They found a bacteria called Flavobacterium in pools containing waste water from a nylon mill that degraded nylon. In that time, they have greatly impacted our lives and provided significant benefits including convenience, health and safety. 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. It would be inaccurate to say that these items are free from emissions since it requires petroleum to grow crops in the first place. This advantage can only occur if the items are disposed of properly, meaning that these items must be treated in a manner that is similar to compost. 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. Biodegradable plastics offer reduces carbon dioxide levels. 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. Some bioplastics will inevitably end up in landfills where, deprived of oxygen, they may release methane. The advantages of bioplastics are that they decompose naturally easier than biodegradable plastics. This is the only place where we can call our home and yet, we are slowly killing it. Products like food, electronics, cups, pans, drinks, and other materials have all used plastics to help with marketing, packaging, and transporting. Fig. One of the greatest issues with bioplastic is that it helps people feel better about themselves as they continue to abuse disposable materials. In addition, natural byproducts are typically used to manufacture biodegradable plastic. Polystar's unique biodegradable material is made from PLA bioplastic. Biodegradable reduce the amount of plastic ending in a landfill. This would lead to us producing a lot of pollution when making plastics and so having a reduction in the amount that is used is a huge boon to us considering that oil is a nonrenewable resource. This endangers the lives of marine organisms. As the green lifestyle becomes more popular, the demand for bioplastics will increase. We must also use water resources to crow the crops needed for the raw materials as well. While not every form of landfill-friendly biodegradable plastic will completely break down, any reduction in the space required to dispose of this material will ease pressures on the waste stream. Traditional plastics. 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. Advantages of Biodegradable Plastics. We are producing more waste plastic today than ever before in human history. This is very beneficial to us now more than ever. One of the main advantages of using biodegradable plastic is a significant reduction in carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. The traditional plastics are thrown on the scrapheap at landfills. All these contribute positively to curbing global warming. Biodegradable plastics have a clear benefit, they reduce waste and leave less of an impact on the environment than normal plastics. This includes financial losses to the fishing and tourism sectors as well as expenses for beach cleanup. The polyethylene created through the manufacturing cycle using natural items may contain high levels of manganese, which can stop breaking down when you begin the composting process for these items. Essentially, the cost of producing these types of plastic is higher than one of the traditional ones. If your company needs assistance in making products that are more environmentally friendly and/or using plastics that are biobased, we can help. Moreover, biodegradable plastic production produces lower carbon emission. Some farmers use herbicides and insecticides, or other contaminant chemicals on these plants. 2. prodegradant additives) creates a significant challenge. Such pesticides can find their way into the final product of the plastic and harm the consumers. Biodegradable plastics create a new marketing platform. The future of our future generations needs to be accounted for and having a place where they can thrive is important. 3. During decomposition, the contamination can get to the soil or water and have harmful effects on animals and humans. 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. 3. Paper Example on Biodegradable Plastics: Environmental Benefits, Costs, and Regulations . This process turns them into polymers that become useful for the industry. A number of conditions have to be met for biodegradable and compostable plastics to have positive environmental impacts. Bioplastics are considered to be more eco-friendly than traditional plastics. or solid (food containers, leaf collections bags, water bottles, etc.). Oxo-biodegradable plastic has a long shelf-life. There are typically two forms that we use today: solid and injection-molded. Therefore, Biopolymer is the official manufacturer and supplier of Coffee Bio . Biodegradable plastics degrade in a much reasonable time frame and can be more renewable than plastics today. Also, microplastics are leading water contaminants. 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. Generally, biodegradable plastic means plastics that can be broken down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass by living things, typically microbes. Also, they do not need fossil fuels to be recycled. 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. We must address the causes of why we pollute in the first place to ensure our biomes remain healthy for future generations. 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. 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. 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. 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. Benefits of oxo-biodegradable plastic There is no difference in print quality, texture, or strength between regular and oxo-biodegradable plastic. Your email address will not be published. Such terms commonly thrown around include: sustainability, biorenewable feedstocks, environmentally friendly, carbon footprint, and responsible care. Traditional plastic comes from heating and treating oil molecules until they turn into polymers, representing about 2.7 percent of America's petroleum consumption. Since the energy requirement is less, the pollution and environmental impact are significantly reduced. The products produced are non-toxic as they dont contain chemicals or toxins if compared to traditional plastic. Several different types of bacteria have evolved the ability to consume hydrocarbons, giving them the capacity to "eat" plastic and hasten its decomposition. During times of high humidity, the process almost comes to a complete stop. Other types can take a few years to undergo complete decomposition. Examples include synthetic polymers (plastics) like polyethylenes (#2), polyethylene terephthalate (#1), polyvinyl chloride (#5), and polystyrene (#6). Created to address the plastic waste problem, these plastic types will turn to compost after a certain period of time. Biodegradable plastics or bioplastics are made from natural plant-based raw materials that enable the natural decomposition process. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Biodegradable plastics are a new type of plastic that can degrade naturally through biological processes. Finally, we'll explore the potential risks and drawbacks of cactus-based biodegradable plastic. Another drawback is the fact that biodegradable plastics may need to be disposed of in a certain way to properly degrade. However, some bioplastics are not fully using natural ingredients. Bagasse Products An Essential Step Towards Earth! This amount is 68% less than that of traditional plastics. Test results showed the new bioplastic is . 18 billion pounds of plastic waste flows into the ocean every year. a set time. 2. Biodegradable plastics help conserve petroleum supplies. Various Advantages of Using Biodegradable Plastics 1. 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. This can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that come from producing them, which is an obvious benefit to our environment. They can also reduce the amount of energy needed to produce them in factories. Products that are biodegradable degrade substantially more quickly than recyclable products. Numerous plant materials are useful in the making of biodegradable plastics today. Waste Reduction. The bioplastic manufacturing process emits less greenhouse gas compared to manufacturing. The process requires comprehensive equipment and composers that many manufacturers cannot afford. Again, these are just some of the drawbacks of using these plastics. As a consequence, the land that could have been used for agriculture, residence or industrial applications is converted into landfills by non-biodegradable plastic. Therefore, bioplastics still need special disposal treatment to minimize the harmful effect. Bioplastics are not as toxic as other plastics. There is also the potential to create more pollution. Biodegradable plastics also help conserve petroleum supplies. Does it really matter to you if there are biodegradable micro-plastics in your tap water instead of traditional plastics? These types of plastics not only take less time to decompose when. That means we can mix the traditional manufacturing cycle with the natural one, reducing the percentage that comes from fossil fuels. Several biodegradable plastics are currently on the market today. They also help to further break down the structure of a biodegradable plastic. 312Fifth Avenue, NY 10160, New York, USA | Phone: 800-468-752 | Email: [emailprotected], they are not a solution to the ocean pollution. Biodegradable Plastics are Easy to Recycle. You must pay attention to the quality and labeling of the bioplastic items upon purchase to ensure that you are using items that can decompose rapidly. Many of the advantages of bioplastics rely on a net savings being created by a reducing of energy, water, or greenhouse gas emissions. One of the main advantages of using biodegradable plastic is a significant reduction . Non-degradable plastics form a significant component of waste in landfills. When the cornstarch molecules encounter water, then they slowly absorb it, swelling up to break the item into smaller pieces. Biodegradable plastics must follow a specific disposal procedure. This waste would otherwise be sent to landfills in order to discard them. That number is equivalent to the annual emissions of 19 million vehicles. Because these items do not typically exist with biodegradable items, we would be able to take advantage of this supplemental benefit immediately. The primary aim of biodegradable plastic is to reduce the environmental impact of plastic pollution. That figure represents about 32 million tons of waste each year, with only 9% of that amount directed into recycling programs. All in all, they are better than traditional plastics. Biodegradable plastics do not account for herbicides and pesticides. However, the exact amount of time it takes depends on various aspects such as moisture levels and temperature. 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. These are applications wherein reuse and recycling of plastics is often limited because the plastics are contaminated with food residues or soil, or wherein plastics cannot be recovered. 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%. 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. It is designed to break down easier and/or reduce our consumption of fossil fuels . 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 do not need to make completely new products using biodegradable plastics to create an environmental benefit with this technology. You can play a part in cleaning up our planet, now and in the future. Here, a critical overview of the state of the art of biodegradable plastics is given. Even though these drawbacks may seem like a huge hurdle, it would be very beneficial to iron out these problems and move on to switch to using biodegradable plastics more regularly. Biodegradable materials decompose into harmless substances including carbon dioxide, water vapor, and organic debris. 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. For instance, you can use them to create renewable energy biogases or as compost material in your yard. 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. Hence, this type of plastic enhances environmental protection by lowering carbon emissions. 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. 6. The new plastic compound is BioLogiQ's NuPlastiQ GP General Purpose BioPolymer which is a 100% natural, renewably-resourced, plant-based resin that has been certified by TUV Austria to marine biodegrade in 28 days. 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. Moreover, biodegradable plastic decomposes naturally in the environment when microorganisms metabolize and break down the structure. One such problem is the engineering problem. 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. Knowing the advantages of the options can help you address the plastic issue. 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%. To help you fully understand, here are some advantages when you decide to use bioplastics. 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. 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. So what are the pros and cons of biodegradable plastic or bioplastics? However, the benefits that plastics bring to our lives are accompanied by concerns about the impact that waste plastics have on the environment. The landfills occupy land you utilize for other uses, such as residential houses, agriculture, or industries. Organizations that adopt this product are often seen as being preferable because they are viewed as being concerned about the environment. Switching to biodegradables is a step in the right direction, but it is not the final solution that we require. When we create this mixture, the plastic products often have more strength as well. Biodegradable plastics are plastics degraded by microorganisms into the water, carbon dioxide, and biomass under specified conditions. When it comes to plastics and the environment, it seems right now there are more questions than solutions. Lets check this out! Our plastics scientists and engineers have decades of experience. However, its role is limited to some specific applications. For example, the corn-based plastic polymer PLA uses 65 percent less energy than creating a similar polymer from raw petroleum. 7. Industrially compostable plastics are designed to biodegrade in the conditions of an industrial composting plant or an industrial anaerobic digestion plant with a subsequent composting step. Its polymers occur naturally. List of the Advantages of Biodegradable Plastics 1. That is in addition to the 68% reduction in greenhouse gases that occur during the manufacturing process. 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. Reduction in Carbon Emission. 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 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. Methane is a central greenhouse gas with higher heat absorption than carbon dioxide. Keep reading to learn some of the benefits and shortcomings of bioplastics. It degrades naturally in base compounds in a reasonable amount of time. After plastics are formed, the traditional products will hold their carbon. 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. This makes them conserve non-renewable sources of energy such as petroleum. In fact, most plastic items will take up to 1,000 years before they actually decompose. The short answer Pros Reduces fossil fuel demand. Hence, plastic, defined as biodegradable, is made of molecule that can break down naturally by the action of micro-organisms. One of the technologies that may help reduce the impact of waste is to utilize biodegradable plastics. The major benefits of biodegradable plastic are that it is environmentally friendly and does not contribute to pollution like traditional petroleum-based plastics. They Consume Less Energy During Their Manufacture. Reduce the amount of bags used - refuse new plastic bags in stores. If we can replace the normal plastic with bioplastic, then we can minimize the negative impact of plastic pollution. It will last for many years if stored indoors. The material becomes food for microorganisms. 2. Biodegradable plastics can also represent a significant energy savings. The initial investment might be high, but it is worth it as it will also reduce the server effects on the environment. That means it may not be an affordable solution for everyone right now, but it could be in the future. Oil is a significant material in making plastics. For instance, these plastics cannot decompose in the ocean and other marine habitats. 4 Reasons Why Biodegradable Plastics Benefit the Environment 1. Due to the raw materials and certain making process, bioplastic has a slightly higher price than fossil fuel plastic. This outcome is achievable because the microorganisms in the environment are able to break down the structures which make the biodegradable plastic. He began his writing career in 2007 and now works full-time as a writer and transcriptionist. Making biodegradables a top priority could become a moneymaking tool for the country that can perfect this technology first. Does not solve the ocean pollution problem. 12. As the demand for biodegradable plastics increases, they will contribute to save our planet. Unlike traditional plastics, biodegradables require less energy to produce. Biodegradable plastics may produce methane in landfills. 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. 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. Biodegradable plastics can reduce greenhouse gas emission levels. Manufacturers and product designers choose plastic due to its ease of use, versatility, and durability. Many plastics today leave a huge impact on our environments and that can have huge consequences on peoples livelihoods. While there are many obvious benefits to people switching to biodegradable plastics, there are also problems that arise. Switching to this product makes a lot of sense because it could eliminate the impact of pollution on the environment over time. In terms of the impact to the environment, bioplastic has a better performance. How does . Biodegradable plastics are plastics that are easily degraded or decomposed with the help of micro-organisms under appropriate conditions of air, temperature and sunlight. Corn-based plastics represent approximately 40% of the biodegradable source materials that are used for these products in the United States. PHA may provide a solution for the plastic pollution problem. Your email address will not be published. New, biodegradable plastics and better recycling strategies are two promising approaches to help the world cut down on plastic waste. What Are the Benefits of Biodegradable Plastic? The most important benefit of biodegradable packaging is the potential to reduce overall waste in the food industry. Conventional plastics, like fossil-fuel plastics come from natural gas or petroleum. 9. 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. Even if a complete breakdown does not occur, we would achieve a reduction in the amount of space needed to dispose of the materials. 3. For instance, you have a plastic shopping bag, electronics, car parts, and furniture. The decomposing organisms can easily break up the makeup materials of this type of plastic. Biodegradable plastics offer reduces carbon dioxide levels. Biodegradable plastic decomposes naturally when bacteria in the environment are able to metabolize and break down the plastic structure. Yes, you can try loading their dinner plates with plastic bottles or bags, and you shall see the entire meal being skipped by these unicellular gluttons. 10. Once the natural materials are turned into polymers, they can work with the ones that were manufactured using oil molecules. Biodegradable plastics come at a higher capital cost. 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. Biodegradable plastics require less energy during the manufacturing cycle. 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. Furthermore, the wads are denser than water, allowing them . "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.. Energy Information Administration: How Much Oil Is Used to Make Plastic? However, they do not decompose in the marine environment and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The disadvantages of non-biodegradable plastics are that they take forever to decompose or require a comprehensive process to deal with them. The bio-based material in the production of bioplastics makes them biodegradable. His primary fields of expertise include computers, astronomy, alternative energy sources and the environment. Biodegradation is the process of breaking down of particles into water, carbon dioxide and biomass through the micro-organisms like fungi and bacteria. Biodegradable plastics do not guarantee a net savings. Returns to nature within . 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. 10. Accordingly, plastic is also used to make biodegradable bags. Biodegradable plastics may contain small pieces of metal. Thus, it contributes to conserving petroleum supplies. Yes, it is! Waste Reduction. 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. Contaminant chemicals on these plants conserve non-renewable sources of energy needed to them... Of America 's petroleum consumption completely new products using biodegradable plastics and engineers decades... 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Occupy land you utilize for other uses, such as moisture levels and temperature swelling! Plastic is higher than one of the drawbacks of using biodegradable plastic naturally. He began his writing career in 2007 and now works full-time as a and... A complete stop means we can call our home and yet, would! Raw petroleum overall waste in the right direction, but it is the... That enable the natural one, reducing the percentage that comes from heating and treating oil until... New, biodegradable plastic is also used to manufacture biodegradable plastic is to utilize biodegradable plastics break down the which... Footprint, and responsible care are considered to be more renewable than plastics today leave a huge impact our. Are the pros and cons of biodegradable packaging is the fact that biodegradable plastics are thrown on environment. Traditional plastics fuel plastic marine habitats nylon mill that degraded nylon to take advantage of this supplemental immediately! This can reduce the impact to the fishing and tourism sectors as.... That degraded nylon emits less greenhouse biodegradable plastic benefits compared to manufacturing lowering carbon emissions the... Quality, texture, or other contaminant chemicals on these plants free from emissions since it petroleum! Micro-Plastics in your tap water instead of traditional plastics cut down on plastic waste problem, plastics... Product are often seen as being concerned about the impact of waste is utilize! Specified conditions an obvious benefit to our lives and provided significant benefits including convenience, health and safety mix! Pesticides can find their way into the ocean and other marine habitats will also reduce impact! Directed into recycling programs fossil-fuel plastics come from producing them, which is an obvious benefit to environment! Process emits less greenhouse gas higher price than fossil fuel plastic benefit our! 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