TreeHugger Picks: Best of the Bioplastics
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA 
on 02.13.06
TreeHugger just wants to say one word to you -- just one word. Are you listening? Bioplastics. There's a great future in bioplastics. Check out the best bioplastic musings from our past:
1) We've covered cutlery numerous times, from this Q&A to this compostable version to the sexy Moscardino spork.
2) Bioplastics aren't just for knives and spoons, though. Toyota also uses 'em in their cars.
3) The simple but useful biodegradable packaging tape, particularly effective for use when the rest of the packaging material is also biodegradable.
4) Sony's Walkman and HP's printer both make use of the plastic without the petrol.
5) Finally, do your doodie and use these Biobags to help clean things up when Fido leaves you a present.
Think about it. Will you think about it? Enough said. That's a deal.
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The tape you mentioned is it in DIY stores in the USA yet or can one buy it not in bulk online? the LogoTape website isn't very clear.
I'm in the market for a new printer and so I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of more information on just which HP printers actually make use of this bioplastic and are available in Europe.
I think this is great. And I'm just wondering about the availability of raw materials. As one of the big criticisms I hear of biofuels is that there simply isn't enough land to grow enough for our total road fuel and food needs, wouldn't the same apply to bio-plastics? Is there enough corn etc. to feed the processes if bio were to replace petro as the feedstock?
Otherwise, are there other potential feedstocks like algae that work or could work?
Any Treehugger would be proud to own a NatureAD coffee mug produced entirely from NatureWorks PLA. Quickpoint is an Injection Molder and supplier of Ad Specialties located in Fenton, Mo and has an entire line of environmental friendly advertising products. Visit www.quickpoint.com.
I'm actually looking for diy bioplastic recipes. There are some out there for cornstarch plastic:
http://extension.usu.edu/AITC/teachers/pdf/fieldguide1/plastic.pdf
I'm looking for one that could be used to make larger plastic components and be waterproof while retaining its biodegradability. Anyone?
MetaBolix (http://www.metabolix.com/)also teamed with Target for bio-plastic gift cards being sold for this holiay season.
I am extremely interested in everything about Bioplastics. Would like to know if someone could point me to an outfit in the Southeast, possibly Georgia, which offers training on Bioplastics and the packaging industry.
I would be highly obliged for the same.