Production Process
Bio Plastics are made partly or completely from Bio mass (plants). The Bio Mass are derived mainly from stems from plants like corn, sugarcane, potato, cellulose, etc. The Biodegradation of these plastics happen by conversion of this material by micro-organisms to natural elements like water, CO2 and biomass. This happens without addition of any external additive. The process of Biodegradation however depends on surrounding temperature, location, etc.
Basic classification of Bio Plastics is;
Biobased or partially biobased non-biodegradable plastics such as Biobased PE, PP or PET and biobased performance polymers like PTT (Poly Tri methylene Terephthalate) or TPC-ET (Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomer)
Plastics that are both biobased and biodegradable viz. PLA (Poly Lactic Acid), PHA (Poly Hydroxy Alkanoates) or PBS (Poly Butylene Succinate)
Plastics that are based on fossil resources and are biodegradable viz PBAT (Poly Butyrate
Adipate Terephthalate)
Advantages
Environmental Sustainability: Unlike traditional plastics, compostable packaging breaks down into natural elements like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass within a specified time frame, significantly reducing landfill waste and pollution.
Soil Enrichment: When composted, these materials contribute valuable nutrients to the soil, promoting healthier plant growth and enhancing soil quality, thus supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Lower Carbon Footprint: The production of compostable packaging typically requires less energy compared to conventional plastic manufacturing, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions throughout its lifecycle.
Consumer Appeal: With growing awareness of environmental issues, compostable packaging enhances brand image and attracts eco-conscious consumers who prefer sustainable products.
Disadvantages
Needs Composting environment for degradation. Doesn’t degrade in Open Environment like Oxo Biodegradable Products
Consume useful food resources like Water, Corn leaving huge impact on environment
Difficult to recycle and reuse
Scarce and expensive raw material supplies, hence very expensive (4 times normal plastic bags) and has longer lead time for supplies
Test Standards
The product complies to the international standard EN 13432 or ASTM D6400. The required test reports are available for the testing done at the raw material level and can be provided on demand. The end product (film, bag) can also bear an ‘Ok Compost’ mark and logo.
Production Process
Biodegradable Products are made from Fossil based Petrochemicals like Poly Ethylene and Poly Propylene. Proprietary Pro-degradants are added during manufacturing process which helps in breaking of Carbon Hydrogen bonds once the products are discarded and gets exposed to Oxygen and Sunlight.
Advantages
In case of Biodegradable Packaging Products Time required for degradation can be controlled
If Biodegradable Packaging Products are not collected and allowed to get in environment as litter, it will degrade in in specified time leaving no harmful residues.
Biodegradable Packaging Products passes all standard tests of eco-toxicity. This is safe for long term contact with food
Biodegradable Packaging Products doesn’t contain heavy metals or harmful chemicals like Organo-Chlorine or PCB. This doesn’t emit harmful gases like methane even when deep under landfill
Biodegradable Packaging Products can be recycled as like normal plastics.
Biodegradable Packaging Products can be produced on machines used for manufacturing of normal plastic products
Disadvantages
There are no short duration test to confirm if the packaging is Biodegradable or normal plastic and hence there is a possibility of spurious products being manufactured.
If heavy metals are used instead of genuine pro-degradants then there is a possibility of micro plastic pollution.
Test Standards
The Biodegradable Plastics are basically PE and PP but having additional elements (and not heavy metals) designed according to ASTM D6954 or BS 8572 so as to degrade in open environment without leaving any harmful residue that can cause a damage to environment.