Abstract: A film is shown and described which contains 10 to 50 wt. % of a component A and 50 to 90 wt. % of a component B, based on the sum of the components A and B, component A being selected from the group consisting of polymers that are obtainable from ring-opening polymerization and have a glass transition temperature (Tg) lower than ?30° C. and component B being selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic aliphatic copolyesters and mixtures thereof, and the film having a total thickness of 1 to 200 ?m.

Abstract: A fertilizer stick comprising a saccharide and a fertilizer dispersed therein, wherein the saccharide constitutes about 25% to about 95% (w/w) of the stick.

Abstract: A degradable EVOH high-barrier composite film, characterized in that the materials of various layers in the composite film all obtain approximately-consistent biodegradability by introducing biomass, and the additive amount of the additive master batch in the materials of each layer is controlled within the range of 0.3-15% of the total mass of the materials of the corresponding layer; the hydrophilic activity of the hydrophilic groups in the additive master batch should be greater than or equal to that of the hydrophilic groups in the materials of each layer; by adding the additive master batch, the mole ratios of the hydrophilic groups to carbon atoms of the materials of various layers tend to be consistent, namely, the bioactivities tend to be consistent, so that the degradation rates of the materials of various layers in the composite film tend to be consistent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing the nut waste sheet composites from a nut waste component and one or more binders.

Abstract: Provided is a biodegradable resin molded product that exhibits excellent processability and sufficient strength as the molded product, is advantageous in terms of cost and at the same time, has excellent biodegradability under an environment, in particular, marine biodegradability, and a method for producing the same, and pellets used therefor. The molded product is produced using a biodegradable resin composition including a biodegradable resin and heavy calcium carbonate particles in a range by mass of 50:50 to 10:90.

Abstract: A process for producing a biomaterial product based on sunflower seed hulls/sunflower seed husks comprising providing or producing a sunflower plastic compound (SPC) compounded material (SPC PBS, SPC PBSA), wherein the material is obtained by compounding a sunflower seed hull material/sunflower seed husk material with a biodegradable plastic, for example polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene succinate-adipate (PBSA), or the like. The SPC compounded material is preferably used for producing an injection molded product, for example biodegradable containers, packagings, films or the like, in particular coffee capsules, tea capsules, urns, cups, plant pots, flowerpots, or the like.

Abstract: In a method of producing a polymer composite, a polymer is provided in a liquid state such as a molten state. A plant material, such as soymeal, is provided that includes protein and carbohydrate. The plant material has a particle size less than 50 microns. A reactive protein denaturant is also provided. A dispersion of the plant material and the reactive protein denaturant is formed in a matrix of the liquid polymer. The plant material is reacted to bond with the reactive protein denaturant, and the reactive protein denaturant is reacted to bond with the polymer. The polymer is solidified to produce the polymer composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer compound which, based on the total weight of the polymer compound, comprises at least the following components: (a) 5 to 50 wgt.-% destructed starch and/or starch derivative, (b) 20 to 70 wgt.-% aliphatic-aromatic copolymer, (c) 10 to 50 wgt.-% polyhydroxyalkanoate and (d) 3 to 25 wgt.-% polyactic acid. Such polymer compounds are characterized by a high ratio of bio-based carbon and exhibit no significant embrittlement or worsening of the mechanical properties profile, despite the presence of increased volumes of polyhydroxyalkanoate, even after storage. The invention further relates to production methods for the polymer compound according to the invention, and use thereof in the production of films, molded parts or fibers.

Abstract: A melt spinnable fiber is provided that comprises a first component comprising a thermoplastic polymer, and a second component comprising thermoplastic starch where the second component is not encompassed by another component or components or if encompassed by another component or components then the second component encompasses a hollow core. A particular use of such a fiber is for removal of the second component in the presence of a solvent in order to produce fibers with desired properties. An agent may be present in the second component for controlling the rate of removal of the second component thereby allowing for physical manipulation of the fiber prior to complete removal of the component. The invention is also directed to nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the fibers.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of processing polyester-containing feedstocks to provide hydrocarbon products. Exemplary feedstocks include those containing estolide compounds, which may be processed under thermal and/or catalytic conditions to provide at least one hydrocarbon product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer film comprising at least a tri-layer structure, said tri-layer structure being made up of a core polymer layer interposed between two covering polymer layers that each comprise polyethylene, wherein the core polymer layer comprises a melt blend of polyethylene, thermoplastic starch, and ethylene acrylic acid copolymer.

Abstract: A method for preparing poly(butylene terephthalate-co-adipate) copolymer by polymerizing 1,4-butane diol, an adipic acid component and an aromatic dicarboxy compound derived from polyethylene terephthalate, and a polyester component residue in the presence of a catalyst under conditions effective to form poly(butylene terephthalate-co-adipate) oligomers; adding a quencher; and reacting the quenched poly(butylene terephthalate-co-adipate) oligomers with a chain extender.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable polymers, and especially polyacrylic and/or polyaspartic acid based biodegradable polymers. Further, the present invention relates to methods for the preparation of the present biodegradable polymers and the use thereof as, for example, protective layer or packaging material. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods for preparing a biodegradable polymer comprising: a) preparing an acidic mixture of polyacrylic and/or polyaspartic acid, sodium ions, one or more oligosaccharides, or derivatives thereof, and water, wherein the resulting mixture has a pH equal to or lower than 5; b) maintaining the temperature of said acidic mixture in a range of from 80° C. to 130° C. until an homogeneous suspension is obtained; and c) adding polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and one or more polycarboxylic acids, or derivatives thereof, to the mixture of step (b) while maintaining the temperature in a range of from 80° C. to 130° C. until the biodegradable polymer is formed.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions containing an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester derived from aromatic polyesters. Methods of making the compositions and articles made from the compositions.

Abstract: Disposable items made from bioplastic resins include a biodegradable resin; and a plasticizer; wherein the resin and plasticizer are intermixed to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic that is formed to provide the device. A disposable device includes a multidose syringe, a specimen tube, a scalpel, a lancet, a sharps container, or a suction canister. A method of disposing of an item includes providing an item made from a biodegradable resin and a plasticizer that are intermixed to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic; sterilizing the item utilizing radiation or ethylene oxide gas; shredding the item; and composting the item into a compost end product, thereby disposing of the item.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions containing an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester derived from aromatic polyesters. Methods of making the compositions and articles made from the compositions.

Abstract: A thermoplastic or elastomeric composition, is characterized in that: a) it exhibits a degree of biodegradability of less than 50%, preferably less than 30%, and b) it contains at least 0.5% and at most 99.95% by weight of an ester of a starchy material, which has a degree of ester substitution (DS) of between 1.6 and 3, and at least 0.05% by weight and at most 99.5% by weight of a polymer other than starch.

Abstract: Described is a polymeric compound comprising a polyvinyl alcohol, a carbohydrate, and a polyacrylic acid, in which compound the carbohydrate is present as a cross-linking agent which cross-links chains of polyvinyl alcohol and/or chains of polyacrylic acid. The novel compound has interesting properties as an alternative to known plastics materials. It is biologically degradable, has a reduced content of fossil starting material, and exhibits hardness and flexibility properties useful for widespread applications, such as packaging material and coatings. In addition, a method for producing the polymeric compound is disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment is a composition comprising water; starch; natural fibrous materials; one or more additives to improve certain properties such as heat transfer, microbial resistance, scavenging activity or shelf life; a mold release agent; flavoring agents; coloring agents; and/or wax emulsions, proteins, or other natural polymeric compounds to adjust the product properties for particular applications.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention generally relate to a moisture barrier coating that is biodegradable and compostable. Some embodiments also relate to a coating that is dual ovenable. Such coatings may be used to increase moisture resistance and provide non-stick or release characteristics when applied to biodegradable and compostable disposable food packaging and food service items. In some embodiments, a plasticizer, an amide wax and optionally a rosin are added to a cellulose-ester-based coating to increase moisture resistance. In other embodiments, a biodegradable polymer, an amide wax, optionally a plasticizer, and optionally a rosin are added to a cellulose-ester-based coating to drastically increase moisture resistance. In still other embodiments, phospholipids or medium-chain triglycerides or increased levels of amide wax may be added to the either of the embodiments above to provide enhanced release characteristics.

Abstract: This invention provides a non-disposable, environmentally friendly toothbrush comprising a solid handle and bristled filaments operably affixed thereto, wherein the solid handle is made of an environmentally friendly composition of matter comprising an admixture of cornstarch (PSM) and recycled polypropylene, the weight ratio of biodegradable cornstarch (PSM) to recycled polypropylene being from 50:50 to 80:20.

Abstract: A biodegradable environmentally friendly material, a container and method of manufacturing. The components and weight percentages of the material or the container include: plant straw powder 50-70%, melamine 20-30%, polypropylene hot melt adhesive 2-6%, polyethylene glycol 5-8%, hexamethylene tetramine 0.5-1%, talc powder 2-6%. The method of manufacturing includes: the components are mixed in proportion and blended uniformly to obtain the mixed powder. The mixed powder is put into a mold with a temperature of 140-160° C. and pressed into necessary shapes to obtain the finished products. The finished products are disinfected and packaged. The biodegradable environmentally friendly material, the container and the method of manufacturing provide good temperature resistance, good corrosion resistance, good strength, difficult to rupture, simple production process, low cost, low energy consumption and high efficiency.

Abstract: A radiation curable biobased coating, such as a UV/EB curable biobased coating, for flooring applications includes a biobased component comprising renewable and/or biobased materials. The biobased component is selected from the group consisting of a biobased resin, a biobased polyol acrylate, or a biobased polyol. The biobased component is blended with a coating formula. The coating formula includes at least one initiator. The radiation curable biobased coating contains at least about 5% weight of renewable materials or biobased content.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for preparing plant fiber composite has, by weight based on the whole composition: a plant fiber raw material in an amount ranging from 60% to 80%; a starch auxiliary in an amount ranging from 10% to 30%; and a biological polymer additive in amount ranging from 10% to 20%, wherein the biological polymer additive includes a plant hormone, an enzyme, a vinegar and an ester of lactic acid. Plant fiber composite prepared from the composition is also provided. The plant fiber composite is derived from recycled material for extrusion and modeling, as a non-toxic and harmless raw material with high utilizing rate of recycled material and substitutes for plastic materials. The plant fiber composite is applied to food container, packing materials for electronic device and agricultural products, seedling trays, or substitutes for timber in the field of building, decoration and furniture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable polymers, and especially polyacrylic and/or polyaspartic acid based biodegradable polymers. Further, the present invention relates to methods for the preparation of the present biodegradable polymers and the use thereof as, for example, protective layer or packaging material. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods for preparing a biodegradable polymer comprising: a) preparing an acidic mixture of polyacrylic and/or polyaspartic acid, sodium ions, one or more oligosaccharides, or derivatives thereof, and water, wherein the resulting mixture has a pH equal to or lower than 5; b) maintaining the temperature of said acidic mixture in a range of from 80° C. to 130° C. until an homogeneous suspension is obtained; and c) adding polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and one or more polycarboxylic acids, or derivatives thereof, to the mixture of step (b) while maintaining the temperature in a range of from 80° C. to 130° C. until the biodegradable polymer is formed.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic copolyester comprising: A) an acid component comprising repeating units of: 1) 53 to 54 mol % of an aromatic carboxylic acid; 2) 47 to 36 mol % of an aliphatic acid at least 50% of which is azelaic acid; B) a diol component selected from the group consisting of C3, C4 and C6 diols said AAPE being disintegrated according to the Standard ISO 20200 in 90 days.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic copolyester comprising 50 to 60 mol % of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and 40 to 50 mol % of an aliphatic acid, at least 90% of which is a long-chain dicarboxylic acid (LCDA) of natural origin selected from azelaic acid, sebacic acid, brassylic acid or mixtures thereof; and a diol component.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for preparing plant fiber composite has, by weight based on the whole composition: a plant fiber raw material in an amount ranging from 60% to 80%; a starch auxiliary in an amount ranging from 10% to 30%; and a biological polymer additive in amount ranging from 10% to 20%, wherein the biological polymer additive includes a plant hormone, an enzyme, a vinegar and an ester of lactic acid. Plant fiber composite prepared from the composition is also provided. The plant fiber composite is derived from recycled material for extrusion and modeling, as a non-toxic and harmless raw material with high utilizing rate of recycled material and substitutes for plastic materials. The plant fiber composite is applied to food container, packing materials for electronic device and agricultural products, seedling trays, or substitutes for timber in the field of building, decoration and furniture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable multiphase compositions characterized in that they comprise three phases: (a) a continuous phase composed of a matrix of at least one tough hydrophobic polymer incompatible with the starch; (b) a nanoparticulate dispersed starch phase with mean dimensions of less than 0.3 ?m, (c) a further dispersed phase of at least one rigid and fragile polymer with modulus greater than 1000 MPa. Such compositions having a Modulus greater than 300 MPa and a substantial isotropy in the two longitudinal and transverse directions in relation to tear propagation.

Abstract: A method for producing a biodegradable plastic material includes: hydrolyzing starch to form a hydrolyzed starch; esterifying the hydrolyzed starch to form a hydrolyzed and esterified starch; drying the hydrolyzed and esterified starch to obtain a dried modified starch; and mixing the dried modified starch with a plastic material, such as an EVA copolymer.

Abstract: A method for producing a bio-based polymeric shoe component includes: preparing a blend from a composition including 5˜50 weight parts of a modified starch, 50˜95 weight parts of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, 5˜30 weight parts of a filler, 1˜50 weight parts of a polyolefin, 2.0˜8.0 weight parts of a foaming agent, 0.5˜3.0 weight parts of a foaming aid, 0.5˜2.0 weight parts of a lubricant, and 0.4˜1.2 weight parts of a crosslinking agent, the modified starch being obtained by hydrolyzing and esterifying a predetermined amount of a raw starch to form a hydrolyzed and esterified starch, followed by drying the hydrolyzed and esterified starch; processing the blend into a foamable product; and forming the foamable product into the shoe component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable multiphase compositions comprising a continuous phase composed of a matrix of at least one tough hydrophobic polymer incompatible with the starch and a nanoparticulate dispersed starch phase with mean dimensions of less than 0.25 m. The compositions are characterized by breaking load, Young's Modulus and breaking energy.

Abstract: A starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The starch-polyester graft copolymer can be solvent cast, melt cast and blown into clear transparent film particularly for use in single use disposable applications and can be biodegradable.

Abstract: Described herein are biodegradable compositions, methods for making these compositions, and applications using these compositions. In one embodiment, a process of manufacturing paper or other products is provided using a composition comprising a mixture of 25% to 80% calcium carbonate along with a biodegradable biopolymer matrix made from renewable resources including polylactic acid (“PLA”), soy proteins, polyhydroxyalkanoate (“PHA”), polyhydroxybutyrate (“PHB”), and/or starch from corn, wheat, tapioca, potatoes, or similar renewable resource products.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic is provided by mixing starch; a biodegradation promoter, such as humic and/or fulvic acid; oil, such as white mineral oil; polypropylene; and a hydrogenated styrene isoprene/butadiene block copolymer. An environmentally friendly cable is provided by extruding the biodegradable plastic with wiring therein. An environmentally friendly headset includes the environmentally friendly cable, and may also includes one or more speaker sets and a microphone assembly, each also made, at least in part, with biodegradable material.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions containing an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester derived from aromatic polyesters. Methods of making the compositions and articles made from the compositions.

Abstract: An environmentally degradable composite having between 20 and 80 weight parts of a moderately cross-linked copolymer of aliphatic polyesteramide comprising random blocks, between 10 and 70 weight parts of a renewable raw material, between 5 and 20 weight parts of an additive, and between 0 and 30 weight parts of a filler. The composite has good mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of between 15 and 30 MPa, elongation at break of between 300 and 1000%, bending strength of between 10 and 25 MPa, and notched impact strength of between 20 and 90 kJ/m2. The composite has good environmental degradability and after 12 weeks' composting, the biodegradation rate thereof exceeds 90%. The composite has good formation performance, and can be processed using conventional plastics processing equipment by extruding, injection molding, blow molding, and hot pressing for preparation of a variety of products.

Abstract: A biodegradable environmentally friendly material, a container and method of manufacturing. The components and weight percentages of the material or the container include: plant straw powder 50-70%, melamine 20-30%. polypropylene hot melt adhesive 2-6%, polyethylene glycol 5-8%, hexamethylene tetramine 0.5-1%, talc powder 2-6%. The method of manufacturing includes: the components are mixed in proportion and blended uniformly to obtain the mixed powder. The mixed powder is put into a mold with a temperature of 140-160° C. and pressed into necessary shapes to obtain the finished products. The finished products are disinfected and packaged. The biodegradable environmentally friendly material, the container and the method of manufacturing provide good temperature resistance, good corrosion resistance, good strength, difficult to rupture, simple production process, low cost, low energy consumption and high efficiency.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a substantially exfoliated nanocomposite material including starch and hydrophobically modified layered silicate clay. In another aspect, the invention provides packaging made from material including the substantially exfoliated nanocomposite material described above. The nanocomposite material has improved mechanical and rheological properties and reduced sensitivity to moisture in that the rates of moisture update and/or loss are reduced. In another aspect, the invention provides a process for preparing the substantially exfoliated nanocomposite material described above, including a step of mixing the starch in the form of an aqueous gel with the hydrophobic clay in a melt mixing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable resin composition containing a resin component comprising polylactic acid and polybutylene terephthalate, and a powdered vegetable fiber component comprising corn starch, and relates to a method for producing the same. The present biodegradable resin composition contains the resin component (A) comprising 20 to 50 parts by weight of polylactic acid and 10 to 40 parts by weight of polybutylene terephthalate, and the powdered vegetable fiber component (B) comprising 10 to 70 parts by weight of corn starch, the total of the resin component (A) and the powdered vegetable fiber component (B) amounting to 100 parts by weight. The present biodegradable resin composition can be suitably used for producing a molded article.

Abstract: A biodegradable injection mouldable polymer composition including on a dry weight basis from 45-85% w/w by weight of a starch and/or a modified high amylose starch, from 2-15% w/w by weight of a water soluble polymer preferably selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate and copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch components, and from 5-45% w/w by weight of one or more polyol plasticizers having a molecular weight in the range of 50-6000, more preferably 50-2500, and still more preferably 100-400 and preferably selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, erythritol, polyglycerol, glycerol trioleate, tributyl citrate, acetyl tri-ethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, polyethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol; more preferably glycerol, maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol and xylitol.

Abstract: One embodiment is a composition comprising water; starch; natural fibrous materials; one or more additives to improve certain properties such as heat transfer, microbial resistance, scavenging activity or shelf life; a mold release agent; flavoring agents; coloring agents; and/or wax emulsions, proteins, or other natural polymeric compounds to adjust the product properties for particular applications.

Abstract: Biodegradable disposable gloves and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed in which the elastomeric material used to manufacture the gloves includes a polylactic acid polymer component in combination with a biodegradable plasticizer.

Abstract: A method for the production of a polymer material is shown and described, which is characterized by: (a) producing a mixture containing at least 1 to 75 wt.-% starch and/or starch derivative, 10 to 85 wt.-% polyester, and 0.01 to 7 wt.-% of a polymer containing an epoxy group; (b) homogenizing the mixture while supplying thermal and/or mechanical energy; (c) setting the water content of the mixture, so that the end product has a water content of less than approximately 12 wt.-%, in relation to the total composition of the mixture. The polymer material produced with the method according to the invention is characterized by outstanding mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processed biodegradable article having excellent water resistance and rigidity, which can be used as a food container, and a biodegradable composition required to produce the processed biodegradable article. The respective components are mixed such that the content of starch is 15% by mass or more and 75% by mass or less, the content of protein is 5% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, the content of cellulose fiber is 3% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, the content of polyphenols is 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, and the content of sodium chloride is 0% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, and then water is added in the amount of 10 parts by mass or more and 100 parts by mass or less based on 100 parts by mass of the mixture, followed by kneading the mixture using a mixer. Then, the kneaded mixture is press-molded into a predetermined shape such as a cup or a dish, and heat-treated at 120° C. or higher and 180° C.

Abstract: A biodegradable resin composition utilized in the manufacture of biodegradable bottles and other biodegradable containers, and a method of manufacturing such containers via injection molding and ultrasonic welding. A biodegradable resin composition includes, in percent by weight: 1 to 80% starch; 1 to 8% cellulose; 1 to 5% sodium stearate; and 1 to 2% oleic acid. Another biodegradable resin composition includes, in percent by weight: 1 to 70% starch; 1 to 8% cellulose; 1 to 12% hydroxyl-polypropylene; and 1 to 5% calcium carbonate. Another biodegradable resin composition includes, in percent by weight: 1 to 30% starch; 1 to 40% poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate); 1 to 20% poly(lactic acid); and 1 to 5% hydrated magnesium silicate.

Abstract: The present invention is a formulation for the production of a biodegradable container based on polylactic acid, lignocellulose fibers, lubricating additives, plastifiers, crystallinity modifiers, compatibilizers and functional additives. The lignocellulose fibers can be wood fibers and/or grape marc fibers, with a content that can vary between 0% and 75% of the mixture in weight; the polylactic acid content can vary between 0% and 80% of the mixture in weight; and the content of lubricating additives, plastifiers, crystallinity modifiers, compatibilizers and functional additives can vary between 0% and 10% of the mixture in weight.

Abstract: This invention provides a hydrophilic porous fiber wick for delivering vaporizable material into the atmosphere, such as a room environment. The wick may be biodegradable. The wick is comprised of a sintered synthetic bicomponent fibers, optionally combined with synthetic monocomponent fibers or natural monocomponent fibers. The wick is optionally treated with plasma or finishing agents for improved hydrophilicity. The wick can wick aqueous and/or non-aqueous-based fragrances or other vaporizable materials and evaporate them into the air without the use of heat, convection air, or atomization.

Abstract: Functional gel particle formed from a crosslinked polymeric network including a fraction of stable crosslinks and a second fraction of cleavable crosslinks are disclosed. Functional compounds may be chemically or physically encapsulated within and/or released from the gel particle by selective cleavage of the cleavable crosslinks. The functional compounds may be delivered and released to a pre-selected target site. Peripheral or other accessible functionality on the surface of the gel particle allows attachment of a surface reactive agent, thereby modifying one or more surface properties of the gel particle. Processes of preparing the gel particles and processes of delivering the functional compounds to a target site are also disclosed.

Abstract: An agricultural growth management tool can include a biodegradable polymer body having a synthetic polymer and an optional biodegradability enhancement additive. The biodegradability enhancement additive can include a microbial attractant. The biodegradable polymer body can be configured as a plant stake, branch tag, blister pack, plantable container, agrifilm, drip tubing, drip tubing connectors, drip tubing accessories, market trays, plug and propagation trays, flats and inserts, transfer pots, transfer trays, landscape ribbon, landscape twine/rope, landscaping bags, pot wraps, floral wraps, hanging basket assemblies, greenhouse films/sheets or the like. The synthetic polymer can be a biodegradable polymer, inherently non-biodegradable polymer, or a combination of the two.