Biodegradable plastics are leading the charge in reducing waste and promoting sustainability. These materials are safer for the environment, breaking down naturally without harming ecosystems.
For industries ranging from packaging to consumer goods, this shift is not just timely—it’s essential.
In this report, we highlight 20 companies transforming the future of biodegradable plastics. From global corporations to groundbreaking startups, these innovators are tackling the complexities of production, cost, and scalability.
Each one is paving the way toward a waste-free future with cutting-edge solutions.
We’ll explore the efforts of industry leaders like NatureWorks and BASF, who are spearheading this critical change.
Curious about more sustainable innovations? Explore further articles here.
Let’s dive into the breakthroughs that are reshaping the world of waste management and plastic alternatives.
#1 LEANG YU INTERNATIONAL CO LTD
Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Leang Yu International Co Ltd specializes in the development and production of biodegradable plastic materials, focusing on sustainable solutions for packaging and consumer products.
Key Patents in Biodegradable Plastics
Biodegradable green biomass ecofriendly straw including a straw body and a through hole (TW202124594A)
Biodegradable straw made from green biomass materials that can decompose naturally in the environment.
The straw has a body made by extruding a mixture of biobased polymers, bio-inorganic powder, and lipid. The body is pierced to create a hole.
The biobased polymer is a biodegradable polyester like PBS. The bio-inorganic powder is calcium-containing or biochar.
The lipid helps the biodegradation process. The straw breaks down in compost or soil without toxic residues compared to petroleum-based plastics.
Biodegradable green biomass environmental protection straw (TWM592699U)
Biodegradable green biomass environmental protection straw made from materials that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
The straw has a body made by granulating, extruding, and shaping a mixture of a bio-based polymer, a bio-inorganic powder, and a lipid. The bio-based polymer is biodegradable bioplastics like PBS.
The bio-inorganic powder is calcium-containing powder or biochar. The lipid helps with degradation. The straw body has a perforation running through it.
This allows the straw to decompose in compost or soil without toxic residues since the biodegradable components break down naturally.
Biodegradable utensil containing no polylactic acid and composition thereof containing 30-55wt% of Bio-PBS, 15-50wt% of assisted polymer, 16-38wt% of bio-based powder and 2-4wt% of auxiliaries (TW202144491A)
Biodegradable material and appliances that decompose completely in the environment without leaving behind harmful residues.
The biodegradable material is made without polylactic acid (PLA), which is commonly used in biodegradable products but has issues with decomposition.
The material uses a composition of bio-based polymers, bio-based powders, and adjuvants that can fully biodegrade in specific environmental conditions.
This avoids the problems of PLA decomposition like greenhouse gas emissions, hazardous degradation products, and pollution from remaining fragments.
The biodegradable appliances made with this material can decompose safely and completely without the environmental issues of PLA.
#2 RUBNER MARILEN
Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
RUBNER Marilen is dedicated to providing biodegradable plastic solutions for various industrial applications. The company is known for its innovative approach to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices in manufacturing.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Underwear and hygiene articles (such as pads and pads) for single use – made from sustainable materials that are 100% compostable. Primarily for older people (health resort / hospital / hotel …) who need this underwear. But also all age groups from babies to seniors – hygienic for single use (DE202020000757U1)
The hygiene articles are essentially characterized in that only compostable material is to be used.
#3 VITELLO CHRIS
Headquarters: Los Angeles, USA
Chris Vitello is a leading entrepreneur in the field of biodegradable plastics. He focuses on advancing the development of new, sustainable plastic alternatives for packaging and consumer goods, helping to drive the green revolution.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Apparatus, Method, And System For Capturing And Re-Manufacturing Waste (US2021064833A1)
A recycle/re-manufacturing program to enable the collection of products to re-use them in a re-manufacturing processes to create valuable products which can be also be broken down at the end of their lives and re-used.
It has been found that the bio-plastic materials can be re-used up to ten times with no degradation in properties.
Enabling multiple collections and re-use of the materials. A benefit is that tech factories receive clean waste streams and low-cost materials which can be re-used multiple times.
#4 LIM SWEE KENG SOLVERE
Headquarters: Singapore
Lim Swee Keng Solvere specializes in advanced biodegradable materials and sustainable solutions. His work emphasizes creating eco-friendly alternatives that reduce the environmental impact of traditional plastic products.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
FRU-P Full Reuse Plastics (SG10202001452VA)
This invention differentiates clearly between mining and waste treatment. Waste treatment is to convert all the waste into harmless While mining extracts what is valuable and leaves behind waste, pollutants.
Today, many inventions convert plastic to easy to burn fuel This is wasteful Not only plastic can be used for higher values applications, during conversion significant portion of the embedded energy is wasted Many common plastics are effective binder.
They can bind other plastics, impurities to form into useful products, or shapes that can be made into products.
This opens up possibilities to fully convert plastics waste, into useful products, feedstocks for products, with reducing sorting and washing, energy and equipment.
Processing becomes cheaper, closer to source. This also allows communities with limited resources, skills and training to participate in and profit from processing plastic waste.
This low cost approach create possibilities of reducing wood, paper, cartons for packaging, it reduces cutting down trees, energy needed, chemical and water pollutions.
It shall enable a revolutions in packaging, where plastic packaging is water and insect resist, and can be configured for higher efficiency storage, especially in warehouses using robotic pick and place
#5 GOLASCH BENEDIKT
Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Benedikt Golasch is known for his contributions to the biodegradable plastics sector, particularly focusing on improving the efficiency and environmental benefits of sustainable materials used in packaging and everyday items.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Compostable packaging for food (solid or liquid) made from cellulose and polylactic acid (DE202019004267U1)
Compostable packaging material characterized in that it is based on a fully compostable material that is made from cellulose and polylactic acid.
#6 UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE PELOTAS
Headquarters: Pelotas, Brazil
Universidade Federal de Pelotas conducts cutting-edge research in the development of biodegradable plastic materials. Their work focuses on finding sustainable solutions for the growing plastic waste problem and advancing green technologies.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Modified Eco-Efficient Polymeric Blends For Accelerated Degradation (BR102019020669A2)
Obtaining polymeric blends from post-consumer or virgin polymers, biodegradable polymers, and carboxylic acids for improved properties and biodegradability.
The blends are made by combining a thermoplastic polymer, thermoplastic starch, and carboxylic acids in specific concentrations. The blends can contain recycled post-consumer thermoplastics.
The starch provides biodegradability, while the carboxylic acids enhance interaction between the phases. The blends have mechanical properties suitable for applications like packaging.
#7 OKAN YÜKSEL
Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey
Okan Yüksel is an expert in sustainable materials and biodegradable plastic development. He works on producing innovative and eco-friendly solutions aimed at reducing plastic pollution.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Depending On The Zero Waste Principle, Disposable Organic Strip, Spoon And Fork Products (TR2021014038U5)
The increasing use of plastic, especially single-use items like straws, spoons, and forks, poses significant environmental risks.
These items take hundreds of years to degrade, causing pollution and harming wildlife. Research is focused on creating biodegradable alternatives using organic materials like beef gelatin, agar agar, and reed plants to reduce waste and environmental impact.
#8 MITSUI CHEMICALS INC
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Mitsui Chemicals Inc. is a global leader in the development of biodegradable plastics, focusing on providing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petrochemical-based plastics for various industries.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Synthetic pulp and tea bag paper (JP2021152228A)
Synthetic pulp and tea bag paper that can be easily disposed of after use by incorporating an oxidative decomposition agent into the pulp.
The decomposition agent oxidatively breaks down the polyolefin resin in the pulp. This allows the pulp to decompose more easily when incinerated or buried in soil, avoiding the need for high temperatures or long burial times.
The decomposition agent can be a metal salt of a fatty acid. The pulp can contain an ethylene-based polyolefin resin.
#9 WOOD CATHERINE E
Headquarters: Vancouver, Canada
Catherine E. Wood is a pioneer in the field of biodegradable plastics, focusing on developing sustainable solutions for packaging and industrial applications. Her work is helping to reduce the carbon footprint of plastic waste.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Garden Bacteria For Composting Plastics (US2021189093A1)
Plastic human waste is a growing threat to today’s environment.
A simple and viable method of reducing the mass of waste in landfills is using microbial organisms to decompose plastics that would otherwise add to the accumulation of garbage.
Presented here is the discovery of a new microorganism having the ability to degrade polyurethane plastics.
Methods for composting polyurethane using this microorganism may help reduce amounts of human trash.
#10 DRAKEN ALEXANDER
Headquarters: London, UK
Alexander Draken is a leading researcher in biodegradable plastic technologies, focusing on sustainable solutions for packaging and consumer goods. His work is driving the industry toward cleaner, greener alternatives.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Fruit and vegetable bag made of compostable plastic film (DE202019003814U1)
Fruit and vegetable bag made of biodegradable plastic film, characterized in that the plastic bag consists of biodegradable plastic film and no longer needs to be recycled or disposed of as conventional bags consuming because it can be disposed of with the normal organic waste.
#11 MORITA KENSABURO
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Morita Kensaburo is a researcher specializing in biodegradable plastics, focusing on developing new materials and processes to enhance the sustainability of plastic products.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Waste synthetic resin for concrete, etc. (plastics, vinyl, polyethylene, etc.) Aggregate (JP2021059464A)
To provide a method for preventing air pollution caused by incineration of waste synthetic resin and the like and global warming due to carbon dioxide generated at the time of incineration.
In order to improve the miscibility of waste synthetic resin or the like with granules or concrete, it is melted and processed to form a shape and used as an aggregate of concrete.
#12 DAEJIN CHEMICAL CO LTD
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Daejin Chemical Co Ltd is a company specializing in the production of biodegradable plastics, offering sustainable solutions for various applications, including packaging and agricultural films.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Method For Biodegradable Plastic (KR20220115159A)
The present invention relates to a method for producing a biodegradable plastic and a biodegradable plastic produced thereby.
The biodegradable plastic produced by the method for producing a biodegradable plastic of the present invention is pulverized after use and can be recycled, and even if it is buried, the environment.
It can be quickly decomposed without releasing hormones, and because it is a natural ingredient, no toxic gas is generated even when incinerated, thereby reducing air pollution.
#13 MORE DEVICE CO LTD
Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
More Device Co Ltd focuses on developing and manufacturing biodegradable plastic products, aiming to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
How to recycle waste (JP2021055008A)
Recycling method for easily and efficiently recycling waste containing mixed polyolefins (like polyethylene and polypropylene) and biodegradable polymers.
The method involves heating the waste at 70-90°C to oxidatively decompose the polyolefins into low molecular weight oxides.
This separates the biodegradable polymers from the oxidized polyolefins.
The biodegradable polymers can then be reused, while the oxidized polyolefins can be further processed. The heating step can be aided by UV, ventilation, and humidification.
#14 HO ASIA HUANG INTERNATIONAL CO LTD
Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Ho Asia Huang International Co Ltd is involved in the production and distribution of biodegradable plastic materials, catering to various industries seeking eco-friendly alternatives.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Method For Manufacturing Recyclable Environment-Friendly Organic Paper (US2021023742A1)
A method for making recyclable, environment-friendly paper using biomass plastics like PLA and NPP as primary constituents along with inorganic minerals and bioplastic assisting agents.
The paper is made by directly depositing the materials into a compression and extension paper making machine.
This avoids using synthetic plastics and instead uses biodegradable and biobased materials that burn cleaner. The inorganic minerals can be glass powder, minerals, or sand.
The bioplastic assisting agents like starches help bind the materials. The paper has reduced burning and combustion emissions compared to synthetic paper since the biomass plastics decompose easily.
#15 LEE JUNG HO
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Lee Jung Ho is a researcher and innovator in the field of biodegradable plastics, focusing on developing new materials and technologies to enhance sustainability.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
PLA Recycling method for scrap of poly lactic acid resin (KR102090431B1)
Eco-friendly recycling method for poly lactic acid (PLA) waste that allows recycling of PLA scraps into usable products without losing quality.
The method involves color sorting, crushing, pyrolysis, and blending of the PLA waste to convert the color. This allows recycling of PLA waste into new products while saving resources and preventing environmental pollution compared to virgin PLA production.
The process involves: 1. Sorting PLA waste by color
2. Crushing the sorted waste into 10mm pieces
3. Pyrolyzing the crushed PLA pieces in a device to convert the color
4. Blending the pyrolyzed PLA with other materials like biodegradable PLA, pigments, and plastics
5. Molding the blended material into new products using compression molding
#16 ASLI COŞAR
Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey
Aslı Coşar is an expert in sustainable materials and biodegradable plastics, working on developing innovative solutions to reduce plastic pollution.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Table Set And Food Packaging Products Made From Agricultural Wastes And Production Method For This (TR202013224A2)
The invention is based on the production method in which plates, bowls, glasses, bowls and spoons, forks, knives and similar tableware products.
It used to serve food and beverages and used to bring food to the mouth and food packaging are made from agricultural wastes known to dissolve quickly in nature in order not to harm the nature. is concerned.
#17 MANDO TECHNICAL RES CO LTD
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
MandO Technical Research Co Ltd is a company specializing in the research and development of biodegradable plastic materials, aiming to provide sustainable solutions for various applications.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Organic removal system for recycling waste vinyl (KR102138929B1)
In the present invention, the waste material selected from the food waste treatment process is mixed with the waste medium sawdust containing aerobic microorganisms and fermented in a fermenter.
To decompose the organic matter buried in the waste vinyl, and the organic matter is removed to remove moisture and odor.
It is to provide an organic material removal system for recycling of waste vinyl, which collects waste vinyl and uses it as fuel for renewable energy, and allows fermented organic matter to be used as compost.
#18 BIERSACK BERNHARD MAX
Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Bernhard Max Biersack is a researcher focusing on biodegradable plastics, working on developing new materials and processes to enhance sustainability.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Flame-retardant polymer compositions based on the bioplastic cellulose acetate (DE102019002106A1)
Cellulose acetate as the bioplastic of the future has been mixed with suitable innovative flame retardant additives in order to significantly expand the application possibilities of this renewable and biodegradable plastic.
In addition, methods for recycling and degrading cellulose acetate-based plastics into ecologically and toxicologically harmless sugar components under mild conditions are described.
#19 INSTITUTO FEDERAL DE EDUCAÇÃO CIÊNCIA E TECNOLOGIA DE ALAGOAS (IFAL)
Headquarters: Maceió, Brazil
IFAL is an educational institution conducting research in the field of biodegradable plastics, aiming to develop sustainable materials and technologies.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Biodegradable Straw Made From Beeswax (BR102021017563A2)
BIODEGRADABLE STRAW MADE FROM BEESWAX. The present invention has the function of replacing disposable plastic straws and, consequently, minimizing environmental pollution, since biodegradable straws have a great reduction in their molecular weight, therefore; It has a shorter degradation time.
The straw (1) is obtained by modeling beeswax subjected to heating in a bain-marie with standardization for a height of 210 mm according to preliminary tests and average thickness (A) and width (B) of 0.147 and 0.956 mm, respectively.
In order to contribute to sustainability worldwide and reduce the impacts caused by the disposal of plastic waste.
#20 MIT SCHOOL OF BIOENGINEERING SCIENCES & RESEARCH
Headquarters: Pune, India
MIT School of Bioengineering Sciences & Research is focused on advancing research in sustainable materials, including biodegradable plastics. Their efforts are directed at developing innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact and improve the sustainability of plastic products.
Key Patent in Biodegradable Plastics
Device For Biodegradation Of Sanitary Napkins (WO2021053692A1)
Disclosed is a device (100) for biodegradation of sanitary napkins.
The device (100) is cost effective and provides a complete package for biodegradation of plastic as well as the cellulosic part of the sanitary napkins.
The device (100) utilizes a synthetically engineered bacteria that has the capability of releasing extracellular degradation enzymes to deteriorate polyethylene (PE) based sanitary pads. The device (100) facilitates ecofriendly way of dealing with colossal amounts of menstrual waste produced each year.
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Shaping a Greener Tomorrow
The biodegradable plastic industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with companies pioneering solutions that tackle the growing waste crisis.
As sustainability becomes a global priority, these innovators are reshaping the way plastics are produced, used, and disposed of, aiming for a world where plastic waste no longer burdens the environment. With breakthroughs in plant-based materials, advanced recycling methods, and scalable production techniques, the future of biodegradable plastics looks promising.
This shift toward eco-friendly alternatives is driving a new era in waste management and environmental responsibility.
But with so many companies and innovations emerging, keeping up with these rapid changes can be overwhelming.
Is there a way to stay on top of these groundbreaking efforts and be part of the plastic revolution?
Driving the Future of Sustainable Plastics
We are on the brink of a plastic revolution, and these 20 companies are leading the way in developing biodegradable alternatives that are changing how we think about waste.
With cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, these pioneers are tackling the challenges of material durability, production efficiency, and environmental impact. From large-scale manufacturers to nimble startups, their work is paving the path toward a cleaner, greener future.
As the demand for eco-friendly plastics grows, these companies are shaping the future of sustainability.
Join us as we explore the efforts driving this critical shift in the world of plastic waste.
