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Bioplastics - polymers that are bio-based, biodegradable
(compostable), or both - play a small but significant role in the
world thermoplastics market. Currently bioplastics account for less
than 1% of global thermoplastics production capacity. Polymers that
are wholly or partially derived from renewable feedstocks,
including bio polyethylene and bio polyethylene terephthalate
(PET), are responsible for 58% of production capacity.
Biodegradable (compostable) polymers make up the remainder. Many
compostable polymers, including polylactic acid and starch/
copolyester compounds, are bio-based (at least in part) in addition
to being biodegradable.
Nondurable applications dominate bioplastics consumption.
Important end uses include cold cups, beverage bottles, food
containers, disposable utensils, shopping bags, and garbage bags.
Durable applications include carpet yarns (in the case of
polytrimethylene terephthalate) and air-brake tubing (in the case
of polyamide 11).
How do bioplastics contribute to
sustainability?
First, because most bioplastics are derived at least in part
from corn, sugarcane, or other plants, they have a smaller carbon
footprint, with lower cradle-to-plant-gate greenhouse gas emissions
than their fossil fuel-based counterparts. At least one bioplastic,
polyamide 410, is carbon neutral: its
cradle-to-plant-gate-greenhouse gas emissions are zero. The amount
of carbon dioxide generated during the manufacture of polyamide 410
- which comes from a combination of renewable feedstocks derived
from castor bean oil and petrochemical feedstocks - is offset by
the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed during the growth of the
castor bean plant.
Second, bioplastics facilitate composting, thus diverting food
remains, yard clippings, and other organic waste from landfill.
Diversion of organic waste reduces emissions of methane, a potent
greenhouse gas formed as a by-product of waste decomposition in
landfills. Clamshells, cups, and single-serve coffee capsules made
of biodegradable polylactic acid can be composted along with
leftover food in industrial compost facilities. Garbage bags made
of biodegradable starch/copolyester compounds reduce the "ick
factor" associated with composting food waste.
Third, some (but not all) bioplastics are fully compatible with
the existing plastics recycling infrastructure. From a chemical
perspective, bio PET and bio high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are
identical to their fossil fuel-based counterparts. Soft drink
bottles made of bio PET or bio HDPE pose no threat to the quality
of PET and HDPE post-consumer recycle streams.
Do bioplastics offer a solution to the highly visible
problem of ocean plastic waste?
No. Few commercial bioplastics decompose completely in the
environment. Preferred end-of-life options for bioplastics include
industrial composting or recycling. Sadly, because of the lack of
composting infrastructure and low recycling rates, bioplastics
(like conventional plastics) often end up in landfill or
incinerators.
Why do bioplastics remain niche products in the global
thermoplastics market? Bioplastics can be more expensive than their
conventional counterparts. In addition, production volumes are
comparatively limited, with only a few sizable manufacturers for
each bioplastic. Applications development is ongoing, especially in
the case of some new bioplastics, and end users are still learning
how to take full advantage of the materials' unique performance
attributes.
Could bioplastics play a larger role in sustainability
initiatives? Yes, but a major increase in the use of bioplastics
seems unlikely in the absence of government mandates. A case in
point: French demand for bioplastics increased after the government
exempted compostable bio-based plastic bags from its 2017 ban on
plastic shopping and produce bags. But bans on conventional plastic
shopping bags and other single-use items do not automatically
result in increased demand for bioplastics. Consumers have other
environment-friendly alternatives, such as reusable shopping bags.
Bioplastics will continue to compete for market share as the world
grapples with the issue of plastics sustainability.
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Plastics sustainability is the most critical issue facing the
plastics industry and is likely to lead to greater regulation
(including bans) and deselection by consumers, retailers &
brand owners. A Sea
Change: Plastics Pathway to Sustainability special study helps
stake holders move progressively to understand the issues of
plastics sustainability with extensive analysis and data
quantifying the impacts. For more informaton, visit www.ihsmarkit.com/plastics
