Bioplastics: What are the facts?

INTRODUCTION TO BIOPLASTICS

Over the past decade, “Bio” has become a buzzword, whether you see it on packaging or from articles that claim “bio” is all-natural and therefore must be the solution. This coupled with the rising environmental awareness globally has imposed considerable pressure on associated authorities to take actions, which includes the research into alternative options to conventional plastics which often has a negative connotation.

Undeniably plastic has become a crucial part of our generation. However, the inappropriate disposal of plastic waste and the increase in plastic consumption provokes serious environmental issues.

In this article, we provide some basic fundamentals and clarifications on bioplastics so that as a conscious consumer you can make more sustainable decisions.

HOW ARE BIOPLASTICS DEFINED?

Due to frequent misconceptions surrounding the terminologies “bioplastics” and “biodegradable plastics”, it is paramount to first clarify the definition between them. It is often misunderstood that all bioplastics are biodegradable. In actuality, this is far from the truth and these terms are not interchangeable. As “bioplastics” itself is divided into three classifications, shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 – Illustration of “bioplastic” classification (source: European Bioplastics)

Bioplastic is a generic terminology to describe either bio-based plastics (partially produced from plant-based biomass i.e. sugarcane) or plastic that is biodegradable. In some examples, the material may consist of both of these characteristics. Essentially, not all bioplastics are biodegradable and not all biodegradable plastics are bio-based.

BIODEGRADATION VS. COMPOSTABILITY

In order for a plastic to be certified as a “biodegradable plastic”, it must satisfy three specified parameters: (1) degree of degradation, (2) timespan of degradation, (3) surrounding conditions of degradation. For your material to oblige, UKAS accredited laboratories such as?Impact Solutions, will perform standardised test methods (i.e. BS EN 13432) to ensure the material satisfies all the appropriate standards. Although all?compostable?materials are biodegradable, however, a product that is labelled as biodegradable is not necessarily compostable.

To clarify these misconceptions,?Impact Solutions?are set up to carry out a series of Biodegradability tests offering full material analysis services: based on BS EN 13432 to include but not restricted to Chemical, Environmental and Elemental analysis. Find out more from our article on?Biodegradable Plastic Packaging in the UK.

To enquire about our services, contact us today: [email protected] / +44 (0) 1324 489 182.