Omar Khalid
Plastic is everywhere: from the polyester in our clothes to the parts in our cars and airplanes. However, the environmental impact of plastic is devastating, with microplastics pervading the air, water, and food sources. The good news is that there are alternatives to plastic, and companies are increasingly looking for eco-friendly solutions. For example, biodegradable bioplastics can be made from materials like cornstarch, sugar, mushrooms, and agricultural byproducts. Other alternatives include seaweed-based packaging, bamboo, banana leaves, and even shrimp shells! While some of these alternatives are still in the early stages of development, they show promise in reducing our reliance on plastic and mitigating its harmful effects on the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable | Seaweed-based packaging, banana leaves, bamboo, glass, paper, silicon |
| Partially biodegradable | PLA, PHA, bioplastics, bio-PET |
| Non-biodegradable | Concrete, petroleum |
| Sustainable | Wood, bamboo, organic cotton |
| Moisture or oxygen barrier | Polymers, metal layer or film |
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What You'll Learn
Bamboo
The Chinese government, in collaboration with the INBAR, launched the BASP initiative in November 2022 to promote the reduction of plastic pollution and accelerate the implementation of the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The initiative aims to promote the use of bamboo as an alternative to plastic products and sets action goals such as the preliminary establishment of the bamboo substitution for plastics industrial system by 2025.
The adoption of bamboo as an alternative to plastic is growing, and it is an excellent option for eco-conscious consumers and businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact. Bamboo is especially suitable for throwaway items like utensils, straws, or packaging.
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Seaweed-based packaging
Plastic has become one of the cornerstones of modern technological civilization due to its durability, flexibility, and imperviousness to corrosion. However, this has also made it a significant contributor to environmental pollution. As a result, many companies are now developing eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, including packaging made from seaweed.
Seaweed is a fast-growing, carbon-sequestering plant that can be farmed sustainably. Various startups and established companies are utilizing seaweed to create biodegradable, plastic-free packaging solutions. These include London-based Notpla, which offers a range of products such as sauce sachets, edible single-use liquid packaging, biodegradable cardboard coating, and home-compostable takeaway boxes. Notpla's products are fully biodegradable and have received recognition through awards and partnerships with notable entities like Prince William and Just Eat UK.
Another company, Evoware, an Indonesian startup, has developed edible products made from seaweed. Their product line includes sachets for dry food products like cereal and coffee, as well as liquid and semi-solid food products such as sauces and oils. Evoware also offers wraps for foods and packaging for non-food items like toiletries. Evoware sources its seaweed locally, supporting local seaweed farmers and contributing to sustainable practices.
LOLIWARE Inc., a materials tech company, is focused on replacing single-use plastics with seaweed-derived technologies. Their products are designed to be temporary, lasting only a few hours, and fully biodegradable. Other companies exploring seaweed-based packaging include Kelpi, which has partnered with the University of Bath to research seaweed-based bioplastics, and Sway, a female-led Californian startup that utilizes different colours of seaweed to create a range of finished product options.
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Biodegradable bioplastics
Two of the most common biodegradable bioplastics are PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and PLAs (polylactic acid). PHAs are biodegradable, while PLAs are much more commonly used but are only compostable on an industrial scale. The production of bioplastics can vary in terms of carbon footprint, and they are three to four times more expensive to make than traditional plastics.
The largest applications of bioplastics are in packaging, food, cosmetics, personal hygiene, detergents, and cleaning sectors. Bioplastics can be used to replace conventional polyolefins and fossil-based polymers in food packaging. They can also be used to develop new thermoplastic materials and coatings for packaging in the food, cosmetics, and household cleaning sectors.
Bioplastics can be made from a range of materials, including cornstarch, sugar, mushrooms, agricultural byproducts, and even cheese discard. They can also be made from wood, which can be recycled as wood. However, the use of bioplastics can have trade-offs, including negative agricultural impacts, competition with food production, unclear end-of-life management, and higher costs.
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PHA
Polyhydroxyalkanoates, or PHA, is a natural biodegradable polyester synthesized by numerous microorganisms through bacterial fermentation of sugars, lipids, or vegetable oils. It has been around for over 3 billion years and is similar to other natural materials like wood, cellulose, proteins, and starch. PHA is a sustainable alternative to chemically synthesized polymers and has a wide range of applications due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and green credentials.
To improve the performance of PHA for specific applications, it can be modified through blending, modifying its surface, or combining it with other polymers, enzymes, or inorganic materials. For example, blending PHA with natural raw materials or other biodegradable polymers like starch, cellulose derivatives, or poly(lactic acid) can improve its properties. Additionally, the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of PHA can be enhanced by adjusting its chemical composition, such as the type of hydroxy fatty acids it contains.
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Wood
To address the environmental impact of wood, researchers have developed innovative wood-based alternatives to single-use plastic. For example, Dr. Feng Jiang has created a cellulose film derived from wood fibers sourced from forest waste. This film looks and behaves like plastic but is biodegradable, offering a potential solution for coffee bags, chip bags, and protective packaging.
Additionally, companies like Sulapac have introduced a 100% bio-based material made of wood chips and plant-based binders, suitable for cosmetic packaging and jewelry boxes. Sulapac prioritizes sustainability by sourcing wood from responsibly managed Nordic forests, minimizing transportation, and utilizing wood by-products to reduce carbon emissions.
While wood has its advantages, it is essential to consider the specific requirements when choosing materials. For disposable applications, a sustainable material with a biodegradable liner might be ideal. However, finding a solution that meets all the desired characteristics, such as flexibility, strength, and impermeability to gases, can be challenging.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural bamboo, wood, cotton, wool, hemp, and ceramics are all materials that can be used instead of plastic.
Yes, biodegradable materials that can be used instead of plastic include seaweed, banana leaves, and shrimp shells.
Plastic-free alternatives to single-use plastics include reusable water bottles, travel cutlery, mason jars, bamboo cotton buds, organic cotton makeup pads, and compostable materials like paper.
Innovative materials that are being developed to replace plastic include algae-based replacements, mushroom packaging, and lignin-based substitutes.
