In recent years, bioplastics have emerged as alternatives to conventional plastic products, seeking to curb the substantial negative environmental repercussions resulting from plastic production and waste. Traditional plastics, which have been mass-produced for over half a century, can be found everywhere: in food packaging, medical equipment, clothes, wet wipes, and even tiny microscopic plastic particles contained in makeup. Unfortunately, this increase in plastic production was not met with an increase in adequate recycling protocols, laws, or facilities, which are still lacking across the country. While there is no shortage of plastic in our everyday lives, the process of waste disposal, recycling, and composting is getting more complicated than ever.
This is where bioplastics come in. From the outside, biodegradable and compostable plastics seem like the perfect solution to our growing plastic problem. Yet bioplastics come with their own unique set of issues in regards to sustainability.
What’s the difference between biodegradable and compostable plastics?
Bioplastics (also biobased plastics) is an umbrella term encompassing both biodegradable and compostable plastics, but an important distinction to note is that not all biodegradable plastics are compostable. Unlike conventional plastic’s ability to remain relatively stable for hundreds of years, biodegradable plastics can break down in a process involving microorganisms. However, some degradable plastics are made of petroleum or fossil-based sources and can also contain toxic additives that are released upon breakdown. Compostable plastics, on the other hand, are derived from renewable resources (such as starches) and can be turned into biomass, water, and carbon dioxide. Compostable plastics do not contain any toxic materials.
Issues with bioplastic disposal
Bioplastics (either compostable or biodegradable) cannot degrade in a landfill, or when mixed with recycling. Instead, these plant-derived plastics need to be industrially composted (and can only rarely be home-composted). In an industrial composting facility, bioplastics will degrade much more quickly than in an at-home composting environment, mainly due to the equipment and procedures available and utilized at the facilities themselves.
This complicates the process of disposing of bioplastics and leads to landfill waste or incorrect disposal into the recycling bin, which, in turn, contaminates the recycling system. To make sure your state or county has an industrial composting facility, it is best to check with the city directly. Davis Recology and other compost facility locators like this one also provide great resources.
Labeling issues and bioplastic misuse
As an alternative to conventional plastic products, biodegradable plastics have been widely acknowledged for their environmental benefits. In light of this, many companies will, unfortunately, label their products as “biodegradable” or “compostable,” even if this is not the case. A form of “green-washing,” this mislabeling puts companies in a better light and makes them appear (falsely) environmentally friendly. To prevent this from happening, countries like the USA have implemented industry standards that label bioplastics as compostable. The ASTM International certification, for example, can specify whether a compostable plastic product needs to be industrially composted or whether it can also be composted at home.
Wrapping it up: the plus side
The potential benefits of “green” plastics are immense. As we know, single-use plastics have found their way into essentially every facet of our lives. From the to-go coffee cups and lids and other takeout containers to plastic bags, straws, household products, you name it. Many alternatives exist, but sometimes disposables are unavoidable or even necessary — especially in a pandemic. This is where biodegradable and compostable plastics are a great option to have. With the same flexibility that standard plastic products provide, bioplastics have, in the best case, the ability to break back down into plant matter. Because of this, bioplastics provide the same functions as standard plastics without being adversely harmful to the environment. There are obviously still many issues regarding their creation, use, and disposal. As a collective, we have a responsibility to support the initiative by properly disposing of our waste and addressing our political leaders. Biodegradable plastics aren’t perfect, but they are definitely a step in the right direction.