How can biodegradable products help the environment?
In all the environmental efforts that have been made toward recycling and reuse of materials, one of the most important but most overlooked steps is to reduce waste in the first place. A large percentage of our garbage, 40 percent, is from packaging.
This means taking a hard look at what you buy and how you package it. This can be a daunting task as manufacturers are constantly inventing new plastics and other materials for packaging. However, it’s not impossible to find biodegradable plastics companies. They’re out there!
On this website, we’ll help you discover those companies by introducing several types of compostable packaging products available now and looking into some innovative up-and-comers who are working on bringing more recyclable, biodegradable packaging products to market.
So read on to learn more about companies working on making the world a greener place, one package at a time!
Biodegradable plastics or compostable packaging are containers, cups, trays, bags, and other items made from plant-based materials such as corn resin, switchgrass, wheat straw, sugar cane husk, or bamboo. These “green plastics” use renewable resources instead of petroleum-based chemicals for production. The result is solid and lightweight containers that break down safely when you’re finished with them.
Since they’re biodegradable, they’re also an excellent choice for the environment. They’re better for the planet as they’re made from organic products instead of petroleum, and because these plastics will break down naturally, they pose no threat to wildlife or recycling centers.
Non-biodegradable containers are a big problem for landfills as plastic can take up to 1000 years to decompose. That means every piece of plastic you throw away is going to stay there – even after you’re long gone! However, biodegradable plastics will completely decompose within six months in a commercial composting facility.
What is Traditional Packaging Made Of?
Traditional packaging materials include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP). These plastics are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource that has been linked to global warming. They can also be challenging to recycle.
Biodegradable plastic is the perfect alternative to traditional packaging materials because it provides many benefits without negative consequences. The best part about this type of eco-friendly packaging is its wide variety. There’s no need for manufacturers and retailers to settle on one material when they can use numerous plant-based ones:
Compostable packaging products usually fall into one of six categories:
1. Compostable Plastics
These plastics are designed explicitly for composting facilities; while milk cartons and juice boxes often look like plastic, they are made from PLA (polylactide acid) or PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate).
2. Biodegradable Plastics
These are traditional plastics that have been treated to decompose more quickly, although they still take several months to break down completely. However, the U.S. does not currently have any standards for biodegradable film packaging. This means it’s up to manufacturers to determine what their products are made of and whether or not they can be considered compostable or biodegradable.
3. Compostable Plastic Alternatives
Starch-based plastics are plant-based materials processed with additives, so they act like traditional plastic but degrade quickly in hot climates. For example, is polylactic acid (PLA) or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) the difference between compostable and biodegradable? While all compostable items are biodegradable, not all… derived from corn and sugar cane, respectively.
4. Compostable Paper Packaging
Just like paper bags and coffee cups, these items decompose easily and quickly: within two to four weeks at commercial composting facilities. However, there is some confusion around the word “biodegradable,” as companies often use it interchangeably with “compostable.” That means you should always ask for clarification if a store claims to carry biodegradable products!
5. Recyclable Bioplastics
These plastics can be recycled along with traditional plastics after being used; this type of packaging has the best of both worlds: it keeps landfills clear and reduces the environmental impact of biodegradable plastics.
6. Non-Compostable Bioplastics
These consist primarily of PLA and PHA; they decompose in a commercial composting facility, but they’re not recyclable. This type of plastic is ideal for items like utensils that may end up in a landfill anyway.
Alternatives to Traditional Plastics:
Here are some examples of traditional plastics and their biodegradable alternatives:
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) vs. PLA (polylactic acid):
This is the most common type of traditional plastic, and it can be hard to recycle because it’s often combined with other types of plastics. Sustainable Plastics suggests that manufacturers create products from 100% recycled clothing to reduce their carbon footprint. PLA is an eco-friendly alternative to this material because it goes through a natural process called biodegradation: the plastics break down into nontoxic components like carbon dioxide and water. You can even plant PLA products, and they will grow!
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) vs. Compostable High-Density Polyethylene (CHDPE) vs. Starch Blends:
There are several types of HDPE, including grocery bags and food storage containers. This type of plastic is prevalent, but it isn’t widely recycled because it’s usually mixed with other materials. Bioplastics made from CHDPE give this traditional packaging an environmentally friendly twist by offering companies solutions that won’t clog up landfills or oceans. Starch-based plastics are another alternative to HDPE; this material is made from corn, grown sustainably, and broken down quickly.
Nonwoven Polypropylene (PP) vs. PLA:
This type of recycling typically consists of plastic bottles, cleaning products, and trash bags that may find their way into the ocean, where they cause serious harm to marine life. Biodegradable alternatives help reduce this impact by breaking it down entirely within six months after exposure to natural elements like water and sunlight. PLA is an eco-friendly alternative to PP because it’s derived from plants, resulting in a more sustainable product that breaks down quickly without the planet or its inhabitants!
Cellulose Acetate vs. Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) or Cellulose Acetate Propionate (CAP).
There are several different types of CAB and CAP, including cigarette filters. Traditional cellulose acetate is hard to recycle because it can’t be processed with other materials. Bioplastics made from natural sources like sugarcane offer eco-friendly alternatives that break down quickly in hot climates, making them compostable and recyclable components for products used in all types of weather.
Lastly, PLA is a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics because it’s derived from plants; this material breaks down quickly without causing harm to the planet or its inhabitants!
What are the Pros of Bioplastics? 👍
Some benefits are apparent, including that biodegradable plastics are better for both the environment and marine life. It’s important to remember that these plastics are not compostable in landfills because they still take up much space. That means it’s best to avoid traditional plastics whenever possible while helping to ensure that any used or recycled products will be eligible for recycling and composting programs.
Lately, we’ve seen more bioplastic companies emerge on the market; this type of packaging is considered more sustainable than traditional plastic because it lets brands offer solutions without sacrificing environmental impact!
What are the Cons of Bioplastics? 👎
Traditional plastics can cause harm to marine life and the environment when they get into landfills, waterways, and oceans. This has led some people to avoid bioplastic alternatives because they do not break down in these locations. It’s best to try to implement recycling programs wherever possible while finding sustainable packaging for your business.
What is the Future of Bioplastics?
Bioplastics are becoming more popular as companies realize that plastic waste is a serious problem that negatively impacts our planet. However, it can be difficult for businesses and consumers alike to adjust their purchasing habits since this type of packaging doesn’t have mainstream applications yet. The development of compostable plastics, including PLA, is helping brands reduce their impact without sacrificing convenience or costs!
Bioplastics are here to stay because they offer sustainable solutions that protect the planet. Companies need to implement recycling programs wherever possible while reducing plastic waste by choosing bioplastic alternatives over traditional plastic packaging!
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