biodegradable plastic benefits

This endangers the lives of marine organisms. You can play a part in cleaning up our planet, now and in the future. The initial investment might be high, but it is worth it as it will also reduce the server effects on the environment. Many of the advantages of bioplastics rely on a net savings being created by a reducing of energy, water, or greenhouse gas emissions. 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. Much of the plastics that are produced today cannot be recycled or can only be recycled a few times. As the green lifestyle becomes more popular, the demand for bioplastics will increase. We can definitely benefit from the presence of biodegradable plastics because they can decompose effectively in our environment without creating a pollutive effect. Specialized bacteria may hold the key to reducing already-existing plastic deposits, however. Paper Type: Essay Pages: 7 Wordcount: 1820 Words Date: 2022-09-28 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. At our current technology levels, it costs up to 50% more to manufacture biodegradable plastics than it does to follow the traditional production cycle. Your email address will not be published. But like anything else, there are various advantages and disadvantages of biodegradable plastics. Oxo-biodegradable plastic is recyclable. 8. 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. Below are four reasons why biodegradable plastics benefit the environment and help save natural resources. The Many Benefits of Hemp Plastic. In fact, most plastic items will take up to 1,000 years before they actually decompose. Biodegradable plastics can reduce greenhouse gas emission levels. Despite the fact that biodegradable plastics are more expensive to produce than traditional plastics, the long-term environmental benefits far outweigh their higher costs. The formation of traditional plastic involves use of carbon in an excessive amount. A bioplastic may be 100 percent fossil-based. 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. Its polymers occur naturally. For now, our biodegradable facial sheet masks are: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol and our NEW Cica + Niacinamide. Biodegradable plastics require the weather to cooperate with their disposal. 3. Some of these biodegradable items can break down in a measurement timed in weeks instead of months or years. When we reduce the amount of traditional plastics that we use by mixing biodegradable molecules in with the oil-based ones, then it does create less of a dependence on petroleum. New, biodegradable plastics and better recycling strategies are two promising approaches to help the world cut down on plastic waste. Humans are using different forms of plastics each day. However, the benefits that plastics bring to our lives are accompanied by concerns about the impact that waste plastics have on the environment. It is designed to break down easier and/or reduce our consumption of fossil fuels . All Rights Reserved. 1. One of the technologies that may help reduce the impact of waste is to utilize biodegradable plastics. We consume over 100 million tons of plastic each year, which means the standard 5:1 ratio of production indicates that this industry produces 500 million tons of carbon dioxide that goes into our atmosphere each year. Your email address will not be published. We do not need to make completely new products using biodegradable plastics to create an environmental benefit with this technology. Products like food, electronics, cups, pans, drinks, and other materials have all used plastics to help with marketing, packaging, and transporting. Plastic pollution is growing at such an alarming rate because it just keeps piling up and up. However, if you would like to share the information in this article, you may use the link below: https://www.environmentalbusinessreview.com/news/environmental-benefits-of-biodegradable-plastics-nwid-86.html, We use cookies on this website to enhance your user experience. 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. a set time. 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. Biodegradable plastics offer a substance that is made from a natural source, so the risks of breaking down are much fewer. While. Source Reduction. It will last for many years if stored indoors. While around 9 percent of that plastic goes into recycling programs, the remainder enters landfills, where it takes up space for hundreds of years or more. In other cases, including single-use packaging and plastic bags, it . Biodegradable plastics are commonly used for disposable items, such as packaging, cutlery, and food service containers. Conventional plastics, like fossil-fuel plastics come from natural gas or petroleum. While it decomposes naturally, biodegradable plastics behave like other plastics when in the ocean. Biodegradable plastics can mix with traditional products. Although biodegradable plastics offer a slightly higher cost in the production cycle, we actually consume less energy to produce them. Biodegradable plastics have many advantages, which include: The production of biodegradable plastics does not involve the burning of fossils. Biodegradable plastic bags have a number of advantages over conventional bags. With zero oil-based content, it does not require refining processes that result in the release of high carbon dioxide to the environment. Compounding the data reported in 2019 for biodegradable/bio-based plastics 72 and CO 2-based plastics, 32 the contribution of sustainable plastics is nearly unnoticeable. Recently a company in Mexico worked out how to turn the biodegradable material into plastic. When they begin to break down in the environment, bacteria in the soil begin to consume the components. This process turns them into polymers that become useful for the industry. 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. On the other hand, biodegradable plastics are petroleum-based plastics with an additive that harnesses their decomposition. We might be using natural products to create biodegradable plastics, but that doesnt mean we are eliminating our exposure to chemicals through this manufacturing process. Historically, additives are blended into plastics to stabilize products against degradation, which is why blending additives into plastic products to promote their degradation (i.e. Being made from plants and crops like corn or soybean, there can be the risk of contamination from pesticides and other harmful products that are used on these crops. Poland Spring is reducing the number of plastic components that they use for their packaging needs. This amount is 68% less than that of traditional plastics. The manufacture of . 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. What are the benefits of biodegradable plastic? Yes, it is! Of the biodegradable plastics, an average of 200 ktpa are produced per type. 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. The packaging industry alone produces 161 million tons of plastic . The end-products of bio plastic also cause less harm to the environment as compared to the traditional plastic. You can use less energy to create a large amount of plastic within a short duration. Non-degradable plastics form a significant component of waste in landfills. Every year, over 19 billion pounds of plastic end up in the ocean. Even if a complete breakdown does not occur, we would achieve a reduction in the amount of space needed to dispose of the materials. 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. 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. 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. The decomposition process is faster and can take days, weeks, or months. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Hence, they are not a solution to the ocean pollution problems. Both types of biodegradable plastics are compostable, but only the former can be recycled. Furthermore, since the materials used to create biodegradable plastics are plant-based, minimal carbon is emitted during the composting process. Bagasse Products An Essential Step Towards Earth! Bioplastics degrade under well regulated conditions of temperature and humidity in industrial settings. Several biodegradable plastics are currently on the market today. For instance, a major use of recycled plastic is to mold items for use outdoors (e.g., park benches). There are some who are trying new ways to do things in hopes of slowing down the effects. The microorganisms in soil will break down the plastic pieces into compost, humus, and other useful compounds. There is also the potential to create more pollution. Such pesticides can find their way into the final product of the plastic and harm the consumers. There are other places where we could help. Over the course of their lifetime, bioplastics do emit much fewer greenhouse gasses than conventional plastics. 7. According to a business analysis from MarketsandMarkets, the market for biodegradable plastics is anticipated to reach $6.12 billion by 2023. 3. It would be inaccurate to say that these items are free from emissions since it requires petroleum to grow crops in the first place. Because these items do not typically exist with biodegradable items, we would be able to take advantage of this supplemental benefit immediately. Performance & security by Cloudflare. In that time, they have greatly impacted our lives and provided significant benefits including convenience, health and safety. 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. Looking at the amount of waste we produce and how we handle said waste, we need to do more and have more impactful ways to deal with it. 2. Saves Non-renewable Sources of Energy. The most important benefit of biodegradable packaging is the potential to reduce overall waste in the food industry. 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. Plant based, biodegradable plastics are on the rise and for good reason. Fig. Alison Broadfoot, IT communications at SDG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, Loic VILLOCEL, Director, ENGIE Lab Singapore [Euronext: ENGI], Robert Sheninger, Vp Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability, Talos Energy, Darian Mcbain, Executive Advisor, Corporate Affairs And Sustainability, Thai Union Group Pcl, Jim Seward, Svp, R&D, Technology And Sustainability, Lyondellbasell, Warren Boutin, Director, Electric Service Support, Distributed Generation, & Supplier Services, Eversource Energy, Sean Halloran, Vice President of Wellsite Technology at Ensign Energy Services, Catherine Schladweiler, P.E.Principal, Environmental Policy and Sustainability,Tucson Electric Power Company, Andrew Condell, Head of Production Australia, Marley Spoon, Ferdinand Bartels, Department Head & Project Manager, Preussenelektra, Adriana Karaboutis, CIO & CDO, National Grid, Franck A. Vendeix, Phd, Associate Director, Analytical Services, Scientific Expert Consultant For The Analytical Services Group, Amri, Claire Lawrence, Chief People Officer, Mediacom, Knox T. Millsaps, Ses Director, Division Of Aerospace Sciences, Office Of Naval Research, Thank you for Subscribing to Environmental Business Review Weekly Brief. As this is plant-based, the manufacturing process produces far fewer carbon emissions than traditional plastic. In response, several companies have developed technology that they claim makes PET plastic beverage bottles biodegradable. Biodegradable plastics offer reduces carbon dioxide levels. Cloudflare Ray ID: 78b8bfc4cfb55a25 For instance, the cost of PET or PE made from sugar cane or bio-ethanol is around 20% higher than that of traditional plastics. Bioplastics are considered to be more eco-friendly than traditional plastics. 3. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Safety helmets and medical devices also rely on plastics. Due to the raw materials and certain making process, bioplastic has a slightly higher price than fossil fuel plastic. However, experts have yet to see verified data that clearly confirms the efficacy and safety of such products. 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. 7. The short answer Pros Reduces fossil fuel demand. We are producing more waste plastic today than ever before in human history. . Currently, the Coffee Bio-composite biodegradable plastic product is a bioplastic material derived from coffee grounds which is researched, developed and owned exclusively by the Biopolymer team of Veritas Vietnam Joint Stock Company.. Chemicals that are added to PET plastic for use in beverage bottles must pass stringent Food and Drug Administration criteria and be non-toxic to humans and wildlife. Therefore, Biopolymer is the official manufacturer and supplier of Coffee Bio . However, biodegradable plastics are still only a tiny portion of the global plastics market and require further efforts in research and commercialization. That would create fewer pressures on the overall waste stream. Your IP: Plastic is a major source of pollution in the land and sea with very few ways to recycle and dispose of them. Therefore, bioplastics still need special disposal treatment to minimize the harmful effect. The landfills occupy land you utilize for other uses, such as residential houses, agriculture, or industries. Large amounts of them end in oceans, rivers, and lakes. Reuse old plastic bags or invest in some fabric shopping bags. 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. 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. In addition, natural byproducts are typically used to manufacture biodegradable plastic. Our plastic scientists are available to advise and assist plastic product manufacturers evaluate the lifecycle of their products and to advise on ways to make products truly more environmentally-friendly. Making this switch could lead to significant changes in how people and other businesses see each other. Another drawback is the fact that biodegradable plastics may need to be disposed of in a certain way to properly degrade. 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. Although the plastics in the items we use might be biodegradable when we use these technologies, some items (especially plastic bags) might release metals during the decomposition process. In fact, they still mix between the renewable and non-renewable resources. 2. We must also use water resources to crow the crops needed for the raw materials as well. 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%. will replace the plastic composition, with the addition of additives to improve the features of the bag. Roughly 3% of petroleum consumption in the United States is due to the number of plastics that we consume each year. Traditional plastic comes from heating and treating oil molecules until they turn into polymers, representing about 2.7 percent of America's petroleum consumption. Why Is There A Growing Need For Ethical Buying Of Eco-products? Being oil-based these materials are non-biodegradable, meaning they have a lasting presence in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. First, the biomass used to produce biobased plastics must be sustainably . According to TheBalanceMoney, each year, plastic pollution causes marine ecosystems to suffer economic losses of $13 billion. Here are some of them: Biodegradable plastics can pose contamination risks to both environment and humans. These items are finding their way into our oceans and even contaminating our drinking water. 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. As the demand for biodegradable plastics increases, they will contribute to save our planet. For example, how do you control the PET bottle degradation so that it takes place in the environment and not while on the shelf at the retailer or the consumers home? Thus, they either turn into microplastics or float on the sea. The Guardian also reported in 2009 that one brand of biodegradable plastic contained high levels of lead and cobalt, which raised questions about the potential toxicity of what gets left behind after the decomposition process. The major benefits of biodegradable plastic are that it is environmentally friendly and does not contribute to pollution like traditional petroleum-based plastics. Whether you need help solving quadratic equations, inspiration for the upcoming science fair or the latest update on a major storm, Sciencing is here to help. Then the natural bacteria in the composting container digest it to produce something that can benefit the planet later on. That number is equivalent to the annual emissions of 19 million vehicles. Essentially, the cost of producing these types of plastic is higher than one of the traditional ones. 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. 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. Biodegradable plastics are frequently made from petrochemicals, microorganisms, renewable raw materials, or mixtures of all three. It degrades naturally in base compounds in a reasonable amount of time. This includes financial losses to the fishing and tourism sectors as well as expenses for beach cleanup. Also, the environment matters. Bioplastics are not as toxic as other plastics. If your company needs assistance in making products that are more environmentally friendly and/or using plastics that are biobased, we can help. Because there is no general oversight on the manufacturing cycle from crop growth to final distribution, there isnt reliable data available to suggest that biodegradables are useful beyond the ability to offer more profits to some companies or create compost fodder. 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 on the rise as a solution to this problem. This is achieved when the bacteria and fungi present in the surrounding environment naturally metabolizes the plastics. Conversely, biodegradable plastics decompose naturally and blend with the soil. Switching to this product is not a magic solution that will resolve our pollution problems. 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. Biodegradable plastics use alternate materials or specialized enzymatic or chemical reactions to break down the material quickly once exposed to the elements. Our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone. Serve Your Dining With Biodegradable Products, 5 Eco-Friendly Products That You Should Include In The Kitchen Ware, Harmful Effects of Non-Biodegradable Plastic Products. In 2016, China produced approximately 290,000 tons of biodegradable plastics. Their recycling is safe and easy as they do not release toxic chemicals into the environment. This is very beneficial to us now more than ever. In the US, only about 20% of plastic beverage containers are recycled. 5. Keep reading to learn some of the benefits and shortcomings of bioplastics. Plastics that are already compostable, such poly lactic acid, have had their rate of decomposition accelerated through the use of bioaugmentation. With the increased usage of plastics, people will need more spaces for landfills. Plastics are but one small facet of the problem. Knowing the advantages of the options can help you address the plastic issue. Also, microplastics are leading water contaminants. 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 have a clear benefit, they reduce waste and leave less of an impact on the environment than normal plastics. Reduces Carbon Emission. It creates a result which is believed to be eco-friendly compared to the traditional plastics that we throw away every day. 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. Accordingly, plastic is also used to make biodegradable bags. This means that manufacturers cannot produce biodegradable plastics without incentives from the government or other conservation authorities. 6. Much like it sounds, bioplastic and biodegradable plastic benefits of biodegradable plastic bags is made from more natural sources. If we can replace the normal plastic with bioplastic, then we can minimize the negative impact of plastic pollution. The market for biodegradable plastic packaging was assessed at $4.65 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.04% by 2025, reaching a market value of up to $12.06 million. Researchers at the University of Bath have created a plastic that only uses sugar and carbon dioxide, resulting in polycarbonates that no longer need to use petrochemicals and their CO2 emissions necessary for refinement. Biodegradable plastics are designed to biodegrade in a specific medium (water, soil, compost) under certain conditions and in varying periods of time. Studies have revealed that Americans are generating plastics more than ever, and a negligible amount of plastic is sent for recycling. 30 This value represents approximately 0.0005 % of all plastics produced every year. By 2050, we could create a system that is emissions neutral if we make this technology a priority. Composting goes much slower when the weather turns colder. Biodegradable plastics have many advantages, which include: 1. So, the non-renewable material still can harm the environment. We must also create the infrastructure necessary to process or decompose the biodegradables in a beneficial way. On the other hand, conventional plastic bags take hundreds of years to completely degrade. How does . 1. Casein polymers, PBS and PHA add up to the 2% of other biodegradable plastics in their worldwide demand (Fig. PHA may provide a solution for the plastic pollution problem. Natural materials break down into their fundamental components and are then reused to create new things. Another benefit is that biodegradable plastic does not leave harmful products in the environment. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Plastics make up approximately 13% of our current waste stream. These materials take centuries to decompose, becoming a threat to the environment, humans, and animals. 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. The difference between bioplastic and biodegradable plastics is the material used to make them. Biodegradable plastics consume less energy during manufacturing. Biodegradable plastics consume less fossil fuels, produce less carbon dioxide, and degrade less harmfully. Bioplastics come from natural sources including crops like corn and switch grass. Again, these are just some of the drawbacks of using these plastics. The decomposing organisms can easily break up the makeup materials of this type of plastic. These materials are environmental-friendly and decompose quickly. The usage of biodegradable plastic products will reduce the number of landfills as these products undergo biodegradation when buried or given to composting. Plastic makes up around 13 percent of the waste stream, representing 32 million tons of waste. In essence, the bioplastic production process emits only 8% of carbon dioxide. One of the main advantages of using biodegradable plastic is a significant reduction in carbon emissions during the manufacturing 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. 40% of all plastic is used for packaging, used one time and then discarded. The benefit of helping our planet is something that we cannot overlook. GreenCore is a biodegradable shotshell wad that decomposes on exposure to bacteria naturally present in the environment. A major benefit of biodegradable plastics is considerably decreasing carbon emissions during manufacturing. Energy Information Administration: How Much Oil Is Used to Make Plastic? More info, Friday, November For example, corn-based polymer consumes 65% less energy compared to the same polymer made by petroleum. MaterBi also elicited increases in total soluble solids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant . Though the initial investment in the biodegradable plastics might be slightly higher, in. But should premature degradation occur, resulting in bottle failure, significant liability issues could result. Biodegradable plastics require less energy during the manufacturing cycle. Biodegradable plastics consume less energy during the manufacturing cycle. Does it really matter to you if there are biodegradable micro-plastics in your tap water instead of traditional plastics? When choosing a "biodegradable" product, the consumer tends to forget about the fact that mountains of waste pile up every year in the landfills. 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. Unlike other plastics, bioplastics can decompose naturally. Less energy means low pollution. biodegradable plastics are also extremely . Petroleum-based materials are derived from crude oil. 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. Finally, we'll explore the potential risks and drawbacks of cactus-based biodegradable plastic. 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. However, they do not decompose in the marine environment and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The Benefits of Biodegradable Plastics. One of the greatest issues with bioplastic is that it helps people feel better about themselves as they continue to abuse disposable materials. Hence, biodegradable plastics contribute to climate change and global warming. Biodegradable plastics can either be injection molded (disposable cutlery, medical parts, rigid packaging, etc.) The use of biodegradable plastics is preferable because they degrade quickly, may be absorbed by the soil, and can even be turned into compost. So what are the pros and cons of biodegradable plastic or bioplastics? When you toss traditional plastic into the trash, it has a. Biodegradable plastics require use to use croplands to produce items. Similar to conventional plastics, bioplastics would disintegrate into tiny fragments if they were to end up in the ocean. The future of our future generations needs to be accounted for and having a place where they can thrive is important. Biodegradable plastics do not guarantee a net savings. Biodegradable plastics help conserve petroleum supplies. Environmentally . In oceans, rivers, and website in this browser for the next time I comment, representing 32 tons... Cut down on plastic waste and blend with the addition of additives to improve the features the. For Ethical Buying of Eco-products completely degrade come from natural gas or petroleum in our environment without creating pollutive! Component of waste in landfills a significant reduction in carbon emissions during the manufacturing cycle are plant-based, minimal is. Biodegradable bags potential biodegradable plastic benefits create biodegradable plastics might be slightly higher, in 2016, produced... 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