Ethan Clarke
Biodegradable plastic is a popular alternative to traditional plastic, but it is more expensive. The average price of biodegradable plastics ranges between $3.35 and $4.69 per kg, or $2-$7 per kg, which is 20-30% more than conventional polymers. This is because biodegradable plastics are made from natural raw materials such as starch, vegetable oils, cellulose, and chitin, which is derived from shrimp shells. The cost of machinery and moulds needed for the production of biodegradable plastic products is also high. However, as production scales up, the price of biodegradable plastics is expected to level with that of conventional plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average price per kg | $3.35 - $4.69 |
| Price range per kg | $2 - $7 |
| Price compared to traditional plastics | 20-30% more expensive |
| Fossil-fuel-derived bag price | 1 cent |
| Biodegradable bag price | 8-10 cents |
| Chitin bag price | 1.2 cents |
What You'll Learn
Biodegradable plastic costs between $3.35 and $4.69 per kg
One source gives the price of biodegradable plastic as $2-$7 per kg. This is a higher estimate than the first source, but it is still in the same price range.
Biodegradable plastic bags made from shrimp shells and fungi are also available. These cost 8 to 10 cents, or 1.2 cents if you opt for Neptune's chitin bags.
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Biodegradable plastic is more expensive than conventional plastic
The cost of machinery and moulds needed for the production of biodegradable plastic products is high. The manufacturing of biodegradable plastics products requires advanced technology and highly skilled labour to handle the same. However, the price of biodegradable plastics is expected to level with conventional plastics as production scales up, thanks to the use of renewable sources like sugarcane and corn.
Compostable biopolymers are a subcategory of biodegradable materials that specifically break down into nutrient-rich compost under controlled conditions, offering additional environmental advantages in terms of soil enrichment and the growth of healthy plant life. The real innovation behind biodegradable materials lies in their raw materials sources. Instead of relying on non-renewable petroleum-based sources utilized in traditional plastics, biodegradable materials leverage renewable bio-based materials such as starch, vegetable oils, and cellulose to create polymers that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable for long-term use.
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Chitin-based biodegradable bags cost 1.2 cents
Biodegradable plastic costs between $2 and $7 per kilogram, which is 20-30% more than traditional plastic. This is because biodegradable plastics are made from natural raw materials such as starch, vegetable oils and cellulose, and the production process is more complex.
However, one source states that the average price of biodegradable plastics ranges between $3.35 and $4.69 per kg. Another source says that most biodegradable plastic bags cost 8 to 10 cents, while a typical fossil-fuel-derived bag costs about a penny to make.
One example of a biodegradable bag is Neptune’s chitin bags, which cost 1.2 cents. Chitin is a natural substance found in shrimp shells, and is abundant in nature. Chitin-based bags can be dissolved by submerging them in water and agitating for 60 seconds, or by leaving them in moist soil for five days.
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Fossil-fuel-derived bags cost a penny to make
The cost of machinery and moulds needed for the production of biodegradable plastics products is high. The manufacturing of biodegradable plastics products requires advanced technology with highly skilled labour to handle the same. However, as production scales up, the price is expected to level with conventional plastics, thanks to the use of renewable sources like sugarcane and corn.
Neptune's chitin bags, made from shrimp shells, cost 1.2 cents. Chitin is also economical and abundant in nature.
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Biodegradable plastics cost 20-30% more than traditional plastics
The cost of machinery and moulds needed for the production of biodegradable plastic products is high. Manufacturing these products requires advanced technology and highly skilled labour.
Despite the higher cost, biodegradable plastics have several advantages over conventional plastics. They are made from renewable sources like sugarcane and corn, starch, vegetable oils, and cellulose. This means that as production scales up, the price is expected to level with that of conventional plastics.
One example of an innovative biodegradable plastic is a bag made from shrimp and fungi. The chitin supply is abundant in nature, and the bags only cost 1.2 cents. They can be dissolved by submerging them in water and agitating for 60 seconds or leaving them in moist soil for five days.
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Frequently asked questions
Biodegradable plastic costs between $3.35 and $4.69 per kg, or $2-$7 per kg, depending on the source. This is more expensive than conventional plastic, which costs about a penny per bag.
Biodegradable plastics are more expensive than conventional plastics because they are made from natural raw materials, such as starch, vegetable oils, and cellulose, and require complex production processes.
Biodegradable plastics generally cost 20-30% more than traditional plastics. However, one source states that most biodegradable bags cost 8 to 10 cents, compared to 1 cent for a typical fossil-fuel-derived bag.
Yes, as production scales up, the price of biodegradable plastic is expected to level with that of conventional plastic. This is because biodegradable plastic is made from renewable sources such as sugarcane and corn, which are cheaper than the non-renewable petroleum-based sources used in traditional plastics.
