A compostable elastomeric bioplastic has been introduced by recently established bioscience social enterprise Green Dot (Cottonwood Falls, Kansas / USA; www.greendotpure.com). The US-based company said that, unlike the majority of compostable bioplastics, "GDH-B1" is a soft rubber-like material that is pliable and durable.

The material has been tested by independent health and safety organisation NSF International (www.nsf.org) and found to be free from phthalates, BPA, cadmium and lead. It is claimed to be the only soft elastomeric plastic to meet US and EU standards for compostability.

Green Dot said the material has a lower melt temperature than petroleum-based elastomers, reducing energy cost and shortening production cycle times. It is compatible with other thermoplastic elastomers and offers good printability. GDH-B1 can be used with existing manufacturing equipment in the majority of plastic processing applications.

One of the first applications for the material is in a compostable soft plastic phone case and over 100,000 units have been shipped since its introduction in December 2011. The company is also supplying resin to Fort Collins, Colorado / USA toymaker, BeginAgain Toys (www.beginagaintoys.com), where it is being used in a ring teether and other play applications.