Bioplastic
What are bioplastics?
A large family of polymers that are bio-based, bio-degradable, or both.
Bio-based means that the material is derived from biomass (plants). Common sources for bioplastics include corn, sugarcane, or cellulose
Biodegradable is the property of the material to be broken down by micro-organisms and converted into natural substances such as carbon dioxide, water, and compost.
Biodegradability depends on the chemical make-up of the plastic.
Advantages of Bioplastics
Two main advantages of bioplastics are the reduced dependency on the energy required to process, produce, and breakdown bioplastics, and the reduction in the use of non-renewable resources. Consequently, the substitution of bioplastics with contemporary plastics can reduce overall CO2 emissions.
Other advantages include:
Non-toxic to users and the environment
Less energy is required to produce and process bioplastics, reducing CO2 emissions.
Break down into non-hazardous components, reducing or minimizing harm caused by water, air or soil pollution.
Products made with bioplastics appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, which can increase market potential.
Types of bioplastics
The family of bioplastics is divided into three main groups:
bio-based or partly bio-based, non-biodegradable plastics such as bio-based PE, PP, or PET (so-called drop-ins) and
bio-based technical performance polymers such as PTT or TPC-ET; plastics that are both bio-based and biodegradable, such as PLA and PHA or PBS;
plastics that are based on fossil resources and are biodegradable, such as PBAT.
Rethinking the future of plastics | Michiel De Smet | TEDxLSE
In an age where we are encouraged to reuse and recycle our waste, we are becoming more aware of what we use. However is this enough? Or is there more that we can be doing to improve the long-run welfare of our environment?
Michiel De Smet works as a project manager in the New Plastics Economy initiative team at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. By closing knowledge gaps and informing policymakers, he aims to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy for plastics. Before, Michiel consulted management executives in both private sector, working at McKinsey & Company, and social sector, through the OnPurpose leadership programme. He also has experience with fundamental research, holding a PhD in mathematical logic, and with the thrills of beekeeping.
source: TedX LSE
Bioplastics in use
Lego is now producing all its botanical pieces (trees and plants) from a sugar-cane based bioplastic. The company aims to produce all its lego pieces from bioplastic by 2030. Source: Lego
BioPak's bioplastic cutlery is made from Revode bioplastic – produced from a rapidly renewable starch sourced from non-GMO crops – and is certified commercially compostable. The range includes knives, forks, spoons, sporks, and cutlery sets.
Packaging and Wraps
A major source of plastic waste is single-use packaging. Many companies are exploring bioplastic alternatives for their single use packaging needs (magazine wrappers, food containers, etc.).
Resources
Dezeen has a collection of products that use bioplastic
Bioplastics News has constantly updated articles and announcements regarding bioplastics and industry developments.
Biodegradable Products Institute: A certification body for biodegradable and bioplastic products. Includes a database for searching for suppliers and manufacturers of these products
Lonely Whale: Incubator with a particular focus on developing and bringing to market ideas to address plastic in the oceans.
What are Bioplastics: White paper by European Bioplastics that outlines bioplastics, their applications, and benefits.