Is there any biodegradable tape?

Degradable tape is an environmentally friendly adhesive product made from plant-based or bio-based materials (such as  cellulose nanofibers and starch, PLA, PBAT), which can be broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide and organic matter in the natural environment, and is mainly used to replace traditional plastic tape to reduce pollution.
Core features and environmental benefits
The core of degradable tape lies in its material composition and degradation mechanism:
Material type: Starch-based, PLA (polylactic acid), PBAT (polyhexane diethylene terephthalate) or cellulose nanofibers are mainly used. These raw materials are derived from renewable resources such as corn and sugar cane, and do not contain polyethylene (PE) and plasticizers.
Degradation performance: Under industrial composting conditions (temperature 58 ± 2 ° C, humidity 60%RH),the degradation rate is ≥ 90% in 2-8 weeks, the final product is water, carbon dioxide and organic matter, no soil residue;The degradation cycle in the natural environment is 1-12, depending on the material.
Environmental benefits: Compared to traditional tape, carbon emissions are reduced by about 70% and “white pollution” is avoided. For example, DongguanCity NaBai Packaging Products Co.,Ltd produce “NB” brand degradable packaging tape degrades in 180days of 90% composting, resulting in 70% lower carbon emissions than traditional BOPP tape.
Differences from traditional tape Key differences are in materials, performance and environmental impact:
Material comparison:
Traditional tape: based on petroleum BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene), containing PE and plasticizer, non-degradable.
Biodegradable tape: Use PLA, PBAT or starch, which can be broken down by microorganisms.
Performance differences:
Viscosity: Degradable tape has a temperature tolerance range of -20 ° C to 60 ° C and is anti-static, but at low temperatures (< -20 oC) it is easily brittle.Traditional tape has a wider temperature resistance (-40 ° C to 60° C) and a higher strength.
Cost: The unit price of degradable tape is higher than traditional tape.
Environmental impact: traditional tape takes hundreds of years to degrade, contaminating soil and water bodies; Degradable tape is in line with global plastic restriction policies (such as China’s 2025 plastic ban) and reduces the ecological burden.
Application scenarios and uses
Based on material properties, it is mainly used in:
Logistics Express: China Post, DHL and other enterprises promote PLA base tape for sealing and packaging.but PLA base tape usage time is limted.
Food packaging: Japanese sushi takeout uses pH-sensitive tape, which enhances viscosity in case of vinegar stains, and degrades in storage for 180 days; Red wine export uses cork corks + degradable tape to protect against moisture and deglue.
Healthcare and agriculture: EU medical devices require a 90% reduction in dioxin emissions during incineration; In Dutch greenhouses, tomato vines are fixed with tape, which dissolves into fertilizer after irrigation.