Bio-Materials
Education for Sustainable Development
Biodegradable materials can be safely disposed of in the natural environment, where they completely decompose with the help of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi found in soil.
A truly biodegradable material fully breaks down within a year, leaving no residues or traces behind.
As we strive for more sustainable living, we increasingly seek materials and products that are reusable, zero-waste, and eco-friendly, avoiding contributions to the massive waste crisis. While there are numerous options available, not all live up to their promises. That's why we've compiled this list of the 13 best biodegradable materials.
#1: Bamboo
Bamboo is a wholly natural, renewable resource that grows quickly and prolifically in various climates. It is a crop that regenerates after harvesting without requiring replanting, making it beneficial for soil health and using less water compared to other timber crops.
Bamboo serves as an excellent alternative to plastic and has substituted plastic in numerous products, including baby wet wipes and toothbrushes (best paired with zero-waste toothpaste and mouthwash tablets, of course!) as well as eco-friendly utensils, cutlery, and crockery.
#2: Cork
Cork is a remarkable material, sourced from the bark of the Cork Oak (Quercus suber) tree. It boasts impressive qualities: lightweight, waterproof, buoyant, elastic, and fire-retardant. Cork's versatility makes it an excellent alternative to plastics, foam, leather, wood, and certain fabrics.
As a fully biodegradable and recyclable resource, cork stands out for its sustainability. It is harvested from mature trees without the need to cut them down, making it an eco-friendly crop. Additionally, Cork Oaks absorb more carbon dioxide after harvesting, as they accelerate bark regrowth!
#3: Tipa Bio-plastic Polymers
Tipa produces resin, multi-layer film structures, and laminates designed for any packaging that needs to be sealable, transparent, waterproof, and printable.
Tipa's bio-plastics are fully biodegradable and home compostable.
#4: Mycelium
Mycelium, the fibrous root structure of mushroom fungi, is grown in molds with agricultural by-products and waste (such as shredded corn stems and hemp hurds) to provide structure and nutrients. It rapidly grows into the shape of the mold and, once fully grown, is baked to eliminate the fungi. The resulting material is incredibly versatile, durable, and even edible!
Being fully biodegradable and compostable, and made from agricultural waste, mycelium stands out as a highly eco-friendly option.
#5: Hemp
Hemp, a variety of the Cannabis (C. sativa) plant, is cultivated specifically for industrial purposes. Like bamboo, it grows incredibly fast and is resilient across a wide range of climates. Hemp has been utilized as a natural fiber for textiles for over 50,000 years! The plant material can be refined into various forms and is used in a multitude of products.
Hemp is entirely biodegradable and a highly sustainable crop. It requires minimal water and can grow in nearly any location.
#6: Jute
Jute is a natural fiber derived from the Jute plant (Corchorus sp.). This durable fiber is best known for its use in burlap and hessian. It ranks second only to cotton in production volume and is one of the cheapest natural fibers. Beyond burlap and hessian, jute is also used to create many beautiful, high-end items, with jute rugs and clothing being particularly popular.
Jute is entirely biodegradable and pure jute can be composted at home. It grows abundantly and is a resilient crop, naturally resistant to pests and diseases.
#7: Wood
Wood is a fundamental material used across nearly every industry. From chairs to ships, many items have been crafted from wood at some point. Although wood was once a primary material, cheaper and lighter alternatives like hard plastic and aluminum have somewhat sidelined wood in recent decades.
As a natural plant material, untreated wood is fully biodegradable. Commercially grown trees are a renewable resource that helps reduce atmospheric carbon. While there are many crops more sustainable than timber, when compared to the environmental impacts of plastic manufacturing, timber remains a far superior option.
#8: Areca Palm Leaf
Areca Palm leaves naturally fall from palm trees in Areca Nut plantations. While these leaves are often gathered and burned, they can also be soaked and pressed into shapes to create plates, bowls, and cups that are entirely natural and biodegradable.
Since these products are made from fallen leaves, no trees are cut down in the process, preventing deforestation. They do not require direct cultivation, as they are a by-product of other agricultural activities. Additionally, they are fully biodegradable and can be composted at home.
#9: Avocado Bio-Plastic
Biofase is a bioplastic derived from Avocado seeds, which are a by-product of Avocado farming. This bioplastic is truly biodegradable and can be composted at home.
#10: Castor Beans
Plastics derived from castor beans have demonstrated greater strength and lighter weight compared to conventional petrochemicals used in vehicle production. These plastics can be utilized in manufacturing car bumpers, door trims, and even vehicle panels. Researchers believe that this innovation will enhance the fuel efficiency and safety of cars significantly.
An additional advantage is that castor beans require no pesticides and thrive independently, making them an environmentally friendly crop. This remarkable plastic polymer has even been used to create flexible bristles for bamboo toothbrushes and bio-based fabrics.
#11: Bananas
Biobased plastic films made from banana stem fibers can increase the life span of fruits like mangoes while allowing them to ripen in ways that conventional petrochemical plastics have so far been unable to do. The amazing film allows the slow release of ethylene, which extends the ripening period and can lead to less wastage as fruits are shipped around the world.
#12: Sugar
Believe it or not, you might soon be able to buy sugar in packaging made from…sugar. Plastics are composed of polymer chains made up of monomers, which are molecules that can be bonded together. While petrochemical plastics require excessive energy to produce, scientists in the U.K. have discovered a way to join sugar monomers in a single step at room temperature, a process they call “Click polymerization.”
What's even more impressive is that these plastics can be tailored to be as tough or as stretchy as needed and can even meet the high standards required for pharmaceuticals. Amazingly, these products have biodegradability integrated into the base polymer, ensuring that this ‘green plastic’ will biodegrade within 10 years.
#13: Coconut
Coconut scrubs are swiftly gaining popularity as a versatile and stylish alternative to petrochemical sponges. While kitchen products like dish scrubbers and bottle brushes are already available, you can now also enjoy an exfoliating foot scrub pad that is antibacterial, completely biodegradable, and compostable.
These odorless sponges are gentle on sensitive skin. When you're ready to discard them, simply cut the sponges into pieces and add them to your garden. They break down over several weeks, releasing minerals and micronutrients into the soil.
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