Bioplastics for a Circular Economy
Last week I was enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. My beverage came with a plastic straw. My food was served in a plastic basket, and my “doggy bag” was a plastic clamshell box. The combination of these three plastic objects got me to thinking about the controversy of late over these conveniences. So, I did some research and learned something that truly amazed – and encouraged – me.
So, I did some research and learned something that truly amazed – and encouraged – me. Biodegradable plastic that can be tossed out with food scraps could be on the shelves within five years because scientists have found an ingenious way to turn ‘tree glue’ into packaging!
Last week I was enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. My beverage came with a plastic straw. My food was served in a plastic basket, and my “doggy bag” was a plastic clamshell box. The combination of these three plastic objects got me to thinking about the controversy of late over these conveniences. So, I did some research and learned something that truly amazed – and encouraged – me. Biodegradable plastic that can be tossed out with food scraps could be on the shelves within five years because scientists have found an ingenious way to turn ‘tree glue’ into packaging!
It is estimated that there is now a 1:2 ratio of plastic to plankton and, left unchecked, plastic will outweigh fish by 2050.
Only about 12% of the world's plastic is recycled, with the rest incinerated, abandoned or sent to landfill. This is disturbing. And potentially harmful. Each year more than 300 million tons of plastic are produced globally, and 10 per cent will end up in the sea. It is estimated that there is now a 1:2 ratio of plastic to plankton and, left unchecked, plastic will outweigh fish by 2050.
Biodegradable plastic is a possible solution, but it lacks the strength of conventional materials. A breakthrough idea promotes the circular economy by using cellulose or lignin from plant waste, which increases material strength without using crops that could otherwise be used for food.
While it is useful in plants, it causes paper made of wood pulp to weaken and discolor quickly, so it is removed, meaning there’s an abundant feedstock. In its raw form it is useless
Researchers at the University of Warwick have found that a natural glue called lignin, the naturally occurring complex hydrocarbon that helps to provide structural support in plants and makes them ‘woody’, can be turned into a strong, moldable plastic. Lignin is a byproduct of the paper making process. While it is useful in plants, it causes paper made of wood pulp to weaken and discolor quickly, so it is removed, meaning there’s an abundant feedstock. In its raw form it is useless, but Professor Tim Bugg at Warwick University has developed a way to use genetically modified bacteria to turn the glue into useful chemicals.
The microorganisms in the environment are able to break down the structures that make the biodegradable plastic,
Introduce biodegradable plastic into the environment and it decomposes naturally. The microorganisms in the environment are able to break down the structures that make the biodegradable plastic, an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional plastics that we throw away every day.
Biodegradable plastics offer a substance that is made from a natural source, so the risks of breaking down are much fewer.
Numerous plant materials are useful in the making of biodegradable plastics today. Manufacturers can create items using plants, starches, corn oil, or even the peels from citrus fruits. That means we no longer need to use the chemical fillers that are found in the traditional items, which then enter the environment when the plastic is melted to release them. Biodegradable plastics offer a substance that is made from a natural source, so the risks of breaking down are much fewer.
There are many advantages to biodegradable plastics:
Reduce carbon dioxide levels
Reduce greenhouse gas emission levels
Are broken down by naturally-occurring bacteria
Do not release other dangerous items upon decomposition
Consume less energy during the manufacturing cycle
Reduce the amount of waste we produce
Would direct petroleum consumption to other needs
Can mix with traditional products
Require less energy during the manufacturing cycle
Could positively alter global economics
Create a new marketing platform
Can decompose quickly in specific situations
A Final Thought
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.
Switching to biodegradables is a step in the right direction, but it is not the final solution that we require.
However, the overarching goal should be to reduce all plastic consumption. Switching to biodegradables is a step in the right direction, but it is not the final solution that we require.
By 2050, we could create a system that is emissions neutral – if we make this technology a priority.
The advantages of biodegradable plastics give us hope for the future because there is an opportunity to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. It would be inaccurate to say that these items are free from emissions, since it requires petroleum to grow crops in the first place. We also have to create the infrastructure necessary to process or decompose the biodegradables in a beneficial way. By 2050, we could create a system that is emissions neutral – if we make this technology a priority.