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What are the current challenges in developing biodegradable plastics?

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Biodegradable plastics are materials that can be decomposed by microorganisms or enzymes into harmless substances, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. They have the potential to reduce plastic waste and pollution, especially in the marine environment, where conventional plastics pose a serious threat to wildlife and ecosystems. However, developing biodegradable plastics that are effective, affordable, and sustainable is not an easy task. In this article, you will learn about some of the current challenges in this field of biotechnology.

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Victoria Kayser-Cuny, FLS, FRAI

AI, Digital Entrepreneur & Inventor in Biotechnology I Bioengineer (Genetic in Microbiology, Synthetic Biology &…
ROLANDO FEBRES

General Manager en Greenworks Neuroarchitecture and Electromobility
Premnath B

Founder, Sprucegel & Cambrilite

1 Types of biodegradable plastics

There are different types of biodegradable plastics, depending on their origin, composition, and degradation mechanism. Some are derived from natural sources, such as starch, cellulose, or proteins, and can be broken down by biological processes. Others are synthetic, such as polyesters, polyurethanes, or polylactic acid (PLA), and require specific conditions, such as temperature, humidity, or pH, to degrade. Some are designed to be compostable, meaning they can be converted into humus in a controlled environment, while others are biodegradable in soil, freshwater, or seawater.

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Victoria Kayser-Cuny, FLS, FRAI

AI, Digital Entrepreneur & Inventor in Biotechnology I Bioengineer (Genetic in Microbiology, Synthetic Biology & Bioinformatics) | Fellow in Biology & Anthropology
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In my experience (small non-industrial quantities) you can use a lot of raw materials, even vegetables or fruits as the basis for your bioplastics and bioleather. The challenge is to find these raw, dehydrated products.

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ROLANDO FEBRES

General Manager en Greenworks Neuroarchitecture and Electromobility
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Es bueno impulsar a los plastico biodegradables pero de momento son insuficientes para atender la necesidad humana. Es necesario tambien potenciar el reciclaje innovador como los ladrillos y la madera de plastico.

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Premnath B

Founder, Sprucegel & Cambrilite
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One of the challenges in biodegradable plastics is the availability of raw materials. The cost of finished goods greatly depends on source of raw material. Market acceptability greatly depends on affordable pricing.

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2 Standards and regulations

One of the challenges in developing biodegradable plastics is to ensure that they meet the standards and regulations for their intended use and disposal. For example, compostable plastics need to comply with the requirements for biodegradation, disintegration, and ecotoxicity set by international or national organizations, such as ASTM, ISO, or EN. Biodegradable plastics that are meant to be used in food packaging or medical applications also need to meet the criteria for safety, quality, and performance. Moreover, there is a need for clear and consistent labeling and certification of biodegradable plastics to avoid confusion and misinformation among consumers and manufacturers.

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ROLANDO FEBRES

General Manager en Greenworks Neuroarchitecture and Electromobility
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De acuerdo con esa certificacion, la cual seria mas factible si hay incentivos fiscales para los productores y/o consumidores de los plasticos biodegradables.

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3 Performance and durability

Another challenge in developing biodegradable plastics is to balance their performance and durability with their degradability. Biodegradable plastics should have similar or superior properties to conventional plastics, such as strength, flexibility, transparency, and resistance to heat, moisture, and UV radiation. However, they should also be able to degrade within a reasonable time frame and without leaving harmful residues or by-products. This is a difficult trade-off to achieve, as improving one aspect may compromise the other. For instance, adding additives or fillers to enhance the performance of biodegradable plastics may reduce their degradability or increase their toxicity.

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4 Cost and availability

A further challenge in developing biodegradable plastics is to make them cost-effective and widely available. Biodegradable plastics are generally more expensive than conventional plastics, due to the higher costs of raw materials, production, and processing. For example, PLA, which is one of the most common biodegradable plastics, is derived from corn or sugarcane, which are subject to fluctuations in price and supply. Moreover, biodegradable plastics may compete with other uses of these crops, such as food or fuel, raising ethical and environmental concerns. Additionally, biodegradable plastics may require special facilities or equipment for their disposal or recycling, which may not be accessible or affordable in some regions.

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5 Education and awareness

A final challenge in developing biodegradable plastics is to educate and raise awareness among the public and the stakeholders about their benefits and limitations. Biodegradable plastics are not a magic solution to the plastic waste problem, and they still need to be used and disposed of responsibly and appropriately. For example, biodegradable plastics should not be mixed with conventional plastics in recycling bins, as they may contaminate the recycling stream and reduce the quality of the recycled products. Similarly, biodegradable plastics should not be littered or dumped in the environment, as they may still cause harm to wildlife or ecosystems, or take longer to degrade than expected. Therefore, there is a need for more information and communication about the proper use and management of biodegradable plastics, as well as the promotion of other alternatives, such as reusable or recyclable plastics.

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Victoria Kayser-Cuny, FLS, FRAI

AI, Digital Entrepreneur & Inventor in Biotechnology I Bioengineer (Genetic in Microbiology, Synthetic Biology & Bioinformatics) | Fellow in Biology & Anthropology
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We need to educate about biodegradable plastics and materials and this on a large scale from primary school onwards. I practice traditional bookbinding, and I do research on bioleathers to replace animal leather. But it remains difficult to convince people to replace calfskin with pineapple leather!

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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?

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What are the current challenges in developing biodegradable plastics?

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1 Types of biodegradable plastics

2 Standards and regulations

3 Performance and durability

4 Cost and availability

5 Education and awareness

6 Here’s what else to consider

Biotechnology

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