1. 12. In fact, they still mix between the renewable and non-renewable resources. While this is an excellent idea as it helps businesses save on costs, plastics are turning into an environmental disaster. Biodegradables eliminate these substances from being needed. Corn-based plastics represent approximately 40% of the biodegradable source materials that are used for these products in the United States. Biodegradable plastics can either be injection molded (disposable cutlery, medical parts, rigid packaging, etc.) Another benefit is that biodegradable plastic does not leave harmful products in the environment. When choosing a "biodegradable" product, the consumer tends to forget about the fact that mountains of waste pile up every year in the landfills. Both types of biodegradable plastics are compostable, but only the former can be recycled. Plastic is a major source of pollution in the land and sea with very few ways to recycle and dispose of them. After all, using biodegradable plastic is an effective way to protect the environment. The Growing Problem Of Plastic Waste And How To Recycle Plastic Bags, Are Clear Plastic Food Containers Recyclable? Using a printing machine, company name, logo, etc are printed . 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. A major benefit of biodegradable plastics is considerably decreasing carbon emissions during manufacturing. Plastic makes up around 13 percent of the waste stream, representing 32 million tons of waste. Here are some of them: Biodegradable plastics can pose contamination risks to both environment and humans. In fact, most plastic items will take up to 1,000 years before they actually decompose. However, experts have yet to see verified data that clearly confirms the efficacy and safety of such products. They can also reduce the amount of energy needed to produce them in factories. The Benefits of Biodegradable Plastics. When you use biodegradable plastics instead of items made through the traditional refinement process, then fewer greenhouse gas emissions escape into the atmosphere. Moreover, biodegradable plastic production produces lower carbon emission. The process requires comprehensive equipment and composers that many manufacturers cannot afford. Bioplastics cannot decompose in ocean water because it is too cold of an environment for the material. Biodegradable plastics reduce the amount of waste we produce. Also, biodegradable plastic manufacturing uses less energy compared to regular plastic production. As the green lifestyle becomes more popular, the demand for bioplastics will increase. Unless we can eliminate chemicals from the entire manufacturing chain, there will always be a risk of pollution to consider with biodegradables. Plant based, biodegradable plastics are on the rise and for good reason. 10. Because it doesnt break down like it would during compositing, it will either float on the surface like a conventional product or create micro-plastics that are harmful to marine life. It is true that the production of biodegradable plastics requires. In the past, this substance was used in plastic tableware, water bottles, and sports equipment. Several biodegradable plastics are currently on the market today. Plastics have been in the world of packaging for a very long time. According to a business analysis from MarketsandMarkets, the market for biodegradable plastics is anticipated to reach $6.12 billion by 2023. What is the aim of biodegradable plastic? Click to reveal List of the Advantages of Biodegradable Plastics 1. 2. The recycled materials are compatible with standard plastic manufacturing equipment, thus making a way for rapid market adoption. They do not decompose due to low temperatures. 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). Test results showed the new bioplastic is . Biodegradable plastics use alternate materials or specialized enzymatic or chemical reactions to break down the material quickly once exposed to the elements. 8. Biodegradable plastic is not a solution for overconsumption. Biodegradable packaging materials are now more popular among brands and consumers. Biodegradable plastics offer a substance that is made from a natural source, so the risks of breaking down are much fewer. Large amounts of them end in oceans, rivers, and lakes. 2. First, the biomass used to produce biobased plastics must be sustainably . 2. 3. For instance, the cost of PET or PE made from sugar cane or bio-ethanol is around 20% higher than that of traditional plastics. When it comes to a simple step you can take to save the Earth, changing your conventional plastic to bioplastic is the right choice. 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%. Bioplastic is made of organic materials such as soybean and corn plus polylactic acid (PLA). The design of the circular economy mimics the living environment itself and is restorative and regenerative. The primary aim of biodegradable plastic is to reduce the environmental impact of plastic pollution. Made from bio-based sources such as corn, wheat, sugar-cane, petroleum-based . Reduce the number of wastes going to the landfills. However, these bacteria will turn up their nose at traditional plastic. One of the greatest issues with bioplastic is that it helps people feel better about themselves as they continue to abuse disposable materials. A bioplastic may be 100 percent fossil-based. A number of conditions have to be met for biodegradable and compostable plastics to have positive environmental impacts. Biodegradable plastics are commonly used for disposable items, such as packaging, cutlery, and food service containers. These materials are environmental-friendly and decompose quickly. Switching to biodegradables is a step in the right direction, but it is not the final solution that we require. Having biodegradable plastics as an alternative will help with the inability to recycle normal plastics. The most relevant applications of biodegradable plastics are packaging, including food packaging, single-use plastics, and agricultural mulch films. 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. Because these items do not typically exist with biodegradable items, we would be able to take advantage of this supplemental benefit immediately. In other cases, including single-use packaging and plastic bags, it . Manufacturers and product designers choose plastic due to its ease of use, versatility, and durability. Conventional plastics, like fossil-fuel plastics come from natural gas or petroleum. 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. 312Fifth Avenue, NY 10160, New York, USA | Phone: 800-468-752 | Email: [emailprotected], they are not a solution to the ocean pollution. 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. So, biodegradable plastics are a good idea for conserving the environment and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional plastic comes from heating and treating oil molecules until they turn into polymers, representing about 2.7 percent of America's petroleum consumption. 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. Biodegradable plastics are plastics that are easily degraded or decomposed with the help of micro-organisms under appropriate conditions of air, temperature and sunlight. The benefit of helping our planet is something that we cannot overlook. Biodegradable plastics offer reduces carbon dioxide levels. Returns to nature within . 11) Avocado. 4. Making this switch could lead to significant changes in how people and other businesses see each other. Plastic pollution is growing at such an alarming rate because it just keeps piling up and up. Oxo-biodegradable plastic is reusable and recyclable. The formation of traditional plastic involves use of carbon in an excessive amount. Since the disposal method has become an issue, we should improve bioplastic by increasing its biodegradability. Accordingly, plastic is also used to make biodegradable bags. Biodegradable plastic is plastic that decays through biological processes. 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. With the increased use and manufacturing of bioplastics, we can expect a greener and a more sustainable future for our planet. However, they do not decompose in the marine environment and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Biodegradable plastics have a clear benefit, they reduce waste and leave less of an impact on the environment than normal plastics. 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. Biodegradable plastics are often considered a savior product. If we can transition to this item, then the potential for waste reduction, micro-plastic contamination, and even ocean acidity can all see significant benefits. Oxo-degradable plastic has a long time span of usability. will replace the plastic composition, with the addition of additives to improve the features of the bag. It creates a result which is believed to be eco-friendly compared to the traditional plastics that we throw away every day. There is also the potential to create more pollution. Unfortunately, the fact remains that of the more than 100 billion pounds per year of single use/disposable plastic products manufactured annually around the world, most arent recycled and end up as litter or are disposed of in landfills. In fact, the creation of bioplastics results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional plastic. 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. Waste Reduction. Some bioplastics will inevitably end up in landfills where, deprived of oxygen, they may release methane. 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. Waste, like trash from products, can end up in our environment and can harm us, especially our health. Hence, biodegradable plastics contribute to climate change and global warming. Reduction in Carbon Emission. In 1975, a group of Japanese researchers identified the basic idea behind biodegradable plastics. Again, these are just some of the drawbacks of using these plastics. The future of our future generations needs to be accounted for and having a place where they can thrive is important. The difference between bioplastic and biodegradable plastics is the material used to make them. If were talking about the bio ingredients that can decompose faster than conventional plastic, these materials are safe for the environment. 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. The packaging industry alone produces 161 million tons of plastic . You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Much of the plastics that are produced today cannot be recycled or can only be recycled a few times. 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 plastic bags have a number of advantages over conventional bags. 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.. However, scientists came up with a solution through the invention of biodegradable plastics. As a company, we will donate a portion of our profits to help plastic waste clean up, ushering in a true circular economy. While in some cases, the bioplastic material mixes with traditional plastic to give products more strength, any percentage that comes from a renewable source saves petroleum. Biodegradable plastics have a clear benefit, they reduce waste and leave less of an impact on the environment than normal plastics. Many of the advantages of bioplastics rely on a net savings being created by a reducing of energy, water, or greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, you have a plastic shopping bag, electronics, car parts, and furniture. 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. All Rights Reserved. That means we are simply trading one issue for another until there is a better solution to find. 3. . Plastics have been around for about 80 years. 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. According to TheBalanceMoney, each year, plastic pollution causes marine ecosystems to suffer economic losses of $13 billion. It can be any combination of being partially bio-based, fully bio-based, non-bio-based, biodegradable, compostable or non-biodegradable, so long as . The remainder goes into landfills and other waste disposal programs, where it could take up space for more than a century. It degrades naturally in base compounds in a reasonable amount of time. Biodegradable plastic decomposes naturally when bacteria in the environment are able to "metabolize" and break down the plastic structure. Biodegradable plastics do not guarantee a net savings. Paper Type: Essay Pages: 7 Wordcount: 1820 Words Date: 2022-09-28 7 ). What are the benefits of biodegradable plastic? Despite the fact that biodegradable plastics are more expensive to produce than traditional plastics, the long-term environmental benefits far outweigh their higher costs. Biodegradable plastics can also represent a significant energy savings. However, the benefits that plastics bring to our lives are accompanied by concerns about the impact that waste plastics have on the environment. or solid (food containers, leaf collections bags, water bottles, etc.). However, the starch (wheat starch, cassava starch, etc.) 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. When it comes to a better solution to save the planet, bioplastics are definitely better than the conventional one. Petroleum-based materials are derived from crude oil. It releases fewer harmful substances when breaking down. The use of biodegradable plastics is preferable because they degrade quickly, may be absorbed by the soil, and can even be turned into compost. Over the course of their lifetime, bioplastics do emit much fewer greenhouse gasses than conventional plastics. Because corn products represent 40% of the U.S.-based bioplastics industry, so it is notable that one acre requires 3,000 gallons of water for each bushel of yield. Further study will ensure that the bacteria and the byproducts produced are nontoxic, but this could represent one possible piece of the solution to the world's solid waste problems. While traditional plastic releases four tons of emissions, biodegradable plastics emit only 0.8 tons of carbon - a 500% reduction! Biodegradable plastics may produce methane in landfills. In the end, the benefits of using biodegradable plastic that are explained before is definitely promising in the long term, saving our planet and future generations! These advantages include: Fewer carbon emissions Waste Reduction Better waste management Better recycling Reduced pollution Reduced toxicity in the environment Lesser species endangerment Decreased use of petroleum Decreased health risks Biodegradable plastics are plastics degraded by microorganisms into the water, carbon dioxide, and biomass under specified conditions. When you use biodegradable plastics instead of. Producing and recycling biodegradable can be expensive. Is it justifiable to grow cash crops for manufacturing purposes at a time when people need food to eat? However, this entails a number of challenges. Bags have a plastic shopping bag, electronics, car parts, and lakes the! 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