Vegetable-based biodegradable plastics are plastics that “go back to nature.” While these materials can be used in the same way as petrochemical-based plastics, when left exposed to the elements they are eventually broken down to water and carbon dioxide by the biological action of bacteria and enzymes that exist in nature,

Accordingly, when discarded, these types of plastics can be buried underground. Also when incinerated, their calorific value is low and they do not produce any harmful byproducts such as dioxins.

Plant-based biodegradable plastics are expected to find a growing range of applications in future, particularly for products that are used in natural environments and in fields where post-use recycling is difficult.

Horiaki has commercialized a long line of products that are made using plant-based biodegradable plastics.

Horiaki’s plant-base biodegradable products include:
• Food containers • cups • ropes • nets for fruit and vegetables • drain nets • carrier bags • garbage bags • bags for fruit and vegetables • transparent window envelopes • tapes