Bioplastics: Meaning, Types and Impacts on Environment
Bioplastics are developed as an alternative to the petroleum-based plastics. Increased use of petroleum-based plastics is associated with producing more greenhouse gases. Bioplastics are not just one single product; they consist of a whole family of products with different properties and applications. A plastic material is considered as a bioplastic if it is either bio-based, biodegradable, or features both properties.
Bio-based plastics means they are developed form biomass (plants) such as corn, sugarcane, vegetable oil or wood pulp. Biodegradable plastics are those which possess the characteristics of biodegradability and composability. They can be converted into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and compost by the action of micro-organisms in the environment. Biodegradable plastics are either bio-based or petroleum-based. It means expect petroleum-based non-biodegradable plastics all other plastics are considered as bioplastics.
Types of Bioplastics
Bioplastics can be prepared from a variety of materials like starch, sugar, cellulose etc. Cellulose-based plastics are made from wood pulp and they are used for making film based materials such as wrappers. Thermoplastics are starch based plastics. They are used for production of drug capsules as starch has ability to absorb moisture. Polylactic Acid (PLA) is made from the fermentation of starch from crops. It is used for preparing computer and mobile phone casings, cups, bottles and other packaging. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is used for making bank notes and car parts etc. Polyamide 11 (PA 11) prepared from vegetable oils is used for making oil and gas flexible pipes, and electrical anti-termite cable sheathing etc.
Impact of bioplastics on environment
Bioplastics are better than petro plastics in terms of fossil-fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency. But in terms of cost and applicability, bioplastics are inferior to petro plastics. Bioplastic production requires almost 80% of the energy required to produce common plastic. Biodegradable plastics are easy to recycle and are non-toxic.
In India, the bioplastic market is still at a nascent stage. The demand for bioplastics growing at a slow rate and it increases with raising awareness among citizens.
