BioFlex PE-TPS biodegradable resin, made in Vietnam
BioFlex, PE + corn and cassava
Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is starch processed so it melts and flows like a plastic. We make our TPS from corn and cassava starch. Its purity lets film keep partial transparency, and cassava gives a clean hand feel.
Compounded with polyethylene, TPS improves the flexibility and elongation of PE. The key benefit is complete biodegradation as microorganisms are able to consume this modified material. It can be processed on standard PE lines as a drop-in solution.
Three BioFlex grades
BioFlex Standard
Virgin PE + TPS (10 to 40%)
- Reduced fossil material
- 10 to 40% lower carbon footprint
- TÜV AUSTRIA OK biobased
BioFlex Recycled
GRS recycled PE + TPS (10 to 40%)
- 0% virgin PE
- 55 to 70% lower carbon footprint
- TÜV AUSTRIA OK biobased, GRS certified
BioFlex Renewable
Green PE + TPS (10 to 40%)
- 0% fossil material
- 100% renewable, 100% biobased
- TÜV AUSTRIA OK biobased, Braskem green PE
Common to every grade
Biodegradable, and why not compostable
| Standard | EN ISO 14855-1 (aerobic biodegradation under controlled composting, CO2 measurement) |
|---|---|
| Lab | ARCHA |
| Result | Passed in 227 days |
| Claim we use | Fully biodegradable: passed EN ISO 14855-1 in 227 days |
EN ISO 14855-1 measures how much of the material's carbon microorganisms convert to CO2 in a controlled compost environment. Passing means the material was broken down by biology, not crumbled into smaller pieces.
EN 13432 requires a biodegradation pass within 180 days. BioFlex passed in 227 days: a pass for biodegradation and a miss for the compostable label. So we never call BioFlex compostable. If the bag must be compostable, choose CompoFlex.
"Fully biodegradable: passed EN ISO 14855-1 in 227 days."
"Biobased plastic: TÜV AUSTRIA OK biobased one star (20 to 40% biobased carbon)."
"Compostable", "home compostable", "dissolves in nature", or any percentage without the standard and the day count.
Runs on standard PE film lines
Temperature profile
Starch does not like long residence times at high heat. We share a starting profile and fine-tune it on your line.
Purging
Clean the line before and after a run so BioFlex and standard PE do not cross-contaminate.
Storage
Keep bags of resin in a dry, shaded area and use opened bags quickly.
First trial on site
Our team supports the first trial on your line. Ask for the technical data sheet for processing windows.
Where BioFlex fits
Flexible film that must be strong, printable and keep a long shelf life. Thanks to its durability, BioFlex works where compostable plastics do not last long enough in use.
Bags available in BioFlex
Bags and films we make in BioFlex.
- T-shirt bags
- Die cut bags
- Shopping bags
- Single and Double cup bags
- Cup carriers Tbag
- Bags on roll
- Waste bags
- Dog poop bags
- Poly bags
- Mailer bags
- VCI anti-corrosion bags
- ESD anti-static bags
- Film on roll
Resin, film or finished bags
Resin
25 kg vacuum-sealed bags, each packed in a carton box. Film grade (TPS + PE) and injection grade (TPS + PP).
Film on roll
Blown film on roll, to your width and thickness.
Finished bags
Converted and printed in our factory, up to 4 colours.
BioFlex or CompoFlex?
CompoFlex is the answer when the bag must be compostable, for example for food waste collection or a market that demands EN 13432. BioFlex is the answer when you need a long shelf life for your products that extend over 12 months. We often send samples of both so you can test them side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What is PE-TPS resin?
PE-TPS is a compound of polyethylene and thermoplastic starch, supplied as pellets for film blowing. BioFlex is the PE-TPS resin made in Vietnam by GPS PLAS.
Is BioFlex compostable?
No. BioFlex passed EN ISO 14855-1 in 227 days, which is beyond the 180-day limit in EN 13432. It is fully biodegradable, and we describe it only that way.
How long does BioFlex take to biodegrade?
It passed EN ISO 14855-1 in 227 days under controlled composting conditions. Real-world times depend on the environment, temperature and moisture.
Can BioFlex run on existing PE blown-film lines?
Yes, it is designed for standard blown-film equipment. Expect to adjust drying and the temperature profile; our team supports the first trial.
What products can be made with BioFlex?
T-shirt, die-cut and soft-loop handle bags, bags on roll, dog poop bags, waste bags, poly bags, mailer bags, ESD anti-static bags, and general packaging film. Each application starts with a sample run.
How is PE-TPS different from oxo-degradable plastic?
Oxo bags fragment into microplastics. BioFlex passed EN ISO 14855-1 in 227 days, a test that measures conversion into CO2 and biomass by microorganisms, not fragmentation.
Who makes PE-TPS resin in Vietnam?
GPS PLAS, a TURN GREEN member, created Vietnam's first PE-TPS compounded biodegradable resin, sold as BioFlex.
Test BioFlex on your line
Tell us your film line and the bag you make. We send samples and support the first trial.