Biodegradable Plastics vs Corflute® and Polypropylene

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 our ecorange products like 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

Microplastics: The Hidden Hazard for Wildlife

Beyond the environmental waste and landscape impact, plastic materials, especially those that break down into microplastics, present a serious danger to fauna. When non-recycled plastics or degraded bioplastics fragment over time, tiny particles can be ingested by animals at all levels of the food chain, from insects and birds to marine life and mammals. These microplastics can clog digestive systems, reduce nutrient absorption, and cause physical harm. In waterways, they also carry toxins and chemicals that bio-accumulate in organisms. In contrast, durable, recyclable materials like Promeg® polypropylene and Corflute® are less prone to fragmenting into dangerous microplastics, particularly when properly collected, recycled, and kept out of natural environments.

Final Thought

Of course there are many appropriate applications for biodegradable plastics, but when you compare the value and applications that people use Corflute® for, the benefits just don’t stack up.

Genuine Australian Made Corflute® is designed for repeat use – designed for the long haul. And then it can be recycled and reused again and again at Corex Recycling.  A biodegradable flute alternative is not a comparable substitute, and if it enters our closed-loop recycling stream, it contaminates polypropylene materials and ends up becoming of landfill value.

Sustainability isn’t just about how fast something breaks down, but rather about creating closed-loop 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