Bioplastics: The future of plastic

The development of synthetic polymers and plastic was once hailed as a miracle material. It found application in so many areas that it altered our lives. It is only in recent times that we have realised the problems that plastic has brought about. Given that it takes up to a thousand years to degrade, plastic pollution is the bane of modern times. Discarded plastic products fill our land oceans. Plastic pollution can unfavourably affect lands, rivers and oceans. Marine animals can also suffer through getting entangled in plastic waste, direct ingestion of plastic waste, or through exposure to chemicals within plastics. These can cause interruptions in biological functions. Human beings are also affected by plastic pollution through the disruption of the thyroid hormone axis or hormone levels. For these reasons, many states in India have banned the use of plastic. Also, Euromonitor in its recent report, Top 10 Global Consumer Trends 2019, reports that “The push for a plastic-waste-free society has gained momentum over the past 12 months, and in 2019, I Want a Plastic-free World will grow further.”

One of the solutions to the problem of plastic pollution is bioplastics. Bioplastic was developed primarily as an alternative to conventional plastics. Bioplastic development consists of obtaining natural polymers from agricultural, cellulose or potato and corn starch waste. These are 100% degradable, equally resistant and versatile. Most of the bioplastics produce less carbon dioxide than conventional plastics.

According to a European Bioplastics report, in 2017 bioplastics represent roughly one per cent of the 335 million tonnes of plastic produced annually. As demand is rising, and with more sophisticated biopolymers, applications, and products emerging, the market is expected to grow continuously and increase from around 2.11 million tonnes in 2018 to approximately 2.62 million tonnes in 2023. Bioplastics are increasingly finding applications in the packaging, automotive, textiles, consumer goods, agriculture and construction industries. 

Bioplastics are derived from renewable resources and are environment-friendly. Bioplastics are an excellent alternative to oil-based plastics as they are readily degradable. They take less time to break down after disposal as compared to conventional plastic. The faster breaking down of bioplastics means fewer landfills as the bioplastics get absorbed quickly. Bioplastics also reduce carbon footprint providing 30-80% carbon savings compared to conventional plastic. 

Many research studies show that most people have never heard of bioplastics and some people who use bioplastics end up discarding the bioplastics for ready biodegradability. Also, people are not aware of proper segregation of waste which will lead to mix up of biodegradable plastic and non-biodegradable plastic. Such actions enhance the risk of contamination and amplify the volume of trash.

Bioplastics are produced from plant by-products, and as these plants are sprayed with pesticides, the end-product of bioplastics might hold the chemicals. Bioplastics also require anaerobic digesters to decompose them. The anaerobic digesters are not readily available. Biodegradable plastics need long-term exposure to high temperatures to break down. These are usually found in large municipal composters. However, these conditions are not seen very often in nature, and especially not in the oceans. Bioplastics compete for land with biofuels and food crops. This competition could reduce the land area available for crops that could feed humankind.

Many of the drawbacks of bioplastics are likely to be mitigated through improved technology and improved consumer acceptance. Though the bioplastics offer recyclable, clean and non-toxic options, oil-based plastic is expected to continue to rule for another 15-20 years. The push for alternatives is coming from consumers. Various states in India have banned plastics. Since there is an alternative, policymakers and regulators need to consider bioplastics in their decision-making.