Omar Khalid
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by living organisms, usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. They are often made from bio-based sources like seaweed, sugar beets, or other plants, instead of fossil fuels. Biodegradable plastics are commonly used for disposable items such as packaging, cutlery, and food service containers. While biodegradable plastics are generally considered more environmentally friendly than traditional plastics, they still contribute to the plastic pollution crisis if they are not properly managed and disposed of.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable plastic | Can be decomposed by living organisms, usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass |
| Compostable plastic | Can biodegrade in a compost site, leaving no toxic residue |
| Bioplastics | Produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional plastics over their lifetime |
| Bioplastics | Are similarly toxic to conventional plastics |
| Bioplastics | Are more expensive than traditional plastics |
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What You'll Learn
- Biodegradable plastics are not always biodegradable outside of lab conditions
- Biodegradable plastics are not always better for the environment
- Biodegradable plastics are often made from bio-based sources
- Biodegradable plastics are not always compostable at home
- Biodegradable plastics can be made from plants, animals, or microorganisms
Biodegradable plastics are not always biodegradable outside of lab conditions
Biodegradable plastics are derived from biomass, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of these. They are designed to be decomposed by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. However, the term "biodegradable" is often misunderstood and misused, leading to confusion among consumers. The degradation of biodegradable plastics depends on various factors, and they may not always biodegrade outside of laboratory conditions.
Biodegradable plastics are tested in labs under controlled conditions, including factors like oxygen levels, UV exposure, and temperature. However, nature does not provide such controlled conditions, and it is challenging to predict if these plastics will biodegrade in the natural environment if they are littered. When biodegradable plastics do not break down as intended, they contribute to the plastic pollution crisis, harming ecosystems and habitats.
The effectiveness of biodegradable plastics in reducing environmental impact depends on proper waste management. Some biodegradable plastics are designed for home composting, while others require industrial composting facilities with specific conditions like temperature and moisture to break down effectively. Without proper waste management systems, biodegradable plastics may not fully decompose and can have similar environmental consequences as conventional plastics.
Additionally, the production and sourcing of biodegradable plastics can also have environmental implications. The land required for growing the crops used in bioplastics competes with food production, and the use of farm machinery contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the complex processes involved in converting biomass into plastic can be expensive, impacting the cost of biodegradable plastic products.
While biodegradable plastics have the potential to reduce plastic waste, they are not a standalone solution to the plastic pollution crisis. It is essential to pair their use with proper recovery systems and focus on reducing and reusing plastic to minimize environmental harm. Therefore, consumers should be cautious when choosing biodegradable products and ensure they understand the specific disposal requirements to contribute effectively to environmental conservation.
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Biodegradable plastics are not always better for the environment
The term "biodegradable" is often misleading and confusing. There is currently no certification program in the US for "biodegradable" products, and these labels do not specify the environment or timeframe in which the product will biodegrade. This means that even if a product is labelled as "biodegradable", it may not actually break down completely into substances found in nature, and may instead break down into smaller pieces like microplastics, which can still pollute ecosystems and habitats.
Additionally, biodegradable plastics often require specific conditions to break down, such as high temperatures and moisture, which can only be provided by industrial composting facilities. However, very few cities have the infrastructure needed to deal with these facilities. Biodegradable plastics that are not properly managed once they become waste will likely not break down as intended, contributing to the plastic pollution crisis.
Furthermore, the land required for biodegradable plastics competes with food production, as the crops that produce them can also be used to feed people. The use of farm machinery also produces greenhouse gas emissions. While biodegradable plastics may reduce the use of fossil fuel resources and have a smaller carbon footprint, they are not necessarily a solution to the plastic waste problem. The real solution is a reduction in all types of plastic, and a shift towards reusable or refillable options.
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Biodegradable plastics are often made from bio-based sources
The use of bio-based sources for biodegradable plastics can offer environmental benefits, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions. A 2017 study found that switching from traditional plastic to corn-based PLA would cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 25%. Additionally, there is no net increase in carbon dioxide when bioplastics break down because the plants they are made from have already absorbed that amount of carbon dioxide during their growth.
However, it is important to note that not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based. The term bioplastic is often used as an umbrella term to describe a wide range of materials, which can be confusing for consumers. The full life cycle of bio-based plastics should be examined to ensure they are beneficial to the environment beyond the reduction in the use of fossil resources.
The production of biodegradable plastics is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, and understanding their impact on the environment is critical. While biodegradable plastics can be a more sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics, they also come with their own set of sustainability challenges and trade-offs that need careful consideration.
Furthermore, the land required for producing bioplastics competes with food production, as the crops used for bioplastics can also be used to feed people. Additionally, the use of petroleum to run farm machinery contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The complex process of converting crops into bioplastics also makes them relatively expensive compared to traditional plastics.
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Biodegradable plastics are not always compostable at home
"Compostable" plastic, on the other hand, is specifically designed and tested to be processed in either home or industrial composting facilities. These facilities enable specific conditions, like temperature and moisture, to turn the plastic into usable soil conditioner. However, not all compostable plastics are certified as "home compostable". In fact, many commercial composters don't accept compostable plastic items, and there is currently no official ASTM standard test to determine if a product will decompose in a home environment. Therefore, it is important to only compost plastic products at home if the label specifically says they are suitable for home composting.
The terms "biodegradable" and "compostable" are not synonymous. A product that is labelled "biodegradable" may not be "compostable", and vice versa. Additionally, not all bioplastics (plastics derived partly or entirely from biomass) are biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based. This means that just because a plastic is made from plant material does not mean that it can biodegrade or be composted.
It is important to note that biodegradable and compostable plastic alone will not solve the plastic pollution crisis. While these plastics can play a helpful role in reducing waste, there are many other levers that need to be pulled to reduce and reuse plastic and shift to a circular economy. All plastic, including biodegradable and compostable types, must be collected and paired with the right recovery systems to keep it out of nature.
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Biodegradable plastics can be made from plants, animals, or microorganisms
Biodegradable plastics are made from renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of these. They are derived partly or entirely from biomass, including plants, animals, or microorganisms.
Plants, such as seaweed, sugar beets, and other plant waste, are commonly used to produce biodegradable plastics. For example, polylactic acid (PLA), a type of biodegradable plastic, is typically made from the sugars in corn starch, cassava, or sugarcane. The corn kernels are immersed in sulfur dioxide and hot water, breaking down into starch, protein, and fiber. The starch is then ground, and the corn oil is separated, forming a long-chain polymer that serves as the building block for plastic. PLA can mimic traditional plastics like polyethylene and polystyrene in appearance and behavior.
Animals can also be a source of biodegradable plastics, although this is less common. For instance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is developing an edible film made from milk protein casein for food wrapping.
Microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in producing and decomposing biodegradable plastics. Some biodegradable plastics, like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), are naturally produced by microorganisms. In a process developed by Kartik Chandran and Columbia students, wastewater and solid waste are used as feedstocks. Microorganisms convert the organic carbon in the waste into volatile fatty acids, which are then consumed by plastic-producing microbes to generate PHA. Additionally, microorganisms are responsible for breaking down biodegradable plastics into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass under the appropriate conditions.
While biodegradable plastics offer a promising alternative to traditional plastics, it is important to recognize that they are not a panacea for plastic pollution. The production and disposal of biodegradable plastics still have environmental implications, including competition for land with food production and the release of methane if improperly disposed of in landfills. Therefore, a comprehensive approach involving recycling, reuse, and improved collection and recovery systems is necessary to address the plastic pollution crisis effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by living organisms, usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. They are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, micro-organisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of all three.
Yes, biodegradable plastics are still plastics. However, they are produced with renewable raw materials, micro-organisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of all three, instead of fossil fuels.
Biodegradable plastics can be better for the environment as they produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional plastics over their lifetime. However, they are not a solution to the plastic pollution crisis. If not managed properly, biodegradable plastics may not break down as intended and can have the same consequences as their non-biodegradable counterparts.
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a type of biodegradable plastic that is typically made from the sugars in corn starch, cassava, or sugarcane. It is biodegradable, carbon-neutral, and edible. Other examples include polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA).
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