Bioplastics vs Traditional Plastics: An In-Depth Comparison

Bioplastics have garnered significant attention from the environmental community as a promising alternative to conventional plastics. However, the question remains: is plant-based plastic truly as beneficial as it seems? Moreover, what distinguishes bioplastics from traditional plastics? In this article, we will explore the intricacies of bioplastics versus traditional plastics and uncover the facts.

What is bioplastic?

Bioplastics, including types like PLA (polylactic acid), bioPE (bio-based polyethylene), and bioPET (bio-based polyethylene terephthalate), mimic the appearance and feel of conventional plastics but derive from organic materials. While there isn’t a universally accepted definition for bioplastics, they generally exhibit three main characteristics:

Derived from plant-based and/or renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane, or wheat,
Possess compostable properties,
Occasionally exhibit biodegradability.

Bioplastics are sometimes referred to as “biodegradable plastics” or “plant-based plastics,” which can lead to confusion. Not all plant-based plastics fit this definition. For instance, Coca-Cola’s plant bottle was marketed as “plant-based plastic,” despite earlier versions being only partially made from renewable materials. Thus, it’s essential to recognize that some products may be a mix of traditional and bio-based plastics while still being labeled as bioplastics.

Bioplastics have gained a reputation for being environmentally friendly because their production consumes approximately 65% less energy and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional plastic.

Does this mean bioplastic is the eco-friendly option? Not necessarily.

The cultivation of bioplastics often requires land to be cleared for growing crops like corn or sugarcane, which can lead to deforestation and reduce land available for food production. For example, bioplastic manufacturing in countries such as Thailand and Brazil has been linked to significant deforestation and loss of biodiversity. Additionally, like other agricultural practices, this process may involve excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, which can contribute to environmental issues like lake eutrophication.

What products are made from bioplastics?

Bioplastics are increasingly found in various applications. They are commonly used in items such as piping, food packaging and containers, bags, trash bags, bottles, and even medical implants!

What’s the difference between bioplastic and plastic?

Plastics play a vital role in our everyday lives but also represent a substantial source of pollution. Their low production cost and versatility contribute to their widespread usage. For context, the global plastic industry was valued at approximately $579 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $750 billion by 2028. Bioplastics, however, currently occupy only about 1% of the market share, although this figure is on the rise.

Technically, bioplastics are a subset of plastics. Within the spectrum of the seven different types of plastics, bioplastics fall into category #7, often labeled as “other.” Unlike traditional plastics, which are derived from petroleum and fossil fuels, bioplastics are made from bio-based materials, such as cornstarch, combined with biomass glycerol (derived from glycerin) under heat.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to address human health concerns associated with plastic. Some plastics contain bisphenols (such as BPA or BSA), which are added during production to enhance durability but can disrupt hormonal functions. This concern has given rise to BPA-free alternatives like Tritan plastic. In contrast, products made from 100% bioplastic do not carry these health risks.

Traditional plastics can take up to 600 years to decompose in landfills, leaching harmful chemicals in the process. As they break down, they form microplastics that can infiltrate natural food chains, ultimately reaching our own diets. Alarmingly, recent studies have detected microplastics in human placenta. On the other hand, bioplastics can decompose within a few months, breaking down into harmless components such as carbon dioxide, water, or compost.

What are the pros and cons of bioplastic?

Pros

Produces fewer emissions during manufacturing compared to conventional plastic.
If the bioplastic is entirely plant-based and not a blend, it will decompose over time without releasing harmful pollutants.
Bioplastics do not contain BPAs or other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Can be recycled or composted, and may even be converted into renewable energy!

Cons

Some bioplastics require specific conditions (such as high temperature and pressure) to break down effectively.
There’s a risk of greenwashing, as numerous companies exaggerate the eco-friendliness of their bioplastic products.
Production is dependent on the price and availability of staple crops like corn and wheat.
Bioplastics can contaminate recycling streams if consumers confuse compostable bioplastics with recyclable plastics.
Tends to be more expensive to produce, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers.

Given these limitations, some individuals are opting for a zero-waste lifestyle, avoiding plastic entirely. If this resonates with you, check out our article on plastic-free food storage containers for more ideas!

Is bioplastic biodegradable?

Contrary to popular belief, not all products that can break down or dissolve are fully biodegradable! For instance, PVA is a synthetic plastic polymer that will never completely biodegrade, even as it dissolves. Similarly, silicone, due to its low solubility and high vaporization rates, is mistakenly thought to be biodegradable, but it is not.

For a product to be considered biodegradable, it must decompose entirely, with or without oxygen, aided by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that convert it into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. So, is bioplastic biodegradable? Generally, yes. However, bioplastics mixed with synthetic polymers or chemical additives may not be fully biodegradable.

Is bioplastic compostable?

It’s essential to note that compostable does not equate to biodegradable! For a product to be compostable, it must break down with the assistance of oxygen and microorganisms, ultimately enriching the soil as compost. Under the right temperature and pressure, bioplastics can indeed be compostable. The organic waste derived from composted bioplastics can be utilized as nutrient-rich compost or further processed at waste incineration facilities for renewable energy.

How are bioplastics disposed of?

With so much misinformation surrounding composting and recycling, it’s understandable that consumers sometimes misplace bioplastics in the wrong waste bins. Bioplastics can be recycled, composted, or utilized for energy recovery:

Recycle: Bio-based plastics like “BioPE” and “BioPET” can be recycled since they share the same chemical structure as their traditional counterparts, PE and PET.
Compost: If a bioplastic product is 100% plant-based, it can be composted at specialized facilities under optimal conditions. Unfortunately, they are not suitable for home composting, which adds complexity for consumers when disposing of waste properly.
Incinerate: In certain cases, bioplastics can be used for energy recovery. When incinerated, the CO2 emitted can be captured and redirected towards new bio-based products.

If bioplastics end up in landfills, they will not decompose effectively, potentially leading to increased methane emissions and detrimental impacts on our climate. Before disposing of your bioplastic items, consider asking yourself, “Can I reuse this?” Reusing an item is always more sustainable than purchasing new, regardless of the material. For inspiration, check out our ideas on repurposing old plastic containers and Tupperware, which can also apply to bioplastics!

Is bioplastic better than plastic?

After assessing the pros and cons, it’s clear that bioplastics represent a step in the right direction away from traditional plastics, though they are not without shortcomings. The answer to whether bioplastics are superior depends on various factors, including the raw materials used, the region of production, and the disposal methods employed. Some research has indicated that the CO2 emissions from cultivating the raw materials for bioplastics may offset the reductions achieved by avoiding fossil fuel-based polymers.

A final word on Bioplastic Vs Plastic

I am passionate about exploring alternatives to conventional plastics, including glass, bamboo, and, indeed, bioplastics! The growing popularity of bioplastics is contributing positively to the movement away from traditional plastics and toward sustainable technologies. This evolution is something I wholeheartedly support. However, it’s essential to remember that while bioplastics offer advantages, they also come with challenges. Ultimately, striving to refuse new products whenever possible may be the best option. What are your thoughts on bioplastics? Share your insights below!