Embracing the Future of Plastics: Fostering Reuse of Waste and Promoting Quality Production
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, larger than Greenland, is a stark reminder of the environmental damage caused by plastic waste. However, hope is on the horizon as two Kiwi companies, earthpac and Zespri, are using bioplastics to turn waste into useful products, such as earthpac potato plates and Zespri biospife [1].
Biodegradable plastics, like Polylactic Acid (PLA), could be a useful tool in preventing environmental damage. PLA is a plant-based resin that will degrade under certain conditions, specifically at industrial composting sites [2]. These plastics are made from renewable biomass, which sequesters CO2 during plant growth, acting as a carbon sink, and their production generally emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to conventional plastics [3][4].
Biodegradable plastics can break down under specific conditions into harmless substances, helping to mitigate the persistence of plastic waste in landfills and natural habitats, including marine environments where traditional plastics pose severe threats to wildlife [3][4]. This biodegradability reduces long-term pollution, decreases toxicity during production and disposal, and supports closed-loop recycling and circular economy systems [1][3].
However, the environmental benefits depend on sustainable sourcing of feedstocks (to avoid competition with food crops and minimize land and water use), proper disposal infrastructure (such as industrial composting facilities), and public awareness to ensure correct end-of-life handling of biodegradable plastics [1][3][4]. While some greenhouse gases may still be released during biodegradation, overall lifecycle emissions are typically lower than those of fossil-based plastics, and using bioplastics can significantly reduce global carbon footprints [1][2][4].
The use of biodegradable plastics is not limited to everyday items. For instance, Professor Kim Pickering has been working with sustainable biomaterials for many years, producing skateboards and surfboards out of harakeke (flax) [5]. In the transportation sector, the incorporation of fibre-reinforced plastics in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has resulted in fuel efficiencies similar to a family car [6].
Recycling plastics is an essential step towards reducing the environmental load. The need for more research into controlling biodegradability of plastics is highlighted, taking into account different applications and the need for infrastructure to deal with biodegradable plastics at the end of their life [7]. It is unrealistic that all plastics can be captured for recycling, and there is a need for government action to encourage bio-derived, recyclable, and biodegradable plastics to compete with petroleum-based products [8].
There are signs of improvement in terms of increasing awareness of the harm plastics cause and a willingness of consumers to pay for plastic bags or to ban them [9]. Bulk plastics are polluting the oceans, and discarded plastic bags are a hazard to marine life. Microplastics are ubiquitous in the food chain, posing a significant threat to ecosystems and human health [10].
In conclusion, bio-derived and degradable plastics offer a promising approach to reduce plastic pollution and environmental impact by combining renewable raw materials with the potential for more environmentally friendly waste management, contributing toward sustainability goals and reduced fossil resource dependence [1][2][3]. The key lies in sustainable sourcing, proper disposal infrastructure, and public awareness to ensure the correct end-of-life handling of biodegradable plastics.
References: [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468004618300592 [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096014811831125X [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969719302389 [4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924271618304628 [5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468004619301128 [6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032119305141 [7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924271618304628 [8] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096014811831125X [9] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096014811831125X [10] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969719302389
Science and technology are playing significant roles in addressing climate change and environmental damage, with biodegradable plastics emerging as a potential solution for plastic waste management. For instance, bioplastic Polylactic Acid (PLA), derived from renewable biomass, could help mitigate the persistence of plastic waste in landfills and marine environments by breaking down under specific conditions into harmless substances. The use of biodegradable plastics, however, requires sustainable sourcing, proper disposal infrastructure, and public awareness to ensure correct end-of-life handling and minimize environmental footprint.
