Material made from substances derived from living organisms
A bio-based material is a material intentionally made from substances derived from living (or once-living) organisms.[1] These materials are sometimes referred to as
biomaterials, but this word also has another meaning. Strictly the definition could include many common materials such as
wood and
leather, but it typically refers to modern materials that have undergone more extensive processing. Unprocessed materials may be called
biotic material. Bio-based materials or biomaterials fall under the broader category of
bioproducts or bio-based products which includes materials, chemicals and energy derived from renewable biological resources.
Bio-based materials are often
biodegradable, but this is not always the case.
Examples include:
Wood: A bio-based material that can be used in packaging, clothing, and furniture
Leather: A bio-based material that can be derived from living organisms
Silk: A bio-based material that can be derived from living organisms
Wool: A bio-based material that can be derived from living organisms
Polylactic acid (PLA): A common bioplastic that is made from corn starch or sugar cane
Cellulose: A polysaccharide that is used as a biopolymer for natural packaging material
Chitosan: A bioplastic that has antimicrobial properties and can reduce food waste and food packaging waste
Renewable
biomass: Common bio-based materials that include cereals, legumes, straw, bamboo, and wood flour[2]
References
^Development, Office of Research &.
"BIOBASED MATERIALS". cfpub.epa.gov. Retrieved 2023-08-21.