Biopol is insoluble in water and will sink unlike the majority of ‘plastics’. Over time it will degrade harmlessly as it is non-toxic. It has a similar tensile strength to that of polypropylene. With a high melting point of 175 degrees centigrade, it can withstand most use, that requires resistance to hot liquids, such as beverages.
DISADVANTAGES
The main disadvantage, is that it more expensive to produce biopol than fossil fuel plastics.
Biopol has a low resistance to acids and bases, including bleach. This restricts its use as ‘plastic’ packaging.
Biopol does not resist impact as well as fossil fuel based plastics and cannot be used in situations such as containers, that could potentially be dropped or knocked.
The fermentation process is longer, when compared to plastics processed from fossil fuels such as oil.