Chloe Zhang
The process of breaking down compostable plastics is fundamentally different from that of traditional plastics in terms of both mechanism and environmental impact. Traditional plastics, made from synthetic polymers, undergo photodegradation, oxidation, and physical wear, fragmenting into smaller and smaller pieces (microplastics) without truly decomposing. On the other hand, compostable plastics are designed to biodegrade, breaking down into natural elements like carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass through microbial activity in compost environments. This typically occurs within a few months under optimal conditions, leaving no toxic residues and positively contributing to the environment. However, it's important to note that compostable plastics must be managed properly and sent to the correct facilities, whether that be home or commercial composting, to ensure they break down as intended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Breakdown Process | Microorganisms, heat, and humidity |
| Decomposition Rate | Similar to other composted materials (within 6 months) |
| Residue | No toxic residue |
| Raw Materials | Plant materials, such as seaweed, sugar beets, corn starch, or other plants |
| Biodegradation | Breakdown into basic elements like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass |
| Environmental Impact | Positively contributes to the environment |
| Industrial Composting | Requires specific conditions, such as high temperatures |
| Commercial Composting | Must be able to break down through biological treatment at a commercial or industrial facility |
| Home Composting | Only certified "home compostable" materials should be used |
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What You'll Learn
Compostable plastics are made from biodegradable sources
The process of biodegradation involves microorganisms breaking down the compostable material into basic elements like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. This natural process typically completes within a few months under optimal conditions, in contrast to the centuries required for traditional plastics to break down.
It is important to note that compostable plastics are different from biodegradable plastics, which may be engineered to biodegrade in soil or water. Compostable plastics specifically refer to biodegradation into soil-conditioning material (compost) under certain conditions, such as in a commercial or industrial composting facility.
The production of compostable plastics offers environmental benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is crucial to manage these materials properly once they become waste to ensure they break down as intended. Additionally, the infrastructure for composting these materials varies across regions, with some areas lacking the necessary facilities.
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The breakdown process
The breakdown of compostable plastics involves biodegradation, a process that traditional plastics do not undergo. Traditional plastics are made from synthetic polymers derived from petroleum, and they undergo photodegradation, oxidation, and physical wear, fragmenting into smaller and smaller pieces (microplastics) without truly decomposing. On the other hand, compostable plastics are designed to biodegrade into natural elements in a compost environment.
In the European Union, compostable plastics must disintegrate by 90% within 12 weeks into pieces smaller than 2 millimeters. By 6 months, they should be completely gone, leaving no toxic residue. However, the duration of standard testing times and the time plastic spends in composting facilities can differ, leading to discrepancies.
To address the challenge of plastic breakdown, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a method to enhance the biodegradability of compostable plastics. They embedded polymer-eating enzymes in the plastic, allowing for programmed degradation after its useful life. This innovation enables compostable plastics to break down with just heat and water within a few weeks, offering a promising solution to the issue of single-use plastic waste.
It is important to note that not all biodegradable plastics are compostable, and vice versa. Biodegradable plastic is defined by its ability to break down completely into natural substances within a reasonable timeframe. Compostable plastic, on the other hand, refers to biodegradation into soil-conditioning material (compost) under specific conditions, typically in commercial or industrial composting facilities.
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Industrial composting facilities
Compostable plastics are designed to be broken down in industrial composting facilities. These facilities use microorganisms, heat, and humidity to break down compostable plastics into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass. This process must occur within 6 months and leave no toxic residue that could harm plant growth.
There are two types of industrial facilities that process organic waste: composting and fermentation facilities. Composting facilities produce compost, while fermentation facilities produce biogas and digestate. Industrial composting facilities are necessary because traditional home compost piles cannot consistently reach the high temperatures required to break down compostable plastics.
Some examples of compostable plastics include PLA tea bags, PLA plant pots, and disposable tableware such as cups, plates, and cutlery. These items are often used in commercial and institutional buildings, as well as some condos and apartment buildings. For example, the National Arts Centre in Ottawa has switched to using compostable dishware and cutlery, including PLA bioplastic drinking cups and salad bowls.
It is important to note that not all compostable plastics are accepted by industrial composters. For example, PLA is not welcomed by some composters because it takes too long to degrade. Additionally, there may be contamination issues when processing disposable packaging due to residual waste.
Overall, compostable plastics can play a role in reducing plastic pollution and increasing the proportion of organic waste collected, treated, and recycled. However, it is not a cure-all solution, and other alternatives such as elimination or reuse should also be considered.
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Home composting
Compostable plastics are designed to be broken down by microorganisms into substances found in nature. However, they require very specific conditions to do so effectively.
If you have a home compost pile, only put certified "home compostable" materials in it. These materials are specifically designed to be composted in a home setting. If they are not managed properly, they will not break down as intended.
To determine if an item is suitable for home composting, read the product's label. Unless the label indicates that the product is suitable for home composting, do not attempt to compost it at home. Most compostable plastics require the high temperatures of industrial composting facilities to break down effectively.
If your community does not have a composting recycling pick-up program, contact your local government to find out if there are any drop-off locations for compostable items.
It is important to note that compostable plastics can contaminate recycling streams, so always check your local recycling guidelines before disposing of any materials.
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Environmental impact
The environmental impact of compostable plastics is a complex issue. While compostable plastics are designed to be environmentally friendly, there are several factors that can affect their breakdown process and overall sustainability.
Firstly, it is important to understand that compostable plastics are not a panacea for the plastic pollution crisis. The production and use of compostable plastics should be one of many approaches to tackling plastic waste and promoting a circular economy. Compostable plastics are not always recyclable, and they must be collected and paired with the appropriate recovery systems to ensure proper disposal and prevent environmental harm.
Secondly, compostable plastics are not created equal. Some are certified by organizations like the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and meet standards such as TÜV OK Compost Home, which indicate their ability to disintegrate even in home compost piles. However, other types of compostable plastics, like those made of polylactic acid (PLA), are more challenging to compost and may require industrial composters to break them down effectively.
The degradation process of compostable plastics also varies depending on the environment. While thin compostable plastic bags may break down in the ocean, thicker and more robust PLA materials used in food packaging are less likely to degrade in seawater. Compostable plastics typically require specific conditions, such as those found in industrial composting facilities, to facilitate the optimal breakdown process. These facilities use machinery to create high temperatures, enabling the microbes that break down organic matter to be more effective.
Additionally, the marketing and consumer understanding of compostable plastics can impact their environmental implications. Greenwashing, or the use of misleading environmental claims, can give consumers a false sense of sustainability. For example, additives that make plastics degrade faster may be marketed as similar to compostable materials, but they do not offer the same environmental benefits. Consumers play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution by making informed choices and advocating for responsible consumption.
Lastly, the sourcing of compostable plastics can also have environmental repercussions. Compostable plastics made from biobased sources, such as seaweed, sugar beets, or plants, can offer environmental benefits if sourced responsibly. However, biobased plastics can be designed to have the same structural and durability properties as petroleum-based plastics, potentially lasting in the environment for extended periods. Therefore, it is essential to consider not only the compostability but also the sourcing and design of these materials to ensure they align with nature's cycle and contribute to a greener future.
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Frequently asked questions
Biodegradable plastic can break down into substances found in nature, but compostable plastic refers to biodegradation into soil conditioning material (compost) under specific conditions.
Compostable plastics are broken down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass.
Compostable plastics typically take a few months to break down under optimal conditions. In the European Union, compostable plastics must break down by 90% within 12 weeks and be completely gone by 6 months.
The breakdown of compostable plastics is facilitated by microorganisms, heat, and humidity.
