comes from CO₂ the bamboo absorbed as it grew, so it is part of the natural carbon cycle rather than fossil carbon.

Bamboo can also absorb about 5–12 tons of CO₂ per hectare each year. It grows 4–6 times faster than ordinary timber and regrows without replanting after harvest, making it one of the fastest-renewing plant materials available.

97%

Bio-Based Carbon Content

Measured in our bamboo fiber material by Beta Analytic to ASTM D6866

0.98

g/cm³ Density

The same weight makes 27–38% more bags, so each bag uses less material

3–5 yrs

Bamboo Maturity Cycle

Timber takes decades to mature; bamboo absorbs carbon 3–4 times faster than trees

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose bamboo fiber?

Bamboo grows fast, absorbs carbon as it grows, and is processed without harsh chemicals. Compared with other bio-based materials, bamboo fiber offers a good balance of texture and biodegradability, and its bio-based content helps customers work toward their ESG carbon goals.

Bio-based vs. biodegradable — what's the difference?

Bio-based describes where the raw material comes from, such as bamboo fiber or plant starch. Biodegradable means microorganisms can break the material down under certain conditions. They are not the same thing: some bio-based materials do not biodegrade, and some biodegradable materials come from fossil sources. Our bamboo fiber material combines a bio-based ingredient with biodegradability.

Biodegradable vs. recycled plastic — what's the difference?

Biodegradable plastics are broken down by microorganisms in the right environment, ending up as water, CO₂, and biomass. Recycled plastic is waste plastic that has been melted down and pelletized to make new products. They solve different problems: biodegradable plastics leave less residue after disposal, while recycled plastic reduces the need for new raw material.

What conditions are needed for biodegradation?

It needs the right temperature, moisture, oxygen, and microbes. Industrial composting breaks it down fastest; in soil or water, the speed depends on the formulation.

What do we need to get started?

We provide recommended machine settings and on-site support for trial runs to make adoption easier. The final settings still need to be confirmed on your own equipment.

Are third-party certification documents available?

Technical data sheets, biodegradation test reports, and compostability certificates are available. See the Certifications page, or contact us to request them.