What are the main challenges and opportunities for bioplastics in the circular economy?

2 Benefits of bioplastics

Bioplastics offer several advantages over conventional plastics in terms of environmental and social impacts. First, they can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and the associated greenhouse gas emissions, as they use renewable and often low-carbon sources. For instance, a study by the European Bioplastics Association estimated that bioplastics could save up to 2.5 million tons of CO2 equivalent per year compared to conventional plastics. Second, they can save energy and resources, as they require less processing and can be reused or recycled more efficiently. For example, a life cycle assessment by the University of Utrecht found that biobased PE, a plastic used for bags and films, could save up to 75% of energy and 40% of water compared to fossil-based PE. Third, they can create new markets and opportunities for farmers, industries, and consumers, as they stimulate innovation and demand for sustainable products. For example, the global market for bioplastics is expected to grow by 36% annually until 2025, according to a report by Grand View Research.

3 Drawbacks of bioplastics

Bioplastics are not without challenges, however, as they also pose some technical, economic, and environmental problems. First, they can be more expensive and less available than conventional plastics, as they depend on the supply and price of biomass and the development of infrastructure and technology. For example, the production cost of biobased PE is about 50% higher than that of fossil-based PE, according to a study by the Nova Institute. Second, they can have limited performance and functionality, as they may not meet the same standards and specifications as conventional plastics. For example, some bioplastics have lower mechanical strength, thermal stability, or barrier properties than their fossil counterparts, which can affect their suitability for certain applications. Third, they can have unintended environmental consequences, such as land use change, biodiversity loss, or contamination of recycling streams. For example, some bioplastics may compete with food crops for land and water, or may not degrade properly in natural environments, leading to littering and pollution.

4 Circular economy for bioplastics

A circular economy is a system where resources are kept in use for as long as possible and waste and emissions are minimized or eliminated. Bioplastics can be an important part of this system, as they can provide more sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics and enable new modes of production and consumption. To maximize the benefits of bioplastics and minimize their drawbacks, it is important to choose the most appropriate type for each application based on environmental and social impacts, technical requirements, and end-of-life options. Additionally, standards and labels can inform consumers and producers about origin, composition, performance, and disposal methods. Furthermore, waste and residues should be used as feedstocks for bioplastics instead of virgin biomass in order to avoid competition with food and land. Additionally, biorefineries should be developed to produce bioplastics from biomass in an efficient way. It is also important to improve the collection, sorting, and recycling of bioplastics, as well as composting or anaerobic digestion of biodegradable ones. Finally, circular business models such as reuse, repair, remanufacturing, or leasing should be encouraged in order to reduce the use of plastics or extend their lifespan.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?