What is PBAT?

May 21, 2025

Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat in Tripura has introduced compostable bags made from PBAT as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic (SUP).

What is PBAT?

PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer used as an eco-friendly substitute for traditional plastics.
It is a copolymer of adipic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and terephthalic acid and can be processed using conventional plastic manufacturing methods.
PBAT is often blended with other biopolymers to enhance its mechanical and barrier properties.

Properties of PBAT

100% compostable – breaks down into water, CO₂, and biomass under industrial composting conditions within 180 days.
Flexible and tough, making it ideal for bags, films, and packaging.
It is moisture-resistant, chemically inert, and offers good barrier properties.

PBAT vs PLA

Feature	PBAT	PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Composition	Copolymer of adipate + terephthalate	Made from lactic acid (corn/sugarcane)
Flexibility	Flexible and tough	Rigid and brittle
Applications	Bags, packaging	Cutlery, electronics packaging
Degradation Rate	Faster composting	Slower degradation
Cost	Lower than PLA, but higher than conventional plastics	Higher than PBAT

Source : Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat in Tripura takes a major step toward sustainability by introducing compostable bags made from PBAT, a biodegradable, chemical-free polymer, as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic

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