The manufacture of bioplastics and products derived from them is one of the "green" business areas which is becoming increasingly popular both in Europe and other parts of the world. There are several reasons for this. Non-renewable or fossil resources are depleting, therefore a valuable alternative is to use materials derived from renewable sources. Also, there are increasing numbers of consumers who prefer environment-friendly products – and this is a tendency which continues to expand.
 

Today, three kinds of materials are referred to as bioplastics. They include both materials which are from renewable resources but are not compostable (biobased), materials which are not derived from renewable resources but are compostable and capable of completing biodegradation (biodegradable). Food packaging is usually made from the third kind of materials which are derived from renewable materials such as starch, cellulose or sugar and are compostable (biobased & biodegradable).
 

Since mankind invented plastics, plastic production volumes have been booming due to valuable characteristics. In 1980, in total 50 million tons of plastics were manufactured in the world, but in 2010 the quantity was already 250 million tons.
 

A considerable part of plastics is used for the production of packaging. After consumption plastic products go to dumping sites or are recycled. Plastics, mostly packaging, make approximately 20 % of the whole mass of waste.
 

Unfortunately, at present only a minor part of plastic products is being recycled in Latvia — there are no recycling options for disposable packaging and disposable crockery. As, according to expert estimations, biodegradation of plastic products takes approximately 500 years, their volumes at dumping sites will only increase.
 

One possible solution for this problem is making packaging from bioplastics. At present, food packaging, disposable catering products and other products already are being made from bioplastics.