We love the Bioplastic Shop because it has a range of bioplastic alternatives to common petroleum plastics. They carry multiple compostable bioplastic sheets for thermoforming all the way to bio-based 3D print filaments. They also carry materials from other suppliers on our list including Vibers and BioPanel.
Vibers Sheet
Vibers is made from Elephant Grass, PLA and starch sourced from a waste stream of the Dutch potato processing industry. In terms of physical properties, Vibers bioplastic is most similar to foamed PVC. The sheets can be used as point of sale (POS) material, signage at events and for interior applications. Vibers is recyclable and theoretically industrially compostable, although they don't have certifications yet to confirm this.
The Vibers sheets come in three colors: natural, white and black. All three have a visible fiber structure. The sheets are available in the standard sizes of 1000x600mm and 2000x1200mm, with thicknesses ranging from 0.5mm to 4mm. It is possible to laser, punch, saw, drill and print the sheets, and they are also suitable for vacuum forming. The recommended temperature for vacuum forming is 70-100°C.
Terranyl
Terranyl® is a sheet material made from starch sourced from the residual flows of the potato processing industry. It is biobased and biodegradable, although it does not have any compostability certifications (yet). It is most suitable as a replacement for polystyrene and foamed PVC. It is mainly used in the sign industry for displays and POS material. However, it is less suitable for long-term outdoor use due to its biodegradability.
Bioplastic Shop stocks Terranyl® as a sheet of 1mm thickness in yellow, green and orange and stocks the white sheets in both 1mm and 2mm thickness. It is possible to cut, glue, vacuum form and print on the sheets.
BioPanel
BioPanel sheets are made from industrial hemp and PLA. The sheets are biodegradable and theoretically industrially compostable, although they have not received any certifications to confirm this. It is most suitable as a replacement for Trespa and Dibond and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor display and signage applications.
The sheets are dark brown in color and come in 2mm, 3mm, and 6mm thickness.
Mellanyl©
Mellanyl© sheets are made from corn starch and are theoretically compostable under industrial conditions. The material is very similar to the Terranyl© sheets and is also most suitable as a replacement for polystyrene or ABS. The sheets are impact-resistant and most commonly used for point of sale (POS) signage.
Bioplastic Shop stock the Mellanyl© sheets in white in the standard dimensions of 1000x600mm and 1200x1000mm, with thicknesses ranging from 1mm to 3mm. One side of the sheet has a glossy surface while the other side is more matte. The processing options include gluing, drilling, sawing, printing and vacuum forming.
BioFilament
BioFilaments are made from PLA in combination with residual biomass from the oyster, wheat and beer industry. The filaments are manufactured in Normandy, France by Francofil. While they do not have any compostability certifications, PLA filament is usually industrially compostable.