Bioplastics are a type of plastic that is considered to be environmentally sustainable and is gaining popularity. They are generally biodegradable and compostable, making them less of a threat to the environment. Bioplastics are currently seen as a great alternative to traditional plastics and are being widely used in industries such as packaging, automotive, agriculture, and medical fields.
What are Bioplastics?
Bioplastic refers to a type of plastic made from renewable natural substances, such as vegetable oil, corn starch, straw, wood bran, wood chips, and recycled food waste. Currently, corn and sugarcane are two of the most popular raw materials used in the production of bioplastics. The main advantage of bioplastics is that they can be degraded or composted back into the natural environment, unlike conventional petroleum-based plastics.
Biodegradable plastics
Biodegradable plastic is a type of plastic material that can be degraded in nature and can be decomposed by microorganisms under sufficient humidity, oxygen, and appropriate microbial conditions to produce substances such as water, carbon dioxide, or methane.
There are two types of biodegradable plastics depending on their source: bio-based and fossil-based.
Bio-based biodegradable plastics are fully made of biomass materials, which are synthesized directly or by the actions of microorganisms.
At present, only a very small number of fossil-based materials can be biodegradable. In the production of biodegradable plastics, the use of fossil raw materials such as oil and natural gas accounts for about 25%, which means that they will leave behind a slight toxic residue after degradation.
Compostable plastics
Compostable plastics are created using plant-based resources and can be broken down into water, carbon dioxide, and humus within a natural composting environment or burial. The end product does not contain any toxic substances and instead produces nutrient-rich fertilizers that are beneficial for plant growth and the surrounding water environment.
Click here to learn more about biodegradable and compostable plastics.
Not all bioplastics are biodegradable. Bio-based polyethylene is made partly from biomass but is not decomposable. Bioplastics made using biomass are more eco-friendly and generate less pollution or plastic waste.
What are the Benefits of Bioplastics for the Environment?
Bioplastics are considered a better alternative to traditional plastics due to their environmental friendliness, which is reflected in several aspects.
- Reduce plastic waste from landfills.
- Reduce toxicity left behind in landfills.
- Cut emissions of greenhouse gases.
- Less water and energy consumption in the production process.
- Safe for humans, wildlife, and the environment.
- Nutrient fertilizer is produced when decomposing (only for compostable plastics).
What are the Drawbacks of Bioplastic?
Bioplastics have a significant advantage over traditional plastics, as they can be biodegraded without creating large amounts of waste. Increasing the use of bioplastics could potentially help solve the problems caused by landfills. However, it is important to note that not all bioplastics can be degraded quickly. Some bio-based plastics can take decades to break down if not disposed of properly.
And these plastics aren’t completely harmless. Biodegradable plastics, such as petroleum-based, leave harmful chemicals behind after decomposition.
Moreover, the treatment of both biodegradable and compostable plastics also has its imperfections.
Biodegradable plastics cannot be composted and may contaminate the compost material. Compostable plastics cannot be thrown in landfills, as they can cause landfill pollution. They must be disposed of in a specific composting facility.
The price of bioplastics is more expensive than traditional plastics. Growing crops for bioplastics competes with grain cultivation for land, and refining raw materials requires technical expertise. Therefore, the cost of bioplastics is higher than that of regular plastics.
The Applications of Bio-based Plastics
In recent years, bioplastics have been used in a variety of consumer products, such as food containers, food bags, biodegradable tableware, and food packaging. They can also be used in engineering-grade applications, such as electrical and electronic enclosures.
In short, these plastics have found their way into almost every industry: automotive, electronics, food and beverage packaging, agriculture, textiles, and healthcare.
Some bioplastic products:
- Food packaging: Plastic zip-lock bags, produce bags, shopping bags, and fresh-keeping bags.
- Container: Bottles, cups, lunch boxes, etc.
- Medical supplies: Medical bandages, surgical sutures, medical fixation devices, etc
Common Bioplastics: PLA and PBAT
PLA
PLA(Polylactic acid) is a kind of polymer that is derived from renewable plant-based materials like corn and cassava. By extracting the starch in the plant, lactic acid is formed under the action of microorganisms. Finally, polylactic acid of a certain molecular weight is synthesized through chemical reactions.
This material is environmentally friendly and has good biodegradability. After use, it can be completely degraded by bacteria or fungi under specific natural conditions. It generates carbon dioxide and water which do not pollute the environment. This makes it very beneficial for protecting the environment.
PBAT
PBAT is an abbreviation for polybutylene adipate terephthalate, which is a biodegradable polymer made from fossil-based materials. Due to its strength, texture, and tensility, it is suitable for manufacturing various bags and packaging.
Currently, many bioplastics are blended with two polymers, PLA and PBAT, to complement each other’s strengths. How do they blend and complement each other to achieve the desired effect? Learn about this in another blog: A Comparison of PLA and PBAT.
Conclusion
Bioplastics are a form of eco-friendly material that is made from natural materials either partially or entirely. They can be degraded, making them a more sustainable option. Currently, most bioplastics are biodegradable and compostable, which helps to reduce ecological pollution.
However, like most things, there are always two sides to the story. While bioplastics offer many benefits to the environment, they also have their downsides. If not disposed of properly, some of these plastics can end up in landfills and threaten the water, soil, and wildlife due to their toxic substances. Without proper disposal methods, they can also pollute the environment during the degradation process or hinder it altogether.
Bioplastics are becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness. They are being used to make various components and are widely used in different industries, particularly in everyday consumer goods. They are also an important component in industries such as automotive, electronics, agriculture, and healthcare.
The two most common compostable polymers are PLA and PBAT. They are usually blended to create plastic bags that perform better. If you are looking to source biodegradable resins and compostable bags, please send your inquiry to learn more about our products. We are looking forward to in-depth cooperation with you.
