You will be amazed to know that one of the biggest car companies, Toyota, has been using bio-plastics, PLA, in vehicles and interior surface designs.
Lego, a Danish toy production company, in 2018 launched their first Lego elements made from bio-polyethylene.
Danone, the world’s largest producer of yogurt, is using containers made from PLA.
And so on.
I’m not sharing company news. I want to show how small steps can help save our planet from waste like plastic that we use on a regular basis.
Plastic use has grown a lot since it was invented. You don’t need examples—just look around, and you’ll see it everywhere. Sadly, we are harming the environment without realizing it.
How is plastic destroying our environment?
The Center for International Environmental Law reports that nearly all plastics, about 99%, are made from fossil fuels. In 2020, the global plastics industry released 1.8 billion metric tons of CO2, which is the same as the emissions from 380 coal-fired power plants.
The main issue is the improper disposal of plastic waste. A large amount of plastic ends up in landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to break down.
Marine life:
Plastic waste reaches water bodies like lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans, contributing to marine plastic pollution. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), more than 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans every year. When marine animals accidentally eat plastic, it enters their bodies and can be life-threatening.
Soil life:
Plastic doesn’t break down easily in the soil. As it stays there, it releases harmful chemicals that can damage plants and organisms in the soil. This, in turn, affects agricultural productivity, soil fertility, and the health of ecosystems.
Air pollution:
Plastic emits toxic gases into the air and pollutes it. As a result, various diseases occur in the respiratory system of human body.
Microplastics:
Over time, plastic breaks down into microplastics, which can enter the food chain and cause various health problems in humans.
Plastic, once celebrated for its invention, now threatens living organisms and the environment.
So, switching from harmful plastics to bioplastics is a great way to protect our planet.
What are Bioplastics?
In short, bioplastics are plastics made from plant materials or biological sources.
Bioplastics are alternatives to traditional plastics, are biodegradable, and cause almost 0% harm to the environment.
Bioplastics are beneficial to the environment for two main reasons:
- They are biobased, made from natural materials.
- They break down easily without harming the environment.
Types of Bioplastics
There are various types of bioplastics but wo major types are: PLA and PHA.
PLA (Polylactic Acid):
These plastics are made from plant-based materials like the starch of corn, sugarcane, and cassava.
The monomers of these bioplastics are lactic acid (chemical formula:C3H4O2).
Chemist Théophile-Jules Pelouze first made this polymer in 1845. Later, in 1954, the DuPont chemical company patented an industrial process to produce it.
PLA is one of the first renewable polymers that can match traditional plastics in performance and environmental benefits. As a result, its production has been growing steadily since 2001.
Types of PLA: PDLA (Poly-D-Lactic Acid), PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid), PDLLA (Poly-DL-Lactic Acid).
Production Process:
There are several methods for making PLA commercially, but the basic process is similar in all cases:
- Starch is separated from plant-based materials, and the mixture of starch is centrifuged to remove oil.
- Other ingredients are added, and a suitable environment is created for bacterial fermentation to produce lactic acid.
- Finally, through the polymerization process, bioplastic polymers are made from lactic acid, which can be used to make various products, including everyday items.
Uses
- Packaging: PLA is widely used in food packaging. Due to the absence of toxic chemicals, PLA causes no harm in contact with food for a long time.
- 3D Printing: PLA is used in making 3D printing materials that do not pollute soil or water.
- Compostable: After decomposition, the products release harmless lactic acid into the environment, leaving no waste.
Drawbacks of PLA:
- PLA is not produced in large enough quantities yet and can be more expensive than regular plastic.
- PLA is heat-sensitive and cannot be composted at home; it requires heat to break down.
PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates):
PHA is referred to as natural polyester, composed of polyesters made from R-hydroxyalkanoic acids. PHA is synthesized by bacteria and archaea cells.
PHA has melting points between 40°C and 180°C, is stable under UV light, and resists water absorption. Unlike other materials with a fixed structure, PHA is a group of polymers whose physical properties can change depending on how it is made and the materials used.
Types of PHA: PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate), PHH (Polyhydroxyhexanoate) etc.
Production Process:
- Bacteria are cultivated in a nutrient-rich medium under ideal conditions.
- Once a sufficient population has grown, they are introduced to an environment lacking essential elements like oxygen, magnesium, and nitrogen.
- In response to this stress, bacteria produce polyester granules as a survival mechanism. These granules act as a vital energy reserve, serving as a major carbon source to sustain the bacteria during these harsh and unsuitable conditions.
- Polyester granules are used as the starting material (monomers) to make PHA. These granules go through different processes to form PHA polymers, which are then used to create eco-friendly bioplastics.
Uses:
- Medical Applications: Due to their biocompatibility, PHAs are used in medical fields such as surgical mesh, orthopedic pins, bone plates, and wound dressings.
- Packaging: PHA is used in industries to make shopping bags, cosmetic containers, and food packaging.
- Others: Greenhouse films and plant pots can also be produced using PHA.
Drawbacks of PHA:
- It is expensive, making it less accessible to everyone.
- Production is still limited, so harmful plastics are still widely used.
- The tough nature of PHA can sometimes make it difficult to use.
Conclusion
Switching to bioplastics may seem like a small step, but it has the potential to make a huge impact on our planet. By choosing eco-friendly alternatives, we can reduce plastic pollution, protect wildlife, and create a healthier environment for future generations. Every step counts, and together, we can make our planet cleaner and greener. Let’s make the switch today—it’s a small effort for us, but a giant leap for our planet!
