Biodegradable plastic is a plant-based plastic with no hazardous effects on the environment. Biodegradable Plastics are Easy to Recycle. This indicates that, in contrast to traditional plastics, they are intended to degrade into biological components. Biodegradable plastic is plastic that decays through biological processes. Biodegradable plastics are commonly used for disposable items, such as packaging, cutlery, and food service containers. Reduce the number of wastes going to the landfills. However, the exact amount of time it takes depends on various aspects such as moisture levels and temperature. Paper Type: Essay Pages: 7 Wordcount: 1820 Words Date: 2022-09-28 Our current technologies require us to take over the use of croplands for the production of natural materials to create biodegradable plastics instead of using them to produce food. These are harmful to the overall health of a person and can lead to long-term health problems. The need to use more land for croplands is another problem that is faced. One such problem is the engineering problem. However, these bacteria will turn up their nose at traditional plastic. 312Fifth Avenue, NY 10160, New York, USA | Phone: 800-468-752 | Email: [emailprotected], they are not a solution to the ocean pollution. 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. The formation of traditional plastic involves use of carbon in an excessive amount. On the other hand, biodegradable plastics are petroleum-based plastics with an additive that harnesses their decomposition. Since many of the reports cited in research involves industry-produced data, we must have access to more independent studies to understand if the advantages and disadvantages of biodegradable plastics are moving in the right direction. Biodegradable packaging materials are now more popular among brands and consumers. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. That means we can mix the traditional manufacturing cycle with the natural one, reducing the percentage that comes from fossil fuels. prodegradant additives) creates a significant challenge. 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. Furthermore, even if a total breakdown does not take place, it is simple to reduce the amount of area needed to get rid of the worlds plastic waste. They found a bacteria called Flavobacterium in pools containing waste water from a nylon mill that degraded nylon. Use of ground-breaking technology in recycling the bioplastic has closed the loop by creating the materials that lessen our reliance on traditional plastics. Bioplastics are considered to be more eco-friendly than traditional plastics. As the green lifestyle becomes more popular, the demand for bioplastics will increase. Biodegradable plastics use alternate materials or specialized enzymatic or chemical reactions to break down the material quickly once exposed to the elements. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Therefore, Biopolymer is the official manufacturer and supplier of Coffee Bio . 185.229.237.37 Another factor to consider is costs. With the increased use and manufacturing of bioplastics, we can expect a greener and a more sustainable future for our planet. For instance, you have a plastic shopping bag, electronics, car parts, and furniture. Biodegradable plastics are frequently made from petrochemicals, microorganisms, renewable raw materials, or mixtures of all three. Much of it ends in the rivers and oceans, threatening humanity. 4. 7. 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. Biodegradable plastics must follow a specific disposal procedure. Clearly, we must consider better options for reducing the negative impact that the un-recycled plastic containers have on the environment. Not just that, since the materials used to create . Are biodegradable films food grade? With the help of an extrusion machine, the film or sheet is prepared which is then rolled on the rod. No doubt, there are many advantages and disadvantages of biodegradable plastics. Numerous plant materials are useful in the making of biodegradable plastics today. 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. 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. There are positives that methane and other pollutants could also be released when traditional plastic is recycled or burned. Bioplastics come from natural sources, including crops like corn and switchgrass. The packaging industry alone produces 161 million tons of plastic . This is the only place where we can call our home and yet, we are slowly killing it. The decomposition process is faster and can take days, weeks, or months. Using a material flow analysis, the challenges of the plastic market are highlighted, and with it the . Does not solve the ocean pollution problem. Biodegradable plastics consume less fossil fuels, produce less carbon dioxide, and degrade less harmfully. In addition, bioplastics are less harmful and dont include Bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor that is frequently present in conventional plastics. Not only can biodegradable plastic be recycled, but it can be recycled more times than normal plastics. Lower petroleum consumption is also another benefit when considering biodegradable plastics. 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. To combat this concern, some companies use mixed additive systems containing both stabilizers and prodegradants wherein the prodegradant can be triggered to overwhelm the stabilizers. While it decomposes naturally, biodegradable plastics behave like other plastics when in the ocean. This makes them conserve non-renewable sources of energy such as petroleum. More info, Friday, November Because the plants that produce bioplastics absorb the same amount of carbon dioxide as they grew, there is no net increase in carbon dioxide as they decompose. It takes less energy to manufacture. This is very beneficial to us now more than ever. Mexico researchers have been developing biodegradable plastic from prickly pear cactus. Waste, like trash from products, can end up in our environment and can harm us, especially our health. Scientists estimate that there could be more waste plastic in the ocean than fish by the year 2050, with tap water containing microplastics up to 80% of the time. If we can replace the normal plastic with bioplastic, then we can minimize the negative impact of plastic pollution. Advantages of Biodegradable Plastics. Its polymers occur naturally. While there are several types of biodegradable plastics currently in use, plastics treated with BDP provide a great balance of durability, sustainability, and ease of use. Other benefits that come with biodegradable plastics can include being easy to recycle, which can and will reduce the amount of space it may take up in landfills. a set time. 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. Unless we can eliminate chemicals from the entire manufacturing chain, there will always be a risk of pollution to consider with biodegradables. Phthalates soften the plastic to turn it into PVC. Biodegradable plastics do not guarantee a net savings. When it comes to a better solution to save the planet, bioplastics are definitely better than the conventional one. Temperature and humidity play significant roles in the process. In principle, biodegradable plastics could replace many applications for conventional plastics. There are many benefits of using biodegradable 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. The manufacture of . When you dispose of them and they begin to decompose in some way, then that gas is released into the atmosphere. 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. . Reuse old plastic bags or invest in some fabric shopping bags. Its polymers occur naturally. If we throw out these plastics in the landfill last we would the traditional items, then they will follow a path that is similar to the non-biodegradable option. Less energy means low pollution. The net carbon savings for recycling would be up to 30%, and for some researchers, the savings could be as high as 80% if we switch to biodegradable plastics. 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. 9. Many plastics today leave a huge impact on our environments and that can have huge consequences on peoples livelihoods. 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. They do not decompose due to low temperatures. Source Reduction. Generally, biodegradable plastic means plastics that can be broken down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass by living things, typically microbes. Reduce the amount of bags used - refuse new plastic bags in stores. Being oil-based these materials are non-biodegradable, meaning they have a lasting presence in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. To help you fully understand, here are some advantages when you decide to use bioplastics. Humans are using different forms of plastics each day. Over the course of their lifetime, bioplastics do emit much fewer greenhouse gasses than conventional plastics. As this is plant-based, the manufacturing process produces far fewer carbon emissions than traditional plastic. For example, the corn-based plastic polymer PLA uses 65 percent less energy than creating a similar polymer from raw petroleum. 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. Your email address will not be published. This paper seeks to explain the prospects of biodegradable plastics regarding social, economic, and environmental sustainability and recognizes the latest advances in enzyme-based biodegradation of plastics in order to reduce plastics' negative effects and to make the environment safe. 9. Accordingly, plastic is also used to make biodegradable bags. Here are some points you should know to get a better view about the safety of biodegradable plastics: Bioplastics will be a significant part of the economy. Though biodegradable plastics has many benefits over traditional ones, it also has a baggage of disadvantages. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Much of the plastics that are produced today cannot be recycled or can only be recycled a few times. The bio-based material in the production of bioplastics makes them biodegradable. They also help to further break down the structure of a biodegradable plastic. The end-products of bio plastic also cause less harm to the environment as compared to the traditional plastic. When you use biodegradable plastics instead of items made through the traditional refinement process, then fewer greenhouse gas emissions escape into the atmosphere. For instance, these plastics cannot decompose in the ocean and other marine habitats. 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. Plastic makes up around 13 percent of the waste stream, representing 32 million tons of waste. Moreover, biodegradable plastic decomposes naturally in the environment when microorganisms metabolize and break down the structure. 2. When it comes to plastics and the environment, it seems right now there are more questions than solutions. Our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone. Returns to nature within . 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. While reducing landfill space may be a benefit, the tradeoff may be nullified due to this drawback. For instance, the cost of PET or PE made from sugar cane or bio-ethanol is around 20% higher than that of traditional plastics. To unpack this, that means that a bioplastic can be inherently non-biodegradable. Manufacturers and product designers choose plastic due to its ease of use, versatility, and durability. Plant based, biodegradable plastics are on the rise and for good reason. However, experts have yet to see verified data that clearly confirms the efficacy and safety of such products. His primary fields of expertise include computers, astronomy, alternative energy sources and the environment. 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. Although it would be ignorant to say that biodegradable plastics are 100% safe, they are usually viewed as a product that supports sustainable business practices by consumers and those in the C-Suite. What is the aim of biodegradable plastic? The manufacturing process of biodegradable plastics requires fewer amounts of energy. Biodegradable plastic decomposes naturally when bacteria in the environment are able to "metabolize" and break down the plastic structure. 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. Bioplastics cannot decompose in ocean water because it is too cold of an environment for the material. 2. Some bioplastics will inevitably end up in landfills where, deprived of oxygen, they may release methane. One of the main advantages of using biodegradable plastic is a significant reduction in carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. Although recycling would be a good way to reduce the plastics in the landfills, currently "only 5% out of 1 trillion plastic bags, annually produced in the US alone, are being recycled" (Sivan, 2011). In particular, single use and disposable plastic items (e.g., plastic beverage bottles and plastic grocery bags) are the largest concern in terms of litter in our oceans and landfill space consumption. We can definitely benefit from the presence of biodegradable plastics because they can decompose effectively in our environment without creating a pollutive effect. Environmentally . Biodegradable plastics can be easily recycled to avoid the increasing number of plastic waste and emissions of greenhouse gases from the production by the industry. The reflecting effect of this gas is significantly higher than what CO2 causes. After plastics are formed, the traditional products will hold their carbon. The continued destruction and pollution have caused this slow death to speed up to the point where we are seeing some of the long-term effects sooner and that has many people worried. Oxo-biodegradable plastic is recyclable. One of the greatest issues with bioplastic is that it helps people feel better about themselves as they continue to abuse disposable materials. The product is still single use plastic New, biodegradable plastics and better recycling strategies are two promising approaches to help the world cut down on plastic waste. 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. The Growing Problem Of Plastic Waste And How To Recycle Plastic Bags, Are Clear Plastic Food Containers Recyclable? A bioplastic may be 100 percent fossil-based. This is achieved when the bacteria and fungi present in the surrounding environment naturally metabolizes the plastics. Biodegradable plastics can reduce greenhouse gas emission levels. Several different types of bacteria have evolved the ability to consume hydrocarbons, giving them the capacity to "eat" plastic and hasten its decomposition. Learn more about the benefits. SUWON, South Korea -- South Korean conglomerate CJ Cheiljedang is jumping into the global market to begin mass production of PHA . 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. Plastic is a major source of pollution in the land and sea with very few ways to recycle and dispose of them. If were talking about the bio ingredients that can decompose faster than conventional plastic, these materials are safe for the environment. 30 This value represents approximately 0.0005 % of all plastics produced every year. Products like food, electronics, cups, pans, drinks, and other materials have all used plastics to help with marketing, packaging, and transporting. So what are the pros and cons of biodegradable plastic or bioplastics? Many biodegradable plastics are designed to degrade in industrial composting systems. Several biodegradable plastics are currently on the market today. When you use biodegradable plastics instead of. 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. When they begin to break down in the environment, bacteria in the soil begin to consume the components. Biodegradable plastics degrade in a much reasonable time frame and can be more renewable than plastics today. 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. 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. Biodegradable plastics require use to use croplands to produce items. You can recycle these plastics to create other by-products for other processes. But, nothing is perfect and biodegradable plastics are no exception. Biodegradable plastics come at a higher capital cost. 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. Required fields are marked *. This amount is 68% less than that of traditional plastics. When the plastic material has been disposed of, it will naturally biodegrades, leaving no trace. Biodegradable plastics are plastics degraded by microorganisms into the water, carbon dioxide, and biomass under specified conditions. 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. Another drawback is the fact that biodegradable plastics may need to be disposed of in a certain way to properly degrade. The process requires comprehensive equipment and composers that many manufacturers cannot afford. Making this switch could lead to significant changes in how people and other businesses see each other. Manufacturers can create items using plants, starches, corn oil, or even the peels from citrus fruits. The future of our future generations needs to be accounted for and having a place where they can thrive is important. 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. Biodegradable plastics do not release other dangerous items upon decomposition. 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. Plastic pollution is growing at such an alarming rate because it just keeps piling up and up. 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. This is very beneficial to us now more than ever. That leaves us with less waste to manage over all, reducing the potential for pollution in every biome. Biodegradable plastics have many advantages, which include: 1. Biodegradable plastics offer a substance that is made from a natural source, so the risks of breaking down are much fewer. 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. Also, biodegradable plastic manufacturing uses less energy compared to regular plastic production. 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 addition, it generates 68 percent fewer greenhouse gases during its manufacture, representing a significant environmental benefit. 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. Effect of this gas is significantly higher than what CO2 causes many advantages, which include: 1 contrast traditional. They are intended to degrade in a much reasonable time frame and can harm us, especially our.!, astronomy, alternative energy sources and the environment when microorganisms metabolize and break down the structure a! They also help to further break down the material quickly once exposed to the traditional manufacturing cycle the! 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biodegradable plastic benefits