Omar Khalid
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be broken down into natural elements such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass by microorganisms. The development of bioplastics, or biodegradable plastics made from natural materials, provides businesses with eco-friendly alternatives for packaging and products. Bioplastics can be made from renewable sources such as sugarcane, corn starch, and potato starch. Examples of bioplastics include polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). While biodegradable plastics are becoming more common, it is important to note that not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and proper disposal is still necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Plastics degraded by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide (or methane) and biomass under specified conditions |
| Types | Bioplastics, compostable plastics, oxo-degradative plastics |
| Raw Materials | Renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or combinations of all three |
| Bioplastics | Plastics derived partly or entirely from biomass |
| Bioplastic Examples | Starch, cellulose, protein |
| Compostable Plastics | Require higher temperatures, pressure, nutrient concentration, and specific chemical ratios to break down |
| Compostable Plastic Examples | Polylactic acid (PLA), bio-based PET |
| Oxo-degradable Plastics | Perceived to be biodegradable but require specific conditions to break down |
| Biodegradability Standards | ASTM, Federal Trade Commission (US), Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) |
| Biodegradability Timeline | Highly biodegradable (within 10 days), readily biodegradable (majority within 28 days), intermediate (within 28-day window but not complete), inherently biodegradable (longer than 28 days) |
| Biodegradable Plastic Applications | Packing materials, injection-moulded products, co-injection with other plastics, eco-friendly tableware, disposable items, packaging |
| Examples of Biodegradable Materials | Wood, cork, palm leaves, plant-based polymers (PVA, PEG) |
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What You'll Learn
Bioplastics are derived from renewable raw materials
Another source of bioplastics is microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. These bioplastics can be broken down by these microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, methane, biomass, and inorganic compounds. Some bioplastics are also compostable, which means they can be broken down by microorganisms and will decompose into nutrient-rich biomass, leaving no toxins or residue.
Bioplastics can also be made from polymers, which are designed to break down relatively quickly in the environment. Examples of biodegradable polymers include PVA and PEG, which can be readily biodegraded in the presence of optimized microorganisms found in water treatment plants. Polymers differ in composition, degradability, biodegradability, structure, function, and solubility, among other factors.
While bioplastics derived from renewable raw materials offer a promising solution to the plastic pollution problem, it is important to note that not all bioplastics are biodegradable. For example, bio-based PET is a bioplastic derived from fossil fuels that is not biodegradable. Additionally, some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based. It is crucial to correctly identify how to decompose alternative plastic materials to avoid environmental dangers.
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Biologically-based polymers can decompose naturally
Biologically-based polymers, or bioplastics, can decompose naturally in the environment. They are derived from non-fossil materials such as renewable biomass sources like corn, straw, and other crops. Bioplastics are often biodegradable and compostable.
The term "bioplastic" is used to refer to a wide range of diverse goods that may be bio-based, biodegradable, or both. The definition of bioplastics is still up for debate, and the phrase is sometimes used to refer to polymers made from oil that have no biological components. However, a plastic is considered a bioplastic if it was produced partly or wholly with biologically sourced polymers.
Bioplastics are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or combinations of all three. They can be crafted from naturally fallen leaves, eliminating the need for tree cutting and contributing to forest preservation. Bioplastics can also be made from untreated wood, which is a natural plant-based material that possesses complete biodegradability. Trees grown for commercial purposes are a renewable resource and contribute to the reduction of atmospheric carbon.
Biologically-based polymers can be broken down by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae into water, carbon dioxide, methane, biomass, and inorganic compounds. The rate of decomposition varies, with some bioplastics decomposing in a few months, while others are inherently biodegradable, taking longer than 28 days to break down.
Some bioplastics require the assistance of anaerobic digesters or composting units to break down synthetic material during organic recycling processes. Compostable bioplastics can be broken down by microorganisms, but they require specific conditions such as higher temperatures, pressure, and nutrient concentrations found in industrial composting plants.
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Bioplastics are not always biodegradable
While bioplastics are generally considered more eco-friendly than traditional plastics, they are not always biodegradable. The terms "bioplastic" and "biodegradable plastic" are often used interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. A plastic is considered a bioplastic if it was produced partly or wholly with biologically sourced polymers. On the other hand, a plastic is considered biodegradable if it can degrade into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass within a given timeframe.
Some bioplastics are non-biodegradable because they require specific conditions to break down. For example, some bioplastics need high-temperature industrial composting facilities to decompose, and if they don't get discarded properly, they can end up in landfills. In anaerobic environments, such as landfills, bioplastics may release methane, a greenhouse gas 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Additionally, bioplastics that are not properly recycled can contaminate batches of recycled plastic and harm recycling infrastructure.
Another reason why bioplastics are not always biodegradable is that the definition of "biodegradable" can vary. According to the ASTM standard definition, a compostable plastic must become "not visually distinguishable" at the same rate as something that is traditionally compostable. However, the European Commission's Scientific Advice Mechanism found that labelling plastic items as "biodegradable" without explaining the specific conditions needed for biodegradation causes confusion among consumers. Some bioplastics may only be biodegradable under very specific environmental conditions and may not break down in every environment.
Furthermore, some bioplastics are made from biomass that cannot easily be broken down by microorganisms, making them non-biodegradable. An example of a non-biodegradable bioplastic is bio-based PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which is derived from fossil fuels or plants but behaves like conventional plastic in the environment. While bioplastics made from natural materials can provide eco-friendly alternatives for packaging and products, it is important to note that not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and proper disposal methods are crucial to ensure they do not contribute to environmental pollution.
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Compostable plastic is not the same as biodegradable plastic
With the growing demand for "green" products, consumers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Biodegradable and compostable plastics are becoming a more frequent option on store shelves. However, it is important to note that compostable plastic is not the same as biodegradable plastic.
Biodegradable plastics are those that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms, usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, methane, and biomass under specified conditions. These plastics are tested to ensure they break down under controlled conditions in a lab, including factors such as oxygen levels, UV exposure, and temperature. However, nature does not provide these controlled conditions, so it is uncertain if biodegradable plastic will actually biodegrade in the natural world if it is littered.
Compostable plastics, on the other hand, are those that can be broken down by microorganisms, just like biodegradable plastics, but they will decompose into nutrient-rich biomass, leaving behind no toxins or residue. Some compostable plastics can be composted naturally in home gardens, while others require the high temperatures of a specialized composting facility. According to ASTM standards, for a plastic to be labelled as "commercially compostable", it must decompose within six months and leave no toxic residue that would adversely impact the ability of the finished compost to support plant growth.
The terms "biodegradable" and "compostable" are often used interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. A product that is labelled "biodegradable" might not be compostable, and vice versa. This is because compostable plastics have defined conditions for breaking down, which biodegradable plastics do not. Mixing biodegradable plastics into the regular waste infrastructure can pose dangers to the environment, so it is crucial to identify how to correctly dispose of alternative plastic materials.
In conclusion, while compostable and biodegradable plastics both have the potential to reduce waste, they are not interchangeable terms. It is important to understand the differences between these types of plastics and their proper disposal methods to ensure they are used in an environmentally responsible manner.
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Biodegradable plastics are more widely used in Europe
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be broken down by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae into water, carbon dioxide, methane, biomass, and inorganic compounds. They are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of these. Bioplastics, which are derived partly or entirely from biomass, are not always biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics are entirely petroleum-based.
The EU policy framework for biodegradable plastics seeks to address the widespread confusion among consumers about the different types of plastics and their environmental benefits. It is important to note that not all plastics labelled as biodegradable provide sufficient information on the conditions required for biodegradation, which can cause confusion. Credible companies typically specify the biodegradable conditions of their products, adhering to national or international standards.
To promote consumer confidence in plastic biodegradability, universal standards have been implemented, new materials have been developed, and a compostable logo has been introduced. Biodegradable plastics can be used in various applications, such as foamed packing materials, injection moulding, and extrusion. Different fillers like wood flour, lime, clay, or waste paper can be used to change the material's appearance and properties.
The demand for cost-effective, eco-friendly materials is increasing to address waste management and pollution issues. Biodegradable plastics offer similar properties to traditional plastics while minimizing their environmental impact, particularly in terms of carbon dioxide reduction. However, it is crucial to consider their entire life cycle assessment to ensure they provide genuine environmental benefits beyond the reduction in fossil resource use.
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Frequently asked questions
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be broken down into natural elements such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass by microorganisms.
Examples of biodegradable plastics include polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT).
Biodegradable plastics provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics, helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste. They can also be cheaper and are versatile enough for use in various industries, including packaging, agriculture, and healthcare.
Biodegradable plastics are becoming increasingly common, with several businesses offering eco-friendly products. You can look for products from reputable companies that are verified and naturally biodegradable, such as Storopack, which offers biodegradable packaging, and Green Paper Products, which provides petroleum-free biodegradable and compostable cutlery.
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