OIA Eco Working Group/Social Responsibility Working Group

A manufactured polymer produced through a fermentation process that converts natural plant starch into a polymer.  The properties of biopolymer products range from characteristics similar to petroleum based plastics to synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.  

Biopolymers are a replacement for petroleum based products. Currently, the majority of biopolymers are derived from corn or soy, but could ultimately be made from any starch, including agricultural waste.

While biopolymers were specifically designed to decrease the environmental problems caused by the use of petroleum-based polymers, there are a range of environmental impacts association with growing crops for starch production including land clearing, land-degradation, the use of biocides, water pollution, and displacement of food crops.