). That means we are burning fewer fossil fuels, consuming less of them during the manufacturing process, and releasing fewer contaminants when the plastics reach their end-of-life stage. We need to do something about our planet, and we need to do something soon or we may be facing a future where the planet may be inhabitable. a set time. Bioplastics are not as toxic as other plastics. In 1975, a group of Japanese researchers identified the basic idea behind biodegradable plastics. Biodegradable plastics could create new export industries. This endangers the lives of marine organisms. Other types can take a few years to undergo complete decomposition. With zero oil-based content, it does not require refining processes that result in the release of high carbon dioxide to the environment. 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. If your company needs assistance in making products that are more environmentally friendly and/or using plastics that are biobased, we can help. In addition, bioplastics are less harmful and dont include Bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor that is frequently present in conventional plastics. That means shareholders, executives, and employees all stand to gain from the potential for higher profits. They reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and all their destructive qualities. This contamination gets transferred to the final products. Also, they do not need fossil fuels to be recycled. Its polymers occur naturally. It will last for many years if stored indoors. When you compare the polymers made from this crop to those using raw petroleum, it requires 65% less energy to create a similar-quality biodegradable product. 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. 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. Greenhouse gases, emissions from vehicles, unsustainable buildings, and cities are some of the areas where we could see more being done to help with producing a better world. So what are the pros and cons of biodegradable plastic or bioplastics? With the increased usage of plastics, people will need more spaces for landfills. Switching to biodegradables is a step in the right direction, but it is not the final solution that we require. Plastics and its by-products are cluttering up our cities, oceans and contributing to deadly health problems in humans and animals. The Coca-Cola Company has already created a bio-plastic bottle that they can use with their beverages. Plastic is a major source of pollution in the land and sea with very few ways to recycle and dispose of them. Non-degradable plastics form a significant component of waste in landfills. 4 Reasons Why Biodegradable Plastics Benefit the Environment 1. They consumed about 130,000 tons domestically, and then exported the remainder during that year. With the increased use and manufacturing of bioplastics, we can expect a greener and a more sustainable future for our planet. Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 22 Should Juveniles Be Tried as Adults Pros and Cons, 6 Powerful Prayers for a Safe School Year, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. Biodegradable plastics are a new type of plastic that can degrade naturally through biological processes. 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. That means we are simply trading one issue for another until there is a better solution to find. The current state of our plastic problem is a problem, and something needs to be done about it. This can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that come from producing them, which is an obvious benefit to our environment. The Benefits of Biodegradable Plastics. Other forms of degradable plastic are not. 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. Though the initial investment in the biodegradable plastics might be slightly higher, in the long run biodegradable plastics involve a lesser amount of energy in its manufacturing process and do not need fossil fuels to be recycled. What Is Recyclable Plastic And How Can It Be Recycled? Plastics have been in the world of packaging for a very long time. Required fields are marked *. Oxo-degradable plastic has a long time span of usability. 1. This indicates that, in contrast to traditional plastics, they are intended to degrade into biological components. Biodegradable plastics require composting or recycling to ensure proper breakdown of the plastic pieces. 18 billion pounds of plastic waste flows into the ocean every year. Crops and soybeans can be used to produce the materials needed to make these plastics and can be a huge help in changing the way we use plastics today. 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. Then the natural bacteria in the composting container digest it to produce something that can benefit the planet later on. Biodegradable plastics are broken down by naturally-occurring bacteria and since these plastics are plant-based, a minimal amount of carbon is released during the composting process. The recycled materials are compatible with standard plastic manufacturing equipment, thus making a way for rapid market adoption. These materials take centuries to decompose, becoming a threat to the environment, humans, and animals. 2. For example, corn-based polymer consumes 65% less energy compared to the same polymer made by petroleum. If we were to recycle our plastics each year, then our net carbon savings alone would be up to 30%, which some researchers suggesting the savings could be as high as 80%. In contrast, biodegradable plastics do not release carbon or methane as no carbon is used in its manufacturing process. Products that are biodegradable degrade substantially more quickly than recyclable products. First, the biomass used to produce biobased plastics must be sustainably . We would need more factors to help contribute to the effort of dealing with waste. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. When you dispose of them and they begin to decompose in some way, then that gas is released into the atmosphere. Therefore, bioplastics still need special disposal treatment to minimize the harmful effect. While traditional plastic releases four tons of emissions, biodegradable plastics emit only 0.8 tons of carbon - a 500% reduction! Instead of discarding tons of plastic to languish in landfills for decades, biodegradable food packaging naturally and completely degrades. Several different types of bacteria have evolved the ability to consume hydrocarbons, giving them the capacity to "eat" plastic and hasten its decomposition. 4. Such pesticides can find their way into the final product of the plastic and harm the consumers. Weight-saving advantages of plastics over metal have greatly improved fuel efficiency of automobiles, thereby reducing our dependence on foreign oil and reduction of carbon dioxide. Waste, like trash from products, can end up in our environment and can harm us, especially our health. Of the biodegradable plastics, an average of 200 ktpa are produced per type. Some types of biodegradable produce high methane levels during the decomposition process. 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 terms of versatility, it really is exceptional, not only is it safe for the environment, but it can be crafted into several products: Straws . We must also create the infrastructure necessary to process or decompose the biodegradables in a beneficial way. Plastics that are already compostable, such poly lactic acid, have had their rate of decomposition accelerated through the use of bioaugmentation. Oil is a significant material in making plastics. 3. Hence, plastic, defined as biodegradable, is made of molecule that can break down naturally by the action of micro-organisms. Waste Reduction. Being made from plants and crops like corn or soybean, there can be the risk of contamination from pesticides and other harmful products that are used on these crops. In fact, they still mix between the renewable and non-renewable resources. 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. 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. At least 85% of the 40 million tons of municipal plastic waste anticipated to be produced in the U.S. in 2021 was dumped there, according to Statista. Petroleum-based materials are derived from crude oil. In addition, it generates 68 percent fewer greenhouse gases during its manufacture, representing a significant environmental benefit. It is typically derived from natural byproducts and is manufactured under strict temperature and humidity controls. Traditional plastic comes from heating. Plastics are a central part of modern life. Though biodegradable plastics has many benefits over traditional ones, it also has a baggage of disadvantages. Does it really matter to you if there are biodegradable micro-plastics in your tap water instead of traditional plastics? Therefore, there is a good impact of using biodegradable plastic in future. List of the Advantages of Biodegradable Plastics 1. The food containers, pens, and water bottles in your office and household are all plastic. The primary aim of biodegradable plastic is to reduce the environmental impact of plastic pollution. Biodegradable materials decompose into harmless substances including carbon dioxide, water vapor, and organic debris. Manufacturers and product designers choose plastic due to its ease of use, versatility, and durability. After all, using biodegradable plastic is an effective way to protect the environment. They reduce use of fossil fuel resources, producing a smaller carbon footprint. Oxo-biodegradable plastic has a long shelf-life. Biodegradable plastics, on the other hand, may break down over the course of several months, depending on the materials involved and the conditions of their disposal. 8. Specialized bacteria may hold the key to reducing already-existing plastic deposits, however. 11. Biodegradable plastics do not guarantee a net savings. Currently, two main forms of biodegradable plastics exist: Unfortunately, the plastic used to manufacture beverage containers (PET) is not naturally biodegradable, and a naturally biodegradable resin is not currently commercially available that offers the mechanical properties necessary for beverage bottles (e.g., high impact strength, chemical resistance, and gas barrier). Your IP: For now, our biodegradable facial sheet masks are: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol and our NEW Cica + Niacinamide. Biodegradable plastics have a clear benefit, they reduce waste and leave less of an impact on the environment than normal plastics. In essence, the bioplastic production process emits only 8% of carbon dioxide. When it comes to a simple step you can take to save the Earth, changing your conventional plastic to bioplastic is the right choice. Biodegradable plastics may reduce the amount of recycling that we can do. In other cases, including single-use packaging and plastic bags, it . Herbicides and pesticides are not tracked by this industry, so there is no way to know what your exposure levels might be when you encounter these natural products. 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. Your email address will not be published. Science Fair Project Ideas for Kids, Middle & High School Students, Environmental Protection Agency: Plastics. Biodegradable plastic decomposes naturally when bacteria in the environment are able to "metabolize" and break down the plastic structure. When the cornstarch molecules encounter water, then they slowly absorb it, swelling up to break the item into smaller pieces. 1, M.I.D.C. Biodegradable plastics have many advantages, which include: 1. Environmentally . The design of the circular economy mimics the living environment itself and is restorative and regenerative. Traditional plastics. While it has many advantages, biodegradable plastic can be a bad idea. If you were to throw out a bucket-full of traditional plastics into a landfill, then you would have methane and other forms of pollutants release as the product begins to decompose. With the help of an extrusion machine, the film or sheet is prepared which is then rolled on the rod. 185.229.237.37 Keep reading to learn some of the benefits and shortcomings of bioplastics. 3. Biodegradable plastic bags need a few months to a few years to completely decompose, depending on the environment that is populated by microbes to speed up the process. Your email address will not be published. Energy . Some of these biodegradable items can break down in a measurement timed in weeks instead of months or years. Reduction in Carbon Emission. The Many Benefits of Hemp Plastic. Bioplastics are generally compostable, which means they will decay into natural materials that will eventually blend harmlessly into the soil. Change Plastic for Good benefits the planet through BDP which is designed to enhance the biodegradation of plastic. 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. Many plastics today leave a huge impact on our environments and that can have huge consequences on peoples livelihoods. PLASTIVISION INDIA 2020. In terms of the impact to the environment, bioplastic has a better performance. He began his writing career in 2007 and now works full-time as a writer and transcriptionist. 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%. Poland Spring is reducing the number of plastic components that they use for their packaging needs. While around 9 percent of that plastic goes into recycling programs, the remainder enters landfills, where it takes up space for hundreds of years or more. For example, the corn-based plastic polymer PLA uses 65 percent less energy than creating a similar polymer from raw petroleum. These items are finding their way into our oceans and even contaminating our drinking water. Biodegradable plastics do not release other dangerous items upon decomposition. Biodegradable plastics can also represent a significant energy savings. One way to mitigate the trash dilemma is to design new biodegradable plastics. Also, microplastics are leading water contaminants. Here are some of them: Biodegradable plastics can pose contamination risks to both environment and humans. Your email address will not be published. We must also use water resources to crow the crops needed for the raw materials as well. We are producing more waste plastic today than ever. Organizations that adopt this product are often seen as being preferable because they are viewed as being concerned about the environment. Mexico researchers have been developing biodegradable plastic from prickly pear cactus. Manufacturers can create items using plants, starches, corn oil, or even the peels from citrus fruits. Types of Biodegradable Packaging Materials. 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. If we can replace the normal plastic with bioplastic, then we can minimize the negative impact of plastic pollution. The decomposition process is faster and can take days, weeks, or months. Advantages of Biodegradable Plastics. For instance, you have a plastic shopping bag, electronics, car parts, and furniture. When you use biodegradable plastics instead of. Besides, they are often produced using renewable resources and plant by-products like cornstarch or sugarcane that will not release toxins or harm the environment. Required fields are marked *. In fact, the creation of bioplastics results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional plastic. That is in addition to the 68% reduction in greenhouse gases that occur during the manufacturing process. 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