All About Biodegradable/Compostable Plastics

As technologies evolve, biodegradable and compostable plastic are becoming increasingly more popular options for many products we see in our stores as a more sustainable choice.

Biodegradable or compostable plastics break down when microorganisms digest the structure which makes up the material. This can then be broken down into water with carbon dioxide mineral salts and compost.

How is Biodegradable/Compostable Plastic Made?

So, how is biodegradable and compostable plastic made? Well, biodegradable/compostable plastic is often made from biobased sources, like seaweed, sugar beets, and other plants, which, if sourced responsibly, can provide many environmental benefits.

However, some chemical engineers have developed biobased polymers made from a collection of biomass sources to create biodegradable plastics which can be used as a sustainable alternative. These properties can be engineered to have the same properties and functionalities as most everyday plastics, just without the impact on the environment. Sounds great, right?

What’s the Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics

Although they have very similar characteristics and properties, they are both environmentally friendly alternatives for plastic. However biodegradable and compostable plastics are two very different things.

Biodegradable plastics can take an undetermined amount of time to break down with the help of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi and are designed to biodegrade in a specific medium (water, soil or compost). Because these biodegradable plastics need specific conditions to break down, it means they can’t be recycled at home and should be placed in your residual waste bin where they can be collected and disposed of properly.

Whereas compostable plastics will decompose into natural elements like biomass, organic and inorganic compounds, CO2 and water, within a specific time (with regards to certain conditions like industrial composting facilities).

Either way, both plastics are a great sustainable alternative for your more general plastic materials!

Advantages of Biodegradable/Compostable Plastic

We already know that biodegradable and compostable plastic are a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for general plastic materials, but what other advantages do they offer?

Waste Reduction – biodegradable plastics break down over time meaning that there is less plastic waste building up in landfills.

Repurposing and Recycling – due to its characteristics, biodegradable plastics are far easier to form into new shapes and textures than general plastic, which means they can be recycled and repurposed after use.

Non-Toxic – Biodegradable and compostable plastics are made from natural materials, meaning they are safer to use and don’t release harmful chemicals when broken down.

 

Here at Rayda, we make a conscious effort to use sustainable products and recycle any unused plastic material. For more information about environmentally friendly plastic substitutes or for any general plastic enquiries, please contact us today!