What our packaging is made of — and why it matters
Not all "biodegradable" is the same — understanding the materials science behind compostable packaging helps you specify the right product
Materials
Three base materials, blended to your application
PLA
Polylactic Acid
Derived from fermented plant starch — typically corn, cassava, or sugarcane. PLA provides stiffness, clarity, and a high bio-based content (typically >85%). It is the structural backbone of most compostable film formulations. Pure PLA is brittle; blended with PBAT, it becomes a flexible, processable film.
High tensile modulus, good transparency, bio-based, printable. Limitation: brittle alone, lower tear resistance than polyethylene.
PBAT
Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate
A fossil-derived but fully biodegradable polyester. PBAT provides flexibility, elongation, and tear resistance — the "softener" that transforms brittle PLA into a usable film. It degrades via enzymatic hydrolysis and is a core component of virtually all certified compostable films on the market.
High elongation at break, excellent tear resistance, fast biodegradation. Limitation: lower stiffness, lower bio-based content (typically 0–20%).
Starch-Based
Thermoplastic Starch (TPS)
Uses thermoplastic starch (typically corn or potato) as the primary polymer, blended with biodegradable polyesters for processability. Offers the highest bio-based content (often >50%), prioritised by brands marketing "plant-based" packaging. Best suited for lightweight bags and liners.
Highest bio-based content, lowest carbon footprint, home-compostable capable. Limitation: lower strength, moisture sensitive, narrower processing window.
Performance
Technical parameters — typical ranges
Values vary by specific formulation — typical ranges for standard Esinle PLA/PBAT film. Contact our technical team for a datasheet specific to your format
Comparison
Compostable film vs. conventional polyethylene
An honest side-by-side — what compostable packaging does better, where it matches PE, and where it does not
| Property | Conventional PE | Esinle PLA/PBAT | Notes |
| Tensile strength | 25 – 35 MPa | 20 – 35 MPa | Comparable in most applications |
| Elongation | 300 – 600% | 200 – 600% | Comparable at standard PBAT ratios |
| Tear resistance | High | Moderate – high | Can be matched with PBAT adjustment |
| Transparency | Clear – hazy | Clear – hazy | Comparable; PLA tends clearer |
| Heat resistance | Up to 80–100°C | Up to 55°C | Compostable is lower — avoid hot-fill |
| Moisture barrier | Excellent | Moderate | By design — biodegradation requires water access |
| Shelf life | Indefinite | 12 months | Compostable materials degrade by design |
| Cost | Baseline (1×) | 4× – 6× | Reflects materials science, certification, lower scale |
| End of life | 400+ years in landfill | 12–24 weeks (industrial compost) | The fundamental value proposition |
How it works
Degradation: from film to compost
Hydrolysis
Water molecules in the compost environment begin breaking ester bonds in PLA and PBAT polymer chains. The film starts fragmenting.
Enzymatic attack
Microorganisms in the compost secrete enzymes that cleave the now-shortened polymer chains into oligomers and monomers.
Mineralisation
Microorganisms metabolise the monomers into CO₂, water, and biomass. ≥90% conversion within 6 months under industrial conditions.
Compost integration
No visible film remains — indistinguishable from surrounding compost. Ecotoxicity testing confirms no harmful residue.
Note: timelines assume industrial composting conditions (EN 13432). Home composting (ambient temperature) takes longer — up to 12 months.
Custom resin technology
GreenEco is our proprietary brand for application-specific PLA/PBAT/starch formulations, compounded in-house at our Guangzhou facility — adjusting PBAT ratio for flexibility, starch content for bio-based percentage, and additive packages for specific performance requirements
Discuss your material requirements