Material	Aliphatic-aromatic copolymer
	This copolymer combines the excellent material properties of aromatic PET, and the biodegradability of aliphatic polyesters. It is soft, pliable (producing low noise) and has a good touch. Melting-points are high for a degradable material (around 200°C). Depending on the application, up to three aliphatic monomers are incorporated into the PET structure. The monomers create weak spots in the polymeric chains, thereby making them susceptible to degradation through hydrolysis. Applications include disposal bags, diapers and eating utensils. It can be used to create geo-textiles and plant pots, and it is suitable for thermoformed blown bottles and injection moulded objects.
Category	Biopolymers
Processes	Blow moulding Injection moulding Extrusion
References	Dupont GBF - Enviromental Biochemical Engineering
Price	It is only marginally more expensive to produce than PET itself because it can be manufactured with existing equipment using existing bulk monomers. Currently available degradable materials can cost twice as much.
Environmen- tal notes	Disposal: It can be recycled, incinerated or landfilled, but is intended mainly for disposal composting and in-soil degradation. If properly disposed, it degrades in eight weeks. The large polymer molecules are cleaved by moisture into smaller molecules, which are then consumed by naturally occurring microbes and converted to carbon dioxide and water.
Photo	Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
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