Naturally sustainable – bio-based compounds and films for demanding applications

With its high-quality bio-based compounds and films, SÜDPACK will tap into a key market trend at the KPA trade show in Bad Salzuflen, as demand continues to grow for material structures based on renewable raw materials. At Booth C8 in Hall 12, the innovative film manufacturer will showcase not only its product portfolio in this segment, but also – and above all – its processing expertise. Bio-based plastics place different requirements on additives and processing parameters than fossil-based raw materials. When selected and processed correctly, they offer a viable alternative material with the potential to meet regulatory requirements and unlock new markets. 

The market for bio-based plastics is set to nearly double over the next five years. While total production volume stood at 4.5 million metric tons in 2025, projections indicate that it will rise to more than 8.5 million metric tons by 2030. According to the Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites at Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, capacities for bio-based polymers that are biodegradable under defined conditions, such as PLA and PHA, as well as for drop-in plastics such as bio-PE, bio-PET, and bio-PP, which are bio-based but not biodegradable, are also set to increase from the current 2.84 million metric tons to around 5.4 million metric tons. PLA still dominates the market with a share of almost 40%, and the trend continues to point upward.

The outlook is promising. At the same time, however, using bioplastics also presents challenges, particularly in terms of processing and additives.

PLA and PBS compounds from SÜDPACK

SÜDPACK’s bio-based PLA and PBS compounds represent a new generation of sustainable plastic materials. They combine high technological performance with environmental goals, opening up a wide range of possibilities for future-proof applications. With careful analysis at the start of product development and the right compound formulation, the material properties can be precisely tailored to the desired mechanical, functional, and visual characteristics of the end product – without compromising quality or processability. 

PLA-based compounds offer high mechanical stiffness, good surface quality, and broad scope for modification. PBS-based compounds, meanwhile, provide increased flexibility and impact strength, along with the key advantage of controlled biodegradability. Depending on the formulation and application, these materials can be developed to be compostable under defined conditions.

For applications that require traditional polyolefins, SÜDPACK also offers bio-based PP compounds as well as PE compounds based on mass-balanced biogenic raw materials. These solutions help reduce the use of fossil resources while fully preserving proven material properties and existing processing workflows.

Bio-based PLA films 

The innovative high-performance films in the Planova® line are also setting new standards in their segment. PLA films are already an integral part of SÜDPACK's sustainable portfolio. The material structures are made, for example, from sugarcane or corn starch, and are not only food-safe (FOOD CERT), but can also break down under industrial composting conditions, depending on their formulation. 

At the same time, the brand family represents an enormous range of applications: from packaging for fresh produce that requires no barrier but primarily handling protection – such as lettuce, fruit and vegetables, cut flowers and herbs – through to technical and industrial applications such as textile packaging, transport and protective films, and mulch and plant packaging. Due to their exceptional transparency, these bio-based films are also ideal for carrier bags or viewing windows in paper-based products, such as bread bags and envelopes. When it comes to packaging for medical devices and products, SÜDPACK customers can also count on the right balance of performance, product protection, and sustainability. Planova films offer another clear advantage at the POS: their high transparency, pleasant feel, and broad range of design options help products stand out.