Biodegradable Plastics: What They Are and Their Advantages

11 Jun 2024world of plastics

Biodegradable plastic is a type of plastic material designed to break down as organic waste, often through the action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or algae. This degradation process occurs much faster than traditional plastic, which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

However, it is important to note that the term “biodegradable” is not always straightforward and can vary depending on environmental conditions. For instance, a type of bioplastic might require specific conditions of temperature, humidity, or the presence of microorganisms to degrade effectively.

Currently, biodegradable plastic is one of the challenges we face in reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste. At Utilplastic, we are committed to this research, which has led to the production of some biodegradable household items, in particular our bioplastic brush.

What Are Biodegradable Plastics?

Biodegradable plastics can be made using a variety of biological raw materials and organic materials. These sources can be transformed into polymers that keep many of the properties of traditional plastics but are more easily decomposable.

As of now, the main renewable-sourced bioplastics available on the market are:

• Mater-Bi: A biodegradable plastic primarily made from corn starch and synthetic polymers. It was the first to be developed and marketed. Mater-Bi is used in a wide range of applications, including shopping bags, plastic films, and disposable products.
• PLA (Polylactic Acid): One of the most widely used bioplastics, produced mainly using corn starch or other carbohydrate sources. PLA is commonly used for products such as disposable tableware, shopping bags, and packaging.
• PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates): Natural polymers obtained from bacteria through the fermentation of sugars or vegetable oils. The resulting bioplastic is biodegradable in compostable environments and is used in various applications, including packaging, medical products, cups, and containers.

The biodegradability of plastics depends on the chemical structure of the polymers, not necessarily on the starting material. Some biodegradable plastics do not come from renewable sources but from fossil sources, yet they can still be composted as organic waste.

The Bioplastics Consortium

The commitment to greater use of biodegradable plastic and its composting brings numerous benefits, including:

• Promoting a circular economy, where waste becomes a new raw material.
• Reducing the environmental impact of plastic, both in production and disposal.
• Producing compost to nourish the soil, improving its physical and chemical characteristics.

In Italy, the recycling of materials, including plastic, is managed by the CONAI system of industry consortia. Among these, is the consortium responsible for managing the end of life of bioplastic packaging. 

Its role is to encourage the recycling of biodegradable plastic packaging certified as compostable in the organic sector, such as bags and containers. One of its goals is to achieve a 55% recycling rate of bioplastic packaging placed on the market by the end of 2030.