Alexei Volkov
Biodegradable plastics, or bioplastics, are plastics made from renewable resources such as vegetable oils, sawdust, and food waste. They are often praised for being eco-friendly, but they are relatively expensive to produce. The high cost of biodegradable plastics is due to the complex process of converting organic materials into plastic. For example, PLA (a common bioplastic) is made from the sugars in corn starch, cassava, or sugarcane. The production of PLA can be 20 to 50 percent more costly than that of traditional plastics because of the intricate conversion process. However, as more manufacturers adopt bioplastics, prices are expected to decrease and become more competitive with traditional plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost competitiveness | Biodegradable plastics are relatively expensive. For example, PLA can be 20-50% more costly than comparable materials. |
| Cost drivers | The cost of biodegradable plastics is driven by the complex process of converting corn or sugarcane into the building blocks for PLA. |
| Market conditions | Biodegradable plastics are subject to market conditions and demand. As more manufacturers adopt biodegradable plastics, prices are expected to improve. |
| Production methods | As production methods improve and costs become more competitive, biodegradable plastics have the potential to be used across various industries. |
| Feedstock availability | The use of food plants such as corn as feedstock for biodegradable plastics raises sustainability issues related to agricultural land use. Alternative feedstocks, such as corn stover, are being explored but are not yet market-ready. |
| Technological requirements | Technological input requirements and the development of input prices are considered uncertainty factors that can impact the cost of biodegradable plastics. |
| Fixed costs | Biodegradable plastics may have higher fixed costs, which can be a barrier to upscaling production. |
| Consumer demand | Informing consumers about the environmental benefits of alternative feedstocks can help render production from these feedstocks competitive. |
| Land requirements | Producing biodegradable plastics competes with food production for land. |
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What You'll Learn
The cost of biodegradable plastic feedstocks
Polylactic Acid (PLA), a commonly used bioplastic, is typically made from the sugars in corn starch, cassava, or sugarcane. The process of converting these crops into PLA contributes to higher production costs. For example, PLA made from corn can be 20-50% more costly than comparable materials due to the intricate conversion process. However, corn stover-based PLA has been found to be competitive with corn grain-based PLA in terms of variable costs due to lower feedstock procurement expenses.
The use of food crops as feedstocks for bioplastics raises sustainability concerns related to agricultural land use. The competition for land between bioplastic production and food production is a significant issue. To address this, researchers are exploring alternative feedstocks, such as by-products and waste materials. For instance, projects are underway to produce biodegradable bioplastic from wastewater and solid waste, which could provide a more cost-effective and sustainable solution.
The demand for bioplastics and market conditions also play a crucial role in influencing the cost of biodegradable plastic feedstocks. As more manufacturers adopt bioplastics and production methods improve, prices are expected to become more competitive with conventional plastics. Additionally, increasing consumer awareness about the environmental benefits of alternative feedstocks can drive the demand for more sustainable options, making them more cost-competitive.
While biodegradable plastics are currently more expensive, experts believe that advancements in technology and production methods will eventually drive down costs. As the bioplastics industry matures and scales up, it is likely that the cost of biodegradable plastic feedstocks will become more comparable to traditional plastics, making them a more economically viable and environmentally friendly alternative.
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The demand for biodegradable plastics
Consumer preference for environmentally sustainable plastic products is increasing. Consumers are willing to pay more for biodegradable plastics due to their eco-friendly nature. The packaging and bags segment is leading the global demand for biodegradable plastics, with USD 1.07 billion in revenue in 2017. This is due to the increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging materials for fresh food, dried snacks, candy, bakery goods, water and juice bottles, and meat products. The agriculture and horticulture sectors are also driving demand, as biodegradable plastics are used for water conservation in the soil, conducive soil temperature maintenance, and weed suppression for faster crop development.
Government regulations and bans on single-use plastics and plastic bags are also propelling the demand for biodegradable plastics. Europe, for example, dominated the global demand for biodegradable plastics in 2017 due to stringent regulations on the use of non-biodegradable plastics, high consumer awareness of the environmental impacts of regular plastic, and a well-developed food and beverage industry. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 18.34% over the forecast period due to the easy availability of raw materials, the rapid growth of the packaging industry, and increasing acceptance of biodegradable plastics in various end-user industries.
The production of plastics from biological resources is a promising option for decarbonizing plastic production and solving the plastic waste issue. Bioplastics have a reduced use of fossil fuel resources, a smaller carbon footprint, and faster decomposition compared to traditional plastics. PLA (polylactic acid), for example, is biodegradable, carbon-neutral, and edible. However, there are some sustainability issues related to the use of agricultural land for bioplastic production, as well as the higher cost of biodegradable plastics compared to conventional plastics.
Despite these challenges, the global biodegradable plastics market is expected to grow from USD 2.68 billion in 2017 to USD 8.57 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 15.64%. As more manufacturers adopt bioplastics and develop more efficient and eco-friendly production strategies, the cost of bioplastics is expected to level with the prices of fossil fuel-derived conventional plastics.
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The cost of producing Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a thermoplastic polymer made from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cassava roots. It is a biodegradable and compostable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics, making it more environmentally friendly. The production of PLA, however, comes with certain costs and considerations.
The process of producing PLA is complex and involves multiple steps, specialized equipment, and materials. The efficiency and cost of production are influenced by factors such as the availability and cost of raw materials, the efficiency of the polymerization process, and the accessibility of specialized equipment. The cost of raw materials, such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cassava roots, plays a significant role in determining the overall expense of the final product. Fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials can impact the cost of PLA.
The production of PLA from renewable resources faces limitations due to factors beyond the cost of raw materials. The efficiency of the production processes, including polymerization, also influences the overall cost. While advancements in polymerization technology can lead to improved efficiency and reduced costs, the utilization of more expensive materials and specialized equipment can drive up expenses.
Regulations and policies related to the use and disposal of plastics can have a financial impact on PLA production. Encouraging the use of biodegradable materials or imposing fees on traditional petroleum-based plastics may increase the cost of PLA. Additionally, other factors such as exchange rates, transportation costs, and tariffs can contribute to the overall expense.
The cost of producing PLA is subject to constant change due to fluctuations in raw material prices, advancements in production processes, and various economic factors. Manufacturers and users of PLA must stay apprised of these dynamic conditions to adjust their operations accordingly. While PLA production currently faces certain cost challenges, ongoing research and improvements in production processes are aimed at enhancing efficiency and making PLA a more cost-competitive alternative to traditional plastics.
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The cost of manufacturing biodegradable plastics
Biodegradable plastics are made from renewable resources like vegetable oils, sawdust, and food waste. They are often touted as being eco-friendly, but they are not necessarily cheap to produce. The cost of manufacturing biodegradable plastics depends on a variety of factors, including market conditions, demand, and production methods.
One of the main factors affecting the cost of biodegradable plastics is the feedstock used. For example, PLA (polylactic acid), a leading bio-based plastic polymer, can be made from corn grain or corn stover. The cost of producing PLA from corn stover is more competitive in terms of variable costs due to the lower costs of feedstock procurement, but it has the disadvantage of higher fixed costs.
The complex process of converting corn or sugarcane into the building blocks for PLA also contributes to the cost. This process can make PLA 20-50% more costly than comparable materials. However, as production methods improve and become more efficient and eco-friendly, the prices of biodegradable plastics are coming down.
The demand for biodegradable plastics also affects the cost of manufacturing. As more manufacturers adopt biodegradable plastics, we will likely see improvements in prices. Additionally, as the demand for biodegradable plastics increases, the amount of land required to grow the necessary crops will also increase, which could impact the cost.
Overall, the cost of manufacturing biodegradable plastics is currently higher than that of traditional plastics, but experts believe that the cost can eventually be leveled to the cost per barrel of crude oil. As production methods continue to improve and demand increases, biodegradable plastics have the potential to become a cost-competitive and sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
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The environmental impact of biodegradable plastics
Biodegradable plastics are often marketed as eco-friendly, but there are several factors to consider when assessing their environmental impact. Firstly, biodegradable plastics have a reduced reliance on fossil fuels, which contributes to a smaller carbon footprint. Traditional plastics are derived from petroleum-based raw materials, and burning them releases harmful gases, including carbon, into the atmosphere, leading to air pollution and respiratory issues in nearby communities. On the other hand, biodegradable plastics are made from renewable resources like vegetable oils, sawdust, and food waste.
However, the environmental benefits of biodegradable plastics are nuanced. The crops used to produce them, such as corn, cassava, or sugarcane, compete with food production for agricultural land. The Plastic Pollution Coalition estimates that meeting the global demand for bioplastics would require more than 3.4 million acres of land, an area larger than Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark combined. Additionally, the machinery used to cultivate these crops relies on petroleum, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
The production and disposal of biodegradable plastics also have environmental implications. The process of converting corn or sugarcane into the building blocks for polylactic acid (PLA), a common biodegradable plastic, is complex and energy-intensive, resulting in higher costs. While biodegradable plastics can be broken down by nature or with industrial treatment, proper disposal is crucial. Compostable plastics, for example, require specialised facilities to ensure they are properly composted, and biodegradable plastics should be kept out of landfills, where they may not receive the necessary conditions for breakdown.
Despite these considerations, biodegradable plastics offer a promising alternative to traditional plastics. As production methods improve and costs become more competitive, biodegradable plastics can be utilised across various sectors, including packaging, automotive, and agriculture. The development of new technologies, such as using wastewater and solid waste to produce biodegradable plastics, holds potential for more sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Overall, while biodegradable plastics present environmental trade-offs, they contribute to addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste and its detrimental impact on our planet.
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Frequently asked questions
Biodegradable plastics are relatively expensive. For example, PLA can be 20 to 50 percent more costly than comparable materials. However, as production methods improve and more manufacturers adopt bioplastics, prices are expected to decrease.
The cost of biodegradable plastics is influenced by market conditions and demand. As demand increases, production values improve, and long-term costs stabilize.
Biodegradable plastics are currently more expensive than traditional plastics derived from fossil fuels. However, experts believe that the cost of biodegradable plastics can eventually level with the cost per barrel of crude oil.
Using alternative feedstocks, such as corn stover, for biodegradable plastics production may result in lower variable costs due to reduced feedstock procurement expenses. However, this approach may also lead to higher fixed costs, emphasizing the need to lower fixed unit costs through upscaling.
Yes, one example is the use of a digester machine, which can cost up to $300,000. This technology breaks down organic materials into a "cocktail of fatty acids," which are then fed to microorganisms to produce PHA, a type of biodegradable plastic.
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