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. According to a business analysis from MarketsandMarkets, the market for biodegradable plastics is anticipated to reach $6.12 billion by 2023. The remainder goes into landfills and other waste disposal programs, where it could take up space for more than a century. We are producing more waste plastic today than ever. 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. Unlike other plastics, bioplastics can decompose naturally. Using a material flow analysis, the challenges of the plastic market are highlighted, and with it the . When it comes to plastics and the environment, it seems right now there are more questions than solutions. 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. It is possible to boost the biodegradability of plastics by adding specific microbial strains, a process known as bioaugmentation. These types of plastics not only take less time to decompose when. 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. Large amounts of them end in oceans, rivers, and lakes. The main costs when looking to produce these plastics is the equipment used to make them. Phthalates soften the plastic to turn it into PVC. This carbon is released into the atmosphere when the used plastic begins to decompose or melt. Crops and soybeans can be used to produce the materials needed to make these plastics and can be a huge help in changing the way we use plastics today. It will last for many years if stored indoors. Does not solve the ocean pollution problem. The wide use of plastic has come with the consequence of the poor disposal of it. 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. 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. Moreover, biodegradable plastic decomposes naturally in the environment when microorganisms metabolize and break down the structure. 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. The disadvantages of non-biodegradable plastics are that they take forever to decompose or require a comprehensive process to deal with them. Since they are made from natural ingredients, they can break down faster than petroleum based plastics. Even with the downsides of using biodegradable plastic like the costs, it would still be more beneficial to switch to biodegradable plastic rather than continuing to use plastics like how we have been for many years. For example, corn-based polymer consumes 65% less energy compared to the same polymer made by petroleum. 3. In addition, natural byproducts are typically used to manufacture biodegradable plastic. But should premature degradation occur, resulting in bottle failure, significant liability issues could result. Reduction in Carbon Emission. Biodegradable plastics require less energy during the manufacturing cycle. All in all, they are better than traditional plastics. This indicates that, in contrast to traditional plastics, they are intended to degrade into biological components. In essence, the bioplastic production process emits only 8% of carbon dioxide. Many plastics used today take an extremely long time to degrade. Keep reading to learn some of the benefits and shortcomings of bioplastics. These are harmful to the overall health of a person and can lead to long-term health problems. Since the energy requirement is less, the pollution and environmental impact are significantly reduced. With the increased usage of plastics, people will need more spaces for landfills. Marol, Andheri(East), Mumbai - 400 093, Maharashtra, INDIA. Plastics are a central part of modern life. 2. At our current technology levels, it costs up to 50% more to manufacture biodegradable plastics than it does to follow the traditional production cycle. That means we can mix the traditional manufacturing cycle with the natural one, reducing the percentage that comes from fossil fuels. 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. In response, several companies have developed technology that they claim makes PET plastic beverage bottles biodegradable. Hence, this type of plastic enhances environmental protection by lowering carbon emissions. Safety helmets and medical devices also rely on plastics. Products like food, electronics, cups, pans, drinks, and other materials have all used plastics to help with marketing, packaging, and transporting. 3. MaterBi also elicited increases in total soluble solids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant . The most important benefit of biodegradable packaging is the potential to reduce overall waste in the food industry. 2. We do not need to make completely new products using biodegradable plastics to create an environmental benefit with this technology. That is in addition to the 68% reduction in greenhouse gases that occur during the manufacturing process. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. Even if a complete breakdown does not occur, we would achieve a reduction in the amount of space needed to dispose of the materials. Casein polymers, PBS and PHA add up to the 2% of other biodegradable plastics in their worldwide demand (Fig. Both techniques are discussed in the recent IDTechEx. Biodegradable plastics can also represent a significant energy savings. Switching to this product is not a magic solution that will resolve our pollution problems. Our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone. Our current technologies can produce 1 metric ton of PLA from 100 bushels of corn. Smithsonian Magazine: Corn Plastic to the Rescue. 4 Reasons Why Biodegradable Plastics Benefit the Environment 1. However, these bacteria will turn up their nose at traditional plastic. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Biodegradable plastics may produce methane in landfills. With this information, you can decide if this is the right choice for you. a set time. It can be any combination of being partially bio-based, fully bio-based, non-bio-based, biodegradable, compostable or non-biodegradable, so long as . 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