Biodegradable Plastics: Advantages, Disadvantages and Various Uses of it

Plastics are everywhere and are used in almost all areas in the modern-day including in the making of cutleries, packaging and wrapping items, bottles, food containers, clothes, wearables, vehicle parts, electronics, pens, and furniture among many other items. Their wide usage is because of their versatility in 3D modeling, durability, and ease of work within various manufacturing and production processes. 

In short, it is really difficult to imagine our daily lives without plastic. 

But are we doing justice to earth?

The use of plastics has a downside, especially concerning its negative impacts on the environment, including landfill and plastic pollution. Plastic materials generally take centuries to breakdown naturally in the environment. 

The world has witnessed the various environmental problems associated with plastics, advancements have been made towards the manufacture and use of biodegradable plastics.

Biodegradable plastics are those that can decompose naturally in the environment. The makeup structure of biodegradable plastics makes them easily break down by natural microorganisms, giving an end product that is less harmful to the environment.

As such, biodegradable plastics are perceived to be more eco-friendly due to their environmental benefits, which are hard to deny compared to ordinary plastics.

To minimize environmental pollution, this type of plastic is undoubtedly a better choice but still comes with its downside. Here, we look at how biodegradable plastics are made, their benefits and problems, and examples of their uses.

Table of contents

How are Biodegradable Plastics Made?

Biodegradable plastics are made in a way that they can breakdown or degrade when exposed to the sun’s ultra-violet radiation, enzymes, bacteria, water, or wind abrasion. They are made from renewable raw materials or all-natural plant or animal materials such as orange peels, corn oil, switchgrass, soybeans, micro-organisms, or starch.

The industrial processing of biodegradable plastics is similar to the manufacture of ordinary plastic, only that the materials used differ and for bio-degradable plastics; they are the materials that can easily break down or decompose. They are mainly categorized into two:

1. Bio-plastics; purely made from natural substances such as corn starch. Examples of those made from corn starch include EverCornand NatureWorks. In their manufacturing process, they save energy and emit less carbon as the plants used already have the same amount of carbon.

2. Biodegradable plastics; made from traditional petrochemicals but designed to break down faster. They have additives that speed up their rate of decay or breakdown in the presence of oxygen and light.

The presence of moisture also accelerates the breakdown process. Mainly, they get a breakdown in the presence of the sun’s UV light with some only breaking down at high industrial-scale temperatures.

The most common examples include polybutyrate adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH/PVA), and polycaprolactone (PCL).

Various Advantages of Using Biodegradable Plastics

1. Biodegradable Plastics are Easy to Recycle

These types of plastics not only take less time to decompose when discarded but can also be easily recycled through an organic process. They are also non-toxic since they have no chemicals or toxins. Recycling helps to lessen landfill problems, and besides, the recycled bio-waste can be used as compost or as renewable energy for biogas.

2. They Consume Less Energy During Their Manufacture

It is true that the production of biodegradable plastics requires more investment, but finally, it is worth it. If the clean-up costs are taken into consideration, besides the harmful effects on the environment, biodegradable plastic products will definitely turn out to be a wiser choice. 

Less energy is needed in the manufacturing of biodegradable plastics compared to ordinary plastics. For instance, the manufacture of corn-based polymer requires 65% less energy compared to a similar polymer made from petroleum. Manufacturing bioplastics also do not require the process of finding, accessing, and transportation of hydrocarbons.

This means fewer fuel fossils will be in use; hence, reduction of environmental pollution. Also, it produces 68% fewer greenhouse gases during its manufacture, posing a significant environmental benefit.

3. Reduction of the Amount of Waste Produced

Biodegradable plastic breaks down only in a period of a few months, depending on the material used to make the bioplastic and the method of disposal. Other types of traditional plastic constitute 13 percent of the waste stream that is 32 million tons of trash annually, and only 9 percent of this type of plastic can be recycled.

Biodegradable plastics are a better choice as they are broken down easily, and can be absorbed by the soil or converted into compost. Moreover, even if a complete breakdown does not occur, it is easy to achieve a reduction in the amount of space required to dispose of the globe’s plastic waste.

4. Lower Petroleum Consumption

Oil is a significant ingredient in the manufacturing of traditional plastics. Petroleum is known to have negative impacts on the environment, considering the amount of waste produced during refinement and also during the extraction of oil from the earth.

It is surprising to note that, in the United States alone, 3% of petroleum so produced is used in the manufacturing of plastics. What we must remember is that, like other fossil fuels, petroleum is a non-renewable resource that ought to be conserved.

Biodegradable plastics use the idea of natural products; therefore, the use of bioplastic can profoundly reduce the amount of petroleum used and consequently lessen its environmental hazards.

5. Compostability

Composting of bioplastic products can make the soil fertile, thereby enhancing soil fertility. The reason for this is because plastic is not made using artificial chemicals but from natural materials. The materials decay and improve the soil’s water and nutrient retention and help in the growth of healthier plants with no need for pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

6. Reduction of Carbon dioxide Levels

We are at a juncture where we are producing the largest amount of waste that the history of human civilization has ever seen. And needless to say, it is plastic products that form a major chunk of it. The situation is such that even our drinking water sources, which constitute a mere 1% of earth’s total water resources, are getting contaminated at an alarming rate.

The production of plastics has increased significantly over the years. Scientists have approximated that by the year 2050, there could be more plastics in the ocean than fish. Drinking water will be contaminated with 80% of microplastic at that time.

With biodegradable plastics, such as those made from sugar and carbon dioxide by researchers from the University of Bath, the world foresees a future of plastics that can decompose and release only the amount of energy that was used to make it. 

Since fossil fuels are not required in the manufacturing process of such nature-friendly, biodegradable plastic products, the carbon dioxide emissions are also curtailed. Their decomposition does not produce an excess of CO2, but only as much that had been used up in producing them.

7. Reduction of Emission of Greenhouse Gas Levels

The use of biodegradable plastic products instead of traditional plastics lessens the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Research from North Carolina State University states that plastic products harm the landfills as they produce an intoxicating greenhouse gas when burnt.

A little statistical survey would reveal that we are using nearly 100 million tons of plastic every year. And the production of such staggering amounts of plastic products releases approximately 500 million tons of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. If you are wondering how much carbon dioxide that is, it is the emission produced by 19 million vehicles annually.

Switching to bioplastics can profoundly reduce the number of greenhouse gasses emitted, consequently avoiding its effects such as desertification and extreme flooding.

8. Biodegradable Plastics Products Do Not Release Harmful Products Upon Decomposing

Discarding traditional plastics can also mean releasing methane, toxic chemicals, and other types of pollutants to the environment. These substances, while breaking down, are potentially dangerous as they can easily harm marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and overall human health as well.

Bisphenol A – a significant component in the manufacturing of plastics, for instance, is associated with the endocrine disruption that is incredibly harmful to the reproduction cycle of human beings. Other artificial chemicals in traditional plastics have also been linked to diseases such as cancers.

Shifting to biodegradable plastic products means cutting down on the release of these lethal products into the environment and making way for a better, healthier future for the generations to come.

9. Biodegradable Plastics Products are Broken Down by Bacteria That Occur Naturally

Biodegradable plastic products are a little closer to nature. Since their decomposition does not release harmful products, it becomes easier for us to manage them better. When buried in the soil, bacteria in the soil start decomposing it. 

As a result, we are left with manageable amounts of waste. Not just that, since this decomposition process is natural, so the amount of fossil fuel or energy consumed in the process is nil, and thus, it is also cost-effective.

10. Biodegradable Plastics Products can Mix With Our Traditional Products

This is probably one of the best benefits of biodegradable plastic products. They are flexible. Once the desired biodegradable material is converted into a polymer, it can be easily combined with the traditional products that are used for making plastic traditionally. So, completely new products do not have to be manufactured to produce biodegradable plastic products.

11. Biodegradable Plastic Products are the New Industry For Export as Well as Marketing

Believe it or not, biodegradable plastic products are on the verge of becoming the booming industry of this generation. It will not only create ripples in the export industry but also in the marketing industry.

In 2016 alone, China produced and used 290,000 and 130,000 tons of biodegradable plastic products, and their local businesses saw a 13% hike in sales, which accounts for $350 million. With people becoming more aware and willing to reduce their carbon footprints, it goes without saying that biodegradable plastic products will be in high demand very soon.

Apart from that, many companies have targeted this aware section of people to increase their sales. The soft drinks giant Coca-Cola has started making bottles out of biodegradable plastics. Not only are they doing their bit for the environment, but also they are increasing their sales with their improved marketing strategies.

12. Biodegradable Plastic Products can be Made to Decompose Under Specific Conditions

Among all the other good qualities, this is yet another feather in the cap of the biodegradable plastic products. Not only is their decomposition relatively easier and less harmful, but these products can also be decomposed under specific conditions.

We must not forget that corn-starch is an important product used in the manufacture of these plastics. When this corn starch comes in contact with water, it can breakdown within a matter of weeks without any hassle!

Biodegradable-plastic-plates

Disadvantages of Biodegradable Plastics

1. Engineering Problems

Biodegradable plastics are made from plants such as soybeans and corn. Therefore, there is a risk of contamination as the crops are typically sprayed with pesticides when on the farm and can easily be transferred or included in the end product.

2. Need For Costly Equipment For Both Processing and Recycling

A downside of biodegradable plastic is that there is a need for costly industrial processors and composters, especially those that require high industrial-scale temperatures to be broken down. Apart from cost, there is a need for the availability of equipment, which may be a problem.

3. Risk of Contamination Due to Confusion Differentiating Between Bio-degradable and Non-Biodegradable Plastics

These bioplastics should not be mixed with non-biodegradable plastic when discarded. The challenge today is that many people do not know how to distinguish between the two.

Therefore, these bioplastics may end up getting contaminated and may not be easily recyclable anymore. The outcome is adding up to the waste volume.

4. Biodegradable Plastics May Produce Methane in Landfills

Some biodegradable plastics produce methane when decomposing in landfills. The amount of methane produced each year is high. Methane is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and it absorbs heat faster; therefore, it can accelerate climate change.

5. Surprisingly, Biodegradable Plastics do not Solve Ocean Pollution Problems

These types of plastics cannot decompose in the ocean waters as it is too cold. Therefore, these plastics will either float on water or create micro-plastics which pose health hazards to marine life. Thus, the use of these kinds of plastic cannot solve all pollution problems.

6. There is a Need For More Crops and Croplands to Produce Biodegradable Plastics

Adequate production of these kinds of plastic will require the use of cropland to provide the natural materials required instead of producing food. With food scarcity and hunger affecting 1 out of 5 families in the developed nations and much more in developing countries, there is an ethical question whether it is right to expand this industry.

7. Biodegradable Products Come at a Higher Cost

It costs 20 – 50% more to produce bioplastic than to produce traditional plastic. With improved technologies and more access to materials, however, this cost can reduce significantly.

8. Biodegradable Plastics May Contain Metals

Some of these plastic products, for example, plastic bags, may release some amount of heavy metals during decomposition. For example, the Guardian reported high levels of cobalt and lead in one brand of this kind of plastic. It raised issues about the toxicity left after decomposition.

9. Biodegradable Plastics Need to be Disposed of in Very Particular Methods

It is a fact that biodegradable plastics can decompose really easily and even in a shorter timeframe. Still, it is also true that a very specific disposal method has to be followed with them. Failing this would mean that the decomposition process will be hampered.  

Dumping them directly into the landfills would mean an unnecessary release of methane. Thus, it is essential to ensure that they are recycled, and we should also remember to use other waste reduction initiatives.

10. Biodegradable Plastics Require Water to Decompose Properly

Corn-starch being one of the major components in the biodegradable plastic products, there must be water to ensure proper and timely decomposition of the biodegradable plastics. It means rain could facilitate its decomposition. But what if there is no rain? It could develop into a major problem managing these wastes at such times.

11. Herbicides and Pesticides are not Accounted For

Biodegradable plastics do not track your exposure to herbicides and pesticides. There is no way to know if the crops that have been sent in for the manufacturing of these plastics were exposed to any such harmful chemicals. Thus, we still run a risk of being exposed to them.

Uses of Biodegradable Plastics

Biodegradable plastics are used in many areas of our daily lives today. Some of these uses are;

  • They make Shopping bags, compostable waste collection bags, and trays, punnets for fruits, meat, and vegetable.
  • The medical department uses bioplastics to make screws, pins, and plates, materials for pills and capsules.
  • They are used to make disposable catering service wares.
  • They also make items such as bottles, tea bags, jars, air pillow, pens, pencils sharpeners, mulch film.

References:

https://www.explainthatstuff.com/bioplastics.html

https://sciencing.com/benefits-biodegradable-plastic-22789.html

Are Biodegradable Plastics BEneficial For the Environment?

Why Biodegradable Plastic Won’t Solve Plastic Crisis

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About Rinkesh

A true environmentalist by heart ❤️. Founded Conserve Energy Future with the sole motto of providing helpful information related to our rapidly depleting environment. Unless you strongly believe in Elon Musk‘s idea of making Mars as another habitable planet, do remember that there really is no 'Planet B' in this whole universe.