Atmosphere
Plant
Chemical
Monomer
Product
Atmosphere to Plant
Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, converting it into organic matter such as starches and sugars.
Plant to Chemical
The plant biomass is processed to extract its sugar or starch content. This step may involve mechanical grinding, chemical treatment, or enzymatic hydrolysis1. The extracted material is then converted—typically via fermentation2—into chemical precursors3 like ethanol or lactic acid.
Chemical to Monomer
The chemical precursor is then purified and isolated, often through distillation4, dehydration, or other separation techniques, to yield the monomer building blocks necessary for polymerization.
Monomer to Polymer
Monomers are chemically linked into long-chain molecules called polymers. This step can involve various polymerization techniques depending on the desired plastic properties.
Polymer
Polymer to Product
The polymer is processed—through molding, extrusion, or other manufacturing methods—into the finished product, ready for use in packaging, durable goods, and other applications.
Composting
Mechanical Recycling
Hover to learn more about the life cycle of bioplastics.
If the product is certified compostable, it can be composted back into compost, a valuable and nutrient dense soil amendment. The carbon would go back into the soil to be taken up by a new plant.
If the product is recyclable, it can be recycled back into a polymer to be used in a new product. The carbon remains sequestered into the material itself.