A recent study conducted by the University of Bonn indicates that the transition to bioplastics might not have as significant positive impacts as initially anticipated. Moreover, the switch from single-use plastics to bioplastics would require a considerable amount of time.
Understanding Bioplastics
Bioplastics are specifically derived from plant-based sources such as maize, wheat, or sugarcane, or other biological material rather than petroleum. They are characteristic for being degradable and compostable in nature. The process of making them involves extracting sugar out of plants like sugarcane and corn, which is then turned into polylactic acids (PLA). Bioplastics can also come from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), originating from microorganisms. PLA plastic is commonly found in food packaging, whereas PHA is used in medical devices like sutures and cardiovascular patches.
Comparing Bioplastics with Single-Use Plastics
Bioplastics, or more specifically, plant-based plastics, are touted to be a climate-friendly substitute for petroleum-based plastics. Conventionally, plastics are made from petroleum, and their production has implications in regards to fossil fuel depletion as well as climate change. It is predicted that by 2050, plastics will contribute to 15% of global CO2 emissions.
However, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air via their leaves; thus, the production of bioplastics consumes carbon dioxide, counterbalancing the amount that is eventually released when the bioplastic decomposes. The net greenhouse gas balance of bioplastics is assumed to be zero, unlike petroleum-based plastic, where the carbon embedded is abruptly released into the atmosphere upon degradation or burning, contributing to global warming.
Ecological Impact of Bioplastics – A Closer Look
Despite being climate-neutral, the increased use of bioplastics may trigger an expansion of croplands on a global scale, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
The large-scale production of bioplastics could lead to a global change in land use, with the potential for an increase in the conversion of forest areas to arable land for agriculture. This is because forests are more effective in absorbing carbon dioxide annually compared to maize or sugarcane fields.
Additionally, the use of substances such as corn for plastics rather than food could risk food shortages in a world where food scarcity is already becoming an issue.
Industrial Composting and Bioplastics
An important facet to consider is that bioplastics require industrial composting, which involves the heating of bioplastics to high temperatures to enable microbial degradation. Without this high heat, bioplastics will not degrade on their own, either in landfills or compost heaps. If they end up in marine environments, they behave similarly to petroleum-based plastic. Therefore, establishing large-scale facilities for industrial composting might not be economically or environmentally viable.
Brief Facts About Bioplastics
| Type | Common Usage |
|---|---|
| PLA Bioplastics | Food Packaging |
| PHA Bioplastics | Medical Devices |
Environment Day 2018 – A Noteworthy Mention
On June 5, 2018, the theme for United Nations Environment Day was “Beat Plastic Pollution”. The event was hosted by India.
The Concept of Greenwashing
Greenwashing refers to the act of making falsely exaggerated or deceptive claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, technology or company practice. This can cause a company to appear more eco-friendly than it actually is.
Understanding Plastic Pollution Further
Plastic pollution continues to be a major challenge for the globe. Despite the significant advantages of bioplastics, the switch from single-use plastics is not as straightforward as it seems. The balance between ensuring sufficient food supply, preserving forest areas, and the need for industrial composting facilities are all factors that need to be considered in this transition.