Here at EnviroTakeout our heavy CPLA cutlery and meal kits are wrapped in compostable PBAT film to ensure the wrapping is completely eco-friendly. But what is PBAT, where does it come from, and what else is it used for?

What is PBAT?

PBAT is short for polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate which is a compostable alternative to petroleum-based plastic polymers like PE or polyethylene. While traditional plastics such as polyethylene will only break down into smaller pieces known as microplastics and harm the environment, PBAT films are completely compostable. This means that it will break down completely back into natural materials which means PBAT films do not put as much stress on the environment when compared to traditional plastic wrappings.

A Quick History of PBAT

PBAT was first developed back in the early 1990s when researchers were looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. In 1993, the German chemical company BASF patented the first version of PBAT. Since then due to it's eco-friendly properties and the increase in demand for sustainable alternatives to plastic PBAT has become hugely popular and is used in a variety of industries.

Uses for PBAT

PBAT is considered to be a versatile material and is used in lots of industries including packaging, agriculture and textiles.  IT's a popular choice for food packaging since it composts quickly.  Since PBAT is so flexible it's most commonly used in a stretchy film form. Outside of restaurant disposables it's used as an eco-friendly cling wrap and a mulch-film that's used in agriculture.

Where PBAT shines most is the disposable packaging industry. Here at EnviroTakeout we use PBAT to wrap our cutlery and cutlery kits but it's also used for garbage bags, shopping bags and a water-proof liner for containers and cups.

The future of PBAT

But it doesn't end there for PBAT. The rising need for compostable solutions means that PBAT continues to be produced in larger quantities each year. In fact new factories are constantly being built to increase annual production of PBAT to help achieve national sustainability goals in many countries.  These products break down quickly and harmlessly, reducing the impact of single-use plastics on the environment. Restaurants can use these products to reduce their environmental footprint and appeal to environmentally conscious customers.

You can make a difference

Using products that contain PBAT and other bioplastics is an easy way to make your food service business more sustainable. Say goodbye to single use plastics that leave harmful micro-plastics behind in the environment and hello to a clean conscience. 

EnviroTakeout has a great selection of compostable cutlery available to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint.