Ethan Clarke
With the growing demand for eco-friendly products, the market for biodegradable plastics is also expanding. Biodegradable plastics are those that can be decomposed by microorganisms, usually into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. However, the terms bioplastic and biodegradable plastic are not interchangeable. Bioplastics are derived from biomass, but not all of them are biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based. Biodegradable plastics are often viewed as a solution to the plastic pollution crisis, but they are not without their limitations. For instance, they may not break down as intended if not managed properly, and they may leave harmful residue in landfills or oceans. Compostable plastics, on the other hand, are a better choice for the circular economy as they completely break down without leaving behind any residue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms, usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. |
| Production | Biodegradable plastics are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, micro-organisms, petrochemicals, or combinations of all three. |
| Use cases | Biodegradable plastics are commonly used for disposable items, such as packaging, cutlery, and food service containers. |
| Environmental impact | Biodegradable plastics are intended for short-lived use but often stay in the environment for a very long time before they degrade. They may not break down as intended if not managed properly once they become waste. |
| Compostability | Compostable plastics require specific conditions, such as temperature, microorganisms, oxygen, and moisture, to biodegrade in industrial composting plants. Most bioplastics will only compost in commercial composters. |
| Greenhouse gas emissions | Bioplastics produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional plastics over their lifetime due to the absorption of carbon dioxide by the plants they are made from. |
| Recycling | Biodegradable plastics with a #7 recycling code are generally not accepted for recycling by local municipal recyclers due to the addition of chemical additives. |
| Standards and regulations | Universal standards and logos have been implemented to guide consumers and give confidence in the biodegradability of plastics. However, there are still shortcomings in the standards, and the job of improving test methods, rules, and standards is ongoing. |
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What You'll Learn
- Bioplastics are not synonymous with biodegradable plastics
- Biodegradable plastics are degraded by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide and biomass
- Biodegradable plastics are not necessarily eco-friendly
- Biodegradable plastics are used for disposable items such as packaging and cutlery
- Biodegradable plastics are not widely recycled
Bioplastics are not synonymous with biodegradable plastics
Bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are not synonymous. Bioplastics are plastics derived partly or entirely from biomass, while biodegradable plastics can be broken down by microorganisms into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.
Bioplastics are often touted as being eco-friendly, with reduced use of fossil fuels, a smaller carbon footprint, and faster decomposition. However, a 2010 study from the University of Pittsburgh found that this was not necessarily true when the materials' life cycles were taken into consideration. The biodegradability of bioplastics is an advantage, but most need high-temperature industrial composting facilities to break down, and very few cities have the infrastructure needed to deal with them.
Biodegradable plastics are commonly used for disposable items such as packaging, cutlery, and food service containers. They are produced with renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or combinations of these. For example, PLA (polylactic acid) is made from the sugars in corn starch, cassava, or sugarcane. It is biodegradable, carbon-neutral, and edible.
Not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based. An example of a non-biodegradable bioplastic is bio-based PET, which is derived from fossil fuels. While bioplastics are generally considered more environmentally friendly than traditional plastics, they are not without their drawbacks. For instance, they may have negative agricultural impacts, compete with food production, have unclear end-of-life management, and be more costly. Additionally, studies have found that bioplastics and biodegradable plastics can contain toxic chemicals, and may not break down as intended if not managed properly.
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Biodegradable plastics are degraded by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide and biomass
While the words "bioplastic" and "biodegradable plastic" are similar, they are not synonymous. Biodegradable plastics are degraded by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Bioplastics, on the other hand, are plastics derived partly or entirely from biomass. Not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based.
The primary purpose of biodegradable plastics is to replace traditional plastics that persist in landfills and harm the environment. The ability of microorganisms to break down these plastics is an incredible environmental advantage. Microbial degradation is accomplished by three steps: colonization of the plastic surface, hydrolysis, and mineralization. First, microorganisms populate the exposed plastics. Next, the bacteria secrete enzymes that bind to the carbon source or polymer substrates and then split the hydrocarbon bonds. The process results in the production of water and carbon dioxide.
Despite the release of carbon dioxide into the environment, biodegradable plastics leave a smaller carbon footprint than petroleum-based plastics that accumulate in landfills and cause heavy pollution. Biodegradable plastics are commonly used for disposable items such as packaging, cutlery, and food service containers. They are also used in non-disposable items like plastic piping, phone casings, 3D printing, car insulation, and medical implants.
However, it is important to note that biodegradable plastics may not always break down as intended if they are not managed properly once they become waste. Compostable plastic, for example, must be recovered in either home or commercial compost, depending on what the specific item is designed for. Biodegradable plastic does not have defined conditions for breaking down in the same way, and this creates a problem. While biodegradable plastic can be tested to break down under controlled conditions in a lab, nature does not have controlled conditions. Therefore, it is uncertain that biodegradable plastic will biodegrade in the natural world if it is littered.
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Biodegradable plastics are not necessarily eco-friendly
Secondly, biodegradable plastics are often made from bio-based sources like seaweed, sugar beets, or other plants. However, the land required for growing these crops competes with food production. For example, the Plastic Pollution Coalition projects that to meet the growing global demand for bioplastics, more than 3.4 million acres of land—an area larger than Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark combined—will be needed to grow the crops by 2019.
Thirdly, biodegradable plastics may not break down as intended if they are not managed properly once they become waste. For example, compostable plastic must be recovered in either home or commercial compost, depending on what that specific item is designed for. Biodegradable plastic is tested under controlled conditions in a lab but nature does not have controlled conditions, so it is uncertain if biodegradable plastic will actually biodegrade in the natural world if it is littered.
Additionally, the production of biodegradable plastics may have environmental impacts. For instance, the crops that produce bioplastics can be grown using chemical interventions and fertilizers and pesticides are not necessary to produce plant material. The petroleum used to run the farm machinery also produces greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, biodegradable plastics are relatively expensive due to the complex process used to convert corn or sugarcane into the building blocks for bioplastics.
Lastly, biodegradable plastics alone will not solve the plastic pollution crisis. While biodegradable plastics can play a helpful role in reducing waste, they are not a silver bullet solution. To reduce plastic pollution, it is critical to focus on reducing and reusing plastic in the first place and shifting to a circular economy.
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Biodegradable plastics are used for disposable items such as packaging and cutlery
Biodegradable plastics are distinct from conventional plastics, although the terms "bioplastic" and "biodegradable plastic" are often used interchangeably. Biodegradable plastics are designed to be decomposed by living organisms, typically microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. These plastics are commonly produced using renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of these. They are frequently used for disposable items such as packaging and cutlery, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic products.
Biodegradable plastics used for packaging provide the durability and reliability of conventional plastic with the added benefit of biodegradability. Various materials are used for biodegradable packaging, including paper, cellulose, seaweed, and fossil fuel-based and bio-based blends. Paper, for instance, is a traditional form of compostable packaging that biodegrades rapidly and can be easily recycled. Seaweed, like cellulose, is highly biodegradable and suitable for short-term packaging but is not ideal for food packaging or long-term storage.
Biodegradable cutlery is another important application of biodegradable plastics, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic utensils that contribute significantly to waste in landfills and oceans. Biodegradable cutlery is made from materials such as cornstarch, sugarcane, bamboo, and agave, which break down naturally in the environment. For instance, EcoTensil offers disposable spoons made from sturdy, moisture-resistant paperboard, using up to 85% less material than traditional plastic cutlery.
While biodegradable plastics offer environmental benefits, there are also challenges and concerns associated with their use. One challenge is that biodegradability depends not only on the intrinsic properties of the item but also on the environmental conditions in which it ends up. This includes factors such as temperature and the presence of specific microorganisms. Additionally, there is a concern that biodegradable materials, including plastics, may release methane, a greenhouse gas, when degrading in anaerobic landfill environments.
To address these challenges and ensure the proper disposal of biodegradable plastics, clear and accurate labelling is essential. The European Commission has recommended developing coherent testing and certification standards for biodegradation in specific open environments, such as soils, rivers, and oceans. Proper labelling ensures that consumers can confidently understand and properly dispose of biodegradable plastic items, reducing the risk of contamination of waste streams and increased pollution or littering.
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Biodegradable plastics are not widely recycled
The production of biodegradable plastics is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, but understanding their environmental impact is critical. Biodegradable plastics may not break down as intended if they are not managed properly once they become waste. They require specific conditions, such as oxygen levels, UV exposure, and temperature, to biodegrade, and these conditions may not be met if they are littered or end up in landfills.
Additionally, the lack of standardization and regulation of the term "bioplastics" leads to consumer confusion. The definition of bioplastics is still up for debate, and manufacturers can label products as biodegradable without meeting any standards. Biodegradable plastics may also contain chemical additives, and the potential toxicity of these chemicals is not well understood.
Furthermore, biodegradable plastics can contaminate the recycling stream, and not all recycling programs accept them. Composting facilities, in particular, may not accept biodegradable plastics due to contamination concerns and the presence of non-biodegradable items. While biodegradable plastics can play a role in reducing waste in specific applications, such as compostable take-out containers, they are not a standalone solution to the plastic pollution crisis.
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Frequently asked questions
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.
No, they are not the same. Biodegradable plastics are derived from biomass, whereas traditional plastics are derived from petroleum-based or fossil fuel sources.
No, they are not synonymous. Not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based.
Biodegradable plastics are often touted as being eco-friendly, but they are not a solution to the plastic pollution crisis. They require specific conditions to biodegrade, such as temperature, microorganisms, oxygen, and moisture, which are not always present in natural environments.
Biodegradable plastics are typically marked with a recycling code and a compostable logo. However, it is important to note that not all biodegradable plastics are recyclable or compostable, and they may require industrial composting facilities to break down.
