How Does Biodegradable Plastic Help The Environment?

Biodegradable plastics are plastics that decompose in natural environments

. These environments can be "aerobic" (i.e. composting) and "anaerobic" (i.e. landfill) and biodegradation can be achieved through the introduction and activation of microorganisms that metabolize the plastic into a humus-like consistency. The new consistency is less harmful for the environment.

Composition of Biodegradable Plastics

Biodegradable plastics may be made of several different types of plastics. They may be made of bioplastics, which are plastics derived from renewable raw materials. Conversely, they may be made of petroleum-based plastics that utilize an additive. The use of certain compounds and swelling agents coupled with heat and moisture allows the plastic to expand then metabolize and neutralize the plastic.

How Are Biodegradable Plastics Produced?:

Biodegradable plastics are usually produced by injection molding typically in the form of disposable food service items, and films, and can be used to package organic fruit, collection bags for leaves and grass trimmings, and agricultural mulch, for example. There are also several different types of biodegradation. Hydro-biodegradable materials are broken down by interaction with water and then further broken down by microorganisms. Photo-biodegradable materials are first broken down by interaction with sunlight and then further broken down by microorganisms. Oxo-degradable products become biodegradable after an additive has been introduced to them.

What Are the Environmental Benefits of Biodegradable Plastics?:

Conventional petroleum based plastics make up 25 percent of landfills in the United States. And the production of these plastics requires 200,000 barrels of oil per day. The notion with biodegradable bags is that they self self-destruct after a few months, breaking up into tiny pieces made of simple molecules that bugs and fungi can consume.

Many corporations use biodegradable bags, companies like Pizza Hut, KFC, News international, Walmart, and Marriott hotels, to name a few. But there are any criticisms for the use of green or biodegradable bags like, for example, some research suggests that the bags don't degrade as well as originally thought. Some companies that produce plastic bags claim that they degrade completely in three days while conventional bags take over 100 years. Some say that their bags decompose in 18 months.

But the biodegradable evolution is still open for innovation and the widespread use of new plastics will depend on consumer demand and commitment to resource conservation. It will also depend on developing technologies that can be successful in the marketplace. And interest in the development of bioplastics will be a function of the extent that there is concern over the environment and sustainable practices.

by: Steve Erickson

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