PlastXnow Explains Advantages and Disadvantages of Bioplastics

Bioplastics are considered an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics. But how sustainable are they really? A look at their advantages, limitations, and future prospects.

Bioplastics (sometimes also called "bio-plastics") are gaining importance because the goal is to reduce the consumption of fossil raw materials and lessen the environmental impact. They are often made from renewable raw materials and, in certain cases, can contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions. 

In addition, interest in sustainable products and a resource-efficient economy is growing. Advances in research and technology, as well as stricter environmental regulations, are also driving the development and use of bioplastics.

What are bioplastics?

Bioplastics are plastics made entirely or partially from renewable raw materials such as corn, sugarcane, or potato starch. Some bioplastics are biodegradable, while others are not. They are intended to reduce the consumption of fossil raw materials and can contribute to more sustainable production.

Generally speaking, a distinction is made between bio-based and biodegradable:

• "Bio-based" means that a plastic is made entirely or partially from renewable raw materials such as corn, sugarcane, or wood. However, the term does not indicate whether the material is biodegradable.
• "Biodegradable" means that, under certain conditions, a plastic can be broken down by microorganisms into natural substances such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. However, a biodegradable plastic does not necessarily have to be made from renewable raw materials.

Note: A plastic can therefore be bio-based, biodegradable, both, or neither.

Examples of Bioplastics

Examples of bioplastics include polylactic acid (PLA), which is made from cornstarch or sugar, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which are produced by microorganisms. Starch-based plastics and cellulose-based plastics are also classified as bioplastics. 

In addition, there is bio-based polyethylene (Bio-PE), which is made from sugarcane, and bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (Bio-PET), which is used, for example, in beverage bottles.

Advantages of Bioplastics

Use of Renewable Raw Materials

Bioplastics have various advantages. One of these is their production, which is based primarily on renewable raw materials. These include corn, sugarcane, potatoes, wheat, and sugar beets, from which starch or sugar is extracted. Cellulose from wood and vegetable oils can also serve as raw materials. Some bioplastics are also produced with the help of microorganisms that convert certain natural substances into plastics.

Fewer Fossil Resources and Less Waste

As mentioned earlier, bioplastics can be produced from renewable raw materials, thereby reducing the consumption of petroleum and other fossil resources. Some bioplastics are biodegradable and can break down under the right conditions. 

Potential CO₂ reduction

Another advantage of bioplastics is that they help reduce CO₂ emissions. Since they are often made from renewable raw materials such as corn or sugarcane, these plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow. As a result, the amount of CO₂ generated over a product’s entire life cycle can be lower than that of petroleum-based plastics. 

Disadvantages of Bioplastics

Bioplastics also have some disadvantages. Their production often requires agricultural land, water, and energy, which can lead to competition with food production. 

Disposal Issues

Various problems can arise when disposing of bioplastics. Not all bioplastics are biodegradable, which is why they often cannot be disposed of with organic waste. 

Even biodegradable plastics often decompose only under specific conditions, such as those found in industrial composting facilities. If bioplastics end up in the environment, they can persist there for a long time and contribute to pollution. 

In addition, mixing with conventional plastics makes recycling more difficult, since different materials must be processed separately.

Expensive to produce

Another disadvantage of bioplastics is their price. This is often higher than that of conventional plastics because their production is more complex and they are often manufactured in smaller quantities. The raw materials required, which come from plants or other renewable sources, can also result in higher costs. 

In addition, the processes for processing and further developing bioplastics are not yet as widespread as those for conventional plastics. This results in higher production and development costs, which affect the price.

Bioplastics – Environment & Sustainability

Are bioplastics biodegradable?

Not all bioplastics are biodegradable. The term “bioplastic” simply means that a plastic can be bio-based, biodegradable, or both. Some bioplastics can be broken down by microorganisms under certain conditions, while others behave similarly to conventional plastics and are not biodegradable. Therefore, the properties of a bioplastic always depend on the specific material.

Can bioplastics be composted?

Some bioplastics can be composted, but not all of them. Many biodegradable bioplastics break down only under the specific conditions found in industrial composting facilities, such as higher temperatures and controlled moisture levels. In home composting, they often do not break down at all or do so only very slowly. 

Therefore, bioplastics generally should not simply be disposed of in the organic waste or garden compost. Proper disposal depends on the properties of the specific material and local regulations.

Can bioplastics be recycled?

Yes, some bioplastics can be recycled. However, whether this is possible depends on the specific material. Certain bioplastics can be recycled in a similar way to conventional plastics, while others require special recycling processes. 

One challenge is that bioplastics must be separated from conventional plastics in the waste stream so as not to compromise the quality of the recycling process. Therefore, appropriate collection and recycling infrastructure is particularly important for successful recycling—but it has yet to be established.

What is the environmental impact of bioplastics?

The environmental impact of bioplastics depends on their entire life cycle. Bioplastics can offer advantages because they are often made from renewable raw materials and, in some cases, result in lower greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, their cultivation, processing, and transportation require energy, water, and agricultural land. 

Disposal also plays an important role, since not all bioplastics are biodegradable. Therefore, the environmental impact can vary depending on the material and application and is not necessarily better than that of conventional plastic.

Schematic representation of the life cycle of bioplastic products (example: PLA-based computer mouse casing)

Competition for Food Production?

This creates potential competition with food production because many bioplastics are made from renewable raw materials such as corn, sugarcane, or potatoes. These crops require farmland, water, and other resources that could also be used to grow food. 

This has an impact on food prices and the availability of farmland. For this reason, research is increasingly focusing on bioplastics made from waste materials, algae, or other alternative raw materials in order to reduce this competition.

Applications and Areas of Use

Bioplastics are used in many fields. They are used in packaging, such as films, cups, or bottles. They are also used for disposable tableware, shopping bags, and compost bags. 

They are also used in agriculture, for example, in mulch films. In addition, bioplastics are used in medicine—for example, in implants or surgical sutures—as well as in the textile and automotive industries.

Computer mouse with a housing made of the bioplastic polylactic acid (PLA). 

The Future of “Bioplastics”

Bioplastics have great potential for the future. They can help reduce the consumption of fossil raw materials and promote the development of more sustainable products. Thanks to advances in research and technology, their properties and manufacturing methods are constantly improving. 

Bioplastics can replace conventional plastics in many areas, but not entirely. They are already well-suited for certain applications, such as packaging, disposable tableware, or some medical products. However, not all bioplastics have the same properties as conventional plastics, so they are not yet suitable for some applications. 

In addition, factors such as cost, the availability of raw materials, and disposal options play an important role. Therefore, bioplastics are likely to complement conventional plastics rather than completely replace them.

Conclusion

Bioplastics offer several advantages, as they are often made from renewable raw materials and can reduce the consumption of fossil resources. In certain cases, they also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and some types are biodegradable under suitable conditions. They therefore open up possibilities for the sustainable use of plastics.

At the same time, there are also drawbacks. Production can be costly and often requires agricultural land, water, and energy. This can create competition with food production. Furthermore, not all bioplastics are biodegradable, and their disposal and recycling can sometimes pose challenges.

Overall, bioplastics are not a universal solution to environmental problems, but they can make an important contribution to a more sustainable economy as a complement to conventional plastics, provided they are produced, used, and disposed of responsibly.