The major difference between biosourced and biodegradable
It’s important to make a distinction in the term ‘bioplastic’. A bioplastic can be made from renewable raw materials, and described as biosourced, without being biodegradable. Depending on its composition, its natural decomposition (by fungi and bacteria) is not necessarily guaranteed. For professionals, industrial composters can take over. In short, a bioplastic refers to both the origin of the resource and the way in which it decomposes.
What is bioplastic made of?
As mentioned earlier, biomass is used to produce bioplastic. These include bagasse, starch, sugar, vegetable oils and agricultural produce. After all, maize, wheat, tapioca and potatoes don’t just go on your plate ! Polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxy fatty acids (PHF) are synthesised to create biosourced plastics.
Why use a bioplastic material?
There are 3 main reasons, and the environment is (obviously) at the heart of the matter. Let’s talk about natural resources, dependence and preservation. The planet and its inhabitants will be better off…
Bioplastics to reduce our carbon footprint
The production of bioplastics requires less fossil energy than that of traditional plastics. As well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions linked to the extraction and processing of oil, we are less dependent on fossil fuels.
Bioplastics mean renewable resources
Bioplastics use raw materials that are naturally replenished. This green manufacturing method encourages a circular economy, and in turn, recycling. Bioplastics are a real ecological alternative for preserving the environment.
Bioplastics mean less plastic pollution
Biodegradable plastics can decompose under certain conditions, reducing the amount of plastic waste. Worldwide, 15% of plastic waste is collected for recycling, 25% is incinerated and 60% is landfilled.
Bioplastics: possible areas of application
The use of bioplastics in the food industry
Using bioplastics with food. Bioplastics are increasingly used for ORGANIC packaging, particularly for trays, films and bags. Their biosourced and/or biodegradable nature is a major advantage in this field.
Bioplastics and agriculture
In agriculture, bioplastics are used to create mulch film, seed pots and compost bags. Bioplastics are also used for plant protection products, reducing the risk of pollution.
Automotive and electronics use bioplastics
The automotive industry uses bioplastics to make interior parts, exterior components and even some engine components. Equipment housings and internal components are also manufactured in the electronics sector.
Bioplastics in clothing and entertainment
Some bioplastics are used to produce textile fibres, offering a more environmentally-friendly alternative (recycled PET). As for PHA toys, bioplastics are valued for their renewable nature and safety for children.
The advantages of bioplastics
- Renewable resources: limiting dependence on fossil resources and encouraging the preservation of natural resources.
- Biodegradation potential: reducing the amount of plastic waste buried or incinerated.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: bioplastics production requires less energy.
- Return to the natural cycle: as they degrade, bioplastics can enrich the soil with organic matter.
- Innovation: bioplastics stimulate research and development into new, more environmentally-friendly technologies.
- Brand image: their use can improve a company’s image by demonstrating its commitment.
The limits of bioplastics
- Specific biodegradation conditions: some bioplastics require very specific conditions (temperature, humidity, presence of microorganisms). For example, in a marine environment or in a conventional landfill, degradation can be very slow or even non-existent.
- Variable carbon footprint: this depends on many factors ! The type of raw material used, growing conditions, transport and transformation processes… In short, it is not systematically better than that of a traditional plastic.
- An unbalanced agricultural model: the production of raw materials needed for bioplastics can compete with food production. This has an impact on food prices and land use.
- Production costs: bioplastics are often more expensive to produce than traditional plastics.
- Performance: some bioplastics have intrinsic limitations. In terms of heat resistance, mechanical strength or transparency, which can limit their applications.
- The problem of microplastics: they can fragment, persist and pollute the environment.
Bioplastics are an interesting way of reducing our environmental impact, but they are not a miracle solution. To make an informed choice, it is essential to consider the entire life cycle of the product. From production to destruction, and the energy required at each stage of processing.
