In recent years, industries have invested a lot of resources in finding a possible solution to reduce the pollution generated by traditional plastics. And they have found some pretty convincing ones. However, despite the apparent advantages, the environmental impact of biodegradable plastics remains a controversial issue.
Are they really such an effective alternative?
At Atienza & Climent, as comprehensive product developers, we also ask ourselves this question. In order to clarify the issue and solve some of the most frequent doubts, we have prepared this article in which
The importance of plastics in modern life
Plastics play an almost indispensable role in modern life. From food packaging to electronic components, it is indispensable in many aspects of everyday life. However, the decomposition of plastics is extremely slow, which leads to accumulations of waste that have a serious impact on the environment.
This durability that makes them so useful in everyday life is also why they will remain in the environment for hundreds of years, affecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Biodegradable vs. conventional plastics
Comparing biodegradable and conventional plastics reveals important differences that affect their viability as sustainable alternatives. Conventional plastics are made from petroleum derivatives, which means they do not break down easily and contribute significantly to the accumulation of waste on the planet. On the other hand, biodegradables are designed to break down faster under certain conditions, making them a more attractive option from an environmental point of view.
However, their degradation is not always as straightforward and does not occur in all environments, limiting their effectiveness as a universal solution.
Differences in the degradation process
One of the main points of comparison between the two types of plastics is the degradation process. Traditional plastics do not break down naturally and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Biodegradable plastics are designed to decompose in a shorter period of time. This degradation of plastic materials depends on factors such as temperature, humidity and the presence of specific micro-organisms, which means that it does not always occur under natural conditions.
Why plastic is not biodegradable
Traditional plastic is not biodegradable because its chemical structure, based on long polymer chains, is difficult to attack by micro-organisms that break down other materials. This means that conventional plastic waste accumulates, generating pollution and affecting ecosystems on a long-term basis. Even when they essentially degrade, they do not disappear completely, but break down into microplastics that continue to pollute the environment.
Why plastic is not biodegradable
Traditional plastic is not biodegradable because its chemical structure, based on long polymer chains, is difficult to attack by micro-organisms that break down other materials. This means that conventional plastic waste accumulates, generating pollution and affecting ecosystems on a long-term basis. Even when they essentially degrade, they do not disappear completely, but break down into microplastics that continue to pollute the environment.
Pollution and environmental effects of biodegradable plastics
Although biodegradable alternatives are positioned as a solution to waste accumulation, their production and decomposition can also have negative effects. Pollution from biodegradable plastics occurs when they do not break down properly or when chemicals are released during the degradation process. In addition, in many cases, these materials only fully degrade in specific industrial facilities, which limits their effectiveness in natural environments.
Environmental benefits of biodegradable plastics
Despite the challenges, biodegradable plastics have some clear benefits. By decomposing in a shorter timeframe, the time they spend in the environment is reduced, thus reducing the long-term negative impact. Biodegradability and the environment are connected in this sense, as by reducing the volume of persistent plastics in ecosystems, risks to wildlife are minimised. Furthermore, in certain controlled environments, they can generate less carbon emissions than traditional plastics.
Challenges and problems of biodegradable plastics
Although they have great benefits, these alternatives also present challenges. One of the main environmental problems with biodegradable bags is that, although they are designed to decompose, they often require very specific conditions to do so, which is not always the case in landfills or in nature. This creates a false sense of security among consumers, who believe that these products will automatically decompose in any environment.
Limitations on biodegradation conditions
Biodegradation of these plastics is not universal. In fact, natural decomposition of biodegradable plastics only occurs under controlled conditions, such as in industrial composting plants. If they are discarded in ordinary landfills or in the natural environment, the lack of heat, moisture or the presence of suitable micro-organisms can prevent their degradation, making them as harmful as traditional plastics.
Qué deshace el plástico
En el caso de los tradicionales, la desintegración del plástico ocurre principalmente a través de la exposición prolongada al sol (fotodegradación) o la fragmentación física. Sin embargo, estos procesos son lentos y no eliminan completamente el material, lo que lleva a la formación de micro plásticos.
Methods of decomposition and disposal of plastics
Efficient waste management systems need to be implemented to mitigate the environmental impact of these materials. Plastic waste disposal must include both recycling methods and systems that allow for the efficient degradation of biodegradable materials. Without proper management, they can continue to contribute to global pollution.
What disposes of plastic
In the case of traditional plastics, plastic disintegration occurs mainly through prolonged exposure to the sun (photodegradation) or physical fragmentation. However, these processes are slow and do not completely remove the material, leading to the formation of microplastics.
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