Toraphene is a graphene-reinforced biopolymer developed as a high-performance alternative to conventional plastic. The material combines plant-based biopolymers, including PLA and starch, with natural mineral components and very small quantities of graphene-based nanotechnology.

Graphene reinforcement improves the material's mechanical strength and barrier performance, allowing Toraphene to produce compostable products capable of performing demanding functions normally associated with conventional plastic.

The material is currently used commercially in products including kitchen bin liners, food-waste caddy liners and dog-waste bags. Toraphene is also developing the technology for other applications, including carry bags, packaging films, agricultural films and wraps, food-service products, masterbatch pellets and 3D-printing filament.

Importantly, the material has been designed to work with existing blown-film and extrusion manufacturing equipment, potentially allowing manufacturers to transition from conventional plastic without replacing entire production lines.

Toraphene's standard material is certified industrially compostable under EN 13432. The company states that it breaks down completely through appropriate composting processes without leaving persistent microplastics.

• 39% greater tensile strength than virgin compostable polymer — tested March 2025
• 63% greater tensile strength than a leading UK/EU compostable competitor — tested April 2025
• 92% improved moisture-barrier strength — tested October 2023
• 43% improved tear strength — tested October 2022

The material is also identified as certified to EN 13432 and OK Compost Industrial, with relevant products stated to meet ASTM D6400.

Key Characteristics

• Graphene-reinforced biopolymer material
• Combines plant-based biopolymers with graphene nanotechnology
• Designed as an alternative to conventional plastic
• High tensile strength
• Enhanced tear resistance
• Improved moisture-barrier performance
• Suitable for existing blown-film and extrusion manufacturing lines
• EN 13432 certified industrially compostable
• Available commercially in several bag and liner formats
• Can be supplied for brand partnerships and white-label applications
• Food-contact-grade material is available
• Manufactured in the United Kingdom
• Independent laboratory performance testing has been conducted
• More than 7 million units have been sold

Environmental Benefits

• Reduces reliance on conventional fossil-fuel-based plastic
• Certified to break down through industrial composting
• Designed to avoid persistent microplastic waste after appropriate composting
• Uses plant-based biopolymers
• Graphene reinforcement allows high strength without simply adding more polymer
• Toraphene states that using less material can reduce embedded carbon compared with conventional plastic film
• Existing manufacturing equipment can be used, reducing the need for completely new production infrastructure
• Provides a compostable alternative for applications traditionally dominated by single-use plastic
• Can support organic-waste collection by allowing appropriate liners and food waste to enter composting systems together
• UK manufacturing can reduce transportation-related impacts for UK customers compared with imported alternatives