Biodegradable Plastics vs Corflute and Polypropylene

4 mins read • 9 September 2025

Let’s break down the facts

Biodegradable Plastics vs. Corflute® and PROMEG® Polypropylene: What’s the Sustainable Choice?

At first glance, the term “biodegradable material” sounds like the gold standard of sustainability. After all, who wouldn’t want a product that naturally breaks down over time? But when we look a little deeper, the story isn’t so simple. While biodegradable materials may appear eco-friendly, they often hide drawbacks that make them less effective for real-world applications—especially when compared to durable, fully recyclable materials like PROMEG® polypropylene (PP) and Corflute® (corrugated polypropylene).

In this article

Let’s break down the facts

The Hidden Truth About Biodegradables

Many biodegradable plastics only break down under specific industrial composting conditions—conditions not available in most communities. Without these facilities, they end up in general waste or landfill, where they behave much like conventional plastics.
Biodegradable materials cannot be recycled through standard recycling systems, which means every item is a single-use product destined for disposal.

Why Promeg® Polypropylene and Corflute® Stand Out

100% Recyclable & Reusable

Polypropylene can be recycled and reused multiple times, reducing the demand for new raw materials. This means less landfill waste and a smaller environmental footprint. Corflute, being made from PP, shares the same advantage—feeding into a true closed-loop recycling system.

Weather-Resistant and Long-Lasting

Cardboard and many biodegradable options degrade quickly when exposed to rain, wind, and sun. They absorb moisture, warp, and lose print quality fast.

Polypropylene and Corflute remain strong and intact outdoors, keeping graphics sharp and the product usable for much longer.
This durability means fewer replacements, lower material consumption, and less waste over time.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Producing polypropylene from recycled material consumes less energy than creating new material. By choosing Promeg PP or Corflute, you’re not only recycling but also cutting down on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Real-World Usability

For industries like signage, packaging, storage, and displays, Promeg PP and Corflute consistently outperform biodegradable and cardboard alternatives because:

They last longer in harsh conditions.
They keep their structural integrity.
They’re cost-effective in the long run because fewer replacements are needed.

Recycling vs. Biodegradability: The Practical Choice

While biodegradables might sound good in theory, they often don’t deliver in practice. Recycling materials like Promeg® polypropylene and Corflute® creates a more reliable, accessible, and truly circular sustainability model.

By investing in recyclable solutions, businesses and consumers alike can:

Reduce waste to landfill
Lower overall carbon emissions
Rely on materials that perform in real-world conditions

Final Thought

Sustainability isn’t just about how fast something breaks down—it’s about creating systems that keep materials in use for as long as possible. Promeg® Polypropylene and Corflute® prove that recycling, durability, and reuse are powerful tools in building a genuinely sustainable future.

Get in touch to find out more hello@corex.com.au

Corex & Sustainability

Everything that Corex makes is invited back for recycling and reuse in our Corflute® and PROMEG® products.

What happens to the Corflute® returned to us?

Corex Recycling process and recycle every kilogram of plastic received
After processing the signage returned, the repelletised polypropylene
All of the processed material returned to us from our customers had a use within Corex

Unfortunately, much of the ‘Corflute’ that is used around Australia is one of many overseas products. It’s not ours, and not made in Australia.

Recycling is not easy or without cost, but we encourage everyone to purchase Australian made Corflute® where possible to help us to create a truly circular product.

Corex is proudly Australian. Our products are designed for the circular economy.