Maya Ellison
The terms biodegradable plastic and bioplastic are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Biodegradable plastics are those that can be broken down completely into water, carbon dioxide, and compost by microorganisms under the right conditions. On the other hand, bioplastics are plastics made from bio-based polymers, which are derived from renewable or recycled raw materials. While bioplastics can be biodegradable, not all of them are. Some bioplastics are durable and cannot be easily broken down by microorganisms. The confusion between these terms makes it challenging for consumers to make environmentally responsible choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable plastics | Can be broken down completely into water, carbon dioxide and compost by microorganisms under the right conditions. |
| Bioplastics | Plastics made from bio-based polymers. |
| Biodegradable plastics vs Bioplastics | Biodegradable plastics are not a subset of bioplastics. |
| Biodegradable plastics need to be disposed of in a specific way to decompose properly. | |
| Bioplastics, on the other hand, can last for centuries if they end up in landfills without enough oxygen to break them down. | |
| Are biodegradable plastics and bioplastics eco-friendly? | Biodegradable plastics can still pollute the environment. |
| Bioplastics can also pose a threat to the environment if thrown into landfills or the ocean. | |
| Bioplastics are not a solution to the world's plastic problem as they are single-use and there are limited options to compost them. |
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What You'll Learn
Biodegradable plastics need specific conditions to decompose
Biodegradable plastics are not a licence to litter. They need specific conditions to decompose. For instance, they require temperatures of over 50°C, along with the right combination of moisture, air and microbes. This means that these plastics will not break down if left in the ocean or on domestic compost heaps.
The term "biodegradable" implies that the decomposition happens in weeks to months. However, the rate at which plastic biodegrades in a specific ecosystem depends on a wide range of environmental conditions, including temperature and the presence of specific microorganisms. For example, a thin film of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a bioplastic produced by microbes, will degrade in a tropical environment on the seafloor in one to two months, but in the Mediterranean, it can take up to ten times as long.
Compostable plastic will biodegrade in a compost site, with microorganisms breaking it down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds and biomass at the same rate as other organic materials in the compost pile, leaving no toxic residue. However, not all plastics labelled as biodegradable or compostable today are suitable for disposal in the open environment. Composting of some compostable plastics requires strict control of environmental factors, including higher temperatures, pressure and nutrient concentration, as well as specific chemical ratios. These conditions can only be recreated in industrial composting plants, which are few and far between.
Bioplastics are currently used in disposable items like packaging, containers, straws, bags and bottles, and in non-disposable items like phone casings, 3D printing, and medical implants. While the biodegradability of bioplastics is an advantage, most need high-temperature industrial composting facilities to break down and very few cities have the infrastructure needed to deal with them.
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Bioplastics are not a solution to plastic pollution
Bioplastics are often touted as a solution to plastic pollution, but they are not a cure-all for this global issue. While bioplastics do offer some advantages over traditional plastics, they also come with their own set of challenges and limitations.
Firstly, it is important to understand that not all bioplastics are biodegradable. The term "bioplastic" refers to plastic made from biological sources such as plants, animals, or microorganisms, but this does not inherently mean they are biodegradable. Some bioplastics are designed to be durable and may not break down even under the right conditions.
For biodegradable bioplastics, proper disposal is crucial. They require specific conditions, such as high temperatures, controlled amounts of moisture, air, and the presence of microorganisms, to break down effectively. These conditions are typically only met in industrial composting facilities, which are scarce, especially in developing countries where plastic pollution is most severe. If not disposed of properly, biodegradable bioplastics can persist in the environment for extended periods, breaking down into microplastics, and even releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Additionally, the production of bioplastics is not without its environmental concerns. The large-scale agriculture needed to source the biological materials for bioplastics can lead to increased herbicide and pesticide use, contributing to chemical runoff and competing for land and resources needed for food production. Furthermore, the chemicals used to give bioplastics their desired characteristics can be toxic, and their safety is not always proven before use.
While bioplastics may have a reduced environmental impact during production and can be recycled or composted under specific conditions, they are not a standalone solution to plastic pollution. The complexity of the problem demands a multifaceted approach, including a focus on reducing single-use packaging, improving recycling infrastructure, and developing effective alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.
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Bioplastics can be made from plant material
Bioplastics are a type of plastic that is made from renewable resources, such as corn starch, sugarcane, or potato starch, rather than traditional petroleum-based materials. They are biodegradable and often compostable, making them a more sustainable choice for packaging and other plastic products.
Bioplastics are made from plant material, which contains carbon-14 and carbon-12. This is because, during photosynthesis, plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, which contains carbon-14 due to collisions between cosmic rays and the atmosphere. In contrast, products made from petrochemicals do not contain carbon-14. This distinction allows us to determine the percentage of renewable carbon in a material using an accelerator mass spectrometer.
The use of plant material in bioplastics offers several advantages. Firstly, it reduces the demand for fossil fuels used to make conventional plastics, which helps to lower the carbon footprint of plastic production. Secondly, bioplastics are biodegradable, which means they can be broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and compost. This process typically takes weeks to months and requires specific conditions, such as temperatures above 50°C, moisture, air, and microbes.
However, it is important to note that not all bioplastics are biodegradable. There are two main types of bioplastics: biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Biodegradable bioplastics are designed to break down naturally over time, typically in industrial composting conditions. On the other hand, non-biodegradable bioplastics are made from renewable resources but may not break down completely.
The production of bioplastics from plant material is still in the early stages of development and faces challenges such as higher production costs, limited scalability, and concerns about performance and shelf life. Despite these limitations, bioplastics offer economic benefits by creating new markets for agricultural products and reducing dependence on non-renewable resources.
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Bioplastics can reduce carbon emissions
The world produces a staggering amount of plastic each year, with much of it ending up in our oceans, polluting the environment and contributing to climate change. Bioplastics, made from renewable materials, offer a promising solution to reduce our carbon emissions and combat plastic pollution.
Bioplastics are derived from plants, such as corn, potato, or sugarcane, rather than fossil fuels. This reduces our reliance on fossil fuels and keeps climate impacts low. A 2017 study found that switching from traditional plastic to corn-based polylactic acid (PLA) could cut US greenhouse gas emissions by 25%. Additionally, bioplastics have a smaller carbon footprint throughout their life cycle, including during production and disposal.
However, it is important to note that the environmental impact of bioplastics depends on various factors, such as the source of raw materials, processing methods, and disposal practices. For example, while bioplastics are biodegradable, they often require high-temperature industrial composting facilities to break down properly. If not disposed of correctly, bioplastics can contaminate recycling infrastructure and end up in landfills, where they may release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
To fully realise the carbon emission reduction potential of bioplastics, we need to address the challenges of proper disposal and separation from other waste streams. Additionally, the intensive agriculture required to produce bioplastics can have environmental impacts, such as acidification and eutrophication. Despite these challenges, bioplastics still present a lower environmental burden than traditional plastics due to their reduced carbon footprint and enhanced biodegradability.
As researchers develop more efficient and eco-friendly production methods, bioplastics will become increasingly important in our efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate plastic pollution. By encouraging the use of bioplastics and improving disposal infrastructure, we can take significant steps towards a more sustainable future.
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Compostable plastics are a subset of biodegradable plastics
The terms "biodegradable", "bioplastics", and "compostable" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and applications. Biodegradable plastics are those that can break down completely into substances found in nature within a reasonable timeframe. This process is facilitated by microorganisms under the right conditions, including specific temperatures, moisture levels, and oxygen levels. However, these conditions may not always be met in natural environments, leading to the persistence of biodegradable plastics and subsequent environmental pollution.
The distinction between biodegradable and compostable plastics is crucial. While biodegradable plastics can, in theory, break down in nature, they often require specific disposal methods and controlled conditions to ensure proper decomposition. On the other hand, compostable plastics are designed with defined conditions for breaking down, ensuring their transformation into usable products.
It is important to note that the production of biodegradable and compostable plastics is not necessarily environmentally beneficial. Their production and use should align with the principles of the circular economy, aiming to reduce, reuse, or recycle whenever possible. Additionally, the proper management of these plastics is essential to prevent environmental pollution.
The development of biodegradable and compostable plastics has made significant progress, particularly in creating materials with similar functionality to traditional petrochemical-based plastics. These alternatives are often made from renewable raw materials, such as starch, cellulose, or plants like sugarcane, offering potential benefits for greenhouse gas balances and reducing the environmental impact associated with the disposal of oil-based polymers.
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Frequently asked questions
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be broken down completely into water, carbon dioxide, and compost by microorganisms under the right conditions. This typically involves temperatures of over 50°C and the right combination of moisture, air, and microbes.
Bioplastics are plastics that are made from bio-based polymers. They are usually derived from plant material like corn sugar, potato, or sugarcane, and can reduce the demand for fossil fuels used to make conventional plastics. Bioplastics are also recyclable.
No, biodegradable plastics and bioplastics are not the same. While bioplastics can be biodegradable, not all bioplastics are biodegradable. Some bioplastics are considered non-biodegradable as they are made from biomass that cannot be easily broken down by microorganisms.
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