Bioplastics
• Plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, sawdust and recycled food waste
• Generally used as an alternative to polymer derived from fossil resources.
• Some bioplastics are obtained by processing directly from natural biopolymers including polysaccharides (e.g. starch, cellulose, chitosan and alginate) and proteins.
• Biodegradability of bioplastics depends on their molecular structure.
Classified based on the sources, structure, compostability and biodegradability such as polysaccharide-based bioplastics, protein-based plastics, aliphatic polyesters, bio-derived polyethylene and lipid derived polymers.
Biodegradability of bioplastics occurs under various environmental conditions including soil, aquatic environments and compost. Both the structure and composition of biopolymer or bio-composite have an effect on the biodegradation process, hence changing the composition and structure might increase biodegradability.
Composting not only biodegrades bioplastics efficiently but it also significantly reduces the emission of greenhouse gases.
Packaging: There is a high demand for flexible and rigid packaging made from bioplastics to be used for wrapping organic food as well as for premium and branded products. Also used in the catering sector as bioplastic cutlery, crockery, paper, and cups.
Agriculture and horticulture: Biodegradable biopolymers are used to manufacture mulching films, herb pots, films for banana bushes.
Consumer electronics: An increasing range of bioplastic products is introduced in the fast-moving consumer electronics sector: touch screen computer casings, loudspeakers, keyboard elements, mobile casings, vacuum cleaners or a mouse for laptops.
Automotive industry: To produce sturdy dashboard components as well as solid interior and exterior features.
Medical industry: Nontoxic biodegradable bioplastics sutures, commonly referred to as stitches. Biodegradable plastics are also used for medical devices and dental implants.
Bioplastic production significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and decreases non-renewable energy consumption.
Bioplastics exerts lower human and terrestrial ecotoxicity and carcinogenic potentials compared to conventional plastics. It also has negative environmental impacts such as eutrophication and acidification.