The childcare market is currently a growth area for bioplastic materials.
In many cases, the focus is on improving the environmental impact of materials and the notion of “harmlessness” when using products in contact with young children.
This market is turning more to biobased and biodegradable materials such as PLA for items like feeding bottles, cutlery, etc.
The use of filled compounds (certain plant fibers or by-products) is also increasingly in demand, because of the potential visual differentiation of finished products.
ADVANTAGES
- Compatible with existing processes
- Safety for children
- Mostly biobased
- Potential improvement in environmental footprint
- Unique, educational design incorporating by-products
In safety-related applications, such as child car seats, priority is given to the reliability and durability of materials. Bioplastics, especially biobased polymers, offer solutions that meet safety requirements while reducing the long-term environmental impact of these products in vehicles.
These materials combine optimum protection for children with a commitment to a more responsible approach.