that The global bioplastics market is growing rapidly. Bioplastics, biodegradable plastics, and compostable plastics are used for: Shift in demand for petroleum-based plastics In theory, this would help reduce the load on the Earth by breaking down in weeks rather than centuries. While this is a useful step forward toward single-use packaging, it’s still a good idea to look for plastic-free options.
Let’s dig into the reality of biodegradable plastic. Despite high expectations for these alternatives to help build a circular economy and solve the plastic recycling problem, there seems to be a lot of confusion about how to properly dispose of end-of-life plastics. Do you know the difference between bioplastics?
Bioplastics cover a wide area
Bioplastics include a variety of materials. generally defined Labeled as “biobased, biodegradable, or both.”
You may be surprised to learn that bioplastics are possible. It is not biodegradable or contains no bio-based substances.. Confusingly, it may also be 100% fossil-based. To further complicate matters, bioplastics “can be any combination of partially bio-based, fully bio-based, non-bio-based, biodegradable, compostable or non-biodegradable, as long as they are both non-biobased and non-biobased.” is. “It is not biodegradable.”
Shall we analyze it in more detail?
What are bioplastics?
Plastics that are fossil fuel-based and non-biodegradable are what we know as conventional plastics. It takes centuries for most of these plastics to break down in the environment, and those derived from petroleum leave toxic byproducts in soil and water. However, if a plastic is bio-based and biodegradable, or if it is bio-based and non-biodegradable, it can be classified as a bioplastic.
Bioplastics are typically made from the following materials: Corn starch, cassava or sugarcane. It offers an alternative to petroleum-based plastics, breaking down faster and leaving behind fewer toxins. However, there is a big misconception that these plant-based plastics are natural. Release of biomass content of these plant-based plastics methane They break down in landfills and act like regular plastic in the ocean, breaking down into microplastics and harming marine life that mistake them for food.
How do I recycle or dispose of bioplastics? Many products in this category are now labeled Plastic #7 (or mixed). Just about anywhere in the U.S. you pollute the waste stream when you put it in your curbside recycling bin. After checking the packaging and calling the local government Find TerraCycle We’re working on alternative recycling programs, but if no one takes it, we have to throw it away. #7 Placing plastic in your recycling bin can ruin the plastic recycling process at the material recovery facility (MRF) that receives it.
In the long term, we need stronger infrastructure to collect bioplastics and industrial composting facilities to close the loop. Like most recycling infrastructure, plastic recycling stagnated in the second half of the 20th century.
What is biodegradable plastic?
The term “biodegradable” is also possible. mislead consumers This is because the process of breaking down materials in a compost pile is highly dependent on humidity and temperature. Many plastics that make these claims will only biodegrade under industrial conditions where sufficiently high temperatures are reached. Some cities, such as San Francisco and Seattle, have invested in ensuring their compost programs reach industrial temperatures, but many have not. This highlights the need to be careful about the products you choose to recycle.
there is many types The most common biodegradable plastics are starch-based polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). PLA “can look and act like” PHAs, such as polyethylene (used in plastic films, packaging, and bottles), polystyrene (plastic foam and plastic cutlery), or polypropylene (packaging, automobile parts, and textiles), are made from carbon-rich organic materials and plastic-producing microorganisms. I lose. Used in industrial applications such as manufacturing injection molded automotive parts.
Oxidodegradable plastics, or traditional petroleum-based plastics that contain additives that help them break down more quickly, are another subset of biodegradable plastics. California is Labeling method Recently passed to keep terms and conditions separate How to Recycle Plastic This means that producers must be responsible for collecting and disposing of the packaging they create. The state’s landmark expanded producer responsibility law includes compostable plastics.
How do I recycle or dispose of biodegradable plastic? Contact your local municipality and ask if you are eligible for a local composting program. TerraCycle’s zero waste box Use or dispose of biodegradable or compostable plastic.
What is compostable plastic?
Compostable plastics are another subset of biodegradable plastics; All compostable plastics are biodegradable.Not all biodegradable plastics can be composted. Many consumers believe they can compost these products at home, but this is not true. An industrial composting facility is most often required to break them down. Most compostable plastics are bio-based and designed to decompose within three to six months in an industrial composting facility.
Unfortunately, this mess can lead to littering. Compostable plastics have a lower carbon footprint, but they don’t solve our problems. disposable culture.
How do I recycle or dispose of compostable plastic? Unfortunately, you can’t compost it. Like biodegradable plastics, compostable plastics do not necessarily decompose in all commercial composting facilities. Check with your local government about existing or planned composting facilities that can process compostable plastics. Or consider TerraCycle’s Options for Compostable Plastics.
Treat bioplastics as plastics now
The reality is that we are creating bioplastics faster than the infrastructure needed for safe circular disposal. Multinational brands must lead the way in clear and transparent labeling to educate consumers. Until end-of-life solutions are established for bioplastics, they will likely end up in landfills or polluting waterways just like conventional plastics.
That’s why it may be helpful for now to think of plastic as exactly that – plastic. Reduce your plastic use to have the most positive impact on the planet.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on February 5, 2021, and was updated in October 2024.
