Alexei Volkov
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. They are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or combinations of these. While bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are similar, they are not synonymous. Biodegradable plastics are considered more eco-friendly than traditional plastics, but they are not without their drawbacks. This article will explore the different types of biodegradable plastics, their pros and cons, and whether they are truly the best alternative to traditional plastics.
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of biodegradable plastic
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms, usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. They are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, micro-organisms, petrochemicals, or combinations of all three.
Pros of Biodegradable Plastic:
- Biodegradable plastics reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and their destructive qualities.
- They require less energy demand than petroleum-based plastics.
- Biodegradable plastics can break down quicker, especially compostable plastics.
- They have the potential to leave no pollutants once broken down.
- Biodegradable plastics take less energy to manufacture, meaning that fewer fossil fuels are used and fewer greenhouse gas emissions are produced.
- Biodegradable plastics release fewer harmful substances when breaking down than traditional plastics.
Cons of Biodegradable Plastic:
- Biodegradable plastics still demand unnecessary resources.
- They reinforce the throw-away mindset.
- Biodegradable plastics can contain a lot of the same chemicals as traditional plastics.
- They still can't degrade in a landfill.
- There is evidence that certain types of biodegradable plastics do not break down completely, and when they only partially break down, they can be even more harmful to the environment than if they had stayed whole, as the smaller pieces (called microplastics) become harder to clean up or identify.
- Biodegradable plastics can release harmful substances when breaking down.
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Bioplastics vs. biodegradable plastic
The term "bioplastics" describes an evolving family of materials that are increasingly being used as an alternative to conventional plastics. Bioplastics can be biobased, biodegradable, or both. Biobased plastics are those that come from renewable biomass, such as plants, algae, or bacteria. Common plants used to make bioplastics include sugarcane, cassava, and corn.
Biodegradable plastics, on the other hand, are those that can be broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Biodegradable plastics are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, micro-organisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of these.
While bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are often used interchangeably, they are not synonymous. A bioplastic that is biobased may not be biodegradable, and a biodegradable bioplastic may not be biobased. For example, Polylactic Acid (PLA), a widely used bioplastic, is biodegradable but non-biodegradable according to American and European standards because it requires specific conditions, such as high temperatures and oxygen levels, to biodegrade effectively.
Another example is PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), which is made by microorganisms that produce plastic from organic materials. PHA is biodegradable and is often used for medical applications and single-use food packaging.
While biodegradable plastics offer a promising solution to the problem of plastic pollution, it is important to note that they are not a perfect fix. Different types of biodegradable plastics work differently, and some are not as eco-friendly as they seem. For example, biodegradable plastics require specific conditions, such as those found in commercial composting facilities, to break down effectively. They will not break down on their own in landfills, as litter, or in marine environments.
Overall, while bioplastics and biodegradable plastics offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, it is important to consider the specific characteristics and limitations of each type of plastic before determining which is the "best".
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Types of biodegradable plastic
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by living organisms, usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. They are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, micro-organisms, petrochemicals, or combinations of these.
The term "bioplastic" is frequently used to refer to a wide range of goods that may be bio-based, biodegradable, or both. However, not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based.
Some of the most common types of biodegradable plastics include:
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs): These are a class of biodegradable plastics naturally produced by various micro-organisms, such as Cuprividus necator. Specific types of PHAs include poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV), and polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH). The biosynthesis of PHA is usually driven by depriving organisms of certain nutrients and supplying an excess of carbon sources.
- Polylactic Acid (PLA): PLA is a widely used bioplastic that is biodegradable and made from waste products such as potato peelings, cheese whey, and corn, wheat, and beets. It is produced by poly-condensation of naturally produced lactic acid or by the catalytic ring-opening of the lactide group. However, it requires specific conditions, such as high temperatures and oxygen levels, to biodegrade effectively.
- Starch Blends: These are thermoplastic polymers produced by blending starch with plasticizers. While all starches are biodegradable, not all plasticizers are, so the biodegradability of the blend depends on the plasticizer used. Biodegradable starch blends include starch/polylactic acid, starch/polycaprolactone, and starch/polybutylene-adipate-co-terephthalate.
- Oxo-degradable Plastics: These plastics are intended to break down quickly, but they face challenges such as microplastic issues, variable degradation effectiveness, and the lack of standardized specifications. The additives used can also raise environmental concerns.
- Photo-biodegradable Plastics: These plastics react to ultraviolet (UV) light, initiating a quicker breakdown process. They typically go through an initial stage of oxo-degradation before biodegradation under UV light exposure. However, they face challenges due to their restricted use in specific environments, dependence on oxo-degradation, and potential issues in waste management systems.
- Tipa Bio-plastics: These are fully biodegradable and can be composted at home as they are made from plant-based materials that decompose similarly to organic matter. Tipa plastic is commonly used as an alternative to plastic packaging in the food and fashion industries.
- Mycelium: This is the fibrous root structure of mushroom fungi. It is cultivated in molds using agricultural by-products and waste materials to provide structure and nutrients. Mycelium is fully biodegradable, compostable, and manufactured using agricultural waste.
- Cork: This material is sourced from the bark of the Cork Oak tree and possesses qualities such as being lightweight, waterproof, buoyant, elastic, and fire-retardant. Cork is fully biodegradable, recyclable, and sustainably harvested without the need to cut down the trees.
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Biodegradable plastic use cases
Biodegradable plastics are designed to address the environmental concerns associated with traditional plastics. They are made from natural materials such as corn starch, traditional petrochemicals, or recycled plastic materials. Biodegradable plastics are commonly used for disposable items, such as packaging, cutlery, containers, straws, bags, and bottles.
One of the key use cases for biodegradable plastics is in the creation of eco-friendly phone cases. Traditional plastic phone cases can persist in landfills for thousands of years, contributing to environmental pollution. In contrast, biodegradable phone cases, such as those made by Pela and Wave Case, offer the same level of protection for phones while being kinder to the environment. These cases are made from biodegradable materials, are non-toxic, and are free from heavy metals and other harmful substances. They also have excellent shock absorption and grip, making them a practical and environmentally conscious choice.
Another innovative use case for biodegradable plastics is in food packaging. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is developing an edible film made from the milk protein casein, which is significantly better at preserving food than traditional plastic film. Ecovative, a New York-based company, is using mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus, to create biodegradable packaging material, tiles, and planters. These companies are leading the way in sustainable food packaging solutions, reducing the environmental impact of the food industry.
Biodegradable plastics also have applications in the medical field. For example, bioplastics are used in medical implants, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics. Additionally, biodegradable plastics can be used in 3D printing, which has a range of medical applications, such as creating customized prosthetics and medical devices.
While biodegradable plastics offer promising solutions, it is important to note that they are not a panacea for plastic pollution. Proper waste management systems are necessary to ensure these materials break down as intended. Additionally, the production and use of biodegradable plastics must be considered within the broader context of a circular economy, where reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic remain crucial.
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Biodegradable plastic alternatives
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. They are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or combinations of these. Bioplastics, derived partly or entirely from biomass, are not necessarily biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based.
Types of Biodegradable Plastics
There are two main types of biodegradable plastics: plant-based and petroleum-based. Plant-based biodegradable plastics, also called bioplastics, can be made from renewable sources such as sugarcane, corn starch, and potato starch. Examples include Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). However, PLA requires specific conditions, such as high temperatures and oxygen levels, to biodegrade effectively, which can be challenging for some regions.
On the other hand, Petroleum-based biodegradable plastics are made from conventional finite resources but are manufactured to degrade faster. An example is Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT).
Pros and Cons of Biodegradable Plastics
Biodegradable plastics offer a promising alternative to conventional plastics derived from fossil fuels, which contribute to pollution. They are more eco-friendly and can help reduce plastic waste. However, they are not without drawbacks. The production of biodegradable plastics can have an industrialization process and carbon footprint, and they may contaminate existing recycling streams, making it challenging to process other recyclable materials effectively.
Additionally, plant-based biodegradable plastics can use significant amounts of finite resources like water, land, and energy. Furthermore, biodegradable plastics may not be the most cost-effective option, as some are too expensive to produce and disrupt the market.
Other Alternatives to Biodegradable Plastics
While biodegradable plastics are a step in the right direction, there are even better alternatives to support the planet and mitigate climate change. These include:
- Reusable Items: Opting for reusable water bottles, shopping bags, glass containers, stainless steel, or silicone for food packaging.
- Paper-Based Products: Cardboard, paper bags, and molded fiber packaging are easier to break down than biodegradable plastic.
- Adopting Minimalism: Avoiding purchases unless essential, using reusable items, bulk shopping, choosing package-free products, and cutting out plastic altogether.
- Cork: A fully biodegradable and recyclable material sourced from the bark of the Cork Oak tree. It is lightweight, waterproof, buoyant, elastic, and fire-retardant, making it a versatile alternative to plastics, foam, leather, and certain fabrics.
- Bamboo: An entirely natural and rapidly renewable resource that can replace plastic in various products, such as wet wipes, toothbrushes, utensils, cutlery, and tableware.
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Frequently asked questions
Some examples of biodegradable plastics include Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT), and Biopol.
Biodegradable plastics are made from renewable raw materials, microorganisms, or petrochemicals, and can be decomposed by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. They are also more eco-friendly than traditional plastics, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their lifetime.
Biodegradable plastics may not be the best solution due to the industrialization process and carbon footprint associated with their production. They can also contaminate existing recycling streams and may require specific conditions, such as high temperatures and oxygen levels, to biodegrade effectively.
Some alternatives to biodegradable plastics include reusable items such as water bottles, shopping bags, glass containers, and stainless steel or silicone for food packaging. Adopting minimalism, such as avoiding unnecessary purchases and using package-free products, is another way to reduce plastic consumption.
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