Degradation and Disintegration Behavior of PHBV- and PLA-Based Films Under Composting Conditions

Pavlo Lyshtva, Argo Kuusik and Viktoria Voronova ()
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Pavlo Lyshtva: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate Tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
Argo Kuusik: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate Tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
Viktoria Voronova: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate Tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-17

Abstract: This study investigated the degradation and disintegration behavior of novel biobased multilayered films composed of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) during controlled composting tests performed at the laboratory scale. The compostability of monolayer PLA and PHBV films, hot-pressed bilayers, and coextruded multilayer films produced in industrial or semi-industrial settings was systematically evaluated. Materials supplied by Fraunhofer LBF (Darmstadt, Germany) were tested as specified by the EVS-EN standard ISO 14855-1:2012 and EVS-EN ISO 20200:2016 standards. Composting took place in sealed, aerated vessels at 58 ± 2 °C with 50 ± 5% moisture and >6% oxygen. Biodegradation was measured via CO 2 evolution, and disintegration was assessed visually and physically. PLA-1OLA films achieved 98.59% biodegradation and 91.13% disintegration. PHBV-5OLA and multilayer PLA-1OLA/PHBV-5OLA films showed biodegradation rates of 85.49% and 73.14%, with disintegration degrees of 89.93% and 79.18%, respectively. However, modified multilayer structures displayed slightly reduced compostability compared with pure compounds, likely due to the influence of additional components. To meet the 90% biodegradability threshold required by EVS-EN 13432:2003, increasing the PLA-1OLA content is recommended. This study introduces a novel combination of biobased polymers and plasticizers in multilayer formats, offering a deeper understanding of structure–property–degradation relationships. Its significance lies in advancing the design of sustainable packaging materials that balance functionality with environmental compatibility.

Keywords: biodegradation; disintegration; composting; polylactic acid; poly-3-hydroxybutyrate; film (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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