Biodegradable plastics are the types that can be broken down easily with the help of microorganisms or specific environmental conditions.
These kinds of plastics degrade relatively faster without the need for considerable chemical intervention, thereby reducing carbon emissions and environmental pollution.
Biodegradable plastics are used in multiple sectors like packaging, agriculture, consumer goods, disposable cutlery, plates, and food containers, agricultural practices like mulch films, sutures, and medicine delivery devices in the medical field.
This plastic serves its desired purposes without harming the environment, as it decomposes fast.
Differentiation of Biodegradable Plastics
Biodegradable plastics fall into six groups, as listed below.
1. Biodegradable Bio-based Plastic
This plastic type is ecofriendly, biodegradable, and derived from plant based sources that can be easily broken down.
2. Chemically Synthesized Plastic
This plastic type is manufactured by chemical processes yet is biodegradable when exposed to the environment, thereby reducing its environmental impact.
3. Non-Biodegradable Bio-based Plastic
This type of plastic is made from renewable sources like plants but cannot be easily decomposed.
4. OXO-Biodegradable Plastic
This type of plastic undergoes degradation by means of oxidative processes.
Certain pro-degradant additives are added when manufacturing to automatically break these plastics after shelf life into carbon dioxide, water, and humus, leaving no petrochemical residues in the soil.
They are globally used for packaging and food containers.
5. Hydro-Biodegradable Plastic
This type of plastic is manufactured from renewable sources like sugar cane and corn and undergoes biodegradation by means of hydrolysis, a chemical reaction with water that produces other compounds.
They emit methane in landfills, require more energy for production, and are not as robust as traditional plastics, particularly when wet.
6. Photo-Degradable Plastic
A less common type, this plastic type degrades when exposed to ultraviolet light or direct sunlight and may not degrade in landfills or dark environments.
An increasing awareness of environmental pollution, recycling, and the use of nonpolluting products has led to a sizeable rise in the usage of biodegradable plastics, with OXO-biodegradable and Hydro-biodegradable being the two most popular.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Oxo-biodegradable Plastics
Oxo-biodegradable plastics have many advantages. They are designed to break down more quickly than traditional plastics when exposed to environmental conditions like sunlight, heat, and oxygen.
Oxo-biodegradable plastics could be a more affordable alternative for manufacturers as they consume much less resources to produce and dispose of.
This could help reduce carbon emissions and minimize the need for long-term storage or incineration, which can release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
OXO-biodegradable plastics are used in industries like packaging, agriculture, consumer goods, and medical devices given their versatility and ability to degrade naturally.
On the flip side, one of the biggest concerns is the breakdown of oxo-biodegradable plastics. In certain situations, the additives used in these plastics may not fully degrade, leaving behind residues.
Things That Work for and Do Not Work for Hydro-biodegradable Plastics
One of the biggest advantages is their design, which helps in rapid breakdown into natural substances when exposed to water and microbial activity.
This natural tendency to breakdown in a nature friendly manner helps hydro-biodegradable plastic reduce the overall plastic waste on earth, more so in places with a high percentage of moisture.
Hydro-biodegradable plastics are made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, adding to their overall appeal and increasing their sustainability quotient. They also play a role in decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels.
On the other hand, one major concern is that hydro-biodegradable plastics require specific conditions to break down effectively, like adequate moisture and microbial activity.
In dry environments or when improperly disposed of, they may not decompose as intended and could still contribute to pollution.
Additionally, the process of creating hydro-biodegradable plastics can still involve energy-intensive manufacturing, which may not be entirely eco-friendly.
Final Takeaways
Both OXO-biodegradable and hydro-biodegradable plastics offer sustainability benefits.
OXO-biodegradable plastics excel in terms of resource efficiency and responsible disposal, whereas hydro-biodegradable plastics excel in their natural decomposition and use of renewable resources.
It’s important to consider specific use cases, degradation conditions, production costs, environmental conditions, and impacts, along with potential drawbacks, when choosing between these options to make a balanced evaluation of their suitability.