Degradable compositions for hot melt processing and articles comprising same

Abstract

In one aspect, there is provided a composition comprising a fibrous waste particulate material, wax, oil, gliding agent and a biodegradable polymer; wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a thermoplastic polymer; a weight portion of the biodegradable polymer within said composition is between 50 and 80%; and wherein said composition is flowable at a temperature between 100 and 220°C. Furthermore, shaped articles derived from the composition and method of manufacturing thereof are also provided.

Description

DEGRADABLE COMPOSITIONS FOR HOT MELT PROCESSING ANDARTICLES COMPRISING SAMECROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 671,295, filed on July 15, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to the field of mixtures used in the preparation of biodegradable articles, biodegradable containers and articles for disposable use and to methods for manufacturing biodegradable articles by hot melt processing, such as by injection molding and / or extrusion.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A major source of preoccupation in modem society has been the amount of waste produced and its impact on the environment, increasing pollution and using valuable spaces as landfill. Thus, there has been great interest in the manufacture of biodegradable disposable articles, and especially when these are made from recycled or discarded material.

[0004] One application for biodegradable disposable containers is in the agricultural sector, for example in plant nurseries and green houses. Plants are grown in pots until they are mature enough to be distributed to retail outlets or to consumers. Typically, molded non-biodegradable plastic pots are used for growing plants, which end up being discarded after the plant is transplanted into the soil. The pots then end up in landfills or garbage dumps, where they remain for a very long time since they are not biodegradable.

[0005] Alternatives to conventional plastic pots exist. Biodegradable pots made of paper (cellulose fibers), peat and other organic waste are known. These pots are designed to degrade relatively quickly when buried in soil. This allows consumers to simply bury the pot with the plant in it, rather than having to remove the plant from the pot before planting. However, the biodegradable pots must also be substantially resistant to irrigation and to greenhouse conditions during the growing period, so as to prevent disintegration thereof prior to being buried in soil.

[0006] Some biodegradable pots include a thermoplastic polymer layer on top of the interior surface of the plant pot, which is exposed to soil placed in the plant pot. However, methods of irrigation and the humid environment in many nurseries cause the external surfaces of pots to beexposed to moisture, so that a sealant on the interior of a plant pot does not prevent degradation of the pot while still on the shelf in the nursery (or greenhouse).

[0007] Exemplary biodegradable articles, such as plant pots disclosed in PCT / 1L2021 / 050498, are currently manufactured by hot press molding, which is costly and incompatible with commercial mass production of the articles. Accordingly, there is a need for flowable, and cost- effective compositions solely based on degradable and / or compostable constituents, which are suitable for processing via hot melt processing.SUMMARY OF THE INVEN TION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a flowable composition derived from organic waste, which is used in the manufacture of biodegradable containers and articles, in particular by means of thermoplastic polymer processing.

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising a fibrous organic waste component, a biodegradable polymer and at least one of an oil and a wax; wherein the biodegradable polymer is a thermoplastic polymer; a weight portion of the biodegradable polymer within the composition is between 50 and 70%; and wherein the composition is flowable at a temperature between 100 and 250°C.

[0010] In one embodiment, the composition further comprises between 0.5 and 10% w / w of a gliding agent, and wherein the composition is in a form of a composite material.[Oi l] In one embodiment, the composition is characterized by a moisture content of less than 0.5%.

[0012] In one embodiment, the biodegradable polymer is characterized by a melt flow index (MFI) between 1 and 80.

[0013] In one embodiment, the optionally wherein the composition is characterized by MFI between 1 and 80.

[0014] In one embodiment, the biodegradable polymer comprises a polyester, a thermoplastic starch, a thermoplastic polysaccharide derivative, including any copolymer or any mixture thereof.

[0015] In one embodiment, the fibrous organic waste component is or comprises wood fibers; and wherein the fibrous organic waste component is characterized by an average diameter size (or maximum particle size) between 0.5 and 3mm.

[0016] In one embodiment, the gliding agent comprises a clay mineral.

[0017] In one embodiment, a weight portion of the biodegradable polymer within the composition is between 60 and 70%, a weight portion of the oil and of the wax within thecomposition is between 2 and 10%; a weight portion of the gliding agent within the composition is between 5 and 10%, and wherein the biodegradable polymer is or comprises the polyester.

[0018] In one embodiment, the biodegradable polymer is a thermoplastic starch.

[0019] In one embodiment, the oil is a plant oil; and wherein the wax is a plant wax.

[0020] In one embodiment, the composition is shapeable under conditions suitable for hot thermoplastic processing.

[0021] In one embodiment, the composition is in a form of granules characterized by an average size of between 1 and 10 mm.

[0022] In one embodiment, the composition is a thermoplastic material.

[0023] In another aspect, there is provided an article comprising at least one wall, wherein the at least one wall comprises the composition of the invention, and wherein the article is compostable.

[0024] In one embodiment, the article is soil compostable within a predetermined time period ranging between 2 days and 20 weeks.

[0025] In one embodiment, the wall is characterized by a wall thickness of between 1 and 5mm.

[0026] In one embodiment, the article is in a form of a container.

[0027] In one embodiment, the article is in a form of a planting article, or a dishware.

[0028] In one embodiment, the article is stable under greenhouse conditions for a predefined time period ranging between 3 days and 10 months.

[0029] In one embodiment, the article is characterized by (i) gas permeability; and by (ii) at least partial water impermeability.

[0030] In another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing the article of the invention, the method comprises providing the composition of the invention under suitable conditions thereby obtaining a shapeable composition; and processing the shapeable composition to obtain the article with a predetermined shape.

[0031] In one embodiment, suitable conditions are sufficient for inducing flowability of the composition.

[0032] In one embodiment, the processing comprises molding of the shapeable composition.

[0033] In one embodiment, the suitable conditions comprise a pressure between 500 and 5000 bar, and a temperature between 100 and 250°C.

[0034] In one embodiment, the method is performed by injection molding or by extrusion.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can beused in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and / or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

[0036] Further embodiments and the full scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0037] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the study of the following detailed description.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The present invention is related, in some embodiments thereof, to a composition comprising organic material (e.g., a waste organic material with aparticle size below 4mm, below 3mm, below 2mm or below 1mm) and a thermoplastic polymer. In one embodiment, the composition further comprising an additive, such as a gliding agent, water absorbing agent, a colorant, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the composition is flowable under conditions described herein. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic polymeric induces processability of the composition by means of thermoplastic polymer processing (e.g., injection molding, extrusion, etc.) and further provides sufficient mechanical stability and optionally water impermeability to the biodegradable and / or bio erodible articles of the invention process from the composition described herein.

[0039] The compositions and articles of some aspects described herein, have been optimized for use in cultivation of annual and / or perennial crop plants, trees, and / or ornamental plants, including any combination thereof.

[0040] In one aspect, the present invention provides at least an article including but not limited to plant pots, and other containers (e.g., planting articles, dish ware, etc.), being partially degradable or biodegradable, for use in agriculture, the article comprise biomass (such as woodwaste and / or soil) and a thermoplastic polymer. In one embodiment, the article of the invention is selected from a biodegradable article, a bio erodible article, a compostable article, and a recyclable article including any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the article of theinvention is substantially stable to various irrigation techniques under greenhouse conditions for a predefined period of between 3 days and 10 months.

[0041] In some embodiments, the article of the invention is configured to retain at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% of the geometrical shape and / or physical properties thereof under greenhouse conditions and is further configured to undergo a gradual degradation or erosion upon contact thereof with soil (e.g. by planting in an open field). In some embodiments, the article of the invention is characterized by a degradation profile adopted for cultivation of annual plants and / or perennial plants. In some embodiments, the article of the invention is configured to support growth of a young plant in a soil, thus preventing mechanical or biological damage (e.g. by a pest) to the plant roots on and post planting; and to facilitate plant roots growth (or breakthrough) through a wall of the article. In some embodiments, the article of the invention comprising a cultured plant is configured to substantially retain its function as a container (e.g. by at least partially retaining its geometrical shape so as to enclose at least 80% of the plant roots) upon transplanting thereof into the soil, for a time period sufficient for acclimatization of the plant within the soil.

[0042] In one embodiment, an exemplary planting article of the invention is or comprises a biodegradable or compostable plant pot, being characterized by enhanced stability under normal storage conditions and is configured to undergo biodegradation and / or bio erosion in-situ at a planting site (e.g. soil) within a predefined time period.

[0043] One major advantage of the container manufactured from the composition of the invention is its decomposition / erosion and integration with the soil organic matter, after its role as a container ends. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is a shapeable and / or a flowable composition, suitable for manufacturing of an exemplary article of the invention by an industrial molding process (e.g. injection molding). In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is flowable under suitable conditions described herein, wherein the flowable composition is characterized by rheological properties sufficient for shaping or manufacturing of an exemplary article of the invention by an industrial molding process (e.g. injection molding, and / or extrusion). In some embodiments, the article of the invention described herein is substantially water impermeable, thus being suitable for use thereof as a dishware.Flowable Composition

[0044] In one aspect of the present invention, provided herein a composition comprising an organic waste component (also used herein as the “waste particulate material”), at least one of an oil and a wax, and a biodegradable polymer; wherein the biodegradable polymer is or comprises a thermoplastic polymer; wherein a weight portion of the biodegradable polymerwithin the composition is between 50 and 90%; and wherein the organic waste component is in a form of particles having a maximum particle size (determined by mesh sieving) between 0.5 and 2mm, between 0.5 and 1, between 1 and 2, up to 2mm, up to 1 ,5mm or up to 1mm, including any range between. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a gliding agent.

[0045] In some embodiments, the organic waste component is a fibrous organic waste component. The terms “organic waste component” and “fibrous organic waste component” are used herein interchangeably.

[0046] In some embodiments, the composition is flowable or shapeable under suitable conditions comprising a temperature between 100 and 250°C or between 100 and 220 °C and optionally comprises pressure (e.g. a pressure between 500 and 5000 bar).

[0047] In some embodiments, the term “suitable conditions” encompasses conditions suitable for an industrial hot melt process of shaping articles such as molding (e.g. injection molding, or injection compression molding), and / or extrusion. In some embodiments, the flowability of the composition at a temperature ranging between 100 and 250°C is sufficient for shaping of the composition via an industrial hot melt apparatus, such as an extruder, or an injection molding machine. A skilled artisan will appreciate that a composition suitable for injection molding is flowable under application of a sufficient compression force to the composition, along with heating the composition at the temperature range describe hereinabove. The composition suitable for injection molding maintains its chemical structure (i.e. doesn’t decompose) under conditions suitable for injection molding.

[0048] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided herein a composition comprising the fibrous organic waste component (e.g., wood fibers); between 50 and 80%w / w of the biodegradable polymer, at least one of the wax and the oil, and further comprising the gliding agent.

[0049] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention comprises at least one fibrous organic waste component characterized by maximum particle size (determined by mesh sieving) between 0.5 and 2mm, between 0.5 and 1, between 1 and 2, up to 2mm, up to 1.5mm or up to 1mm. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is a solid at a temperature below the glass transition point of the biodegradable polymer, or below the melting or liquification point of the biodegradable polymer. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is a solid at a temperature up to 100°C, up to 110°C, up to 120°C, up to 140°C, including any range between.

[0050] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention comprises (i) an fibrous organic waste component selected from composted and non-composted wood fibers, wherein the fibrousorganic waste component is characterized by a particle size (mesh sieving) up to 2mm, up to 1.5 mm or up to 1mm, including any range between; (ii) at least one biodegradable polymer characterized by a melt flow index (MFI, determined by ASTM-D1238) between 1 and 20; (iii) between 0.5 and 20% w / w of a gliding agent (also known as a slipping agent); and (iv) between 1 and 10% w / w of the oil, the wax or both; wherein a w / w concentration of the biodegradable polymer within the composition is at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, between 55 and 70%, between 50 and 65%, between 55 and 65%, between 60 and 70%, between 60 and 65% or between 50 and 70% including any range between; and wherein the composition is characterized by a moisture content of less than 1%, less than 0.7%, less than 0.6%, less than 0.5%, less than 0.4%, less than 0.3%, including any range between.

[0051] In some embodiments, a w / w concentration of the biodegradable polymer of the invention within the composition of the invention is at least 50%, at least 55%, between 50 and 80, between 55 and 75, between 55 and 70, between 60 and 70, between 55 and 70%, between 50 and 65%, between 55 and 65%, between 60 and 70%, between 60 and 65%, between 60 and 65%, including any range therebetween.

[0052] In some embodiments, a w / w ratio of the fibrous organic waste component to the biodegradable polymer within the composition ranges between 1: 1 to 1:5, between 1: 1 to 1 :3, between 1:2 to 1:5, between 1:2 to 1 :3, including any range therebetween.

[0053] In some embodiments, a w / w concentration of the fibrous organic waste component of the invention within the composition of the invention is between 10 and 40, between 10 and 30, between 10 and 25, between 15 and 30, between 15 and 25, between 18 and 25, between 20 and 30, between 20 and 25%, including any range therebetween.

[0054] In some embodiments, a w / w concentration of the oil within the composition ranges between 1 and 10%, between 1 and 5%, between 2 and 10%, between 2 and 5%, including any range therebetween.

[0055] In some embodiments, the oil is a plant oil. In some embodiments, the oil is a refined plant oil. In some embodiments, the oil is at least partially hydrogenated. In some embodiments, the oil is a non-hydrogenated oil. In some embodiments, the oil is an edible oil (i.e. a food-grade oil). In some embodiments, the oil is a vegetable oil.

[0056] Suitable oils according to the present invention include natural oil, synthetic oil, genetically modified oil, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the oil is rich in unsaturated fat. In some embodiments, the oil comprises or consists essentially of an unsaturated fatty acid and / or a glycerol ester thereof. In some embodiments, the oil is madefor example, from nuts and oily seeds or from other parts of a plant, like flowering tops, flowers, leaves, fruit, roots and rhizomes.

[0057] Non-limiting examples of oils according to the present invention include rapeseed oil (canola oil), hemp seed oil, safflower oil, linseed oil, macadamia oil, walnut oil, argan oil, olive oil, palm oil, bi-fractionated palm oil, refined palm oil, castor oil, rice oil, peanut oil, sunflower seed oil, corn oil, sesame seed oil, soy bean oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil and any combination thereof.

[0058] In some embodiments, the oil is selected from the group comprising soybean oil, olive oil, rice oil, hemp seed oil, safflower oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or any combination thereof.

[0059] As used herein, the term “wax” refers to hydrocarbons (e.g. long alkanes, such as Cl 6- C40 alkanes) that are lipophilic, malleable solids at ambient temperatures, typically having a melting (or softening) point between 35-60 °C. In some embodiments, the wax is a natural (animal or plant wax) or synthetic wax (e.g. a hydrocarbon, such as paraffin, polyethylene wax). In some embodiments, the wax is an animal wax, such as bee wax, lanolin; or a plant wax, such as rapeseed wax, carnauba wax, soy wax, jojoba wax, candelilla wax and ouricury wax. In some embodiments, the wax is modified or non-modified. In some embodiments, the composition is devoid of oil.

[0060] In some embodiments, a w / w concentration of the wax within the composition ranges between 1 and 10%, between 1 and 5%, between 2 and 10%, between 2 and 5%, between 2 and 8%, between 3 and 6%, between 2 and 6%, between 3 and 7%, or about 4%, including any range therebetween.

[0061] In some embodiments, a w / w concentration of the gliding agent within the composition ranges between 1 and 20%, between 1 and 10%, between 1 and 5%, between 1 and 15%, between 5 and 20%, between 5 and 15%, between 8 and 20%, between 8 and 15%, between 8 and 13%, between 2 and 10%, between 2 and 5%, or about 10%, including any range therebetween.

[0062] In some embodiments, the gliding agent comprises a clay mineral (e.g. a metal silicate, such as talc), a wax (natural or synthetic wax), a protein (e.g. a plant protein), glycerol, a glycol (e.g. ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, PEG), a fatty acid including any ester or an amide thereof (such as mono-, di or tri-glyceride), or any combination thereof.

[0063] Without being bound to any particular theory or mechanism, it is postulated that a w / w concentration of the polymer of the invention being of at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%,from the total weight of the composition of the invention, is sufficient for obtaining a flowable composition, suitable for shaping by means of thermoplastic polymer processing.

[0064] The inventors successfully manufactured exemplary biodegradable articles of the invention comprising about 60% by weight of the thermoplastic biodegradable polymer of the invention (such as polyester (e.g. PBAT), and / or thermoplastic starch) via injection molding / extrusion. The resulting articles were characterized by sufficient stability and exhibited a predetermined degradation profile in soil. It is presumed, that the degradation profile of the articles can be modified by (i) varying the concentration of the biodegradable polymer; (ii) varying the composition / concentration of the fibrous organic waste component; and / or by (iii) varying the composition / concentration of the wax and / or oil within the composition of the invention.

[0065] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention comprises one or more biodegradable polymers. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is or comprises a thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is characterized by MFI ranging between 1 and 100, between 1 and 10, between 1 and 20g / 10min (determined as described in ASTM-D1238 at T=160°C, W=5kg), including any range between.

[0066] In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is a thermoplastic polymer and is characterized by a melting point or a liquification point between 80 and 250°C, between 80 and 150°C, between 100 and 220°C, between 100 and 150°C, between 100 and 130°C, between 120 and 220°C, between 140 and 220°C, between 100 and 180°C, between 80 and 180°C, between 100 and 170°C, between 110 and 130°C, or about 118 °C including any range between (melting point can be determined by DSC). As used herein, the terms “thermoplastic biodegradable polymer”, “thermoplastic polymer”, and “biodegradable polymer” are used herein interchangeably.

[0067] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention and / or the article of the invention is a thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention and / or the article of the invention is characterized by a melting point or a liquification point (or softening point) between 80 and 250°C, between 80 and 150°C, between 100 and 220°C, between 120 and 220°C, between 140 and 220°C, between 100 and 180°C, between 80 and 180°C, between 100 and 170°C, between 120 and 170°C, between 80 and 300°C, between 120 and 300°C, between 120 and 250°C, between 100 and 150°C, between 100 and 130°C, including any range between. Melting point or a liquification point (or softening point) of the composition of the invention and / or the article of the invention can be measured by any one of: Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), which measures heat flow associated with transitions in thepolymer and is useful for identifying the melting point of the polymer phase of the composition / article; Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), which measures weight loss as a function of temperature and helps identify decomposition temperatures and content of gliding agent and of fibrous organic waste component; Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), which measures mechanical properties (modulus) as a function of temperature and can identify softening points and glass transition temperatures; Hot Stage Microscopy, which includes visually observing the softening or flow of the composite under heat; and Capillary Rheometry or Melt Flow Index (MFI), which measures flow behavior at different temperatures and helps to determine processing temperature range.

[0068] In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is or comprises a biocompatible thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer comprises a biocompatible and / or biodegradable polymer.

[0069] In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer comprises any one of: a polyester, a polyaminoacid, PVA, PVP, PEG, a thermoplastic polysaccharide derivative, a thermoplastic starch, including any copolymer or any mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the polyester is selected from aliphatic and aromatic polyesters such as poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly (butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), PLA, PLGA, PGA, esterified starch (e.g. starch acetate), including any copolymer or any mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is the polyester. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is the polyester selected from PBAT, PBSA, PLA, PLGA and PGA, including any mixture and any copolymer thereof. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is the polyester selected from PBAT, PBSA and PLA, including any mixture and any copolymer thereof. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is the polyester selected from PBAT and PLA, including any mixture and any copolymer thereof. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is PBAT, including any copolymer thereof.

[0070] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic starch comprises a starch (i.e. modified or unmodified plant starch, such as com starch, cellulose ester, alkylated cellulose, etc.) and a plasticizer (e.g. a material which is miscible with the cellulose fat, oil, a gum, a phospholipid, a fatty acid, a fatty alcohol, a polyol, a lipid, a fatty acid monoglyceride, a fatty acid diglyceride, a fatty acid triglyceride, alkylated citrate, a monosaccharide, a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide or any combination thereof). In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is a polyester and / or thermoplastic starch (e.g. Mater-Bi). In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is the polyester and the thermoplastic starch. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer comprises the polyester and the thermoplastic starch. In some embodiments, the biodegradablepolymer comprises the polyester and the thermoplastic starch, wherein the polyester is selected from PBAT, PBSA, PL A, PLGA and PGA, including any mixture and any copolymer thereof. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer comprises the polyester and the thermoplastic starch, wherein the polyester is selected from PBAT, PBSA and PL A, including any mixture and any copolymer thereof. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer comprises the polyester and the thermoplastic starch, wherein the polyester is selected from PBAT and PLA, including any mixture and any copolymer thereof. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer comprises the polyester and the thermoplastic starch, wherein the polyester is or comprises PBAT.

[0071] Exemplary polyester includes Novamont’s Origo-Bi polymer (i.e. PBAT).

[0072] In some embodiments, at least 50%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 99%, at least 99.9% including any range between, by total dry weight of the biodegradable polymer is bioerodible. In some embodiments, at least 50%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 99%, at least 99.9% including any range between, by total dry weight of the biodegradable polymer is biodegradable. In some embodiments, at least 50%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 99%, at least 99.9% including any range between, by total dry weight of the biodegradable polymer is compostable.

[0073] In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is substantially characterized by any one of compostability, biodegradability, and / or bioerosion under ambient conditions (e.g., a temperature between -10 and 50°C, between 10 and 30°C, or between 5 and 40°C, presence of microorganisms under aerobic and / or anaerobic conditions) within a time ranging between 1 week and 2 years, including any range between; wherein substantially refers to at least 50%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 99%, at least 99.9% including any range between, by total dry weight of the biodegradable polymer. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is compostable. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is compostable within a time period between 5 weeks and 30 weeks, between 10 and 40 weeks, between 10 and 30 weeks, including any range between.

[0074] In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is in a form of a polymeric matrix comprising an interpenetrating network of polymeric chains, and wherein the additional constituents of the composition (e.g. fibrous organic waste component and / or additives such as gliding agent) are enclosed or homogenously distributed within the polymeric matrix.

[0075] In some embodiments, the composition comprises the polymeric matrix in contact with the fibrous organic waste component. In some embodiments, the fibrous organic wastecomponent is bound to the polymeric matrix. In some embodiments, the fibrous organic waste component is incorporated within the polymeric matrix. In some embodiments, the fibrous organic waste component is embedded into the polymeric matrix. In some embodiments, the fibrous organic waste component is adhered to the polymeric matrix. In some embodiments, the fibrous organic waste component is adsorbed onto the polymeric matrix.

[0076] In some embodiments, the polymeric matrix provides an adhesive for a plurality of particles (i.e. fibers) of the fibrous organic waste component and / or for the additive. In some embodiments, the polymeric matrix reinforces the composition. In some embodiments, the plurality of particles of the fibrous organic waste component are held together by the polymeric matrix. In some embodiments, the components (e.g. the fibrous organic waste component) of the composition of the invention are homogenously distributed within the polymeric matrix. In some embodiments, the polymeric matrix provides a plasticity to the composition sufficient for shaping thereof such as by injection molding. In some embodiments, the polymeric matrix further comprises a plasticizer.

[0077] In some embodiments, the amount of the biodegradable polymer within the composition is sufficient for inducing flowability and / or processability of the composition by means of thermoplastic polymer processing; and for providing mechanical stability to the composition or to the article derived (or processed) therefrom.

[0078] In some embodiments, the components of the composition (e.g. the biodegradable polymer, at least one fibrous organic waste component, and the additional components such as oil, wax, gliding agent and / or additive) are uniformly mixed. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is in a form of a composite material or of a solid composite. In some embodiments, the entire composition or composite is substantially homogenous.

[0079] As used herein, “composite material” is a material produced from two or more constituent materials with notably dissimilar chemical or physical properties that, when merged, create a material with properties, unlike the individual elements.

[0080] In some embodiments, the homogenous composite is referred to a material which cannot be easily separated into individual constituents (e.g., the biodegradable polymer, the organic waste material, and the gliding agent of the invention).

[0081] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention consists essentially of the biodegradable polymer, the fibrous organic waste material, the oil, the wax and the gliding agent of the invention, wherein the weight portion of the constituents within the composition is as described herein. In some embodiments, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, or between 80 and 99%, between 80 and 95%, between 90 and 95%, between 95 and 99%,between 90 and 97% of the composition and / or article of the invention consists of the biodegradable polymer, the organic waste material, the oil, the wax and the gliding agent of the invention. In some embodiments, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, or between 80 and 99%, between 80 and 95%, between 90 and 95%, between 95 and 99%, between 90 and 97% of the composition and / or article of the invention consists of the biodegradable polymer (i.e. a polyester such as PBAT and / or thermoplastic starch), the fibrous organic waste material (i.e. wood fibers, composted and / or non-composted), the oil, the wax and the gliding agent of the invention (i.e. clay mineral, such as talc). In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is devoid of a polymeric plasticizer, which is not the gliding agent, or the thermoplastic polymer disclosed herein.

[0082] The term "consisting essentially of' means that the composition, method, or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and / or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and / or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method, or structure. Thus, the term "consisting essentially of' means that in addition to the disclosed constituents, the composition or article may further include additive(s) such as colorant, stabilizer, preservative, taste masking agent, flavoring agent, etc. In some embodiments, the terms “substantially” and the term “consisting essentially of’ are used herein interchangeably.

[0083] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention comprises at least one fibrous organic waste component. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention comprises two or more types of fibrous organic waste components. In some embodiments, the fibrous organic waste component is or comprises waste particulate material. The terms “fibrous organic waste component” and “waste particulate material” are used herein interchangeably.

[0084] In some embodiments, the fibrous organic waste component comprises between 50 and 99%, between 60 and 99%, between 60 and 85%, between 70 and 99%, between 65 and 99%, between 70 and 80%, between 65 and 80%, between 80 and 99%, between 90 and 99%, between 95 and 99% of a cellulosic material by dry weight of the fibrous organic waste component, including any range therebetween. In some embodiments, the fibrous organic waste component is a cellulosic material. In some embodiments, the cellulosic material is a cellulosic particular material. The terms “cellulosic material” and “cellulosic particular material” are used herein interchangeably.

[0085] In some embodiments, the cellulosic material is or comprises plant material. In some embodiments, cellulosic material is or comprises a plant fibrous material. In some embodiments, the cellulosic material is organic residual material. In some embodiments, the cellulosic materialis characterized by a greater degradation time in soil, as compared to the degradation time of the polymer of the invention (i.e. the biodegradable polymer).

[0086] In some embodiments, the cellulosic material is or comprises a processed plant fibrous material. In some embodiments, the processed plant material is or comprises composted plant material, also referred to herein as “compost”. The term “composted plant material” encompasses any cellulosic or any plant material (e.g. wood fibers) which has undergo at least partial composting (i.e. physical and / or chemical disintegration of the plant material upon exposing thereof to enzymatic degradation or microbial degradation). Composted plant material or compost may be obtained by various method such as aerobic or anerobic composting, industrial or home composting, etc. The term “compost” encompasses disintegrated plant material, while retaining its particulate matter state, so that the compost is characterized by average particle size (determined by sieving) ranging between about 0.5 and about 4 mm, between 0.5 and about 3 mm, between 0.5 and about 2 mm, between 0.5 and about 1.5 mm, or about 1mm, including any range therebetween.

[0087] In some embodiments, compost is any composted organic material known to one of average skill in the art. Composting maybe performed under aerobic or anerobic conditions. In some embodiments, compost refers to any aerobically or anaerobically degraded organic material. In some embodiments, compost refers to composted organic waste material. In some embodiments, compost is the result of Grub composting. In another embodiment, compost is Bokashi compost. In another embodiment, a compost comprises EMI (lactic acid bacteria, yeast and phototrophic (PNSB) bacteria).

[0088] In some embodiments, the compost is characterized by low residual metal content (such as inorganic metal salts or metal / metalloid oxides, wherein exemplary metal / metalloids are selected from Fe, Na, Li, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr and Si). In some embodiments, the low residual metal content refers to a w / w concentration of inorganic metal salts or metal / metalloid oxides within the compost of between 1 ppm and 0.1%, between 1 and 500 ppm, between 1 and 700 ppm, between 1 and 800 ppm, between 1 and 300 ppm, between 1 and 100 ppm, between 1 and 50 ppm, between 1 and 30 ppm, between 1 and 20 ppm, between 1 and 10 ppm, including any range between.

[0089] In another embodiment, compost is a compost tea. In another embodiment, compost is Hugelkultur. In another embodiment, compost comprises Humanure. In another embodiment, compost is Vermicompost.

[0090] In some embodiments, the cellulosic material comprises or consist essentially of compost. In some embodiments, compost constitutes between 50 and 99%, between 60 and99%, between 60 and 85%, between 70 and 99%, between 65 and 99%, between 70 and 80%, between 65 and 80%, between 80 and 99%, between 90 and 99%, between 95 and 99% by dry weight of the cellulosic material. In some embodiments, the cellulosic material is substantially devoid of lignin. In some embodiments, the cellulosic material is a material having a high cellulose content. In some embodiments, the cellulose content, as used herein, is related to cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cellulosic material is unprocessed (or non-composted) plant fibrous material.

[0091] In some embodiments, the cellulosic material has a cellulose content of at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 99%, including any range between.

[0092] In some embodiments, the cellulosic material is a wood material composted or noncomposted. In some embodiments, the wood material is or comprises wood residues. Various wood residues are well-known in the art and include inter alia wood fibers, wood chips, and wood dust. In some embodiments, the wood material is derived from a soft wood, a hard wood, or a mixture thereof. The wood residues maybe obtained from any processed wood material, such as wood part (e.g. stem, bark, branch, trunk) subjected to any wood processing such as cooking, delignification, humidification, drying, different types of grinding such as hammering, crushing, shredding / shearing, sawing; classification methods such as mesh sieving, sorting or any combination thereof.

[0093] In some embodiments, the fibrous organic waste component is or comprises wood fibers, wood dust or both. In some embodiments, the wood fibers and / or wood dust constitute between 80 and 100%, between 80 and 99%, between 90 and 99%, between 95 and 99% by dry weight of the fibrous organic waste, including any range between.

[0094] In one embodiment of the invention, more than 80% of the fibrous organic waste component particles are characterized by particle size up to about 2 mm, up to about 1.5mm, a up to bout 1mm, or up to about 0.8mm (i.e. ±10%), wherein the particle size is determined by sieving. In one embodiment of the invention, more than 90% of the fibrous organic waste component particles are characterized by particle size up to about 2 mm, up to about 1.5mm, up to about 1mm, or up to about 0.8mm (i.e. ±10%). In one embodiment of the invention, more than 95% of the fibrous organic waste component particles are characterized by particle size up to about 2 mm, up to about 1 ,5mm, up to about 1mm, or up to about 0.8mm (i.e. ±10%). In one embodiment of the invention, more than 99% of the fibrous organic waste component particles are characterized by particle size up to about 2 mm, up to about 1 ,5mm, up to about 1mm, or up to about 0.8mm (i.e. ±10%).

[0095] In one embodiment of the invention, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 99%, of the fibrous organic waste component comprises wood fibers and / or wood dust. In some embodiments, the fibrous organic waste component is selected from wood fibers, wood dust or both, and is characterized by a mesh particle size corresponding to a maximum particle size (i.e. the opening size of the mesh screen) below 2 mm (e.g. 10 mesh), below 1 ,5mm, below 1mm (e.g. 18 mesh) or between 0.5 and 2, between 0.5 and 1.5 and between 0.5 and 1mm. In some embodiments, the fibrous organic waste component is selected from wood fibers, wood dust or both, and is characterized by a mesh particle size between 10 and 18mesh. In some embodiments, the fibrous organic waste component is selected from wood fibers, wood dust or both, and is characterized by a mesh particle size corresponding to a maximum particle size below 1mm or 18 mesh.

[0096] In some embodiments, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 97% by dry weight of the composition consists of the fibrous organic waste component, the biodegradable polymer, the wax and the gliding agent. In some embodiments, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 97% by dry weight of the composition consists of the fibrous organic waste component, the biodegradable polymer, the wax and the gliding agent, wherein the fibrous organic waste component has a mesh particle size below 1mm (or 18 mesh or higher). In some embodiments, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 97% by dry weight of the composition consists of the fibrous organic waste component, the biodegradable polymer, the wax and the gliding agent, wherein the fibrous organic waste component is the wood material having a mesh particle size below 1mm (or 18 mesh or higher). In some embodiments, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 97% by dry weight of the composition consists of the fibrous organic waste component, the biodegradable polymer, the wax and the gliding agent, wherein the fibrous organic waste component selected from wood dust, wood fibers or both and has a mesh particle size below 1mm (or 18 mesh or higher).

[0097] In some embodiments, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 97% by dry weight of the composition consists of the fibrous organic waste component, the biodegradable polymer, the wax and the gliding agent, wherein the fibrous organic waste component selected from wood dust, wood fibers or both and has a mesh particle size below 1mm (or 18 mesh or higher); and wherein the biodegradable polymer is the polyester and / or the thermoplastic starch, the wax is plant wax and the gliding agent is a clay mineral.

[0098] In some embodiments, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 97% by dry weight of the composition consists of the fibrous organic waste component, the biodegradable polymer, the wax and the gliding agent, wherein the fibrous organic waste component selected from wooddust, wood fibers or both and has a mesh particle size below 1mm (or 18 mesh or higher); and wherein the biodegradable polymer is the polyester and / or the thermoplastic starch, the wax is plant wax and the gliding agent is talc.

[0099] In some embodiments, at least 95% by dry weight of the composition consists of the fibrous organic waste component, the biodegradable polymer, the wax and the gliding agent, wherein the fibrous organic waste component selected from wood dust, wood fibers or both and has a mesh particle size below 1mm (or 18 mesh or higher); wherein the biodegradable polymer is the polyester and / or the thermoplastic starch, the wax is plant wax and the gliding agent is talc.

[0100] In some embodiments, the composition consists or comprises between 10 and 30% of the fibrous organic waste component having mesh particle size below 1mm (or 18 mesh or higher); between 55 and 65% w / w of the biodegradable polymer; between 1 and 20% w / w of the gliding agent, between 1 and 10% w / w of the wax. In some embodiments, the composition consists or comprises between 15 and 30% of the fibrous organic waste component having mesh particle size below 1mm (or 18 mesh or higher); between 55 and 65% w / w of the biodegradable polymer; between 1 and 20% w / w of the gliding agent, between 2 and 10% w / w of the wax.

[0101] In some embodiments, the composition consists or comprises between 15 and 30% of the fibrous organic waste component having mesh particle size below 1mm (or 18 mesh or higher); between 55 and 65% w / w of the biodegradable polymer; between 1 and 20% w / w of the gliding agent, between 2 and 10% w / w of the wax; wherein the wax is plant wax and the gliding agent is a clay mineral.

[0102] In some embodiments, the composition consists or comprises between 15 and 30% of the fibrous organic waste component having mesh particle size below 1mm (or 18 mesh or higher); between 55 and 65% w / w of the biodegradable polymer; between 1 and 20% w / w of the gliding agent, between 2 and 10% w / w of the wax; wherein the biodegradable polymer is the polyester and / or the thermoplastic starch, the wax is plant wax and the gliding agent is talc.

[0103] In some embodiments, the composition consists or consists essentially of between 15 and 25% of the fibrous organic waste component selected from wood dust, wood fibers or both and having mesh particle size below 1mm (or 18 mesh or higher); between 58 and 65% w / w of the biodegradable polymer; between 5 and 15% w / w of the gliding agent, between 1 and 10% w / w of the wax; wherein the biodegradable polymer is or comprises a polyester (e.g. PBAT), and / or a thermoplastic starch (e.g. Matter-Bi); wherein the wax is plant wax and the gliding agent is a clay mineral.

[0104] In some embodiments, the composition consists or consists essentially of between 15 and 25% of the fibrous organic waste component selected from wood dust, wood fibers or bothand having mesh particle size below 1mm (or 18 mesh or higher); between 58 and 65% w / w of the biodegradable polymer; between 5 and 15% w / w of the gliding agent, between 1 and 10% w / w of the wax; wherein the biodegradable polymer is or comprises a polyester, and / or a thermoplastic starch; wherein the wax is plant wax and the gliding agent is a talc.

[0105] One of ordinary skills in the art will appreciate, that the exact ratios between the components of the composition or article of the invention may vary and is predetermined by the desired degradation time of the of the composition or article.

[0106] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention comprises a water absorbing agent, or a disintegrant. In some embodiments, the water absorbing agent comprises any of mono- or a di-saccharide, starch, croscarmellose, crospovidone, and starch glycolate including any salt or any combination thereof. Additional water absorbing agents, or a disintegrants are well-known in the art.

[0107] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention further comprises an additive selected from a dye, a pigment, a scent, a pesticide, a growth hormone, a fertilizer, mucilage, a preservative, sorbic acid or a salt thereof or any combination thereof.

[0108] In some embodiments, the w / w concentration of the additive within the composition of the invention is between 0.5 and 10%, between 0.1 and 0.5%, between 0.5 and 1%, between 1 and 2%, between 2 and 2.5%, between 2.5 and 3%, between 3 and 4%, between 4 and 5%, between 5 and 6%, between 6 and 7%, between 7 and 10%, including any range between.

[0109] In some embodiments, the pesticide comprises mold, fungus, and / or yeast inhibitor. In one embodiment, the fungicide is potassium sorbate. In one embodiment, the fungicide is calcium sorbate. In one embodiment, the fungicide is sorbic acid. In one embodiment, the fungicide is Natamycin. In one embodiment, the fungicide is calcium Acetate. In one embodiment, the fungicide is sodium propionate. In one embodiment, the fungicide is potassium propionate. In one embodiment, the fungicide is calcium propionate. In one embodiment, the fungicide is propionic acid. In one embodiment, the fungicide is sodium diacetate.

[0110] In another embodiment, the w / w concentration of the fungicide within the composition is between 0.01 and 5%, between 0.01 and 0.1%, between 0.1 and 0.5%, between 0.5 and 1%, between 1 and 2%, between 2 and 5%, including any range between.

[0111] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention further comprises mucilage. In one embodiment, mucilage is a thick mixture of polar glycoprotein and an exopolysaccharide produced by a plant or a microorganism.

[0112] In some embodiments, mucilage is derived from Aloe vera. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from Basella alba (Malabar spinach). In another embodiment, mucilage isderived from cactus. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from Chondrus crispus (Irish moss). In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from Dioscorea opposita (nagaimo, Chinese yam). In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from Drosera (sundews). In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from Drosophyllum lusitanicum. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from fenugreek. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from flax seeds. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from kelp. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from liquorice root. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from marshmallow. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from mallow. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from mullein. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from okra. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from parthenium. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from pinguicula (butterwort). In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from Psyllium seed husks. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from salvia hispanica (chia) seed. In another embodiment, mucilage is derived from Ulmus rubra bark (slippery elm).

[0113] In one embodiment, mucilage is Trigonella foenum-graecum mucilage. In another embodiment, the w / w concentration of the mucilage within the composition is between 0.01 and 5%, between 0.01 and 0.1%, between 0.1 and 0.5%, between 0.5 and 1%, between 1 and 2%, between 2 and 5%, including any range between.

[0114] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention has an average material density between 0.4 and 1 g / mL, between 0.4 and 0.6 g / mL, between 0.6 and 0.7 g / mL, between 0.7 and 0.8 g / mL, between 0.8 and 0.9 g / mL, between 0.9 and 1 g / mL, between 1 and 1.2 g / mL, including any range therebetween. In some embodiments, the composition has an average material density of 0.8 (± 0.4) g / mL.

[0115] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is shapeable, i.e., flowable, deformable and / or processable. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is pliable. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is moldable. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is shapeable by injection molding. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is suitable for injection molding. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is compatible with the injection molding processing.

[0116] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is shapeable or flowable under suitable conditions comprising a temperature above the glass transition point of the biodegradable polymer, and pressure between 100 and 5000 bar, between 300 and 5000 bar, between 500 and 5000 bar, between 500 and 3000 bar, between 700 and 5000 bar, between 700 and 3000 bar, between 800 and 5000 bar, between 800 and 3000 bar, between 800 and 2000 bar,including any range between. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention shapeable or flowable under suitable conditions comprising a pressure as described herein and a temperature between 100 and 250°C, between 120 and 250°C, between 140 and 250°C, between 100 and 220°C, between 140 and 220°C, between 140 and 180°C, between 120 and 180°C, between 140 and 170°C, between 150 and 180°C, including any range between.

[0117] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is in a form of a solid mixture (or powderous composition). In some embodiments, the solid mixture is a particulate matter characterized by an average particle size between 1 and 4 mm, between 2 and 4 mm, between 1 and 2 mm, between 2 and 3 mm, between 3 and 4 mm, or less than 3 mm, less than 2.8 mm, less than 2.5 mm, less than 2.3 mm, less than 2.1 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1.8 mm, less than 1.5 mm, less than 1.3 mm, less than 1.1 mm, or between 1 and 2, between 1.5 and 2, including any range therebetween. In some embodiments, the mixture is substantially homogenous (e.g. the concertation of each of the mixture constituents varies within the entire mixture by not more than 20%, not more than 15%, not more than 10%, by not more than 5%, or between 1 and 20%, between 1 and 15%, between 1 and 10%, including any range between). Homogeneity of the mixture, as disclosed herein, can be determined according to well-known methods, for example, by taking at least 3 samples from the entire composition, determining the relative w / w concentration of one or more of the mixture constituents in each sample, and further calculating the standard deviation of the concentration of one or more of the mixture constituent(s). As disclosed above, the standard deviation in a homogenous mixture measured as disclosed above, should not exceed 20%.

[0118] In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is in a form of a composite. The term ’’composite” generally refers to a mixture which cannot be separated into individual constituents solely by sorting, without applying heat or using dissolution and / or extraction technique. Additionally, as opposed to a mixture (e.g. powderous composition disclosed above) the “composite” cannot be separated into individual constituents without destroying the physical appearance, homogeneity and / or functional properties thereof. In some embodiments, the functional properties of the composite as used herein can be determined based on the amount of pressure required for heat processing of the composite (e.g. by injection molding or by extrusion). A skilled artisan will appreciate that a homogenous composite requires application of lower pressure, as compared to a mixture.

[0119] In some embodiments, the composite is in a form of particles (e.g. granules). In some embodiments, the particles of the invention are characterized by a particle size ranging between 0.01 and 10mm, between 0.01 and 0.1mm, between 0.1 and 0.2mm, between 0.1 and 5mm,between 0.1 and 0.5mm, between 0.5 and 1mm, between 1 and 2mm, between 2 and 3mm, between 3 and 5mm, between 5 and 7mm, between 7 and 10mm, including any range or value between.

[0120] In some embodiments, the composite is an extrudate. In some embodiments, the extrudate has a predefined shape and / or dimension.

[0121] In some embodiments, the term “particle size” refers to an average particle size. In some embodiments, the term “particle size” refers to an average value of at least one dimension (e.g. radius or cross-section for a spherical particle, or length and / or width dimension for a cylindrical particle) of the particles within the composition. In some embodiments, the term “particle size” refers to an average cross-section value of the particles within the composition (e.g. for non- uniformly shaped particles, or for particles being devoid of a defined shape). In some embodiments, the term “particle size” refers to a number average particle size. One of ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the average particle size (e.g. number average particle size) can be measured according to well-known methods.

[0122] In some embodiments, the plurality of particles within the composition have a spherical shape, elliptical shape, and / or a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the particles have a substantially uniform shape, or the particles are substantially non-uniform. In some embodiments, the particles have a random shape.

[0123] In some embodiments, the particles have a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein an average length dimension of the particles is between 0.1 and 20mm, between 0.1 and 0.2mm, between 0.2 and 0.5mm, between 0.5 and 1mm, between 1 and 2mm, between 1 and 20mm, between 1 and 10mm, between 1 and 15mm, between 2 and 3mm, between 3 and 5mm, including any range therebetween. In some embodiments, the average width (or cross-section) dimension of the particles is between 0.1 and 10mm, between 0.5 and 10mm, between 1 and 10mm, between 0.5 and 5mm, between 1 and 5mm, between 2 and 10mm, between 2 and 5mm, including any range between.Article

[0124] The invention is particularly useful for articles or containers for use inter alia as food ware, or for use in agriculture and home gardening, such as plant pots, plug trays, and any containers or receptacles of similar use. In one aspect, there is provided an article comprising at least one wall comprising the fibrous organic waste component and the biodegradable polymer; and optionally the gliding agent; wherein a weight portion of the biodegradable polymer within the composition is between 10 and 50%. In some embodiments, the constituents of the article ofthe invention and / or ratios between the constituents within the article are as described hereinabove for the composition of the invention. In some embodiments, the wall of the article is a solid. In some embodiments, the wall of the article has a predestined geometrical shape and / or dimension.

[0125] In some embodiments, the wall of the article consist essentially of a uniform or homogeneous material. In some embodiments, the wall of the article is in a form of a composite, as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the wall of the article is characterized by sufficient mechanical strength (or stability) to support growth of a plant (e.g. when the article is a plant container), and / or to contain a solid or liquid food matter (e.g. when the article is a dish). In some embodiments, the article is in a form of a container. In some embodiments, the wall of the container is water impermeable. In some embodiments, the wall of the container is gas permeable (e.g. air, water vapor).

[0126] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an article comprising the composition of the invention. In some embodiments, the article is a container. In some embodiments, the article is a food ware, or a planting article. In some embodiments, the article is a planting container.

[0127] In some embodiments, the article of the invention is stable (e.g. substantially retains its shape, geometrical form and is substantially devoid of structural defects or cracks, disintegration) when exposed to greenhouse conditions and / or to irrigation, for a time period of at least 10 months, at least 6 months, at least 5 months, at least 4 months, at least 3 months, at least 2 months, at least 1 month, at least 3 weeks including any range between.

[0128] In some embodiments, the article of the invention is stable when exposed to greenhouse conditions for a period ranging between 2 weeks and lOmonths (m), between 2 w and 10 m, between 2 w and 6 w, between 6 w and 2 m, between 2 m and 5 m, between 5 m and 7 m, between 7m and 10 m, including any range between. The exact stability period is predetermined by the specific greenhouse cultivation time required for the plant.

[0129] In some embodiments, the term “stable” refers to the capability of the article to retain at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99% of the geometrical shape and / or mechanical properties thereof under greenhouse conditions. In some embodiments, the term “stable” refers to the capability of the article to retain at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99% of the geometrical shape and / or mechanical properties thereof under regular storage conditions for a period ranging between 1 and 24months (m), between 1 and 10 m, between 2 m and 24 m, between 5 m and 36 m, including any range between.

[0130] In some embodiments, the stable article of the invention is substantially devoid of openings, cracks, or other structural defects upon exposure to greenhouse conditions for a time period described hereinabove. In some embodiments, the article is stable when it substantially retains its mechanical stability, so as to be suitable for subsequent planting in the open field, e.g. via an automated planting process.

[0131] In some embodiments, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 99% of the articles of the invention (or of the entire volume of the article) including any range between, are devoid of structural defects (e.g. cracks) upon exposure thereof to greenhouse condition for a time period ranging between 2 weeks and lOmonths (m), between 2 w and 10 m, between 2 w and 6 w, between 6 w and 2 m, between 2 m and 5 m, between 5 m and 7 m, between 7m and 10 m, under including any range between.

[0132] As used herein, the term “irrigation” refers to any known irrigation technique, such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, surface irrigation, subsurface irrigation, or any combination thereof.

[0133] In some embodiments, the stable article of the invention refers to an article configured to substantially retain its function as a container e.g. under normal storage condition and / or under greenhouse conditions, for a time period as described herein. In some embodiments, the stable article of the invention, such as a plant container is configured to provide any of: (i) enclosing at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 99%, at least 99.9% of the plant roots, including any range between; (ii) providing an efficient barrier between the plant root and the ambient (e.g. ambient atmosphere) sufficient for preventing damage to the plant root, wherein damage refers to a mechanical damage (e.g. during transplantation) and / or to a damage induced by a pest. In some embodiments, the article is stable when it substantially (e.g. at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, including any range between) retains its mechanical stability as determined by Punch test. In some embodiments, the stability of the article refers to the ability of the article to retain at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, including any range between of its initial mechanical strength.

[0134] In some embodiments, the article of the invention retains at least 60%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80% of its initial mechanical strength (e.g. as determined by compressive strength analysis) under soil composting conditions for a time period of at least 1 week, at least 2 weeks, at least 5 weeks, at least 6 weeks, at least 10 weeks, at least 12 weeks, including any value or range between. In some embodiments, the article of the invention is stable under soil composting conditions for a time period ranging between 1 and 20 weeks, between 2 and 20weeks, between 2 and 15 weeks, between 1 and 12 weeks, between 2 and 12 weeks, between 2 and 10 weeks, between 1 and 5 weeks, including any value or range between.

[0135] In some embodiments, the article is biocompatible or bioerodible. In some embodiments, the article is at least partially degradable or biodegradable. In some embodiments, the article is at least partially erodible or bioerodible.

[0136] In some embodiments, the mechanical properties (e.g. strength and / or elasticity) of the article are reduced upon contact with soil. Without being bound to any theory it is postulated that biodegradation is induced by degradation of the organic matter such as the polymer and the fibrous organic waste component (e.g. wood and / or compost). After degradation of the organic matter, the article loses its structural intactness (e.g. shape or geometric form), thus resulting in a substantial degradation of the article.

[0137] In some embodiments, the article of the invention characterized by any one of compostability, biodegradability, and / or bioerosion under ambient conditions (e.g., a temperature between -10 and 50°C, between 10 and 30°C, or between 5 and 40°C presence of microorganisms, normal atmospheric pressure, under aqueous or dry conditions, and under aerobic and / or anaerobic conditions) within a time ranging between 1 and 40 weeks, between 5 and 20 weeks, between 5 and 40 weeks, between 5 and 18 weeks, between 7 and 20 weeks, between 7 and 15 weeks, between 10 and 20 weeks, between 12 and 20 weeks, between 10 and 40 weeks, between 15 and 40 weeks, between 18 and 30 weeks, between 15 and 30 weeks, between 15 and 20 weeks, between 5 and 20 weeks, between 8 and 20 weeks, between 8 and 15 weeks, including any range between. In some embodiments, the article of the invention is soil compostable within a time period ranging between 1 and 40 weeks, between 5 and 20 weeks, between 5 and 40 weeks, between 5 and 18 weeks, between 7 and 20 weeks, between 7 and 15 weeks, between 10 and 20 weeks, between 12 and 20 weeks, between 10 and 40 weeks, between 15 and 40 weeks, between 18 and 30 weeks, between 15 and 30 weeks, between 15 and 20 weeks, between 5 and 20 weeks, between 8 and 20 weeks, between 8 and 15 weeks, including any range between. In some embodiments, the article of the invention undergoes disintegration (so that the article losses its shape / functional properties, such as mechanical strength) under soil composting conditions within a time period ranging between 1 and 40 weeks, between 5 and 20 weeks, between 5 and 40 weeks, between 5 and 18 weeks, between 7 and 20 weeks, between 7 and 15 weeks, between 10 and 20 weeks, between 12 and 20 weeks, between 10 and 40 weeks, between 15 and 40 weeks, between 18 and 30 weeks, between 15 and 30 weeks, between 15 and 20 weeks, between 5 and 20 weeks, between 8 and 20 weeks, between 8 and 15 weeks, including any range between.

[0138] In some embodiments, the soil compostable article undergoes chemical or physical decomposition (also used herein as “disintegration”), wherein disintegration refers to (i) complete disintegration (so that no compressive strength can be measured), or to (ii) partial disintegration, such as the article has not more than 20%, not more than 10% of the initial mechanical strength (e.g. as determined by compressive strength analysis).

[0139] The term “compostable” encompasses industrially compostable, home compostable, soil compostable or any combination thereof. The term “compostable” refers to the ability of a material to disintegrate upon exposing thereof to enzymatic degradation or microbial degradation (e.g. bacterial and / or fungal degradation, or degradation by other microorganisms).

[0140] As used herein, the term “disintegration” including any grammatical form thereof includes the tendency of a material to chemically decompose, or to physically decompose into smaller fragments under composting conditions (e.g. open air composting, anerobic composting, soil composting, etc.). Chemical decomposition is an intrinsic property of the material itself, and the material can exhibit different degrees of chemical decomposition, depending on the specific conditions to which it is exposed. Physical decomposition depends both on the material itself, as well as the physical size and configuration of the article being tested.

[0141] Compostability of the article can be measured according to well-known tests, for example soil compostability can be determined according to ISO 17556 (2012).

[0142] In some embodiments, the article of the invention is characterized by any one of: 1) biodegradability such that at least 90% carbon content is converted within 180 days; 2) disintegration such that least 90% the material disintegrates within 40 weeks, within 30 weeks, or within 20 weeks; 3) does not contain heavy metals beyond the thresholds established under the EN12423 standard; and 4) the disintegrated content supports future plant growth as humus; where each of these four conditions are tested per the ASTMD6400, or ISO 17088, orEN 13432 method.

[0143] Compostability of the material under home composting conditions can be tested under aerobic composting conditions at ambient temperature (e.g. between 20-30° C) according to ISO 14855-1 (2012).

[0144] Biodegradability of the material under home composting conditions can be tested according to the French norm NF T 51-800 and the Australian standard AS 5810, where a material must exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90 percent in total (e.g., as compared to the initial sample), or a biodegradation of at least 90 percent of the maximum degradation of a suitable reference material after a plateau has been reached for both the reference and test item. The maximum test duration for biodegradation under home compositing conditions is 1 year.

[0145] Similar test for determining biodegradability or compostability of a material under industrial composting conditions are well-known in the art (e.g. ISO 16929 (2013)).

[0146] In some embodiments, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97% at least 99% w / w of the article is biodegradable or compostable (e.g. soil compostable). In some embodiments, the entire article is biodegradable. In some embodiments, the entire article is compostable.

[0147] A skilled artisan will appreciate that the composting / biodegradation time period may vary depending on (i) a concentration of the thermoplastic polymer (for example, increased concentration of a polyester as the thermoplastic polymer may increase soil composting time period); (ii) physical dimensions of the article, such as wall thickness (for example, increased wall thickness will result in an increase composting / biodegradation time period). Accordingly, the inventors provide herein means for controlling composting / biodegradation of the article of the invention by varying its composition and / or dimensions (such as wall thickness).

[0148] In some embodiments, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% w / w of the article undergoes degradation or erosion upon contacting thereof with soil within a time period of between 2 days and 15 weeks (w), between 2 and 7d, between lOd and lOw, between 5d and lOw, between 5d and 5w, between 2 and 4 w, between 4 and 6 w, between 8 and 10 w, between 10 and 15 w, between 9 and 12 w, between 12 and 15 w, including any range therebetween.

[0149] In some embodiments, the article of the invention is characterized by gradual or sustained degradation profile. In some embodiments, the article of the invention is characterized by a degradation profile adopted for cultivation of annual plants and / or perennial plants. In some embodiments, the article of the invention is configured to support growth of a young plant in a soil, thus preventing mechanical or biological damage (e.g. by a pest) to the plant roots on and post planting; and to facilitate plant roots growth (or breakthrough) through a wall of the article.

[0150] In some embodiments, the article of the invention is characterized by a predefined degradation time. In some embodiments, the degradation time is sufficient for supporting plant growth and acclimatization upon transplanting thereof into the soil. One skilled in the art will appreciate, that various plant species (such as annual, perennial plants, ornamental plant and / or trees) require different acclimatization times, accordingly the degradation time of the article is predetermined by the acclimatization time of the specific plant species.

[0151] In some embodiments, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, of the geometrical configuration or shape of the article is retained for a time period ranging between 2 and 15 weeks (w), between 2 and 4 w, between 4 and 6 w, between 8and 10 w, between 10 and 15 w, between 9 and 12 w, between 12 and 15 w, including any range therebetween, upon contacting thereof with soil.

[0152] In some embodiments, the article of the invention refers to a plant container comprising a cultured plant, wherein the article comprising a cultured plant is configured to substantially retain its function as a container upon contacting thereof (e.g. by transplanting) with the soil, for a time period sufficient for acclimatization of the plant within the soil (e.g. between 2 and 15 weeks, as describe hereinabove). In some embodiments, the plant container upon contacting thereof with the soil is configured to provide at least one of (i) enclosing at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% of the plant roots, including any range between; (ii) providing an efficient barrier between the plant root and the soil environment sufficient for preventing damage to the plant root, wherein damage refers to a mechanical damage (e.g. during transplantation) and / or to a damage induced by a pest.

[0153] In some embodiments, the article of the invention is substantially devoid of phytotoxicity.

[0154] In some embodiments, the article of the invention is configured to support plant growth, such as under greenhouse conditions and / or under cultivation condition, such as an open field cultivation. In some embodiments, the article of the invention is characterized by any of gas permeability, water permeability, and / or permeability to plant nutrients sufficient for supporting growth of a plant (cultivated plant such as an annual plant and / or a perennial plant or tree). The exact permeability values will depend on the specific needs of the cultivated plant. In some embodiments, the article of the invention comprises at least one permeable wall, wherein the permeable wall is characterized by gas permeability, water permeability, and / or permeability to plant nutrients sufficient for supporting growth of a plant. In some embodiments, the permeable wall facilitates bidirectional water and / or plant nutrients permeation therethrough in an amount and / or rate sufficient for supporting growth of a plant.

[0155] In some embodiments, the article of the invention (e.g. a planting article) is characterized by swellability, e.g. is swellable upon contact with a liquid, such as water and / or soil. In some embodiments, the article of the invention (e.g. a planting article) is characterized by swellability upon contacting thereof with a liquid for a time period between 12h and 7days, between 12h and 24h, between 24h and 7days, between 24h and 2days, between 12h and 3days, between 24h and 3 days, including any range between.

[0156] In some embodiments, the article of the invention (e.g. a food ware) is characterized by any of substantial water impermeability, substantial water repellency, substantial devoidness ofwater absorbance, substantial devoidness of swellability, or any combination thereof, for a time period of between 1 and 24h, between 24 and 72h, or more, including any range between.

[0157] As used herein the terms “water absorbance” and “swellability” refers to the ability of the article to absorb water. As used herein the terms “substantial devoidness of water absorbance” and “substantial devoidness of swellability” refer to a complete devoidness of water absorbance or to a water absorbance of at most 10%, at most 5%, at most 3%, at most 1%, at most 0.5%, at most 0.1% by weight of the article, within a time period between 1 and 24h, between 24 and 72h, including any range between. Water absorbance can be measured by determining the weight gain of the article upon immersing thereof in water for a predetermined time period. As used herein the term “water absorbance”, “swellability”, “substantial devoidness of water absorbance” and “substantial devoidness of swellability” encompasses water or any aqueous solution at a temperature between 1 and 70°C, between 10 and 70°C, between 1 and 50°C, including any range between.

[0158] In a further aspect of the invention, the container or article of the invention may be coated or treated with a bio-degradable coating comprising polylactic acid (PLA), or any biodegradable polymer known in the art. In some embodiments, a coating that may be used, as described in the PCT application PCT / IL2011 / 000739.

[0159] Plant pots may be manufactured in assorted sizes, for example, 5.5, 12 and 18 cm diameter, and of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 L.

[0160] In some embodiments, a pot as described herein comprises the composition of the invention and optionally a coating layer. In some embodiments, a pot as described herein consists or comprises the composition, a coating layer, and soil / compost as planting bedding. In some embodiments, a pot as described herein consists or comprises the composition, a coating layer, soil / compost, and a plant.

[0161] In some embodiments, an uncoated pot average weight is: 75.0 ± 8.0 g. In some embodiments, an uncoated pot average weight is: 75.0 ± 6.0 g. In some embodiments, an uncoated pot average weight is: 75.0 ± 4.0 g. In some embodiments, an uncoated pot average weight is: 75.0 ± 3.0 g. In another embodiment, the phrase "uncoated pot" is uncoated standard 12cm pot. In another embodiment, a skilled artisan can readily adapt the physical properties and measures to bigger or smaller pots.

[0162] In some embodiments, the article (e.g. plant pot) of the invention is characterized by an enhanced strength as compared to any available plant pots. In some embodiments, the article (e.g. plant pot) of the invention is characterized by an enhanced strength, as compared to an article having an analogous composition and being devoid of the cured thermoset polymer. Insome embodiments, the cured polymer increased mechanical strength of the article. In some embodiments, the enhanced strength of the article facilitates manufacturing of an article with a decreased wall thickness. Thus, the article comprising the composition of the invention may have a thinner wall (e.g. body and or base) without impairing the mechanical strength and / or elasticity of the article.

[0163] In some embodiments the cross-section of top portion of the article is between 8and 15 cm, between 10 and 13, between 10 and 15 cm, including any range between. In some embodiments the cross-section of bottom portion of the article is between 3and 8 cm, between 3 and 5, between 5 and 7 cm, between 7 and 10 cm, including any range between.

[0164] In some embodiments, the article of the invention has a body wall thickness of less than 0.4 cm, less than 0.3 cm, less than 0.2 cm, less than 0.19 cm, less than 0.18 cm, less than 0.17 cm, less than 0.16 cm, less than 0.15 cm, less than 0.13 cm, less than 0.11 cm, between 1 and 2mm, between 1 and 1.5mm, including any range between.

[0165] In some embodiments, the article as described herein, has a sufficient mechanical strength so as to support a plant growth. In some embodiments, the article as described herein, has a sufficient mechanical strength to facilitate automated planting.

[0166] In some embodiments, the article of the invention is particularly useful for articles or containers used in agriculture and home gardening, such as plant pots, plug trays, and any containers or receptacles of similar use including any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the article of the invention is a biodegradable and / or bioerodible article, such as planting container, a plant pots, a plant tray or any biodegradable and / or bioerodible containers or receptacles of similar use. In some embodiments, the article of the invention is shaped as foodware.

[0167] In one exemplary embodiment, the thickness of an uncoated pot is as follows: upper rim 0.4 ± 0.1 cm; body 0.1 to 0.15 cm; base 0.4 to 0.8 cm. In one exemplary embodiment, the thickness of an uncoated pot is as follows: upper rim 0.4 ± 0.1 cm; body 0.1 to 0.15 cm; base 0.4 to 0.5 cm. In one exemplary embodiment, the thickness of an uncoated pot is as follows: upper rim 0.4 ± 0.1 cm; body 0.1 to 0.15 cm; base 0.5 to 0.7 cm.

[0168] In one exemplary embodiment, the wall thickness of the article (e.g. uncoated pot) is between 0.6 and 1mm, between 0.6 and 0.9mm, between 0.7 and 0.9mm, between 0.7 and 0.8mm, including any range between.

[0169] In yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a biodegradable tray for seedlings or young plants.

[0170] A tray according to embodiments of the invention may further be fully or partially coated as described in PCT / IL2011 / 000739 to enable “scheduled” disintegration of the biodegradable tray.

[0171] In some embodiments, the article is characterized by maximum compression load of between 100 and 5000N, between 200 and 2000N, between 100 and 2000N, between 500 and 5000N, between 500 and 2000N, between 500 and 1500N, including any range between. Compression load may be determined by a well-known compression test.Manufacturing process

[0172] In another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing the article of the invention, the method comprises providing the composition of the invention under suitable conditions thereby obtaining a shapeable composition; and processing the shapeable composition to obtain the article of the invention, wherein the article is characterized by a predetermined shape, and wherein the composition is in a form of a mixture, or in a form of a composite, as disclosed hereinabove. In some embodiments, the method comprises providing the composition of the invention in a form of the composite (e.g. a granular composite) and shaping the composition under suitable conditions according to a predefined shape, to obtain the article of the invention.

[0173] In some embodiments, the composite is a compounded composition of the invention (powderous composition). In some embodiments, the composite is manufactured by mixing the constituents of the composition to obtain a homogenous mixture, and subsequently or simultaneously providing the homogenous mixture under conditions suitable for compounding. In some embodiments, the composite is obtained by subjecting the mixture or the entire constituents of the powderous composition under conditions suitable for hot melt processing (e.g. extrusion).

[0174] In some embodiments, the composite is manufactured by mixing (or compounding) the constituents of the composition to obtain a mixture, and extruding the mixture, thereby obtaining an extrudate. In some embodiments, mixing and hot melt processing (e.g. extruding) is performed subsequently (i.e. first mixing and then extruding) or simultaneously (e.g. within the same apparatus).

[0175] In some embodiments, shaping is by providing the composition under suitable conditions sufficient for inducing flowability or shapeability of the composition to obtain a shapeable composition; and contacting the shapeable composition with a mold. In some embodiments, the predetermines the final shape of the article. In some embodiments, the method further comprisescooling the composition within the mold, to obtain a solidified article, and further comprises releasing the solidified article from the mold. In some embodiments, shaping or processing comprises molding the composition, to obtain the article characterized by a predetermined shape.

[0176] In some embodiments, the method comprises providing the composition of the invention (i.e. the powderous composition or the composite) under suitable conditions sufficient for obtaining a processable or shapeable composition. In some embodiments, the shapeable composition is characterized by mechanical and / or rheological properties sufficient for shaping or processing thereof by means of thermoplastic polymer processing (e.g. a process selected from injection molding, extrusion, injection, hot blown film, and molding or any combination thereof). In some embodiments, the shapeable composition is pliable or deformable. In some embodiments, the shapeable composition is characterized by sufficient plasticity so as to substantially adopt the shape of the mold (e.g. by means of thermoplastic polymer processing).

[0177] In some embodiments, suitable conditions comprise a temperature above the glass transition point (Tg) of the biodegradable polymer, and pressure between 100 and 5000 bar, between 300 and 5000 bar, between 500 and 5000 bar, between 500 and 3000 bar, between 700 and 5000 bar, between 700 and 3000 bar, between 800 and 5000 bar, between 800 and 3000 bar, between 800 and 2000 bar, including any range between. In some embodiments, suitable conditions comprise a temperature of at least 10, at least 50, at least 100°C above Tg of the biodegradable polymer including any range therebetween.

[0178] In some embodiments, suitable conditions comprise a pressure between 500 and 5000 bar, and a temperature between 100 and 200°C, between 100 and 180°C, between 120 and 200°C, between 120 and 180°C, between 140 and 200°C, between 140 and 180°C, between 120 and 170°C, between 140 and 170°C, between 160 and 170°C, including any range therebetween.

[0179] In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing the article of the invention comprises providing an amount of the composition of the invention sufficient for shaping an article with a preterminal shape and subjecting the composition under injection molding conditions. In some embodiments, the article of the invention is obtained by injection molding of a sufficient amount of the composition described herein. In some embodiments, the article of the invention is an injection molded article, comprising the composition of the invention.

[0180] The term “injection molding” as used herein also encompasses injection pressure molding.General

[0181] As used herein the term “about” refers to ± 10 %.

[0182] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

[0183] The term “consisting of means “including and limited to”.

[0184] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and / or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

[0185] The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict.

[0186] The term “enhancing” or “reducing” is by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 80%, at least 100%, at least 150%, at least 200%, at least 250%, at least 300%, including any range or value therebetween, compared to a control.

[0187] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

[0188] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0189] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging / ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging / ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

[0190] As used herein the term "substantially" refers at least 60 %, at least 70 %, at least 80 %, at least 85 %, at least 90 %, at least 95 %, at least 97 %, at least 99 %, at least 99.9 %,including any rage or value therebetween. In some embodiments, the terms “substantially” and the term “consisting essentially of’ are used herein interchangeably.

[0191] As used herein the term "method" refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical, and medical arts.

[0192] As used herein, the term “treating” includes abrogating, substantially inhibiting, slowing, or reversing the progression of a condition, substantially ameliorating clinical or aesthetical symptoms of a condition, or substantially preventing the appearance of clinical or aesthetical symptoms of a condition.

[0193] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0194] Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineated hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below find experimental support in the following examples. Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions illustrate some embodiments of the invention in a non-limiting fashion.EXAMPLES

[0195] Exemplary articles of the invention comprising at least one wall composed of the composition of the invention, have been fabricated by injection molding / extrusion of an exemplary composition described herein. The inventors successfully manufactured the articles of the invention either by using a powderous composition (by subjecting the powderous composition to compounding process prior to the article shaping step), or alternatively by using granules (i.e., compounded particles).

[0196] Specifically, a plant pot (diameter of -10.5 cm) has been successfully manufactured by injection molding or extrusion, by utilizing l-5mm granules comprising about 20-25%w / w wood fibers (with a particle size below 1mm, determined by sieving) and further comprisingabout 60-65% of the thermoplastic biodegradable polymer (Mater-Bi EF04P, Novamont), between about 2.8-3.5%w / w of rapeseed oil, between 1.5 and 2.5%w / w of rapeseed wax and between about 8-9% of gliding agent (e.g. talc).

[0197] Similarly, a plant pot (diameter of 12 cm and height of ~10 cm) with a wall thickness of 0.8 mm has been successfully manufactured by injection molding utilizing l-5mm granules consisting of about 20-25%w / w wood fibers (with a particle size below 1mm, determined by sieving), 60-65% of the thermoplastic biodegradable polymer comprising polyester and a thermoplastic starch (Mater-Bi EF04P, Novamont), about 4%w / w of rapeseed wax and between about 8-10% of talc (LKB30, Lithos with 99% particles having a particle size below 32um and D50 of 9um, determined by sieving).

[0198] In contrast, similar compositions containing less than 50% of the thermoplastic biodegradable polymer were not shapeable by injection molding.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. A composition comprising a fibrous organic waste component, a biodegradable polymer and a wax; wherein the biodegradable polymer is a thermoplastic polymer; a weight portion of the biodegradable polymer within said composition is between 50 and 70%; wherein the fibrous organic waste component is a cellulosic particular material characterized by a particle size up to 2mm, determined by mesh sieving; and wherein said composition is flowable at a temperature between 100 and 250°C.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein at least 95% by weight of the composition consists of the fibrous organic waste component, the biodegradable polymer, the wax and a gliding agent; wherein said composition is in a form of a homogenous material; and wherein a weight portion of (i) the biodegradable polymer within said composition is between 55 and 65%, of (ii) the gliding agent within said composition is between 1 and 20% and of (iii) the wax within said composition is between 2 and 10%.

3. The composition of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said composition is characterized by a moisture content of less than 0.5%.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polyester, a thermoplastic starch, a thermoplastic polysaccharide derivative, including any copolymer or any mixture thereof.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises the polyester and the thermoplastic starch.

6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the polyester is selected from poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), PL A, PLGA, PGA, a polyaminoacid, including any copolymer or any mixture thereof.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cellulosic particular material is a wood material composted or non-composted.

8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the wood material is selected from wood dust, wood fibers or both.

9. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the particle size of the cellulosic particular material is up to 1mm.

10. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cellulosic particular material is a non-composted wood material selected from wood dust, wood fibers or both; and wherein the particle size of the cellulosic particular material is up to 1mm.

11. The composition of any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein said gliding agent is a clay mineral.

12. The composition of any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein a weight portion of said biodegradable polymer within said composition is between 58 and 65%, a weight portion of said wax within said composition is between 3 and 5%; a weight portion of said gliding agent within said composition is between 5 and 15%.

13. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the wax is a plant wax; wherein a weight portion of said fibrous organic waste component within said composition is between 15 and 25%.

14. The composition of claim 13, wherein the plant wax is selected from rapeseed wax, carnauba wax, soy wax, jojoba wax, candelilla wax and ouricury wax, including any combination thereof.

15. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said composition is shapeable under conditions suitable for hot thermoplastic processing and is compostable.

16. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said composition is in a form of granules characterized by an average size of between 1 and 10 mm.

17. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said composition is a thermoplastic material.

18. An article comprising at least one wall, wherein the at least one wall is shaped from or comprises the composition of any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The article of claim 18, wherein the article has a three-dimensional shape and is soil compostable within a predetermined time period ranging between 2 days and 20 weeks.

20. The article of claim 18 or 19, wherein said wall is characterized by a wall thickness of between 0.6 and 0.9mm; and wherein said article is in a form of a container.

21. The article of any one of claims 18 to 20, and wherein the article is shaped from the composition via hot thermoplastic processing.

22. The article of claim 21, wherein said hot thermoplastic processing is selected from injection molding and extrusion.

23. The article of claim 21 or 22, wherein said article is in a form of the planting article, having a wall thickness of between 0.6 and 0.9mm.

24. The article of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein at least 95% by weight of the wall consists of the composition consisting of the non-composted wood material selected from wood dust, wood fibers or both; the biodegradable polymer, the plant wax and the gliding agent; wherein a weight portion of (i) the biodegradable polymer within said composition is between about 60 and 65%, of (ii) the gliding agent within said composition is between about 8 and 10% and of (iii) the plant wax within said composition is between about 4 and 6%; wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises the polyester and the thermoplastic starch; and wherein the particle size of the noncomposted wood material is up to 1mm, determined by mesh sieving.

25. The article of any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein said article is stable under greenhouse conditions for a predefined time period ranging between 3 days and 10 months.

26. The article of any one of claims 18 to 25, characterized by (i) gas permeability; and by (ii) at least partial water impermeability.

27. A method of manufacturing the article of any one of claims 18 to 26, the method comprises providing the composition of any one of claims 1 to 17 under conditions suitable for compounding, thereby obtaining a shapeable composition; and processing said shapeable composition via a thermoplastic polymer processing to obtain the article with a predetermined shape.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the conditions suitable for compounding comprise a pressure between 500 and 5000 bar, and a temperature between 100 and 250°C.

29. The method of claim 27 or 28, wherein said thermoplastic polymer processing comprises any one of: molding, injection molding and extrusion.