In principle, both bio-based plastics and degradable plastics are referred to as bioplastics. The term "bio-based" clearly indicates that the starting material is a renewable raw material. From the bio-based origin of a raw material at the beginning of a life cycle, however, does not necessarily follow biodegradability at the end of the life cycle as well. Rubber and cellulose acetate, for example, are entirely bio-based plastics, but they are not biodegradable. Conversely, biodegradable plastics can also be produced from petroleum since degradability is determined only by the chemical structure and not by the origin of the raw material.