From Trash to Tomorrow: Why Biodegradable Plastics Like INGA Are Leading the Way

As a leader in the waste management and recycling sector, I’ve seen firsthand how the conversation around plastics is evolving. Terms like biodegradable, biobased, and compostable are becoming more common, but they’re often misunderstood. Understanding those differences is crucial if we want to make smarter, more sustainable choices. Now, with innovations like plastics born from CO₂, we’re entering a new era of sustainable materials. 

Defining the differences between biodegradable, compostable and biobased plastics

Let’s start with the basics. Biodegradable plastics are designed to break down through natural processes, typically with the help of microorganisms, into harmless byproducts like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. This makes them a powerful alternative to traditional plastics, which can linger in the environment for centuries and fragment into microplastics.

However, biodegradable and compostable are not the same. Compostable plastics are a subset of biodegradable materials that break down under specific conditions – usually in industrial composting facilities and leave no toxic residue. In contrast, biodegradable plastics may decompose in a wider range of environments, but the rate and completeness of degradation depend on the conditions. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper disposal and environmental impact.

Then there’s biobased plastics, which are made from renewable biological sources like corn, sugarcane, or even CO₂. Importantly, being biobased doesn’t automatically mean plastic is biodegradable. Plastic can be made from natural sources and still behave like conventional plastic in the environment. That’s why it’s essential to look at both the origin and the end-of-life behavior of a material.

INGA is setting a new benchmark in sustainable plastic innovation

One of the most promising biodegradable materials today is PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), and especially INGA, developed by NG Nordic’s Carbon2x team. It is setting a new benchmark in sustainable plastic innovation. INGA is the world’s first biodegradable plastic made entirely from CO₂ emissions, using a fermentation process inspired by ancient food production techniques. PHA’s are not just biodegradable – they have been certified according to ISO standards to break down in marine, freshwater, soil, landfill, and composting environments, making it one of the most versatile and environmentally safe materials available.

What makes INGA truly revolutionary is that it is made by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial emissions and converting it into plastic feedstock. INGA turns a climate threat into a resource. This approach mimics the natural carbon cycle, creating an industrial carbon loop that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions.

INGA that is CO₂-based and biodegradable plastics is more than just a technical innovation. It represents a paradigm shift in how we think about materials. It offers a scalable solution to the growing plastic demand, especially as global recycling rates remain below 12%. INGA proves that we can maintain the performance and functionality of traditional plastics while radically improving their environmental footprint.

At NG Nordic, we have been relentlessly developing our INGA plastics since 2023. Next year we will be entering the piloting stage together with our customers, with intended commercialization in mind before the end of the decade.  

Turning trash into tomorrow

In my view, the future of plastics lies in smart chemistry, circular design, and materials like INGA. It’s not just about reducing waste; it’s about rethinking what waste is. And with innovations like plastics born from CO₂, we’re finally turning trash into tomorrow. 

Tony Rehn

Carbon2x Program Director, NG Nordic