Developed by Kaneka, Green Planet is a fully biomass-based biodegradable biopolymer that can break down into carbon dioxide and water naturally in soil and seawater, demonstrating exceptional biodegradability across diverse environments.

By combining its Eperan particle foam technology with innovative biodegradable polymer, Kaneka developed The Green Planet Expanded Beads successfully.

Compatible with standard molding equipment, the beads exhibit properties akin to traditional polyolefin foams. Therefore, this versatile material can be easily utilized in numerous lightweight, impact-resistant applications, including protective packaging for household electronics, temperature-controlled containers for perishable goods, and components for the automotive and transportation sectors.

Kaneka Biodegradable Polymer Green Planet Expanded Beads can be used as cushioning materials for a variety of applications. (Photo: Kaneka Belgium NV, PR004)

The Green Planet Expanded Beads—type L40N—has been formally exempted from the classification of synthetic polymer microparticles as per EU Commission Regulation 2023/2055, highlighting the product’s alignment with rigorous environmental criteria and its contribution to sustainable foam solutions.

The microplastic-free designation was granted following an extensive evaluation by Normec OWS, an independent testing laboratory. The assessment focused on the product’s aerobic biodegradability in water, which was measured through CO2 emission.

Based on OECD test method 301 B, the results revealed a mineralization rate exceeding 60% within 28 days. These findings confirm the material’s complete degradation without synthetic residues.

Developed by Kaneka, Green Planet is a fully biomass-based biodegradable biopolymer that can break down into carbon dioxide and water naturally in soil and seawater, demonstrating exceptional biodegradability across diverse environments.

By combining its Eperan particle foam technology with innovative biodegradable polymer, Kaneka developed The Green Planet Expanded Beads successfully.

Compatible with standard molding equipment, the beads exhibit properties akin to traditional polyolefin foams. Therefore, this versatile material can be easily utilized in numerous lightweight, impact-resistant applications, including protective packaging for household electronics, temperature-controlled containers for perishable goods, and components for the automotive and transportation sectors.

Kaneka Biodegradable Polymer Green Planet Expanded Beads can be used as cushioning materials for a variety of applications. (Photo: Kaneka Belgium NV, PR004)

The Green Planet Expanded Beads—type L40N—has been formally exempted from the classification of synthetic polymer microparticles as per EU Commission Regulation 2023/2055, highlighting the product’s alignment with rigorous environmental criteria and its contribution to sustainable foam solutions.

The microplastic-free designation was granted following an extensive evaluation by Normec OWS, an independent testing laboratory. The assessment focused on the product’s aerobic biodegradability in water, which was measured through CO2 emission.

Based on OECD test method 301 B, the results revealed a mineralization rate exceeding 60% within 28 days. These findings confirm the material’s complete degradation without synthetic residues.