New PBS Bioplastic Grades Demonstrate Industrial Viability,Poised for Circular Economy Impact
Schwarzheide,Germany – A new generation of polybutylene succinate (PBS) bioplastics is demonstrating successful processing on existing industrial machinery,opening doors for wider adoption of sustainable materials in sectors currently reliant on polyethylene. Developed through the collaborative efforts of Gramß GmbH Plastic processing and the fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, initial products including a sports drinking bottle and closure have been successfully manufactured using wind forming and injection molding techniques.
The breakthrough signifies a major step forward for the RUBIO Alliance - a network of 18 partners including businesses and research institutions focused on establishing value chains for technical bioplastics in Central Germany. PBS, a bio-based and potentially recyclable material, is positioned as a key component in the future circular economy of plastics, offering a viable option with a desirable tactile quality and medium strength.
“As a bio-based and recyclable material in the near future, PBS will be a real game change on the market of bioplastics and play a crucial role in the circular economy of plastics,” explains Dr.Jens Balko, head of the Processing center Biopolymere Schwarzheide at Fraunhofer IAP. “With its appealing feel and soft to medium-hard strength, PBS is a real alternative for products in which polyethylene is still used today.”
The RUBIO Alliance, anchored in the Central German chemical triangle and the Berlin-Brandenburg area, aims to actively contribute to the structural change occurring in former lignite regions. further research focuses on optimizing the efficient extraction of succinic acid, a crucial raw material in PBS synthesis, requiring continued collaboration and technological innovation.
Fraunhofer IAP will showcase its latest PBS developments at the K Messe in Düsseldorf, October 8-15, 2025, at the Fraunhofer community stand in Hall 7 / Stand SC05, exhibiting products demonstrating diverse industrial processing technologies.