Petroleum is actually a natural substance formed when large quantities of dead organisms, mostly zooplankton and algae, are buried underneath sedimentary rock and subjected to both intense heat and pressure. Petroleum is separated using a technique called fractional distillation, i.e. separation of a liquid mixture into fractions differing in boiling point by means of distillation. Some fractions are taken off and formed into plastics, tyres etc. and others are used to make PBAT. Here’s the crucial bit – it is what is done to them at this point that determines how they then behave ie. whether or not they will break down quickly or take an age – like plastic. Traditional plastic is engineered to last as long as possible, but PBAT is engineered to be fully biodegradable when composted. This is due to the presence of butylene adipate groups.
PBAT ResinIn short, just because PBAT is derived from petroleum, doesn’t mean it biodegrades the same way as traditional plastics and synthetics, in fact quite the opposite! It actually biodegrades quicker and better than a corn cob or avocado skin!