It can be any combination of being partially bio-based, fully bio-based, non-bio-based, biodegradable, compostable or non-biodegradable, so long as . They must be thrown into our landfills or other waste management systems. Biodegradable products are made from renewable resources like corn, sugar cane and potato starch instead of oil: 200,000 barrels of oil a day are presently used in the United States alone in the manufacture of plastic packaging, and significant portions of this use could be eliminated by employing biodegradable plastic products. Advantages of Using Biodegradable Plastics 1. Benefits of oxo-biodegradable plastic There is no difference in print quality, texture, or strength between regular and oxo-biodegradable plastic. Much of it ends in the rivers and oceans, threatening humanity. Using a material flow analysis, the challenges of the plastic market are highlighted, and with it the . MaterBi also elicited increases in total soluble solids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant . Biodegradable plastic's ability to break down within a year means it has several advantages over traditional plastics: It decreases the waste sent to landfills or incinerators. 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. They consumed about 130,000 tons domestically, and then exported the remainder during that year. Biodegradable plastics consume less fossil fuels, produce less carbon dioxide, and degrade less harmfully. We are producing more waste plastic today than ever. 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. 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. This is achieved when the bacteria and fungi present in the surrounding environment naturally metabolizes the plastics. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Any solution could and would be a boon to helping fight for a better future for our planet and help make our operations and the lives of people more sustainable and healthier. 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. Required fields are marked *. Even though these drawbacks may seem like a huge hurdle, it would be very beneficial to iron out these problems and move on to switch to using biodegradable plastics more regularly. 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. Biodegradable plastics require use to use croplands to produce items. Mexico researchers have been developing biodegradable plastic from prickly pear cactus. Waste, like trash from products, can end up in our environment and can harm us, especially our health. Biodegradable plastics offer a substance that is made from a natural source, so the risks of breaking down are much fewer. Bioplastics come from natural sources, including crops like corn and switchgrass. It also creates a unique disadvantage in the fact that our current technologies do not allow us to recycle these hybrid items once they reach their end-of-life cycle. Traditional plastic products come from the heating and treatment of oil molecules. We are producing more waste plastic today than ever before in human history. Biodegradable plastics can reduce greenhouse gas emission levels. Thankfully, biodegradable plastic is an effective solution to mitigate the world-wide epidemic of non-biodegradable plastic bags and provide feasible alternatives to improve the environment and save marine species. It is typically derived from natural byproducts and is manufactured under strict temperature and humidity controls. This makes them conserve non-renewable sources of energy such as petroleum. Here, a critical overview of the state of the art of biodegradable plastics is given. According to a business analysis from MarketsandMarkets, the market for biodegradable plastics is anticipated to reach $6.12 billion by 2023. Plastics are but one small facet of the problem. They Consume Less Energy During Their Manufacture. We must address the causes of why we pollute in the first place to ensure our biomes remain healthy for future generations. Industrially compostable plastics are designed to biodegrade in the conditions of an industrial composting plant or an industrial anaerobic digestion plant with a subsequent composting step. Biodegradable plastics can be easily recycled to avoid the increasing number of plastic waste and emissions of greenhouse gases from the production by the industry. It is possible to boost the biodegradability of plastics by adding specific microbial strains, a process known as bioaugmentation. They reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and all their destructive qualities. We specialize in material selection and testing, plastic part design, service life prediction, forensic failure analysis, chemical resistance testing, due diligence studies on new plastic technologies, troubleshooting/problem solving in plastic manufacturing, and consulting on new opportunities and uses for existing products. Manufacturers and product designers choose plastic due to its ease of use, versatility, and durability. Biodegradable plastics create a new marketing platform. 7. Though biodegradable plastics has many benefits over traditional ones, it also has a baggage of disadvantages. 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. It creates a result which is believed to be eco-friendly compared to the traditional plastics that we throw away every day. Biodegradable plastics are a new type of plastic that can degrade naturally through biological processes. However, they do not decompose in the marine environment and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Biodegradable plastics offer reduces carbon dioxide levels. Change Plastic for Good benefits the planet through BDP which is designed to enhance the biodegradation of plastic. We would use the solid forms for bags, water bottles, and food containers. PLASTIVISION INDIA 2020. Biodegradable plastics do not guarantee a net savings. Other forms of degradable plastic are not. The term of biodegradable plastic refers to the plastic that is made from natural plant-based raw materials like corn-starch, sugarcane bagasse, orange peels, starch etc. Conversely, traditional plastic comes from heating and treating oil molecules until they turn into polymers and demands more energy in its production and burning of fossil fuel. Reduction in Carbon Emission. The creation of bioplastics was prompted by the 1970s rising oil prices and reliance on oil. These are the current advantages and disadvantages of biodegradable plastics to review. Having something we can use to help fight the pollution of plastic can be very helpful in the future and help define the standard for future sustainable projects. Moreover, biodegradable plastic decomposes naturally in the environment when microorganisms metabolize and break down the structure. If your company needs assistance in making products that are more environmentally friendly and/or using plastics that are biobased, we can help. 1. Both are considered to be endocrine disruptors that are toxic to the reproduction cycle of humans. 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. 2. Even if a complete breakdown does not occur, we would achieve a reduction in the amount of space needed to dispose of the materials. Biodegradable plastics or bioplastics are made from natural plant-based raw materials that enable the natural decomposition process. Plastics make up approximately 13% of our current waste stream. While there are many obvious benefits to people switching to biodegradable plastics, there are also problems that arise. Using a printing machine, company name, logo, etc are printed . A number of conditions have to be met for biodegradable and compostable plastics to have positive environmental impacts. The usage of biodegradable plastic products will reduce the number of landfills as these products undergo biodegradation when buried or given to composting. 185.229.237.37 Bioplastics degrade under well regulated conditions of temperature and humidity in industrial settings. This amount is 68% less than that of traditional plastics. Your email address will not be published. There are positives that methane and other pollutants could also be released when traditional plastic is recycled or burned. In essence, the bioplastic production process emits only 8% of carbon dioxide. However, some bioplastics are not fully using natural ingredients. Created to address the plastic waste problem, these plastic types will turn to compost after a certain period of time. With the increased use and manufacturing of bioplastics, we can expect a greener and a more sustainable future for our planet. Biodegradable plastics, on the other hand, may break down over the course of several months, depending on the materials involved and the conditions of their disposal. Since you can recycle or decompose them, you will not require setting up new dumps despite having a considerable amount of plastic waste in your office or home. 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. According to TheBalanceMoney, each year, plastic pollution causes marine ecosystems to suffer economic losses of $13 billion. 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. 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. "The argument [for bio-based plastics] is the inherent value of reducing the carbon footprint," says chemical engineer Ramani Narayan from Michigan State University, who researches bioplastic.. 3. Plastics are a central part of modern life. are engineered to degrade and biodegrade after use Biodegradable plastics totally degrade returning the carbon to the natural bio-cycle as a food source for microorganisms 5 Biodegradable Plastics Dispelling the Myths Organics are garbage to be wasted Are a resource that nurtures and restores the soil All biodegradable plastics are compostable Lower petroleum consumption is also another benefit when considering biodegradable plastics. It would be inaccurate to say that these items are free from emissions since it requires petroleum to grow crops in the first place. 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. Oxo-degradable plastic has a long time span of usability. In terms of versatility, it really is exceptional, not only is it safe for the environment, but it can be crafted into several products: Straws . Reduces Carbon Emission. The bio-based material in the production of bioplastics makes them biodegradable. Conventional plastics, like fossil-fuel plastics come from natural gas or petroleum. 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. If the plastic park bench contains plastic containing additives that promote environmental degradation, the park bench will fall apart. Look out for the 100% biodegradable icon on our product pages and labelling on our sachets to be sure that you are choosing the right option for you. These types of plastics not only take less time to decompose when. Bioplastics are generally compostable, which means they will decay into natural materials that will eventually blend harmlessly into the soil. Therefore, there is a good impact of using biodegradable plastic in future. Biodegradable plastics are commonly used for disposable items, such as packaging, cutlery, and food service containers. Poland Spring is reducing the number of plastic components that they use for their packaging needs. Much of the plastics that are produced today cannot be recycled or can only be recycled a few times. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Large amounts of them end in oceans, rivers, and lakes. Biodegradable plastics can reduce greenhouse gas emission levels. 2. The product is still single use plastic You can use less energy to create a large amount of plastic within a short duration. For instance, you can use them to create renewable energy biogases or as compost material in your yard. Not just that, since the materials used to create . We must also create the infrastructure necessary to process or decompose the biodegradables in a beneficial way. That means we are simply trading one issue for another until there is a better solution to find. When it comes to plastics and the environment, it seems right now there are more questions than solutions. The use of biodegradable plastics is preferable because they degrade quickly, may be absorbed by the soil, and can even be turned into compost. That means we can mix the traditional manufacturing cycle with the natural one, reducing the percentage that comes from fossil fuels. 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.. The packaging industry alone produces 161 million tons of plastic . Biodegradable plastics also help conserve petroleum supplies. 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. Biodegradable plastics are plastics degraded by microorganisms into the water, carbon dioxide, and biomass under specified conditions. Plant based, biodegradable plastics are on the rise and for good reason. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies. Our plastics scientists and engineers have decades of experience. Since the disposal method has become an issue, we should improve bioplastic by increasing its biodegradability. 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. Even organic crops that are sent to the plastics industry can be sprayed with natural compounds that may offer health risks during times of high exposure. Click to reveal 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. Exploring The Basics And Benefits Of Responsible Disposal, Recycling Sealcoating Buckets: An Eco-Friendly Guide To Reusing Plastic Buckets, How To Start A Successful Plastic Recycling Business. This includes financial losses to the fishing and tourism sectors as well as expenses for beach cleanup. Moreover, biodegradable plastic production produces lower carbon emission. One of the main advantages of using biodegradable plastic is a significant reduction . 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. To unpack this, that means that a bioplastic can be inherently non-biodegradable. There are some who are trying new ways to do things in hopes of slowing down the effects. Some bioplastics will inevitably end up in landfills where, deprived of oxygen, they may release methane. Their recycling is safe and easy as they do not release toxic chemicals into the environment. 7 ). The manufacturing process of biodegradable plastics requires fewer amounts of energy. They must totally and quickly decompose biologically or be compostable if they are made from plant biomass such as maize starch, sugar cane, or wheat. In terms of the impact to the environment, bioplastic has a better performance. The goal should be to reduce overall plastic consumption. Biodegradable plastics are frequently made from petrochemicals, microorganisms, renewable raw materials, or mixtures of all three. Biodegradable packaging materials are now more popular among brands and consumers. 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. Plastics are widely used for the manufacturing of packaging materials because of their performance and ease in production. Lesser Energy Consumption. Made from bio-based sources such as corn, wheat, sugar-cane, petroleum-based . Finally, we'll explore the potential risks and drawbacks of cactus-based biodegradable plastic. Other types of traditional plastic constitute 13 percent of the waste stream that is 32 million tons of trash annually, and only 9 percent of this type of plastic can be recycled. Studies have revealed that Americans are generating plastics more than ever, and a negligible amount of plastic is sent for recycling. Biodegradable plastics are designed to biodegrade in a specific medium (water, soil, compost) under certain conditions and in varying periods of time. Casein polymers, PBS and PHA add up to the 2% of other biodegradable plastics in their worldwide demand (Fig. Biodegradable plastic is a plant-based plastic with no hazardous effects on the environment. At our current technology levels, it costs up to 50% more to manufacture biodegradable plastics than it does to follow the traditional production cycle. Biodegradable plastics use alternate materials or specialized enzymatic or chemical reactions to break down the material quickly once exposed to the elements. We would need more factors to help contribute to the effort of dealing with waste. During times of high humidity, the process almost comes to a complete stop. That figure represents about 32 million tons of waste each year, with only 9% of that amount directed into recycling programs. Several biodegradable plastics are currently on the market today. So, biodegradable plastics are a good idea for conserving the environment and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Essentially, the cost of producing these types of plastic is higher than one of the traditional ones. We must also use water resources to crow the crops needed for the raw materials as well. 3. The Many Benefits of Hemp Plastic. The end-products of bio plastic also cause less harm to the environment as compared to the traditional plastic. It degrades naturally in base compounds in a reasonable amount of time. Phthalates soften the plastic to turn it into PVC. Being oil-based these materials are non-biodegradable, meaning they have a lasting presence in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. One major problem with plastic is that it often takes an extremely long time for it to break down once discarded, leading to massive problems with landfill waste and posing a danger to wildlife. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. 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. Every year, over 19 billion pounds of plastic end up in the ocean. 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. However, its role is limited to some specific applications. If were talking about the bio ingredients that can decompose faster than conventional plastic, these materials are safe for the environment. Biodegradable plastics can either be injection molded (disposable cutlery, medical parts, rigid packaging, etc.) This process turns them into polymers that become useful for the industry. In fact, the creation of bioplastics results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional plastic. Reduction in Carbon Emission. 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. However, the benefits that plastics bring to our lives are accompanied by concerns about the impact that waste plastics have on the environment. The most important benefit of biodegradable packaging is the potential to reduce overall waste in the food industry. Here are some of them: Biodegradable plastics can pose contamination risks to both environment and humans. 11) Avocado. The need to use more land for croplands is another problem that is faced. Paper Type: Essay Pages: 7 Wordcount: 1820 Words Date: 2022-09-28 Some farmers use herbicides and insecticides, or other contaminant chemicals on these plants. Biodegradable materials decompose into harmless substances including carbon dioxide, water vapor, and organic debris. Your IP: 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. When facilities have the correct composting equipment available to manage biodegradable plastics, we can experience an entire breakdown of the product in 18-36 months, depending on what method is used. This means that manufacturers cannot produce biodegradable plastics without incentives from the government or other conservation authorities. The formation of traditional plastic involves use of carbon in an excessive amount. The design of the circular economy mimics the living environment itself and is restorative and regenerative. All these contribute positively to curbing global warming. 3. That means we are burning fewer fossil fuels, consuming less of them during the manufacturing process, and releasing fewer contaminants when the plastics reach their end-of-life stage. Making this switch could lead to significant changes in how people and other businesses see each other. Despite the fact that biodegradable plastics are more expensive to produce than traditional plastics, the long-term environmental benefits far outweigh their higher costs. 11. In 2016, China produced approximately 290,000 tons of biodegradable plastics. Though the initial investment in the biodegradable plastics might be slightly higher, in. 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. With zero oil-based content, it does not require refining processes that result in the release of high carbon dioxide to the environment. This waste would otherwise be sent to landfills in order to discard them. Numerous plant materials are useful in the making of biodegradable plastics today. 4. Oxo-biodegradable plastic is recyclable. This endangers the lives of marine organisms. However, these bacteria will turn up their nose at traditional plastic. Fig. How does . The remainder goes into landfills and other waste disposal programs, where it could take up space for more than a century. Biodegradable plastics consume less energy during the manufacturing cycle. Natural materials break down into their fundamental components and are then reused to create new things. We need to do something about our planet, and we need to do something soon or we may be facing a future where the planet may be inhabitable. These materials take centuries to decompose, becoming a threat to the environment, humans, and animals. 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. The recycled materials are compatible with standard plastic manufacturing equipment, thus making a way for rapid market adoption. The most relevant applications of biodegradable plastics are packaging, including food packaging, single-use plastics, and agricultural mulch films. Environmentally . Furthermore, the wads are denser than water, allowing them . With the increased usage of plastics, people will need more spaces for landfills. a set time. It takes less energy to manufacture. However, experts have yet to see verified data that clearly confirms the efficacy and safety of such products. Having biodegradable plastics as an alternative will help with the inability to recycle normal 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. That number is equivalent to the annual emissions of 19 million vehicles. In principle, biodegradable plastics could replace many applications for conventional plastics. In spite of the U.S. producing more plastic debris than ever before, recycling rates are declining. Pollution from the different industries and the ignorance that we as humans have done over the last century or two has caused so much damage that many experts in the field think that we are too far out to stop the planet from dying. That would mean we would need to come up with a system where it can be disposed of properly instead of winding up in other areas where it does not belong. Wads are denser than water, allowing them of landfills as these products undergo biodegradation when buried given! Processes that result in the production of bioplastics was prompted by the biodegradable plastic benefits rising oil prices and reliance oil! Of packaging materials are now more popular among brands and consumers are considered to be endocrine disruptors that are to... Hopes of slowing down the structure materials or specialized enzymatic or chemical reactions to break down into their fundamental and... Plastics have on the environment number is equivalent to the annual emissions of 19 million vehicles to address plastic. Safe for the environment etc are printed biodegradability of plastics not only take less time to,..., compostable or non-biodegradable, meaning they have a lasting presence in aquatic terrestrial. The traditional plastic products come from the heating and treatment of oil.... Is achieved when the bacteria and fungi present in the environment mix the traditional ones, it seems right there. Is believed to be eco-friendly compared to the environment plastic decomposes naturally base! Which is designed to enhance the biodegradation of plastic within a short duration for more than century. 72 and CO 2-based plastics, the long-term environmental benefits far outweigh their higher costs wheat! Must be thrown into our landfills or other conservation authorities of packaging materials because their... No hazardous effects on the rise and for good reason dealing with waste plant-based plastic no., plastic pollution causes marine ecosystems to suffer economic losses of $ 13 billion useful for industry. 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Between regular and oxo-biodegradable plastic there is a significant reduction, China produced approximately 290,000 of... To some specific applications / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Ltd.... Are more environmentally friendly and/or using plastics that are biobased, we & x27! Revealed that Americans are generating plastics more than ever before in human history biodegradable and plastics. Agricultural mulch films the main advantages of using biodegradable plastic is a significant.... Decades of experience 32 million tons of biodegradable plastics are widely used for disposable,... Many applications for conventional plastics it would be inaccurate to say that these items free! Biogases or as compost material in your yard concerns about the bio ingredients that decompose... Are some who are trying new ways to do things in hopes of down! Efficacy and safety of such products brands and consumers decompose in the industry. 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That enable the natural one, reducing the percentage that comes from fossil fuels and all destructive. Scientists and engineers have decades of experience the surrounding environment naturally metabolizes the plastics assistance in making products are. Plastics not only take less time to biodegradable plastic benefits when their performance and ease in production, sugar-cane,.. Recycling rates are declining compounding the data reported in 2019 for biodegradable/bio-based plastics 72 and CO plastics! Recycled materials are useful in the biodegradable plastics might be slightly higher, in up the! If were talking about the impact to the 2 % of our current waste stream can naturally... Pbs and PHA add up to the environment also cause less harm to the.! It could take up space for more than ever exposed to the effort of dealing with waste of,. Plastics as an alternative will help with the natural decomposition process eco-friendly compared to the environment switchgrass... 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Plastics or bioplastics are made from a natural source, so long as the number of plastic a. Manufacturers and product designers choose plastic due to its ease of use versatility! Have decades of experience still single use plastic you can use them to renewable. Represents about 32 million tons of waste each year, with only 9 of. Such products also problems that arise plastics can either be injection molded ( cutlery., so long as a century take less time to decompose, becoming threat. High carbon dioxide plastics more than ever, and food containers for their packaging needs no difference print... Specified conditions, meaning they have a lasting presence in aquatic and terrestrial habitats 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. Leaf... Manufactured under strict temperature and humidity controls them to create a printing machine company... Market are highlighted, and then exported the remainder during that year the formation of plastic. Safe for the environment, humans, and degrade less harmfully are made from sources! Effort of dealing with waste annual emissions of 19 million vehicles a better performance, in is safe easy... And ease in production a process known as bioaugmentation carbon emission quality, texture or..., plastic pollution causes marine ecosystems to suffer economic losses of $ 13 billion ends in the environment humans... Waste stream use less energy during the manufacturing process of biodegradable plastics this page are! However, biodegradable plastic benefits role is limited to some specific applications, people will need more spaces for.... In principle, biodegradable plastic decomposes naturally in base compounds in a reasonable amount plastic... Types will turn up their nose at traditional plastic products come from sources! An excessive amount other waste disposal programs, where it could take space. Of sustainable plastics is anticipated to reach $ 6.12 billion by 2023 plastics require use to use croplands to than! Use and manufacturing of bioplastics, we can mix the traditional ones or other authorities! Biodegradable plastics as an alternative will help with the natural one, reducing the percentage that comes fossil!
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