Ethan Clarke
Plastic is one of the leading materials that fill up landfills, taking hundreds of years to decompose. Biodegradable plastics, on the other hand, can degrade much faster, typically within 6 years. This significant improvement has led to the emergence of various standards and certifications for biodegradable products, such as the EN 13432, ASTM D6400, and AS 4736. These standards define the criteria for biodegradability, including the time frame for degradation and the extent to which the plastic should break down. To identify if a plastic product is biodegradable, individuals can look for specific logos or certifications, such as the OK Compost or Compostable logos, or the phrase Biodegradable product complying with EU legislation EN 13432. Additionally, consumers can perform their own tests by creating a compost bin, placing plastic items in it, and examining their decomposition after 12 weeks, which is the European standard timeframe for biodegradable materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Biodegradability | The degree of biodegradability of a material is related to its chemical composition and structure, which must allow that, over time, its compounds will be reduced to the elements that make it up and can be reincorporated into natural processes in the environment. |
| Aerobic biodegradability | Microorganisms degrade biodegradable materials in the presence of oxygen. |
| Anaerobic biodegradability | Microorganisms decompose biodegradable materials in the absence of oxygen. |
| Testing | The European standard for biodegradable material is 12 weeks. If the plastic hasn't broken down by then, it is not technically biodegradable. |
| Composting | Biodegradable plastics are often tested in a laboratory setting with industrial composting tools. |
| Ecotoxicity | Refers to the capacity of a material to liberate toxic substances and heavy metals into the environment during its degradation process. |
| Labelling | Biodegradable plastics usually have logos or markings indicating their biodegradability. |
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What You'll Learn
Composting at home
Biodegradable plastic is tested to ensure that it breaks down under controlled conditions in a lab, including factors such as oxygen levels, UV exposure, and temperatures. However, nature does not have controlled conditions, so it is uncertain if biodegradable plastic will biodegrade in the natural world. Compostable plastic, on the other hand, is designed to biodegrade into soil-conditioning material, also known as compost, under specific conditions.
When it comes to composting at home, it is important to only put certified "home compostable" materials in your compost pile. Compostable plastics are designed to be processed in either home or industrial composting facilities, so it is crucial to check if the specific item is designed for home composting. Look for legitimate "compostable" labels and certifications, such as the ""OK Compost" logo, the "Compostable" logo, or the ""OK Home" label, which is already in use in Europe. In addition, compostable plastics fall into the catch-all category marked by the number 7, and they will also have the letters "PLA" underneath the symbol. If the plastic is marked with the number 7 and "O" or "Other," do not throw it into your home compost bin. Instead, opt for recycling it in your community if possible.
It is worth noting that most backyard compost piles don't get hot enough to compost plastics, as they require high heat sustained for a prolonged period. Even some industrial or commercial compost facilities may not maintain the required temperature for a long enough duration to fully degrade the plastic. Therefore, if your home compost pile doesn't have the right conditions, it is better to dispose of compostable plastic in a commercial composting facility or through your community's composting program if available.
To summarise, when composting at home, always check for legitimate certifications and labels that indicate a product is suitable for home composting. If in doubt, contact your local recycling coordinator for guidance on the best way to dispose of compostable plastics.
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Lab testing
The iodine test is a common test for starch-based plastics. A small sample of the plastic is dissolved in a solvent, such as water or alcohol, and then mixed with an iodine solution. If the plastic is starch-based, the solution will turn blue or violet.
The disintegration test is another method to determine biodegradability. A sample of plastic is placed in water or soil and allowed to degrade. If the plastic is biodegradable, it will break down into smaller pieces or fully disintegrate within a certain timeframe.
Other tests include monitoring oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and mass loss. More detailed techniques, such as spectroscopy or chromatography, may be needed to confirm the chemical composition of the plastic.
Standardized protocols for measuring biodegradation should be complemented by studying other parameters, such as the chemical analysis of compounds released during decomposition.
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Biodegradable logos
In addition to official logos, there are also certain symbols and markings that can indicate biodegradability. For example, the terms "biodegradable" or "compostable" may be accompanied by symbols such as arrows or recycling icons. These symbols are often used on product packaging to provide consumers with clear and immediate information about the environmental impact of the product.
It is important to note that the presence of a biodegradable logo or symbol does not always guarantee biodegradability. The degree of biodegradability depends on various factors, including the chemical composition and structure of the material. Biodegradable materials are those that can be broken down by biological processes, typically through the activity of microorganisms under normal environmental conditions. However, the specific conditions, such as the presence or absence of oxygen, can lead to different types of biodegradation.
To ensure the accuracy of biodegradability claims, consumers can refer to defined legislation and norms, such as those established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). These norms provide standards for categorising materials based on their biodegradability and potential ecotoxicity. By understanding these standards and regulations, consumers can make more informed choices about the products they purchase and their impact on the environment.
In summary, biodegradable logos and symbols play a crucial role in helping consumers identify eco-friendly products. While there is no universal logo, common design elements include natural imagery, recycling symbols, and green colour schemes. However, it is important to remember that these logos should be supported by appropriate testing and adherence to established norms to ensure the accuracy of biodegradability claims.
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Chemical composition
The chemical composition of a plastic material is a key factor in determining its biodegradability. Biodegradable materials are those that can be broken down through biological processes, primarily by microorganisms, without requiring external chemical reagents or aggressive degradation conditions.
The degree of biodegradability is influenced by both the chemical structure and the physical properties of the plastic. The chemical structure of polymers, including their molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, plays a significant role in the biodegradation process. For example, polyesters with side chains are less assimilated than those without. Additionally, the first-order structures, such as chemical composition, molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution, as well as high-order structures like glass transition temperature, melting temperature, and crystallinity, all impact biodegradability.
The surface conditions of plastics, including surface area, hydrophilic, and hydrophobic properties, also influence the biodegradation mechanism. Biodegradable plastics can be derived from biomass, such as corn starch or plant pulp, or they can be fully petroleum-based. Some biodegradable plastics are produced chemically, while others are derived from bacteria, plants, seaweed, or plant waste.
To identify the chemical composition of a plastic material, more detailed analytical techniques such as spectroscopy or chromatography may be required. One test for starch-based plastics is the iodine test, where a sample of the plastic is dissolved in a solvent and then mixed with an iodine solution. If the plastic is starch-based, the solution will turn blue or violet. Another test is the disintegration test, where a sample of the plastic is placed in water or soil and allowed to degrade over time. If the plastic is biodegradable, it will break down into smaller pieces or fully disintegrate within a certain timeframe.
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Aerobic vs anaerobic
Biodegradable materials are those that can be broken down by microorganisms without the need for chemical reagents or aggressive degradation conditions. Biodegradation can occur under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, but the process and its environmental impact differ.
Aerobic biodegradation occurs in the presence of oxygen, where microorganisms break down the internal structure of biodegradable materials. This process produces water, carbon dioxide, mineral products, and biomass. Aerobic biodegradation is considered preferable as it does not produce methane, a highly flammable greenhouse gas that is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Anaerobic biodegradation, on the other hand, occurs in the absence of oxygen. In this process, microorganisms decompose biodegradable materials, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide and combustible gases, primarily methane. While anaerobic biodegradation has the potential to be investigated as a future fuel source, it is important to note that the environmental conditions, such as pH, temperature, water content, and inoculum, play a significant role in the effectiveness of the process.
The majority of biodegradable plastics are designed for degradation in the aerobic environment of an industrial composting plant. However, due to factors such as mismanagement, misinformation, and lack of infrastructure, these plastics often end up in anaerobic environments like landfills or digestion systems used to treat organic waste.
The specific type of plastic and experimental conditions also influence the biodegradation rate. For example, PHBV plastic showed effective degradation in aerobic conditions but insufficient degradation anaerobically. Additionally, the presence of certain polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, can hinder degradation in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
To ensure proper biodegradation, it is crucial to dispose of biodegradable materials correctly. This includes considering the environmental conditions necessary for optimal biodegradation, such as temperature, moisture, and the presence of microorganisms.
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Frequently asked questions
Biodegradable plastics are usually made from corn starch, plant pulp, or compostable materials. To test if plastic is biodegradable, cut it into squares, place them in compost, and wait 12 weeks. Dig up the squares and examine them for signs of decomposition, such as holes, cracks, colour changes, or a reduction in size. If the plastic has not decomposed, it is not biodegradable.
There are two types of biodegradability: aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic biodegradability occurs when microorganisms break down biodegradable materials in the presence of oxygen. Anaerobic biodegradability occurs when microorganisms break down biodegradable materials in the absence of oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and combustible gases like methane.
There are several certifications and standards for biodegradable plastic, including EN 13432, ASTM D6400, ISO 14855, and the Australian Standard 4736-2006. These standards specify the requirements for biodegradability, such as the time frame for degradation and the percentage of the product that should be converted to CO2 and H2O. Additionally, look for logos such as "OK Compost," "Compostable," or the seedling logo used in Australia and New Zealand.
