Biodegradable Plastics: Pros & Cons of Usage

The need for biodegradable materials is on a rise, since the depletion of natural resources has been persistent since quite a while now. Biodegradable plastic is a wonderful invention that has helped in keeping the surroundings clean. This variety of plastic naturally decomposes in the environment. How? The microorganisms present in the environment process and work to breakdown the assembly of biodegradable plastic.

Insights about Biodegradable Plastics

• In the present time, biodegradable plastics are made using bio-plastics, that is, a variety of plastic developed using renewable raw materials. It is important to know that, there are two versions of biodegradable plastic, namely, injection molded and solid

• Usually, the solid forms are preferred for making items like containers, water bottles and leaf collection bags. Looking at a broader picture, biodegradable plastics can be categorized into two classes. Firstly, bioplastics which are formed using renewable raw materials; whereas plastics are acquired from petrochemicals which consist of biodegradable additives. The primary aim of these varieties is to minimize pollution caused due to plastic pollutants. To be honest, there are both pros & cons associated to the implementation of this unique plastic class.

 

Advantages Associated to Biodegradable Plastics

Reduction of Carbon Emission

It is vital to note that, one of the prime advantages linked to the use of biodegradable plastics is the nominal emission of carbon in the atmosphere during the manufacturing of bioplastics. This is quite less as compared to the normal emission rate for the manufacturing of plastics. Bioplastics only emit close to .8 tons of carbon, taking into consideration global warming and greenhouse effect.

Ingests Less Energy

Considering the manufacturing method of biodegradable plastics, less amount of energy is required. Moreover, there is less or no stress on the fossil fuel levels. Contrary, traditional plastics require more energy during production as well as additional time for the combustion of fossil fuel.

Less Area Required for Landfill

Plastics which are non-biodegradable are sent to landfills for safe discarding. Consequently, the area of land which could be used for housing, agriculture, or industrial purposes is transformed into landfills. However, if bioplastics are implemented, there isn’t any need to form additional landfills because this plastic category can be actively decomposed in the soil.

Recyclable

One of the biggest benefits of biodegradable plastics is surely their recyclable nature. Also, they are non-toxic as they do not contain any toxins or chemicals as compared to the traditional types which can release harmful chemicals.

Disadvantages Associated of Biodegradable Plastics

Requirement of Composters

One of the downsides of using biodegradable plastics is concerned with the use of industrial composters for transforming them into composts. This is an issue since in some countries the availability of the specific equipment is not easily accessible. Keeping the cost factor aside, if the government isn’t interested then the equipment aren’t made available. Hence, the bioplastics which should be processed wouldn’t be properly discarded.

Issues with Engineering

The bioplastics are generally plant-based, pointing out that they usually come from organic foundations such as corn and soybean farms. But, the problem is that these organic plants are quite often drenched with pesticides that contain chemicals which are known to contaminate the crops; therefore, can actively get transferred to the finished goods.

Contamination Risk

Mixing of biodegradable plastics with non-biodegradable plastics when people throw them in garbage bins is seen as a greater risk of contamination. Less knowledge about segregating non-biodegradable with biodegradable can be blamed for this. If these two plastic types are mixed, these bioplastics get contaminated and are not safe for reuse. Therefore, the contaminated bioplastics are dropped in the landfills and add to the trash volume.

Presence of Metal Pieces

There are some biodegradable materials which can contain minute metal pieces. This can be seen as a concern when biodegradable plastic decomposes, and the metal pieces get released in the surrounding.

Obviously, the benefits tend to outweigh the potential drawbacks, however, the question regarding the comparison between traditional plastic and bio-degradable variety still hangs in the middle due to lesser utility across the globe. But, efforts of worldwide awareness about global warming and environmental concerns is slowly working to make biodegradable plastic famous. There is a need to educate people, especially in the industrial sector to consider this variety for future productions.