Alexei Volkov
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by microorganisms, usually bacteria, fungi, or algae, into water, carbon dioxide, methane, biomass, and inorganic compounds. They are commonly used for disposable items such as packaging, cutlery, and food containers, and are typically made from renewable raw materials, micro-organisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of these. The development of bioplastics provides businesses with eco-friendly alternatives for packaging and products, especially single-use items that contribute significantly to waste. However, it is important to note that not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and proper disposal methods are crucial to ensure their environmental benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Plastics degraded by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide (or methane) and biomass under specified conditions |
| Other names | Bioplastics, biobased plastics |
| Raw materials | Renewable raw materials, micro-organisms, petrochemicals, or combinations of these |
| Examples | Starch/polylactic acid, starch/polycaprolactone, starch/polybutylene-adipate-co-terephthalate, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), lignin, PVA, PEG |
| Use cases | Packaging, organic waste collection, agricultural and horticultural sectors, food packaging, bottles, food trays, coffee capsules, industrial, cosmetics |
| Benefits | Eco-friendly, cheaper than conventional plastics, waterproof, coloured similarly to conventional plastics, reduces plastic waste |
| Challenges | Requires a well-managed waste system, potential environmental and health consequences if not managed properly |
| Standards | Universal standards, compostable logo, OECD definitions for biodegradability classifications |
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What You'll Learn
Biodegradable plastic is not always eco-friendly
Firstly, the term "biodegradable plastic" lacks a standardized definition. The phrase "biodegradable plastic" is often used interchangeably with "bioplastic", but they are not synonymous. Biodegradable plastics refer to products that can break apart naturally in the environment, but the timeline for this process is unclear and can vary from months to centuries. Bioplastics, on the other hand, encompass a broader category of plastics that are bio-based, biodegradable, or compostable, and may include significant proportions of fossil fuel-based plastic. This ambiguity allows manufacturers to label products as biodegradable or compostable without meeting any standards, leading to consumer confusion and potential environmental harm.
Secondly, biodegradable plastics compete with food production for resources. Many biodegradable polymers are derived from renewable resources such as starch, PHA, and PLA, which are often corn-based. The production of these bioplastics requires vast amounts of land, equivalent to the combined area of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark. This competition for land underscores the trade-offs between using crops for food or plastic production.
Thirdly, the environmental benefits of biodegradable plastics are contingent on proper waste management systems. All plastics, including biodegradable varieties, must be collected and paired with appropriate recovery systems to prevent them from ending up in nature. Compostable plastics, for instance, are designed to be processed in either home or industrial composting facilities under specific conditions like temperature and moisture. If these plastics are not properly diverted from landfills, they may not break down as intended, leading to the same ecological consequences as non-biodegradable plastics.
Furthermore, the life cycle of biodegradable plastics involves various environmental considerations. While biodegradable plastics may be derived from organic materials, their production and disposal can generate significant greenhouse gas emissions, consume substantial energy and water, and contribute to land use, pesticide usage, and methane emissions.
In conclusion, while biodegradable plastics offer a promising alternative to traditional plastics, they are not a panacea for environmental concerns. To effectively address the plastic pollution crisis, a multifaceted approach is necessary, emphasizing waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and the development of innovative alternatives to plastic.
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Bioplastics and biodegradable plastic are not synonymous
The terms "bioplastic" and "biodegradable plastic" are not interchangeable. Bioplastics are derived from biomass sources, such as vegetable fats, oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, and recycled food waste. They can also be made from biologically sourced polymers. However, not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and some may even contain up to 80% fossil fuel-based plastic. For example, bio-based PET is a bioplastic derived from fossil fuels that is not biodegradable.
On the other hand, biodegradable plastics are those that can be broken down by living organisms, typically microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. They are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of these. Some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based. An example is polylactic acid (PLA), which is biodegradable through industrial composting but not in natural environments.
The demand for biodegradable plastics is increasing as consumers seek more environmentally friendly alternatives. However, the production of biodegradable plastics is expected to increase significantly, and understanding their environmental impact is critical. Biodegradable plastics must be correctly decomposed and kept out of nature. Mixing them with regular waste can harm the environment. Additionally, the term "biodegradable" does not imply a specific timeline, and some products can take months or centuries to break down.
While compostable plastics are designed to be processed in composting facilities, they require strict control of environmental factors, such as temperature and moisture, which can only be achieved in industrial composting plants. The lack of access to these facilities and the confusion around what is compostable contribute to contamination in composting.
In summary, bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are distinct concepts. Although some bioplastics are biodegradable, many are not, and some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based. The terms refer to different properties of plastics, and it is important to understand their specific characteristics and potential environmental impacts.
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Biodegradable plastic may not always break down successfully
Biodegradable plastic is defined by its ability to break down entirely into natural substances within a reasonable timeframe. However, this process does not always occur as expected. While biodegradable plastics can be beneficial, they are not a cure-all solution for plastic pollution.
The success of biodegradable plastic degradation depends on proper waste management. If not managed correctly, biodegradable plastics may not break down as intended, leading to the same environmental issues as their non-biodegradable counterparts. Compostable plastics, for instance, must be processed in specific composting facilities or home compost piles, ensuring they are certified as "home compostable." If these plastics end up in landfills or natural environments, they may not biodegrade effectively.
The microorganisms that break down biodegradable materials in nature do not always recognize the bonds that hold polymers together. As a result, plastic waste can persist for extended periods, releasing harmful chemicals into the soil and water or breaking into microplastics consumed by animals, fish, and birds.
Additionally, biodegradable plastics can contaminate the recycling stream. It is crucial to check local recycling guidelines and only recycle items accepted by the program. Biodegradable plastics should be used selectively, adding value and aligning with product use and recovery systems.
Furthermore, the production of biodegradable plastics faces challenges, such as competition with food production for renewable resources and the high costs associated with manufacturing bioplastics. As demand for "green" products increases, companies are motivated to adopt bioplastics, but the definition of bioplastics remains debated. Polymers made from oil, for instance, may be branded as "bioplastics" despite lacking biological components.
In conclusion, while biodegradable plastics have the potential to reduce environmental issues related to plastic waste, they are not a perfect solution. Proper waste management, recycling practices, and selective use of biodegradable plastics are essential to ensure their effectiveness in protecting natural ecosystems and habitats.
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Biodegradable plastic can be made from petroleum
Biodegradable plastic is defined by its ability to break down entirely into substances found in nature within a reasonable timeframe. This is due to the action of living organisms, typically microbes, which break down the plastic into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.
Biodegradable plastics are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of these. While bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are similar, they are not the same. Bioplastics are derived partly or entirely from biomass, and not all are biodegradable. Conversely, some biodegradable plastics are entirely petroleum-based. Polyvinyl alcohol, for example, is a petroleum-based biodegradable plastic.
The development of biodegradable plastics has been driven by a desire to reduce the environmental impact of non-degradable plastics, which have accumulated in the environment due to their inability to biodegrade. Petroleum-based plastics are primarily non-degradable and can remain in the environment for thousands of years, causing issues such as climate change, microplastics, and littering.
The production of bioplastics has faced challenges due to the high costs of raw materials and equipment setup. However, as more companies seek "green" credentials, the development of biodegradable solutions has gained momentum. Advances in technology, such as genome sequencing and editing, have accelerated research and brought us closer to the goal of replacing conventional plastics with biodegradable alternatives.
While biodegradable plastics offer a promising solution, it is important to understand their impact on the environment fully. Proper collection and recovery systems are necessary to ensure these materials stay out of nature and do not contribute to the existing plastic waste issue.
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Compostable plastic is a better choice for the circular economy
The circular economy is an economic system in which materials are designed to be used, not used up. In other words, products and systems should be designed to ensure no materials are lost, no toxins are leaked, and maximum use is achieved from every process, material, and component.
While biodegradable and compostable plastic alone will not solve the plastic pollution crisis, compostable plastic can be a better choice for the circular economy. This is because compostable plastic can play a helpful role in reducing waste in specific applications. For example, compostable take-out containers can compost the remaining food residue alongside the container itself.
Compostable plastic is also often made from biobased sources like seaweed, sugar beets, or other plants, instead of fossil fuels. In this case, if sourced responsibly, these materials can offer environmental benefits. However, it is important to note that compostable plastic must be recovered in either home or commercial compost, depending on what the specific item is designed for.
To achieve a circular economy for plastic, three actions are required: eliminate all problematic and unnecessary plastic items, innovate to ensure that the plastics we do need are reusable, recyclable, or compostable, and circulate all the plastic items we use to keep them in the economy and out of the environment.
While biodegradable and compostable plastic can help reduce waste in specific applications, it is important to pair them with the right recovery systems to ensure the material stays in the loop and out of nature.
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Frequently asked questions
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by microorganisms, usually bacteria, fungi, or algae, into water, carbon dioxide, methane, biomass, and inorganic compounds.
Biodegradable plastics are commonly made from renewable raw materials, such as plants, animals, or microorganisms. They can also be made from petrochemicals with biodegradable additives.
Examples of biodegradable plastics include polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), such as poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV), and polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH). Other examples include starch blends like starch/polylactic acid and lignin-based polymer composites.
