Alexei Volkov
Biodegradable plastic is a potential solution to the global plastic waste crisis. It can be broken down by microorganisms into natural substances such as water, carbon dioxide, and compost. However, the biodegradation process depends on specific environmental conditions like temperature, moisture, and oxygen levels. If biodegradable plastic ends up as litter or in landfills, it may not break down as intended, contributing to plastic pollution and creating microplastics that can harm the environment and ecosystems. Proper disposal and full biodegradation of biodegradable plastic are crucial to prevent negative environmental impacts. While biodegradable plastic offers environmental benefits, it is not a silver bullet, and a circular economy with reduced plastic use and improved recycling is essential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable plastic definition | Plastic that can be broken down completely into substances found in nature, such as water, carbon dioxide, and compost |
| Biodegradable plastic composition | Derived from fossil resources with an additive that renders the product biodegradable under specific conditions; can also be made from biobased sources like seaweed, sugar beets, or other plants |
| Biodegradable plastic advantages | Reduced use of fossil fuel resources, smaller carbon footprint, faster decomposition, can be metabolized by microorganisms |
| Biodegradable plastic disadvantages | May create microplastics, which can be harmful to the environment and enter the food chain; may contaminate other plastics recycling streams; may require high-temperature industrial composting facilities to break down |
| Biodegradable plastic environmental impact | Does not impact ecosystems if disposed of properly; biodegradable plastics do not accrue an environmental footprint at their end-of-life |
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What You'll Learn
Biodegradable plastic is not always properly recycled
Biodegradable plastic is often touted as being eco-friendly, but it does not always live up to the hype. While biodegradable plastic can be broken down completely into natural substances by microorganisms under the right conditions, the problem is that nature does not have controlled conditions. As a result, it can never be certain that biodegradable plastic will actually biodegrade in the natural world if it is littered.
The biodegradation of materials depends on various environmental conditions such as temperature, moisture, oxygen levels, and the types of microbes present. For example, newspaper can break down completely within weeks in a compost bin, yet it can also remain intact and readable after decades in a landfill. Biodegradable plastic is tested to make sure that it breaks down under controlled conditions in a lab, but if these plastics are not managed properly once they become waste, they likely will not break down as intended.
Biodegradable plastic is often made from fossil fuels, and creating an environment conducive to microbial activity is crucial for these plastics to decompose effectively. However, very few cities have the infrastructure needed to deal with them. As a result, bioplastics often end up in landfills, where they may release methane, a greenhouse gas 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide. If bioplastics are not discarded properly, they can also contaminate batches of recycled plastic and harm recycling infrastructure.
In addition, biodegradable plastics are made from oil, so they contribute to the depletion of finite fossil fuel sources. Fossil fuel extraction and the plastic industry are linked to climate change and significant pollution at all stages of production. The generation of micro- and nanoplastics from biodegradable plastics can also negatively impact the environment before they completely degrade. Therefore, while biodegradable plastics can play a helpful role in reducing waste in specific applications, they are not always properly recycled and can cause environmental harm.
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Biodegradable plastic can create microplastics
Biodegradable plastic is defined by its ability to break down completely into natural substances, such as water, carbon dioxide, and compost, in a reasonable timeframe. However, despite the biodegradability of bioplastics being an advantage, they often end up in landfills, where they contribute to the plastic pollution crisis.
Biodegradable plastics are made from oil, and thus contribute to the depletion of finite fossil fuel sources. They are also often not disposed of correctly, leading to mismanagement and further plastic pollution. This mismanagement can also lead to contamination in batches of recycled plastic, harming recycling infrastructure.
The biodegradation process of these plastics can also lead to the creation of microplastics. Microplastics are small plastic fragments that, when ingested by animals, can make their way up the food chain. While biodegradable microplastics will eventually be broken down by microorganisms and become food for microbes, they can still cause harm. The degree of harm depends on the type of polymer and where it ends up.
Research from the University of California San Diego and materials-science company Algenesis has shown that their plant-based polymers can biodegrade at the microplastic level in under seven months. However, the full implications of microplastics are still not fully understood, and scientists are alarmed by what they are finding.
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Biodegradable plastic is made from fossil fuels
Biodegradable plastic is often made from fossil fuels, with added additives that manufacturers claim will render the product biodegradable under specific conditions. However, it is important to note that the term "biodegradable plastic" can be misleading. The process of biodegradation depends on the surrounding environmental conditions, such as location and temperature, and these specific conditions are not always met.
The production of biodegradable plastic is linked to the fossil fuel industry, which has detrimental effects on the environment. Fossil fuel extraction and the plastic industry contribute to climate change and significant pollution at all stages of production. Biodegradable plastics are made from oil, contributing to the depletion of finite fossil fuel sources.
The use of fossil fuels in plastic production is not a sustainable solution. While biodegradable plastics may break down into smaller pieces, they do not fully degrade into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and compost. Instead, they contribute to the microplastics pollution crisis, as they do not completely disappear. Microplastics have infiltrated our drinking water, with 90% of North American drinking water and 85% of worldwide drinking water containing microplastics.
Furthermore, biodegradable plastics often end up in landfills, where they may release methane, a greenhouse gas 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The creation of biodegradable plastics also competes with food production, as the crops used to produce them could otherwise be used to feed people.
While biodegradable plastics may seem like an eco-friendly alternative, they are not a flawless substitute for conventional plastics. The term "biodegradable" does not guarantee environmental benefits, and proper waste management is crucial to ensure these plastics break down as intended.
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Biodegradable plastic is not always properly disposed of
Biodegradable plastic is often touted as being eco-friendly, but it is not always properly disposed of. The proper disposal of biodegradable plastic is crucial to ensure that it does not negatively impact the environment. If not managed correctly, biodegradable plastic can have similar consequences to its non-biodegradable counterparts, contributing to the growing plastic pollution crisis.
Biodegradable plastic is designed to break down completely into natural substances such as water, carbon dioxide, and compost through the action of microorganisms in the environment. However, this biodegradation process depends on specific environmental conditions, such as temperature, moisture, and oxygen levels, which are not always present in natural settings. When biodegradable plastic ends up as litter or in landfills, it may not break down as intended and can persist for extended periods, leading to pollution and ecological degradation.
The recycling infrastructure for biodegradable plastic is also a challenge. Separate recycling streams are necessary to properly discard biodegradable plastic and prevent contamination with other plastics. However, many cities lack the specialised infrastructure required for effective biodegradation, resulting in biodegradable plastic often ending up in landfills.
Additionally, the creation of biodegradable plastic can contribute to environmental concerns. Biodegradable plastic is often made from fossil fuels, leading to the depletion of finite resources and contributing to climate change and pollution during production. The use of crops to produce biodegradable plastic can also compete with food production, raising ethical questions about resource allocation.
Furthermore, the marketing and labelling of biodegradable plastic can be misleading. Terms like "biodegradable," "oxo-degradable," or "landfill degradable" may give consumers a false sense of sustainability. It is important to be cautious when navigating these claims and understand that the biodegradation process may not occur as quickly or completely as implied.
In conclusion, while biodegradable plastic has the potential to offer environmental benefits, it is crucial to recognise that improper disposal can undermine these advantages. To ensure the responsible use of biodegradable plastic, consumers must have access to proper disposal methods, such as composting facilities or specialised recycling streams. Without proper disposal and full biodegradation, biodegradable plastic can contribute to the complex issue of plastic pollution.
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Biodegradable plastic is more expensive to produce
The market share of bioplastics is still relatively small, at only one percent of the total global market share of plastics. This limited adoption can be attributed to the higher costs of bioplastics, as manufacturers are under constant pressure to minimize expenses and maximize quality and value. However, as more manufacturers embrace bioplastics, production values are expected to improve, and long-term costs should stabilize.
The land required to produce bioplastics also competes with food production, as the crops used for bioplastics could alternatively be used to feed people. The Plastic Pollution Coalition estimates that meeting the growing global demand for bioplastics would require over 3.4 million acres of land by 2019, an area larger than several European countries combined. This competition for resources further contributes to the higher costs of bioplastics.
Additionally, the infrastructure for proper disposal of bioplastics is lacking in many places. Biodegradable plastics often require high-temperature industrial composting facilities to break down effectively, and only a small percentage of cities have the necessary infrastructure. As a result, bioplastics frequently end up in landfills, where they may release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
While biodegradable plastics offer potential environmental benefits, their higher production costs, competition with food production, and inadequate disposal infrastructure are significant challenges that contribute to their limited adoption and impact on reducing plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Biodegradable plastics are often made from biobased sources like seaweed, sugar beets, or other plants. However, some biodegradable plastics are made from fossil fuels, which contributes to climate change and pollution.
Biodegradable plastics are broken down by microorganisms into natural substances such as water, carbon dioxide, and compost. This process is called biodegradation and it can take anywhere from weeks to many years depending on the environmental conditions.
Biodegradable plastics can be beneficial to the environment if they are sourced and disposed of responsibly. However, if they are not managed properly, they can contribute to plastic pollution and harm recycling infrastructure.
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