Guide To Bioplastics and Biobased Polymers

In this guide, we will explore:

Goto HuaWei to know more.

What are bioplastics?

Bioplastics are plant-based plastics derived from renewable and sustainable materials like corn or vegetable oils. They provide a natural substitute for regular plastics made from fossil fuels that contain harmful chemicals.

One notable advantage of bioplastics lies in their ability to breakdown. They are more environmentally friendly because they can be composted which decreases the amount of waste generated. In contrast, regular plastics can persist for hundreds of years, contribute to the long term plastic waste problem (plastic straws and plastic bags are big offenders). This waste poses a threat to wildlife and human health.

What are some types of bioplastics?

Bioplastics offer a diverse range of options, each with its distinct features and uses. Here are some common biobased types of plastic:

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a clear and flexible material made from plants like corn, cassava, sugar cane or beets. Many industries use it widely including food packaging, medical devices, and 3D printing.

PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) is a biodegradable polymer with a broad range of applications, including packaging, medical products, and agricultural films. Known for excellent biodegradability, breaking down in various environments like soil, water, and industrial composting facilities.

tPLA (Talc-filled Polylactic Acid) is a natural mineral-enhanced version of PLA, tPLA offers improved heat resistance and rigidity. Ideal for applications requiring higher temperature resistance, such as disposable hot cup lids and utensils.

cPLA (Crystallized Polylactic Acid) is a crystallized form of PLA. People commonly use it to make cutlery, containers, and foodservice products. Made for extra rigidity and heat resistance, it can withstand higher temperatures compared to regular PLA.

VNPLA (Vinylized Polylactic Acid) is a film for enhancing flexibility and impact resistance. Suited for applications like flexible packaging, films, and coatings.

PHB/PHBH (Polyhydroxybutyrate/Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate): Produced by bacteria, PHB and PHBH are biopolymers recognized for their exceptional biodegradability and mechanical properties. Suitable for a variety of applications, including packaging, disposable items, and medical products.

These examples each perform a specific purpose in meeting the demand for eco-friendly materials.

Do bioplastics actually biodegrade?

People view bio-based plastics as sustainable compared to regular plastics because they can be breakdown. However, it's important to know that not all bioplastics break down the same way or in the same conditions.

Biodegradability refers to a material's natural breakdown into harmless substances, facilitated by microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi. Some bio-based plastics break down under specific conditions, while others require the controlled environment of industrial composting facilities or specific temperature conditions.

Distinguishing between compostable vs biodegradable is crucial. Biodegradable materials naturally decompose over time, while compostable materials specifically break down with the heat of a composting environment, transforming into nutrient-rich soil. The rate of either method can vary depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of microorganisms.

Many certified compostable bioplastic products do not biodegrade fast enough to reduce waste. Additionally, any bioplastics will not degrade in landfills so proper disposal is crucial for end-of-life benefits.

How long do bioplastics take to decompose?

Bioplastics break down at varying rates, influenced by factors like their type, environmental conditions, and disposal methods. Biodegradable plastics break down faster than traditional plastics such as PET or PP. These fossil based plastics can remain in the environment for hundreds of years.

Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi fuel the breakdown of bioplastics, transforming them into simpler, non-toxic substances and reducing their environmental impact. 

Factors like temperature, humidity, and the presence of microorganisms play key roles in decomposition. Higher temperatures and moisture levels speed up the process, while colder or drier climates may slow it down. 

Additionally, material thickness and bioplastic composition affect decomposition, with thicker materials taking longer to break down and additives influencing biodegradability.

Are bioplastics recyclable?

While some facilities may accept bioplastics for recycling, they are not widely accepted. Recycling bioplastics is not advised primarily due to contamination. For example, If bioplastics contaminate recycled PET plastic, the entire lot could be sent to a landfill or an incinerator. 

What are the upstream benefits of bioplastics?

Bioplastics bring significant advantages to their production processes, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach.

1. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Manufacturers make bioplastics from renewable resources such as plants. These plants absorb carbon dioxide during growth. This lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional plastics made from fossil fuels.

2. Reduced Energy Consumption

Another advantage lies in the reduced energy consumption during bio-based plastics production. The manufacturing process typically demands less energy, involving lower temperatures and fewer chemical reactions compared to traditional production of plastic. Manufacturing Ingeo, a material used to make compostable PLA foodservice products, produces approximately 80% less greenhouse gases and uses approximately 52% less non-renewable energy (NREU) than traditional polymers like polystyrene. Note that this is true even if no composting option is available and the item must be sent to the landfill.

3. Conservation of Resources

Bioplastics utilize renewable resources, such as corn, sugarcane, or vegetable oils, which can be grown and harvested continuously. This helps to conserve finite resources like petroleum and reduces dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website biodegradable plastic film manufacturer.

4. Biodegradability

Bioplastics are designed to break down naturally through biological processes, either in industrial composting facilities or in natural environments. This reduces the accumulation of plastic waste and helps prevent plastic pollution.

5. Circular Economy

Furthermore, compostable plastics actively contribute to the Circular Economy by undergoing composting at the end of their life cycle. This helps reuse raw materials and reduce the amount of waste. Composting also aligns with the circular economy principles and maximizes resource efficiency.

What are the downsides of using bioplastics?

Although bioplastics offer advantages, we should consider certain things. Although they contribute to addressing plastic waste, they don't provide a complete solution. Here are key points to keep in mind:

Biodegradability presents a challenge. While designed to break down, many bioplastics require specific conditions, such as industrial composting facilities, for proper decomposition. Incorrect disposal can result in contributing to pollution and landfill bloat.

Land and water usage in bioplastics production are other concerns as these are valuable resources. Luckily, the land used to cultivate renewable raw materials for bioplastics production represents around 0.01% of arable land worldwide.

The land used to cultivate renewable raw materials for bioplastics production represents around 0.01% of arable land worldwide.

The Future of Bioplastics

As we explore the potential of bioplastics in mitigating plastic pollution, a nuanced understanding of their characteristics, disposal requirements, and environmental impacts is crucial. Finding a middle ground for the advantages and difficulties is important. This will promote a greener and more accountable way of using plastic in different industries.

In this guide, we will explore:

What is PHA?

PHA, or polyhydroxyalkanoates, is a bioplastic produced by microorganisms. It's gaining popularity due to its incredible ease of compostability compared to other bioplastics like PLA (polylactic acid) and for it's versatility. PHA looks, feels and functions like plastic but without the environmental effects.

Made using plant feedstocks including waste, PHA is bio-based biopolymer that can be created using bacterial fermentation with vegetable oils, sugars, starches, and even methane and wastewater. This process mimics what is found in nature joining proteins, starch, and cellulose. The video below shows a helpful demonstration.

What are the benefits of PHA?

PHAs offers several significant benefits from environmental impact to material properties and medical applications.

Environmental Benefits of PHA

• Biodegradability: PHAs are fully biodegradable in various environments, including soil, marine, and compost settings. This helps reduce the accumulation of plastic waste and its harmful effects on ecosystems.
• Renewable Resources: PHAs are produced from renewable resources, such as plant oils and sugars, making them a more sustainable option compared to petroleum-based plastics.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: The production of PHAs typically results in lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional plastics, contributing to a reduction in overall carbon footprint.

Material Benefits of PHA

• Versatility: PHAs can be tailored to possess a wide range of properties, from being rigid and tough to flexible and elastic. This makes them suitable for various applications, including packaging, agricultural films, and consumer goods. They're also FDA approved for food contact.
• Thermal Stability: Certain types of PHAs exhibit good thermal stability, making them suitable for applications that require exposure to higher temperatures.
• Barrier Properties: PHAs often have good barrier properties against water vapor and gases, which makes them ideal for food packaging and other applications requiring moisture and oxygen barriers.

Medical and Biomedical Applications of PHA

• Biocompatibility: PHAs are biocompatible and can be safely used in medical applications, such as sutures, wound dressings, and tissue engineering scaffolds.
• Controlled Degradation: The degradation rate of PHAs can be controlled by adjusting their composition, making them useful for drug delivery systems where gradual release of the drug is required.
• Non-Toxicity: Degradation products of PHAs are non-toxic, which is critical for applications inside the human body.

Economic and Industrial Benefits of PHA

• Diverse Feedstock: PHAs can be produced from a variety of feedstocks, including agricultural by-products and waste materials, potentially lowering production costs and enhancing economic viability.
• Process Compatibility: PHAs can be processed using conventional plastic manufacturing equipment, which facilitates their integration into existing production lines without the need for significant modifications.

How PHA is being used for straws?

Since PHA is such a versatile and environmentally-friendly material, PHA straws are taking the beverage world by storm.

PHA straws look, feel, and work just like conventional plastic straws. But, unlike plastic straws, they don&#;t harm ecosystems or marine animals by breaking down into micro-plastics like petroleum-based straws.

Instead, PHA straws can be composted or will break down completely in a marine environment. Beverage straws, cocktail straws, smoothie straws and more are being created using this adaptable material.

Good Start Packaging's PHA straws start out as canola or soybean seeds. Once harvested, the seeds are crushed and refined into oil. The byproducts of this process are what end up in this material. Our straws are made from Nodax PHA made by Danimer Scientific

In a controlled fermentation environment, soil bacteria work with canola and soy byproducts to create PHA. The end product is heat- and UV-resistant and FDA-approved for food contact.

How can you dispose of PHA straws?

Disposing of PHA straws can be done in several environmentally friendly ways due to their biodegradable nature, including:

• Industrial Composting: PHA straws can be disposed of in industrial composting facilities, which provide the optimal conditions of temperature, humidity, and microbial activity needed for rapid and complete biodegradation.
  
  How: Check if your local waste management services accept compostable plastics and ensure you place the straws in the appropriate compostable waste bin.

• Home Composting: Although more time consuming than industrial composting, PHA straws can also be composted at home.
  
  How: Place the straws in your home compost bin. They will biodegrade over time, although this process might be slower and dependent on maintaining proper composting conditions (aeration, moisture, and temperature).

• Organic Waste Bins: If your municipality has an organic waste collection program, you can dispose of PHA straws in these bins. The waste is typically sent to composting facilities where it can biodegrade effectively.
  
  
• Landfill: While not the most ideal due to slower degradation rates compared to composting, PHA straws will eventually biodegrade in a landfill environment.
  
  How: If no composting options are available, dispose of the straws in the general waste bin. While they will break down over time, the process will be slower due to the less favorable conditions in a landfill.

• Environmental Disposal: PHA straws are marine degradable, meaning they will biodegrade in marine environments. However, intentional disposal in natural environments should be avoided to prevent litter and potential harm to wildlife.
  
  
• Recycling: Currently, there are limited recycling programs specifically for PHA materials. However, it is essential to keep an eye on evolving waste management practices, as new recycling technologies and programs may become available.

 The most environmental responsible way to dispose of PHA straws is through composting. Always check local waste management guidelines to ensure proper disposal and take advantage of composting facilities or organic waste collection services where available.

Is PHA allergen free?

Yes, PHA is allergen-free due to their biocompatibility and absence of proteins. While some question this due to the use of soy as a base material, the refined oils of the soy seeds are used and not the soybeans themselves.

Is PHA used in skincare products?

PHA is an easily confused material due to having a matching acronym. Polyhydroxy acid and Polyhydroxy alkanoate are, in fact, two different classes of the compound. The former is an acid and the latter alkanoate is an ester.

Polyhydroxy acid is popularly used in the skin care industry for gentle exfoliation of skin cells and is similar to alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs or BHAs).

What products is PHA used in?

The versatility of PHAs makes them suitable for a broad spectrum of applications, from everyday consumer products to specialized medical devices and environmental solutions. Their biodegradability and sustainable makeup offer a promising alternative to conventional plastics.

For example, PHA is used in food packaging such as straws, cutlery, and disposable cups given their ability to stand up to moisture. PHA is also used in medical and biomedical products like sutures and wound dressing given their biocompatibility and controlled degradation rates. You can find PHA in biodegradable mulch, shampoo bottles, cosmetic containers, textiles, waste bags, eco-friendly lubricants and hydraulic fluids, and even interior parts for vehicles, such as panels and trim components!

Want more information on biobag dog poop bags? Feel free to contact us.