![Bioplastics in injection molding | ENGEL Picture shows symbolic image for bioplastics in injection molding](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/973x648/45f690129d/nachhaltigkeit-biokunststoff-spritzguss-desktop.jpg/m/0x440/filters:format(webp))
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Bioplastics in injection molding
New paths to greater sustainability
Bioplastics provide the opportunity to merge injection molding with sustainable raw materials. With years of experience in bioplastics, ENGEL offers comprehensive support to ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable processing. Leverage ENGEL's solutions and expertise to get started today.
![Bio-based and non-biodegradable bioplastics | ENGEL Image shows symbolic image for biobased and non-biodegradable bioplastics](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/542x542/599c2d3a74/nachhaltigkeit-biokunststoffe-nicht-biologisch-abbaubar-biobasiert.jpg/m/100x100/filters:format(webp))
Bio-PE, Bio-PA, WPC
Materials are biobased if they are made entirely or partially from renewable biological resources. Biological resources include corn, potatoes, sugar cane starch and cellulose. The injection-molded component does not degrade naturally in the environment.
![Bio-based and biodegradable bioplastics | ENGEL Image shows symbolic image for biobased and biodegradable bioplastics](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/542x542/66ee3a107c/nachhaltigkeit-biokunststoffe-biologisch-abbaubar-biobasiert.jpg/m/100x100/filters:format(webp))
PLA, PHA, PHB
These are bioplastics that are both biobased and biodegradable. Chemical processes enable the biodegradation of bioplastics. Microorganisms present in the environment convert the bioplastic into natural substances such as water or compost. The injection-molded component degrades naturally in the environment.
![Fossil-based and non-biodegradable plastics | ENGEL Image shows symbolic image for fossil-based and non-biodegradable plastics](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/542x542/23cde00525/nachhaltigkeit-biokunststoffe-nicht-biologisch-abbaubar-fossilbasiert.jpg/m/100x100/filters:format(webp))
PE, PET, PP
Fossil-based plastics are regular plastics made from crude oil and natural gas that do not break down. They are not bioplastics. The injection-molded component does not degrade naturally in the environment.
![Fossil-based and biodegradable bioplastics | ENGEL Image shows symbolic image for fossil-based and biodegradable bioplastics](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/542x542/280f092feb/nachhaltigkeit-biokunststoffe-biologisch-abbaubar-fossilbasiert.jpg/m/100x100/filters:format(webp))
PBAT, PCL
Alternative plastics that are biodegradable but produced from fossil sources such as crude oil or natural gas are classified as bioplastics. The injection-molded component degrades naturally in the environment.
![Bianca Gubi | ENGEL Picture shows Product Manager Circular Economy at ENGEL](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/240x240/2a910ef10c/service-bianca-gubi.jpg/m/120x120/filters:format(webp))
Do you want to learn about the benefits of using bioplastics in injection molding and how to work with them? Our experts will be happy to provide you with comprehensive know-how.
![Processing bioplastics in injection molding thanks to flexible machines | ENGEL Picture shows various injection molding machines from ENGEL](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/700x350/9689f7c19b/produkte-spritzgiessmaschinen.jpg/m/700x350/filters:format(webp))
Bioplastics can be processed by all ENGEL injection molding machines. This means that you can use your own ENGEL machines to produce injection-molded components from alternative plastics. You remain flexible and avoid additional investments.
![Sustainable processing of bioplastics in injection molding thanks to high-quality plasticizing unit | ENGEL Picture shows corrosion-resistant plasticizing component from ENGEL](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/700x350/a3109b6337/service-plastifiziereinheit-spritzgiessmaschine.jpg/m/700x350/filters:format(webp))
Corrosion-resistant plasticizing components are essential for processing corrosive biomaterials. They ensure the longevity and safety of the system. It is also important to comply with the process parameters specified by the material supplier, especially when it comes to the processing temperature. To make high-quality shear-sensitive alternative plastics, a specialized screw shape helps reduce shear. The result: precise processing of sensitive materials.
![Compensating the viscosity of bioplastics in injection molding | ENGEL Picture shows application of iQ weight control on the ENGEL control unit](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/700x350/3be909fbab/digitale-loesungen-kunststoff-viskositaet.jpg/m/700x350/filters:format(webp))
Our digital solution, iQ weight control, precisely regulates the injection volume based on the pressure curve in the mold. This ensures optimum part quality during injection molding, even if the viscosity of the bioplastic fluctuates.
![Processing alternative plastics in sandwich injection molding | ENGEL Picture shows sustainable thin-wall packaging made from alternative plastic using sandwich injection molding](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/1060x540/a739cd178c/produkte-duennwand-kunststoff-recycling.jpg/m/700x350/filters:format(webp))
Thin-wall packaging made from alternative plastics can be produced using sandwich injection molding. One example is coffee capsules with a biodegradable PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol) barrier. Multi-layer packaging offers perfect barriers against oxygen, moisture and humidity, thus optimally preserving the freshness of the product.
![Processing bioplastics in injection molding thanks to flexible machines | ENGEL Picture shows various injection molding machines from ENGEL](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/700x350/9689f7c19b/produkte-spritzgiessmaschinen.jpg/m/700x350/filters:format(webp))
Bioplastics can be processed by all ENGEL injection molding machines. This means that you can use your own ENGEL machines to produce injection-molded components from alternative plastics. You remain flexible and avoid additional investments.
![Sustainable processing of bioplastics in injection molding thanks to high-quality plasticizing unit | ENGEL Picture shows corrosion-resistant plasticizing component from ENGEL](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/700x350/a3109b6337/service-plastifiziereinheit-spritzgiessmaschine.jpg/m/700x350/filters:format(webp))
Corrosion-resistant plasticizing components are essential for processing corrosive biomaterials. They ensure the longevity and safety of the system. It is also important to comply with the process parameters specified by the material supplier, especially when it comes to the processing temperature. To make high-quality shear-sensitive alternative plastics, a specialized screw shape helps reduce shear. The result: precise processing of sensitive materials.
![Compensating the viscosity of bioplastics in injection molding | ENGEL Picture shows application of iQ weight control on the ENGEL control unit](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/700x350/3be909fbab/digitale-loesungen-kunststoff-viskositaet.jpg/m/700x350/filters:format(webp))
Our digital solution, iQ weight control, precisely regulates the injection volume based on the pressure curve in the mold. This ensures optimum part quality during injection molding, even if the viscosity of the bioplastic fluctuates.
![Processing alternative plastics in sandwich injection molding | ENGEL Picture shows sustainable thin-wall packaging made from alternative plastic using sandwich injection molding](https://a.storyblok.com/f/136567/1060x540/a739cd178c/produkte-duennwand-kunststoff-recycling.jpg/m/700x350/filters:format(webp))
Thin-wall packaging made from alternative plastics can be produced using sandwich injection molding. One example is coffee capsules with a biodegradable PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol) barrier. Multi-layer packaging offers perfect barriers against oxygen, moisture and humidity, thus optimally preserving the freshness of the product.