Are There Any Advantages To Being Biodegradable?

1. Biodegradable plastics reduce carbon dioxide emissions

Today, we produce more plastic waste than ever before in human history. This garbage is entering our oceans and even contaminating our drinking water. Scientists estimate that by 2050, there could be more plastic waste in the ocean than fish, and by that time tap water will contain up to 80 percent of microplastics. Researchers at the University of Bath have created a plastic that uses only sugar and carbon dioxide, making polycarbonate production free from petrochemicals and the CO2 emissions required for refining. Plastics like these break down naturally, only releasing the gases that produced them back into their original environment.

2. Biodegradable plastics reduce greenhouse gas emissions

When biodegradable plastics are used instead of conventional plastic products, then fewer greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere. We consume more than 100 million tons of plastic every year, which means a standard production ratio of 5:1 suggests that this industry produces 500 million tons of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere every year. This figure is equivalent to the annual emissions of 19 million cars.

If we recycled plastic every year, our net carbon savings alone would be as high as 30%, and some researchers believe it could be as high as 80%. Switching to biodegradable plastics will help further reduce the greenhouse gas emissions generated by the industry, although making the switch will require an initial financial cost.

3. Biodegradable plastics are broken down by naturally occurring bacteria

After the plastic is formed, the traditional product will preserve its carbon. When you dispose of them, they start to break down in some way, and then the gas is released into the atmosphere. Because biodegradable plastics don't always require CO2 during their manufacture, greenhouse gas emissions may never occur during the decomposition process. As they begin to break down in the environment, bacteria in the soil begin to consume these components. That way we have less trash to manage and less potential for contamination per biome.

4. Biodegradable plastics do not release other dangerous substances after decomposing

If you throw a bucket full of traditional plastic into a landfill, you're releasing methane and other forms of pollutants as the product begins to break down. Since there are usually no biodegradable items for these pollutants, we are able to enjoy the immediate benefit of no hazardous emissions.

Plastics make our lives easier in many ways, but they can also contain potentially dangerous products that can also harm our health. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a key ingredient in resin and plastic manufacturing. In the past, the substance was used in plastic cutlery, water bottles, and sports equipment. Phthalates soften plastic and are often added to PVC. Both are considered endocrine disruptors and are harmful to the human reproductive cycle. Biodegradables eliminate the use of these substances.

5. Biodegradable plastics use less energy in the manufacturing cycle

Although biodegradable plastics cost slightly more in the production cycle, we actually consume less energy. With this technology, we no longer need to find, obtain and convert hydrocarbons to make plastic items. This means we burn fewer fossil fuels, consume fewer fossil fuels in the manufacturing process, and release fewer pollutants. Because of this energy saving, the long-term cost of using biodegradable products may be lower than conventional plastics, especially if the clean-up cost of plastic pollution is added to the calculation.

6. Biodegradable plastics reduce the amount of waste we generate

Plastics make up about 13% of our current waste stream. This figure is around 32 million tonnes of waste per year, of which only 9% goes to recycling programs. The rest goes to landfills and other waste disposal projects, and when factories have the right composting equipment to manage biodegradable plastics, we can decompose the product within 18-36 months, depending on the method used.

7. Degradable plastics will direct oil consumption to other needs

Traditional plastics come from the heating and processing of oil molecules, a process that turns them into polymers useful for industry. In the United States, about 3% of the oil is consumed by the amount of plastic consumed each year. Biodegradable materials come from products like switchgrass or corn, which means we can use the oil used by industry for energy for transportation or for heating needs.

8. Biodegradable plastics can be mixed with conventional products

We don't need to use biodegradable plastics to create entirely new products to create environmental benefits through this technology. Once natural materials are converted into polymers, they can be used with materials made from petroleum, reducing the percentage of fossil fuels. When we make this blend, the plastics usually have more strength as well.

9. Biodegradable plastics require less energy in the manufacturing cycle

In the United States, corn-based plastics account for about 40% of biodegradable materials. When you compare polymers made from this crop to those using crude oil, 65% less energy is required to make a biodegradable product of similar quality. In addition, greenhouse gases generated during the manufacturing process have been reduced by 68%.

10. Biodegradable plastics can create new export industries

In 2016, China produced about 290,000 tons of biodegradable plastics. About 130,000 tonnes are consumed domestically in China, and the remainder is exported that year. Sales growth in China was 13 percent, and the market is worth more than $350 million. Many mature markets for plastic products in developed countries are looking for ways to reduce their carbon and waste footprints. Switching to this product makes sense because it can eliminate the environmental impact of pollution over time. For countries that complete the technology, making biodegradables a priority could be a money-making tool.

11. Biodegradable plastics create a new marketing platform

Biodegradable plastics in addition to being safe, are often viewed as a product that supports sustainable business practices by consumers and executives. Organizations that use biodegradable material products are often seen as more likely to gain consumer support because they are seen as environmentally concerned. This means shareholders, executives, and employees all benefit from the potential for higher profits. The Coca-Cola Company has created a bioplastic bottle that can be used with the drink. Polish Spring is reducing the number of plastic components they use for their packaging needs. This shift could lead to major changes in the way people and other businesses see each other.

12. Biodegradable plastics can break down rapidly under certain circumstances

Bioplastics are generally degradable, which means they will decay into natural materials that will eventually mix harmlessly into the soil. When cornstarch molecules encounter water, they slowly absorb it, swelling up and breaking things down into smaller pieces. The natural bacteria in the compost container will then digest it, producing something good for the planet.