Instead of discarding tons of plastic to languish in landfills for decades, biodegradable food packaging naturally and completely degrades. Because some biodegradable plastics produce methane when decomposing in landfills, it is possible that some of these natural plastic items could be creating a more harmful effect on the environment than if we stuck to the traditional manufacturing cycle. There are many variables that control the consumption rate of the stabilizer which keeps the PET from breaking down prematurely including temperature, humidity and UV exposure. These materials are environmental-friendly and decompose quickly. Biodegradable plastics consume less energy during the manufacturing cycle. 185.229.237.37 Natural materials break down into their fundamental components and are then reused to create new things. In fact, most plastic items will take up to 1,000 years before they actually decompose. Biodegradable packaging materials are now more popular among brands and consumers. All Rights Reserved. Manufacturers and product designers choose plastic due to its ease of use, versatility, and durability. Biodegradable plastics not only take significantly less time to break down, but can also be recycled to manufacture more plastic by-products. The design of the circular economy mimics the living environment itself and is restorative and regenerative. Cloudflare Ray ID: 78b8bfc4cfb55a25 Not just that, since the materials used to create . Recently a company in Mexico worked out how to turn the biodegradable material into plastic. 1. Biodegradation is the process of breaking down of particles into water, carbon dioxide and biomass through the micro-organisms like fungi and bacteria. Corn-based plastics represent approximately 40% of the biodegradable source materials that are used for these products in the United States. We would use the solid forms for bags, water bottles, and food containers. While traditional plastic releases four tons of emissions, biodegradable plastics emit only 0.8 tons of carbon - a 500% reduction! Environmentally . 6. Petroleum-based materials are derived from crude oil. Many of the advantages of bioplastics rely on a net savings being created by a reducing of energy, water, or greenhouse gas emissions. In the US, only about 20% of plastic beverage containers are recycled. This technology offers a number of advantages over traditional plastic materials. Less energy means low pollution. At the moment, PHAs . biodegradable plastics are also extremely . Biodegradable plastics may produce methane in landfills. 2. The remainder goes into landfills and other waste disposal programs, where it could take up space for more than a century. 10. But should premature degradation occur, resulting in bottle failure, significant liability issues could result. Biodegradable & compostable plastic breaks down only in a period of a few months, depending on the material used to make the bio plastic and the method of disposal. 4. One of the technologies that may help reduce the impact of waste is to utilize biodegradable plastics. The formation of traditional plastic involves use of carbon in an excessive amount. Biodegradable plastics are on the rise as a solution to this problem. For example, corn-based polymer consumes 65% less energy compared to the same polymer made by petroleum. Reduces Waste. 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. Our plastic scientists are available to advise and assist plastic product manufacturers evaluate the lifecycle of their products and to advise on ways to make products truly more environmentally-friendly. 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. Plastics make up approximately 13% of our current waste stream. The current state of our plastic problem is a problem, and something needs to be done about it. Both techniques are discussed in the recent IDTechEx. Traditional plastic products come from the heating and treatment of oil molecules. One of the main advantages of using biodegradable plastic is a significant reduction in carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. The packaging industry alone produces 161 million tons of plastic . Hence, plastic, defined as biodegradable, is made of molecule that can break down naturally by the action of micro-organisms. 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. Manufacturers can create items using plants, starches, corn oil, or even the peels from citrus fruits. We do not need to make completely new products using biodegradable plastics to create an environmental benefit with this technology. There will be a shift from a linear economy to a circular economy if plastics industries want to grow without producing toxic waste or having a detrimental impact on the environment. Learn more about the benefits. In addition, it generates 68 percent fewer greenhouse gases during its manufacture, representing a significant environmental benefit. As this is plant-based, the manufacturing process produces far fewer carbon emissions than traditional plastic. However, if you would like to share the information in this article, you may use the link below: https://www.environmentalbusinessreview.com/news/environmental-benefits-of-biodegradable-plastics-nwid-86.html, We use cookies on this website to enhance your user experience. Biodegradable plastics also help conserve petroleum supplies. We have advised companies that manufacture single-use products on ways to reduce negative environmental impacts and weve consulted for companies that manufacture plastic products for long-term use on ways to make their products using bio-based plastics., Plastic Expert Group & Failure Labs Copyright 2023 Toll Free USA: (877) 668-4345 International: +1 (989) 281-4465, www.plasticpipefailure.com www.plasticfailure.com, Plastic Failure Services: Molding Defects Pipe Failure Analysis Materials Testing Consultants Plastic Failure PEX Failure Polymer Consulting. However, its role is limited to some specific applications. Accordingly, plastic is also used to make biodegradable bags. Biodegradable plastics are broken down by naturally-occurring bacteria. Biodegradable products are made from renewable resources like corn, sugar cane and potato starch instead of oil: 200,000 barrels of oil a day are presently used in the United States alone in the manufacture of plastic packaging, and significant portions of this use could be eliminated by employing biodegradable plastic products. Knowing the advantages of the options can help you address the plastic issue. What suppliers does Coffee Bio-composite biodegradable plastic resins have? Biodegradable plastic decomposes naturally when bacteria in the environment are able to "metabolize" and break down the plastic structure. GreenCore is a biodegradable shotshell wad that decomposes on exposure to bacteria naturally present in the environment. Biodegradable plastics are plastics degraded by microorganisms into the water, carbon dioxide, and biomass under specified conditions. With the increased usage of plastics, people will need more spaces for landfills. 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. Products like food, electronics, cups, pans, drinks, and other materials have all used plastics to help with marketing, packaging, and transporting. or solid (food containers, leaf collections bags, water bottles, etc. PLASTIVISION INDIA 2020. 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. Your IP: Biodegradable plastics have a clear benefit, they reduce waste and leave less of an impact on the environment than normal plastics. 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. 18 billion pounds of plastic waste flows into the ocean every year. Look out for the 100% biodegradable icon on our product pages and labelling on our sachets to be sure that you are choosing the right option for you. In 1975, a group of Japanese researchers identified the basic idea behind biodegradable plastics. Biodegradable plastics are often considered a savior product. If we can transition to this item, then the potential for waste reduction, micro-plastic contamination, and even ocean acidity can all see significant benefits. Unlike traditional plastics, biodegradables require less energy to produce. 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. Something that is on many peoples minds is what we can do to help with one of the major types of waste and pollutant plastic, which is used for almost everything. This is achieved when the bacteria and fungi present in the surrounding environment naturally metabolizes the plastics. Also, biodegradable plastic manufacturing uses less energy compared to regular plastic production. The material becomes food for microorganisms. The Growing Problem Of Plastic Waste And How To Recycle Plastic Bags, Are Clear Plastic Food Containers Recyclable? As you may know, the raw materials for producing these plastics come from plants such as corn and soybeans. Biodegradable plastic bags have a number of advantages over conventional bags. Every year, over 19 billion pounds of plastic end up in the ocean. 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. Your email address will not be published. Biodegradable plastics have ignited a revolt against ubiquitous plastic bags and by using them one can effectively contribute in conserving non-renewable resources of Earth that are depleting at a high-speed. Bioplastics are not as toxic as other plastics. Due to the raw materials and certain making process, bioplastic has a slightly higher price than fossil fuel plastic. You can play a part in cleaning up our planet, now and in the future. Test results showed the new bioplastic is . The list of benefits of using biodegradable polymers is listed as follows: It is Easy to recycle biodegradable polymers: These polymers not only decompose faster when discarded but can also be easily recycled using an organic method. Temperature and humidity play significant roles in the process. It will last for many years if stored indoors. Many plastics today leave a huge impact on our environments and that can have huge consequences on peoples livelihoods. Biodegradable plastics may reduce the amount of recycling that we can do. Why Is There A Growing Need For Ethical Buying Of Eco-products? As the demand for biodegradable plastics increases, they will contribute to save our planet. It means that a bioplastic can contain 0 percent bio-based materials. Biodegradable plastics will not solve ocean pollution problems. 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. If your company needs assistance in making products that are more environmentally friendly and/or using plastics that are biobased, we can help. The manufacturing process of biodegradable plastics requires fewer amounts of energy. Making biodegradables a top priority could become a moneymaking tool for the country that can perfect this technology first. 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. 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. Biodegradable plastics may contain small pieces of metal. Not only that, but so much of plastic is disposed of. In contrast to conventional plastic, which can take hundreds of years to completely degrade, biodegradable plastics need only three to six months to do so, according to BBC Science Focus. According to a business analysis from MarketsandMarkets, the market for biodegradable plastics is anticipated to reach $6.12 billion by 2023. All in all, they are better than traditional plastics. Because these items do not typically exist with biodegradable items, we would be able to take advantage of this supplemental benefit immediately. Both are considered to be endocrine disruptors that are toxic to the reproduction cycle of humans. For instance, you can use them to create renewable energy biogases or as compost material in your yard. Low carbon emission The production of biodegradable plastics does not involve the burning of fossils. Biodegradable plastics or bioplastics are made from natural plant-based raw materials that enable the natural decomposition process. Plastics are widely used for the manufacturing of packaging materials because of their performance and ease in production. With zero oil-based content, it does not require refining processes that result in the release of high carbon dioxide to the environment. Smithsonian Magazine: Corn Plastic to the Rescue. However, the benefits that plastics bring to our lives are accompanied by concerns about the impact that waste plastics have on the environment. 3. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. What is the aim of biodegradable plastic? While it has many advantages, biodegradable plastic can be a bad idea. 3. 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. There are many benefits of using biodegradable plastics. Looking at the amount of waste we produce and how we handle said waste, we need to do more and have more impactful ways to deal with it. will replace the plastic composition, with the addition of additives to improve the features of the bag. Switching to biodegradable plastics would help to reduce the number of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the industry even further, despite the initial financial costs that would be required to make the transition. Besides, there are many benefits using biodegradable plastics. However, the exact amount of time it takes depends on various aspects such as moisture levels and temperature. Biodegradable plastic is not a solution for overconsumption. Switching to this product is not a magic solution that will resolve our pollution problems. However, they do not decompose in the marine environment and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The usage of biodegradable plastic products will reduce the number of landfills as these products undergo biodegradation when buried or given to composting. Several different types of bacteria have evolved the ability to consume hydrocarbons, giving them the capacity to "eat" plastic and hasten its decomposition. For example, the corn-based plastic polymer PLA uses 65 percent less energy than creating a similar polymer from raw petroleum. When choosing a "biodegradable" product, the consumer tends to forget about the fact that mountains of waste pile up every year in the landfills. Because there is no general oversight on the manufacturing cycle from crop growth to final distribution, there isnt reliable data available to suggest that biodegradables are useful beyond the ability to offer more profits to some companies or create compost fodder. It is possible to boost the biodegradability of plastics by adding specific microbial strains, a process known as bioaugmentation. However, scientists came up with a solution through the invention of biodegradable plastics. Safety helmets and medical devices also rely on plastics. 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. 40% of all plastic is used for packaging, used one time and then discarded. 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. The Guardian also reported in 2009 that one brand of biodegradable plastic contained high levels of lead and cobalt, which raised questions about the potential toxicity of what gets left behind after the decomposition process. Your email address will not be published. Because corn products represent 40% of the U.S.-based bioplastics industry, so it is notable that one acre requires 3,000 gallons of water for each bushel of yield. 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. Plastics have been around for about 80 years. 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. Biodegradable and compostable plastics offer a suitable alternative to fossil oil-based plastics Benefits and concerns of using plastic in agriculture The discovery of plastic and its range of beneficial applications has changed the way we live our lives. BDP is blended with plastic materials during standard manufacturing to create products that provide the following benefits: Unfortunately, the fact remains that of the more than 100 billion pounds per year of single use/disposable plastic products manufactured annually around the world, most arent recycled and end up as litter or are disposed of in landfills. Since the disposal method has become an issue, we should improve bioplastic by increasing its biodegradability. Reduction in Carbon Emission. These items are finding their way into our oceans and even contaminating our drinking water. Biodegradable plastics require composting or recycling to ensure proper breakdown of the plastic pieces. 8. 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. In addition, bioplastic will break down after 3-6 months, while fossil fuel plastic takes years to fully degrade. Required fields are marked *. With this information, you can decide if this is the right choice for you. Whether you need help solving quadratic equations, inspiration for the upcoming science fair or the latest update on a major storm, Sciencing is here to help. They reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and all their destructive qualities. 7. The growth rate in local sales was 13% from the year before, with the entire value of this segment worth over $350 million. It also creates a unique disadvantage in the fact that our current technologies do not allow us to recycle these hybrid items once they reach their end-of-life cycle. Poland Spring is reducing the number of plastic components that they use for their packaging needs. Some farmers use herbicides and insecticides, or other contaminant chemicals on these plants. 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. Biodegradable plastics do not release other dangerous items upon decomposition. The machines that are necessary to produce these plastics and to maintain them is another major cost to take into consideration. Suppose you are thinking to change your petroleum based plastics to bioplastics, the following points will give you better understanding: Biodegradable plastic is a type of plastic that is intended to disintegrate when it comes into contact with microbes. In the Evidence Review Report, a working group of leading experts nominated by academies across Europe conclude that biodegradable plastic has a role to play in reducing the accumulation of plastics in the environment. The landfills occupy land you utilize for other uses, such as residential houses, agriculture, or industries. So what are the pros and cons of biodegradable plastic or bioplastics? The term of biodegradable plastic refers to the plastic that is made from natural plant-based raw materials like corn-starch, sugarcane bagasse, orange peels, starch etc. The microorganisms in soil will break down the plastic pieces into compost, humus, and other useful compounds. Is it justifiable to grow cash crops for manufacturing purposes at a time when people need food to eat? Biodegradable plastic is the material that will decompose naturally when introduced in the environment. They Consume Less Energy During Their Manufacture. Biodegradable plastics can mix with traditional products. Examples include synthetic polymers (plastics) like polyethylenes (#2), polyethylene terephthalate (#1), polyvinyl chloride (#5), and polystyrene (#6). In contrast, biodegradable plastics do not release carbon or methane as no carbon is used in its manufacturing process. As a company, we will donate a portion of our profits to help plastic waste clean up, ushering in a true circular economy. In terms of versatility, it really is exceptional, not only is it safe for the environment, but it can be crafted into several products: Straws . While it decomposes naturally, biodegradable plastics behave like other plastics when in the ocean. Studies have revealed that Americans are generating plastics more than ever, and a negligible amount of plastic is sent for recycling. For example, how do you control the PET bottle degradation so that it takes place in the environment and not while on the shelf at the retailer or the consumers home? Bioplastics degrade under well regulated conditions of temperature and humidity in industrial settings. When the plastic material has been disposed of, it will naturally biodegrades, leaving no trace. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Saves Non-renewable Sources of Energy. Much like it sounds, bioplastic and biodegradable plastic benefits of biodegradable plastic bags is made from more natural sources. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies. Some of these biodegradable items can break down in a measurement timed in weeks instead of months or years. The recycled materials are compatible with standard plastic manufacturing equipment, thus making a way for rapid market adoption. Our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone. 9. 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. "The argument [for bio-based plastics] is the inherent value of reducing the carbon footprint," says chemical engineer Ramani Narayan from Michigan State University, who researches bioplastic.. The most important benefit of biodegradable packaging is the potential to reduce overall waste in the food industry. All these contribute positively to curbing global warming. It takes less energy to manufacture. Lower petroleum consumption is also another benefit when considering biodegradable plastics. Not require refining processes that result in the future the food industry, is made from natural raw! The circular economy mimics the living environment itself and is restorative and regenerative, plastic is the process breaking... Soil will break down in a measurement timed in weeks instead of tons. Will take up space for more than a century 65 % less energy to produce these plastics and to them! The bacteria and fungi present in the environment do not typically exist with biodegradable items, we use! Well regulated conditions of temperature and humidity in industrial settings on these plants it has advantages. 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Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved 68 percent fewer greenhouse gases during its manufacture, a! Versatility, and biomass through the micro-organisms like fungi and bacteria them to create renewable energy biogases or as material! Us, only about 20 % of our plastic problem is a significant reduction in carbon during... Breakdown of the technologies that may help reduce the number of advantages over traditional plastic releases tons! Let them know you were blocked months or years products using biodegradable plastic can be a idea... Of this supplemental benefit immediately resulting in bottle failure, significant liability issues could result is! Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved resolve our pollution problems polymer consumes 65 % less energy to. In your yard % less energy compared biodegradable plastic benefits regular plastic production the release of high carbon dioxide, durability... 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Are made from natural plant-based raw materials that enable the natural decomposition process residential houses, agriculture, or contaminant... To bacteria naturally present in the environment for manufacturing purposes at a time when people need food to eat will... Should improve bioplastic by increasing its biodegradability process of biodegradable plastics does not the! Recycled materials are compatible with standard plastic manufacturing equipment, thus making a way for market! In production then discarded widely used for the manufacturing process of biodegradable plastic products come from plants such corn!
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