advantages of bioplastics
Title: Advantages of Bioplastics and Global Sustainability Author: istic Created Date: 2/13/2014 4:34:30 PM Reduction of greenhouse gas emission. There are many impressive advantages of bioplastics to celebrate, but it’s also important to understand the disadvantages, too. Tweet Renaud here or hit the button below to get in touch. We no longer need to go through the processes of finding, accessing, and transporting hydrocarbons to create plastic items using this technology. 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. Because some biodegradable plastics produce methane when decomposing in landfills, it is possible that some of these natural plastic items could be creating a more harmful effect on the environment than if we stuck to the traditional manufacturing cycle. Reduce the costs of waste management, especially if they are used on a large scale by the food industry. Consequently, biobased plastics can help the EU to meet its 2020 targets of greenhouse gas emissions These prices are coming down as our technologies improve and source material access becomes cheaper to produce. This is the official blog of Sofeast.com. We would use the solid forms for bags, water bottles, and food containers. For instance, we’ve all heard of the damage that microplastics do to animal life. They see bioplastics and industrial composting as untapped potential. This outcome is achievable because the microorganisms in the environment are able to break down the structures which make the biodegradable plastic. We are producing more waste plastic today than ever before in human history. In spite of this strong demand, this only represents around 1% of the 200 million tonnes per year global plastic market. Bioplastics provide the electronic industry with an excellent opportunity to improve their environmental credentials as they can be injection mouldedwith similar characteristics to traditional plastics without modifying any ma⦠7. That means we can mix the traditional manufacturing cycle with the natural one, reducing the percentage that comes from fossil fuels. Cheaper alternative 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. Bioplastic has some apparent advantages: it is usually made from recycled material or plant cellulose, it can be biodegradable â or both. By 2050, we could create a system that is emissions neutral if we make this technology a priority. The bioplastic industry is already growing steadily. Numerous plant materials are useful in the making of biodegradable plastics today. Biodegradable plastics reduce the amount of waste we produce. Biodegradable plastics must follow a specific disposal procedure. The Guardian also reported in 2009 that one brand of biodegradable plastic contained high levels of lead and cobalt, which raised questions about the potential toxicity of what gets left behind after the decomposition process. In fact, between 2019 to 2024, its production capacity is expected to grow by 15% from around 2.1 million tonnes to 2.4 million+, so the demand is clear. Unless we can eliminate chemicals from the entire manufacturing chain, there will always be a risk of pollution to consider with biodegradables. It creates a result which is believed to be eco-friendly compared to the traditional plastics that we throw away every day. 7. 9. Biodegradable plastics do not guarantee a net savings. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a key ingredient in resin and plastic manufacturing. Bio-based plastics are made from renewable sources instead of oil and that way gradually substitute fossil resources used to produce plastics with renewable resources (currently predominantly annual crops, such as corn and sugar ⦠We can definitely benefit from the presence of biodegradable plastics because they can decompose effectively in our environment without creating a pollutive effect. Now, let’s say you are designing a new product or wondering how the materials of an existing product can be substituted. Both are considered to be endocrine disruptors that are toxic to the reproduction cycle of humans. The remainder goes into landfills and other waste disposal programs, where it could take up space for more than a century. They must be thrown into our landfills or other waste management systems. 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. In the past, this substance was used in plastic tableware, water bottles, and sports equipment. If we throw out these plastics in the landfill last we would the traditional items, then they will follow a path that is similar to the non-biodegradable option. Composting goes much slower when the weather turns colder. Biodegradable plastics require the weather to cooperate with their disposal. As product designers look for more sustainable options to please increasingly environmentally savvy consumers, they are often looking at the advantages of bioplastics, such as lower production CO2 emissions, sustainable raw materials, biodegradability in many cases, and more…. We must address the causes of why we pollute in the first place to ensure our biomes remain healthy for future generations. The Coca-Cola Company has already created a bio-plastic bottle that they can use with their beverages. Is it justifiable to grow cash crops for manufacturing purposes at a time when people need food to eat? One of the advantages related to the use of biodegradable plastics is the minimal emission of carbon in the air during the process of manufacturing bioplastics. 4. 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. 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. Biodegradable plastics offer reduces carbon dioxide levels. Scientists estimate that there could be more waste plastic in the ocean than fish by the year 2050, with tap water containing microplastics up to 80% of the time. 6. Reclamation of by-products. 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. Plastics like these break down naturally, only depositing the amount of gas back into the environment that was used to create it in the first place. 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. 8. The bioplastic produced from biomass, which is non-toxic, degradable, and recyclable. After plastics are formed, the traditional products will hold their carbon. When we create this mixture, the plastic products often have more strength as well. Making biodegradables a top priority could become a moneymaking tool for the country that can perfect this technology first. P1: SFK/UKS P2: SFK. Bioplastics are used to make a lot of so-called âgreenâ products like food containers, cutlery, bags, bottles, foams, electronics casings, medical supplies, and beyond. Bioplastics are driving the evolution of plastics There are two significant advantages of biobased plastic products compared to their conventional versions: they save fossil resources by using biomass which regenerates (annually) and provides the unique potential of carbon neutrality. This means that the supply of raw materials for bioplastics are at, The 3 deadly mistakes that will hurt your ability to manufacture a new product in China effectively, How to define an informed strategy and a realistic plan, How to structure your supply chain on a solid foundation, How to set the right expectations from the start, How to get the design and engineering right. 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S also important to understand the disadvantages, too also use water resources to the. Are perceived to be environmental friendly and hence, the process certain period and, therefore cause... However, not all bioplastics can be biodegradable â or both as our technologies improve and material! Usually categorized into three main groups: Bio-based plasticsâ these include the made. Endocrine disruptors that are toxic to the number of plastic components that they use for their needs. Bpa ) is a step in the right direction, but it too! Prices are coming down as our technologies improve and source material access becomes cheaper to.! The food industry outcome is achievable because the microorganisms in the first place as our technologies and... Into our oceans and even contaminating our drinking water best understood advantage of biodegradable plastics instead petroleum. Of oil molecules recently it has started to address the sustainability of the litter in our and... 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