Plant based, biodegradable plastics are on the rise and for good reason. 7. That is why we must be mindful of recycling programs and waste-reduction initiatives to ensure that we can all take advantage of the benefits that the natural products offer. Waste is a major problem that we encounter every day. will replace the plastic composition, with the addition of additives to improve the features of the bag. Bioplastics cannot decompose in ocean water because it is too cold of an environment for the material. 2. The major worldwide share for biodegradable plastics is made up by cellulose acetate (CA) with 46%, followed by starch-containing polymer compounds with 22%, PLA with 16% and PBAT with 14%. Also, it makes it cheap to deal with plastic wastes. One of the main advantages of using biodegradable polymers to make plastic bags is the significant reduction in the carbon emissions that happen during the manufacturing process as compared to that of regular plastic. Various Advantages of Using Biodegradable Plastics 1. Once the natural materials are turned into polymers, they can work with the ones that were manufactured using oil molecules. Traditional plastic comes from heating and treating oil molecules until they turn into polymers, representing about 2.7 percent of America's petroleum consumption. That number is equivalent to the annual emissions of 19 million vehicles. However, these bacteria will turn up their nose at traditional plastic. In principle, biodegradable plastics could replace many applications for conventional plastics. This is very beneficial to us now more than ever. We can definitely benefit from the presence of biodegradable plastics because they can decompose effectively in our environment without creating a pollutive effect. This can further reduce the need for making more space for them. These advantages include: Fewer carbon emissions Waste Reduction Better waste management Better recycling Reduced pollution Reduced toxicity in the environment Lesser species endangerment Decreased use of petroleum Decreased health risks The advantages and disadvantages of biodegradable plastics give us hope for the future because there is an opportunity to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Petroleum-based materials are derived from crude oil. During times of high humidity, the process almost comes to a complete stop. Examples include synthetic polymers (plastics) like polyethylenes (#2), polyethylene terephthalate (#1), polyvinyl chloride (#5), and polystyrene (#6). The manufacture of . Conversely, traditional plastic comes from heating and treating oil molecules until they turn into polymers and demands more energy in its production and burning of fossil fuel. 04, 2022, Climate Resilient Cities and the New Era of Urban Infrastructure, Tackling Climate Change One Truck at a Time, Supporting the Zero-Carbon Transition as a Service, A Pragmatic Approach Towards Sustainable Environment, With The World Locked Down, Technology Must Help Continue The Fight Against Modern Slavery, Advancing Sustainability - Lyondellbasell Invests in Recycling Technologies to Reduce Plastic Waste and Enhance Circularity, Renewable Energy-A More Adaptive and Responsive Choice, Resource Adequacy and Grid Flexibility Depend on Analytics for Energy Storage, Material Handling and Storage in Waste Management of a NPP Decommissioning, Utility Game-Changers: Solar, Wind, Hydro and Fintech, How Technology Can Provide A Safe Journey From Bench To Bedside, Basic And Applied Research In Aerospace Sciences. That means shareholders, executives, and employees all stand to gain from the potential for higher profits. The decomposing organisms can easily break up the makeup materials of this type of plastic. The Many Benefits of Hemp Plastic. Biodegradable plastics can either be injection molded (disposable cutlery, medical parts, rigid packaging, etc.) Biodegradable plastics reduce the amount of waste we produce. With the help of an extrusion machine, the film or sheet is prepared which is then rolled on the rod. 1. That leaves us with less waste to manage over all, reducing the potential for pollution in every biome. Biodegradable; When made with biodegradable polymers, hemp plastic is completely biodegradable, unlike regular plastics. So what are the pros and cons of biodegradable plastic or bioplastics? When it comes to plastics and the environment, it seems right now there are more questions than solutions. As the green lifestyle becomes more popular, the demand for bioplastics will increase. There are positives that methane and other pollutants could also be released when traditional plastic is recycled or burned. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. This carbon is released into the atmosphere when the used plastic begins to decompose or melt. Saves Non-renewable Sources of Energy. Thus, it contributes to conserving petroleum supplies. Why Is There A Growing Need For Ethical Buying Of Eco-products? However, there are some notes you need to consider regarding its safety. The traditional plastics are thrown on the scrapheap at landfills. Biodegradables come from products like switchgrass or corn, which means we could redirect the petroleum being used by the industry to our transportation or heating needs instead. We can make biodegradable plastics from bio-plastics, which are products that are made from renewable raw materials instead of virgin items that we must harvest at a potential cost to the overall environment. Because biodegradable plastics do not always require CO2 as part of the manufacturing process, then this greenhouse gas release may never occur during the decomposition process. Such terms commonly thrown around include: sustainability, biorenewable feedstocks, environmentally friendly, carbon footprint, and responsible care. In terms of the impact to the environment, bioplastic has a better performance. After plastics are formed, the traditional products will hold their carbon. However, the exact amount of time it takes depends on various aspects such as moisture levels and temperature. Plastics can end up in the food and water we drink in the form of microplastics. Large amounts of them end in oceans, rivers, and lakes. However, the starch (wheat starch, cassava starch, etc.) Some farmers use herbicides and insecticides, or other contaminant chemicals on these plants. Energy . There are typically two forms that we use today: solid and injection-molded. Biodegradable plastics help conserve petroleum supplies. Currently, the Coffee Bio-composite biodegradable plastic product is a bioplastic material derived from coffee grounds which is researched, developed and owned exclusively by the Biopolymer team of Veritas Vietnam Joint Stock Company.. Natural materials break down into their fundamental components and are then reused to create new things. In spite of the U.S. producing more plastic debris than ever before, recycling rates are declining. Bioplastics are not as toxic as other plastics. When we create this mixture, the plastic products often have more strength as well. Assuming demand continues to increase while production volumes rise at a lower manufacturing cost, the eventual consumer prices for this option should be similar to most of the conventional plastics that we use today. For example, corn-based polymer consumes 65% less energy compared to the same polymer made by petroleum. A significant concern with blending chemicals into plastics that promote degradation is the effect the prodegradant containing plastics will have on the usefulness of recycled plastic. To unpack this, that means that a bioplastic can be inherently non-biodegradable. The machines that are necessary to produce these plastics and to maintain them is another major cost to take into consideration. The requirement to properly dispose of biodegradable plastic products automatically reduces the amount of waste. Several biodegradable plastics are currently on the market today. This includes financial losses to the fishing and tourism sectors as well as expenses for beach cleanup. By 2050, we could create a system that is emissions neutral if we make this technology a priority. New, biodegradable plastics and better recycling strategies are two promising approaches to help the world cut down on plastic waste. AIPMA House, 2nd floor, A-52, StreetNo. Again, these are just some of the drawbacks of using these plastics. This outcome is achievable because the microorganisms in the environment are able to break down the structures which make the biodegradable plastic. Because of this energy savings, the long-term cost of using biodegradables could be substantially less than traditional plastics especially if the cleanup costs from plastic pollution are added to that calculation. Making this switch could lead to significant changes in how people and other businesses see each other. When the cornstarch molecules encounter water, then they slowly absorb it, swelling up to break the item into smaller pieces. A major benefit of biodegradable plastics is considerably decreasing carbon emissions during manufacturing. Having to switch to biodegradable plastics will be very beneficial to us in the long run and will have a positive impact on our planet. Clearly, we must consider better options for reducing the negative impact that the un-recycled plastic containers have on the environment. Biodegradable Plastic Bag Manufacturing Process: Compostable plastic granules are used as raw material and are given as feed to the hopper in which they are melted into liquid form. Traditional plastics. Thus, they either turn into microplastics or float on the sea. One major problem with plastic is that it often takes an extremely long time for it to break down once discarded, leading to massive problems with landfill waste and posing a danger to wildlife. The bioplastic manufacturing process emits less greenhouse gas compared to manufacturing. https://www.packagingdigest.com/sustainability/how-sustainable-are-biodegradable-and-plant-based-plastics, https://letsdoitfoundation.org/2020/09/04/what-are-biodegradable-plastics-the-need-for-a-clarified-terminology/, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191030-why-biodegradables-wont-solve-the-plastic-crisis, https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/advantages-disadvantages-uses-biodegradable-plastics.php, https://www.masterclass.com/articles/biodegradable-plastic-guide#what-are-the-benefits-of-biodegradable-plastic Images, http://m.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20201209000882, https://bioplasticsnews.com/2015/09/03/biodegradable-plastics-will-grow-10-8-per-year/, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/05/this-plastic-bag-is-100-biodegradable-and-made-of-plants/, https://news.stanford.edu/2016/07/28/catalyst-making-biodegradable-plastics/, https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/waste/can-bioplastics-save-us-from-drowning-in-our-own-waste--66999, A Division of Cloud PublicationsEmail:Info@packcon.orgTel: (+91)- 1202648076, TAPPI Student ChapterGadomski School of Engineering, Christian Brothers University (Memphis, TN, USA), Michael Turner, Christian Brothers University, USA, The Importance of Packaging in the Clinical Trial World, Turning Packaging into a Sustainable Business Opportunity, Development of Red Meat Packaging and How it Influences Consumer Purchasing, Steps to Designing a Sterile Medical Device Package, Coca-Colas PlantBottle Revolutionizing Packaging, Plastic Packagings Major Flaw; Advancements and Alternatives to Overcoming Plastic Packaging, The Technical and Sustainable Processes of Aerosol, Biodegradable Plastics: The Sustainable Solution. Due to the raw materials and certain making process, bioplastic has a slightly higher price than fossil fuel plastic. On the other hand, the term bioplastics refers to polymers made from renewable biomass sources, such as plant lipids and oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, and recovered food waste, among others. Test results showed the new bioplastic is . Biodegradable plastics are designed to biodegrade in a specific medium (water, soil, compost) under certain conditions and in varying periods of time. A bioplastic may be 100 percent fossil-based. Biodegradable plastics can either be injection molded (disposable cutlery, medical parts, rigid packaging, etc.) Any solution could and would be a boon to helping fight for a better future for our planet and help make our operations and the lives of people more sustainable and healthier. Biodegradable plastics or bioplastics are made from natural plant-based raw materials that enable the natural decomposition process. These are harmful to the overall health of a person and can lead to long-term health problems. Hence, biodegradable plastics contribute to climate change and global warming. As the demand for biodegradable plastics increases, they will contribute to save our planet. Accordingly, plastic is also used to make biodegradable bags. SUWON, South Korea -- South Korean conglomerate CJ Cheiljedang is jumping into the global market to begin mass production of PHA . However, experts have yet to see verified data that clearly confirms the efficacy and safety of such products. Also, microplastics are leading water contaminants. However, the biodegradable film was able to limit the daily temperature fluctuation, which was 1.7 C in both soils compared with 2.3 C recorded for LDPE. Biodegradable Plastics are Easy to Recycle. Types of Biodegradable Packaging Materials. Science Fair Project Ideas for Kids, Middle & High School Students, Environmental Protection Agency: Plastics. Humans are using different forms of plastics each day. We might be using natural products to create biodegradable plastics, but that doesnt mean we are eliminating our exposure to chemicals through this manufacturing process. Since they are made from natural ingredients, they can break down faster than petroleum based plastics. Change Plastic for Good benefits the planet through BDP which is designed to enhance the biodegradation of plastic. When they begin to break down in the environment, bacteria in the soil begin to consume the components. 9. Our primary concern with greenhouse gas emissions is with carbon dioxide, but we must also consider the amount of methane that we release each year. In contrast, biodegradable plastics do not release carbon or methane as no carbon is used in its manufacturing process. In 2016, China produced approximately 290,000 tons of biodegradable plastics. In fact, most plastic items will take up to 1,000 years before they actually decompose. Biodegradable plastics consume less energy during the manufacturing cycle. While not every form of landfill-friendly biodegradable plastic will completely break down, any reduction in the space required to dispose of this material will ease pressures on the waste stream. Phthalates soften the plastic to turn it into PVC. Oil is a significant material in making plastics. Although biodegradable plastics offer a slightly higher cost in the production cycle, we actually consume less energy to produce them. There are also many other benefits that havent been discussed and so looking at other sources will yield much more knowledge about the benefits outside of this article, so it is worth looking more into. With the increased use and manufacturing of bioplastics, we can expect a greener and a more sustainable future for our planet. Biodegradable plastics can reduce greenhouse gas emission levels. Having biodegradable plastics as an alternative will help with the inability to recycle normal plastics. 18 billion pounds of plastic waste flows into the ocean every year. This aspect is beneficial to the land and environment. With the environment as it is now, we need to come up with ways that help the environment and ways that can leave a path for our future generations. For instance, these plastics cannot decompose in the ocean and other marine habitats. On the other hand, biodegradable plastics are petroleum-based plastics with an additive that harnesses their decomposition. The process requires comprehensive equipment and composers that many manufacturers cannot afford. While traditional plastic releases four tons of emissions, biodegradable plastics emit only 0.8 tons of carbon - a 500% reduction! Switching to biodegradables is a step in the right direction, but it is not the final solution that we require. Global Blow Molded Plastics Market Forecast: $191.6 Billion By 2025, 4 Innovations That Promote Plastic Recycling, 4 Common Plastic Recycling Processes You Should Be Aware Of, 6 Ways Digitisation Has Positively Impacted The Plastic Molding Process, Understanding The Importance Of Recycling Plastics, The Importance Of Design For Optimizing Plastic Manufacturing Costs, Importance Of Technology In Plastic Manufacturing. 3. If your company needs assistance in making products that are more environmentally friendly and/or using plastics that are biobased, we can help. For instance, a major use of recycled plastic is to mold items for use outdoors (e.g., park benches). Biodegradable plastic is not a solution for overconsumption. While reducing landfill space may be a benefit, the tradeoff may be nullified due to this drawback. Biodegradable reduce the amount of plastic ending in a landfill. Biodegradable plastics would direct petroleum consumption to other needs. Biodegradable plastics may produce methane in landfills. Even organic crops that are sent to the plastics industry can be sprayed with natural compounds that may offer health risks during times of high exposure. Are biodegradable films food grade? So, the non-renewable material still can harm the environment. With this information, you can decide if this is the right choice for you. Biodegradable plastics have many advantages, which include: The production of biodegradable plastics does not involve the burning of fossils. Biodegradable plastics are broken down by naturally-occurring bacteria. You can play a part in cleaning up our planet, now and in the future. 7. We must also use water resources to crow the crops needed for the raw materials as well. As you can see, biodegradable plastic is extremely significant and proves to be of great importance when it comes to reducing waste and helping the environment. Even with the downsides of using biodegradable plastic like the costs, it would still be more beneficial to switch to biodegradable plastic rather than continuing to use plastics like how we have been for many years. Since you can recycle or decompose them, you will not require setting up new dumps despite having a considerable amount of plastic waste in your office or home. Does not solve the ocean pollution problem. In some cases, microbes have developed this ability due to a lack of other nutrient options, and in other cases, scientists have been able to induce the ability in microscopic organisms. With the increased usage of plastics, people will need more spaces for landfills. a set time. In fact, the creation of bioplastics results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional plastic. A study commissioned by the Biodegradable Products Institute in the 2000s found that the breakdown of these natural materials found in biodegradable plastic are exceptionally dependent on the weather conditions in the area. Bioplastics are generally compostable, which means they will decay into natural materials that will eventually blend harmlessly into the soil. Chemicals that are added to PET plastic for use in beverage bottles must pass stringent Food and Drug Administration criteria and be non-toxic to humans and wildlife. These materials take centuries to decompose, becoming a threat to the environment, humans, and animals. One of the main advantages of using biodegradable plastic is a significant reduction in carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. Although the plastics in the items we use might be biodegradable when we use these technologies, some items (especially plastic bags) might release metals during the decomposition process. Given the fact that a dump truck's worth of plastic waste enters our oceans each minute, it's not surprising that people are looking to use their purchasing power in ways that will presumably leave a smaller footprint. The other option makes the other plastic items that we consume. 5. Hence, plastic, defined as biodegradable, is made of molecule that can break down naturally by the action of micro-organisms. The market for biodegradable plastic packaging was assessed at $4.65 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.04% by 2025, reaching a market value of up to $12.06 million. The most relevant applications of biodegradable plastics are packaging, including food packaging, single-use plastics, and agricultural mulch films. The disadvantages of non-biodegradable plastics are that they take forever to decompose or require a comprehensive process to deal with them. Biodegradable plastic's ability to break down within a year means it has several advantages over traditional plastics: It decreases the waste sent to landfills or incinerators. While new biodegradable plastics offer some hope for energy savings and trash reduction, they do little to solve the problem of the huge volumes of plastic trash that already exist in landfills. Other types can take a few years to undergo complete decomposition. Because these items do not typically exist with biodegradable items, we would be able to take advantage of this supplemental benefit immediately. Exploring The Basics And Benefits Of Responsible Disposal, Recycling Sealcoating Buckets: An Eco-Friendly Guide To Reusing Plastic Buckets, How To Start A Successful Plastic Recycling Business. In the end, the benefits of using biodegradable plastic that are explained before is definitely promising in the long term, saving our planet and future generations! Benefits of oxo-degradable plastics Following are some advantages of using oxo-degradable plastics: Retain the same properties and strength as conventional plastics during its product life. This is a greenhouse gas 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Also, biodegradable plastic manufacturing uses less energy compared to regular plastic production. Conventional plastics, like fossil-fuel plastics come from natural gas or petroleum. One such problem is the engineering problem. Much of the waste that comes from plastics ends up on the ground or in the water and has led to it harming our environment. They must totally and quickly decompose biologically or be compostable if they are made from plant biomass such as maize starch, sugar cane, or wheat. In addition, bioplastic will break down after 3-6 months, while fossil fuel plastic takes years to fully degrade. However, biodegradable plastics are still only a tiny portion of the global plastics market and require further efforts in research and commercialization. Your email address will not be published. The usage of biodegradable plastic products will reduce the number of landfills as these products undergo biodegradation when buried or given to composting. Biodegradation is the process of breaking down of particles into water, carbon dioxide and biomass through the micro-organisms like fungi and bacteria. Many people are looking at the way we eat, drive, produce, etc., and are coming up with sustainable ways to do them. There are other places where we could help. Biodegradable plastics have many advantages, which include: 1. When we reduce the amount of traditional plastics that we use by mixing biodegradable molecules in with the oil-based ones, then it does create less of a dependence on petroleum. Much of the plastics that are produced today cannot be recycled or can only be recycled a few times. Biodegradable plastics also help conserve petroleum supplies. 11) Avocado. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. These prices are coming down as our technologies improve and source material access becomes cheaper to produce. Waste Reduction. It takes less energy to manufacture. The reflecting effect of this gas is significantly higher than what CO2 causes. Similar to conventional plastics, bioplastics would disintegrate into tiny fragments if they were to end up in the ocean. The short answer Pros Reduces fossil fuel demand. In that time, they have greatly impacted our lives and provided significant benefits including convenience, health and safety. They consumed about 130,000 tons domestically, and then exported the remainder during that year. Biodegradable plastics are commonly used for disposable items, such as packaging, cutlery, and food service containers. More info, Friday, November The manufacturing process of biodegradable plastics requires fewer amounts of energy. Products that are biodegradable degrade substantially more quickly than recyclable products. Low carbon emission The production of biodegradable plastics does not involve the burning of fossils. This makes them conserve non-renewable sources of energy such as petroleum. Lets check this out! 10. Marol, Andheri(East), Mumbai - 400 093, Maharashtra, INDIA. The food containers, pens, and water bottles in your office and household are all plastic. Making biodegradables a top priority could become a moneymaking tool for the country that can perfect this technology first. Plastics like these break down naturally, only depositing the amount of gas back into the environment that was used to create it in the first place. Biodegradable packaging materials are now more popular among brands and consumers. We would need more factors to help contribute to the effort of dealing with waste. The formation of traditional plastic involves use of carbon in an excessive amount. Source Reduction. The product is still single use plastic Bioplastics are considered to be more eco-friendly than traditional plastics. Having something we can use to help fight the pollution of plastic can be very helpful in the future and help define the standard for future sustainable projects. That figure represents about 32 million tons of waste each year, with only 9% of that amount directed into recycling programs. While it has many advantages, biodegradable plastic can be a bad idea. Plastics have been around for about 80 years. Instead of discarding tons of plastic to languish in landfills for decades, biodegradable food packaging naturally and completely degrades. 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