Biodegradable plastic: the sustainable choice,

 

Plastic has been an integral part of our daily lives for decades. From packaging materials to utensils and engineering components, plastic has proven its versatility. However, growing concerns about environmental pollution and the endless piles of non-degradable plastic waste have encouraged companies to explore alternatives. One of these alternatives is biodegradable plastic.

 

Is there biodegradable plastic?

 

Yes, there is biodegradable plastic. This type of plastic is manufactured using organic materials such as starch and sugar cane. Unlike conventional plastic, which can take hundreds of years to break down, biodegradable plastic is broken down by natural processes and microorganisms. This makes it a much more environmentally friendly choice.

 

What is biodegradable plastic made of?

 

Biodegradable plastic is made from renewable resources such as corn starch, potato starch, sugar cane, and even algae. These raw materials are converted into polymers that have the same properties as traditional plastic, but without the negative environmental effects. The use of renewable raw materials reduces reliance on fossil fuels and reduces the carbon footprint.

 

Which plastic is biodegradable?

 

There are several types of eco-friendly plastic on the market, including:

PLA (Polylactide): Made from corn starch, PLA is one of the most common biodegradable plastics. It is often used for disposables such as tableware and packaging materials.

PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate): This type of biodegradable plastic is produced by bacteria and can be used for food packaging, agricultural film, and medical applications.

PBAT (Polybutylene adipate terephthalate): PBAT is a mixture of biodegradable and non-degradable polymers. It is often used in compostable garbage bags and foils.

 

How do you recognize bioplastic?

 

Recognizing biodegradable plastic can sometimes be difficult, as it often resembles regular plastic. To ensure that you use truly biodegradable plastic, you can pay attention to the following characteristics:

Check for labels or certifications such as the "OK Compost" or "Seedling" logo.

Check with the manufacturer about the composition of the plastic.

Pay attention to the biodegradation time, which is usually shorter than that of traditional plastic.

 

Eco-friendly plastic is a sustainable choice for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment. By switching to this eco-friendly option, businesses can actively participate in the fight against plastic pollution while meeting the growing demand for sustainable products. By doing business sustainably, we are doing our bit to make the Netherlands circular.

Eco-friendly plastic offers a promising solution to the environmental problems associated with conventional plastic. Companies that strive for sustainability and responsible business practices can reap the benefits of biodegradable plastic, both in terms of environmental impact and market adaptation. It's time to make the switch to a greener future and invest in sustainable materials.

 

 

Source; Robijn.nl, Chris Visschedijk

 

What is PLA?

 

PLA stands for Polylactic Acid. In chemistry, it is called a

called 'Thermoplastic'. This indicates a plastic that softens when heated. A big difference compared to traditional plastics is the raw material. PLA is not made from petroleum but from a renewable, plant-based source. The base consists of lactic acid, which is obtained from agricultural crops such as maize.

 

The main advantages of PLA

 

Compostable

Many PLA products are biodegradable under industrial composting conditions (from +58 °C). In doing so, much higher composting temperatures are achieved than in the compost heap in your garden. It is therefore important that PLA is still correctly sorted and recycled. Otherwise, it will also remain in the environment longer than it should. Pending clearer regulations, it is best to dispose of these bioplastics with the residual waste for the time being.

To make sure that the piece of bio plastic you hold in your hands is compostable, you can look out for the Seedling or TÜV Austria logo. If this logo is on the packaging, it can be composted industrially.

Transparent

A second advantage of PLA lies in its transparency. Your packaged products remain perfectly visible. This is often an absolute must when packaging food.

This way, your customer immediately knows that your vegetables, fruit or desserts look great. By the way, a dye can be added to PLA so that it is no longer transparent, if necessary.

Flexible

The third major advantage of PLA? That's its flexibility! It can therefore be used for all kinds of products and packaging materials. The possibilities are almost endless. In addition, PLA can also be made harder by, for example, adding lime to it. We then speak of CPLA, where the C stands for Crystallized. This 'crystallized' PLA is opaque and has a higher hittebestendigheid.ics compared to traditional plastics

Firstly, fossil raw materials are saved, a raw material that we do not have in infinite supply. Instead, a renewable biomass (e.g. maize or

Sugar cane). The second advantage: during the growth of these plants, CO2 is filtered out of the air. Bioplastics therefore have the unique property of neutralizing CO2.

 

3. Popular Applications

As the figure below makes clear, bioplastics are especially popular in the packaging industry (accounting for 66%). For example, PLA is ideal for presenting and packaging food: just think of trays for fruit or vegetables, drinking cups, jars for sauces, etc.

 

 

 

Source: Rajablog and www.european-bioplastics.org