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Hand holding a scoop of PLQ wheat-based compostable material powder - Cyclups Plantastiq raw material

What is PLQ?

PLQ is a patented, plastic-free and compostable granulate developed in the Netherlands for sustainable production of packaging, cutlery, and other items.

PLQ stands for "PLantastiQ" and is produced by upcycling agricultural waste materials, mainly wheat streams, into granulate pellets that can be used in existing plastic processing machines such as injection molding and extrusion.

3D stress-strain-modulus diagram comparing Cyclups Plantastiq PLQ2 and PLQ3 compostable material properties

Core Features of PLQ

  • PLQ is entirely plant-based and contains no harmful substances like PFAS or chemical coatings, making it a healthier alternative to traditional plastics.
  • The material is compostable: after 12 weeks, at least 90% of the original mass is broken down to particles smaller than 2 mm, serving as food for soil and leaving no waste.
  • It is available in various strengths and compostability times, allowing it to be tailored for different product uses, from flexible films to sturdy cutlery.
Black sunglasses on a black background

Versatility and Applications

  • PLQ can replace standard plastics in most manufacturing processes for food packaging, straws, spoons, and other disposable products.
  • PLQ is a versatile raw material in multiple granulate ratios that can be used for tailor-made products like sunglasses, pens, flower pots, egg trays and so on. For more information, contact us.
Farmer working in a wheat field with young plants at sunset - source of Cyclups Plantastiq PLQ material

Environmental Impact

  • As a non-plastic solution, PLQ significantly reduces plastic waste and pollution, contributing to a circular, non-toxic economy.
  • Its compostability helps eliminate landfill disposal and supports healthy soil ecosystems.

PLQ 1

A non-plastic film for packaging. It is smooth, flexible and sturdy. It perfectly keeps the product fresh, it's easy to work with. It provides a soft and smooth surface with a light sheen (as from 2027).

PLQ 2

Flexible non-plastic for drinking straws or packaging materials such as flexible trays. Sturdy and flexible without breaking. It provides a soft and smooth surface with a light sheen.surface with a light sheen (as from 2023).

PLQ 3

Slightly flexible non-plastic for products such as cutlery and flower pots. Very sturdy yet slightly flexible without breaking. It provides a smooth and soft surface with a light shine.surface with a light sheen.surface with a light sheen (as from 2024).

PLQ 4

Non-flexible extra hard non-plastic for really sturdy materials that can be used for a wide variety of applications. For furniture, speaker box, planters or coffins, for example (as from 2026).

*PLQ is made from rest streams, in particular wheat and is compostable. This means that within 12 weeks at least 90% of the original mass is smaller than 2 mm. After that, it is a nutrient for farmers and their soil, so no waste.