Biodegradable plastics

Biodegradable Plastics

Biodegradable plastics are a type of plastic that can decompose naturally in the environment. They are designed to break down more quickly than traditional plastics, which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. This article explores the types, production, applications, and environmental impact of biodegradable plastics.

Types of Biodegradable Plastics

Biodegradable plastics can be classified into several categories based on their origin and composition:

• Starch-based plastics: These are made from natural starch, often derived from corn, potatoes, or other plants. They are one of the most common types of biodegradable plastics.
• Polylactic acid (PLA): PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. It is used in a variety of applications, including packaging and 3D printing.
• Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): PHAs are produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars or lipids. They are used in medical applications and packaging.
• Polycaprolactone (PCL): PCL is a biodegradable polyester with a low melting point, used in specialty applications such as drug delivery systems.
• Cellulose-based plastics: These are derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls.

Production of Biodegradable Plastics

The production of biodegradable plastics involves several steps, depending on the type of plastic being produced. For example, PLA is produced by fermenting plant sugars to produce lactic acid, which is then polymerized to form polylactic acid. The production process for PHAs involves the fermentation of sugars by bacteria, which produce the polymer as a storage material.

Applications

Biodegradable plastics are used in a variety of applications, including:

• Packaging: Biodegradable plastics are used to make bags, containers, and films that can decompose after use.
• Agriculture: They are used in mulch films and plant pots that degrade in the soil.
• Medical: Biodegradable plastics are used in sutures, drug delivery systems, and implants that safely degrade in the body.
• Consumer goods: Items such as disposable cutlery, plates, and cups are made from biodegradable plastics.

Environmental Impact

Biodegradable plastics offer several environmental benefits over traditional plastics:

• Reduced landfill waste: They decompose more quickly, reducing the amount of waste in landfills.
• Lower carbon footprint: Many biodegradable plastics are made from renewable resources, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Less pollution: They are less likely to contribute to plastic pollution in oceans and other ecosystems.

However, there are also challenges associated with biodegradable plastics:

• Composting requirements: Some biodegradable plastics require industrial composting facilities to decompose properly.
• Potential for contamination: If not properly sorted, biodegradable plastics can contaminate recycling streams.

See Also

• Plastic pollution
• Composting
• Sustainable materials

References

R.C.,

 Plastic Debris in the Environment, 
  
 Springer, 
 2011, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-1-4020-9659-5,

Hopewell, J.,

 Plastics recycling: challenges and opportunities, 
 Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 
 2009, 
 Vol. 364(Issue: 1526), 
 pp. 2115-2126, 
 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2008.0311,

External Links

• PlasticsEurope: Biodegradable Plastics