Introduction: The Growing Demand for Biodegradable Plastics
With plastic waste becoming a global crisis, many businesses and consumers are turning to biodegradable plastics as a potential solution. The idea of plastic that naturally decomposes sounds promising, but does it truly solve our plastic pollution problem?
In this article, we’ll explore how biodegradable plastics work, their limitations, and why Advanced BioRecycling™ offers a more sustainable alternative.
What Are Biodegradable Plastics?
Biodegradable plastics are designed to break down under specific environmental conditions with the help of microbes. Unlike traditional plastics, which persist for centuries, these materials are engineered to decompose into natural byproducts such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.
Types of Biodegradable Plastics
Compostable Plastics – Require industrial composting facilities with controlled heat and moisture levels.
Oxo-Biodegradable Plastics – Break down faster under UV light and oxygen exposure but may still leave behind microplastics.
Biobased Plastics – Made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane but don’t always biodegrade efficiently.
How Do They Break Down?
In industrial composting: Requires high temperatures and specific microbial environments.
In landfills: Many biodegradable plastics fail to decompose efficiently due to lack of oxygen.
In oceans: Some biodegradable plastics persist for years, contributing to marine pollution.
The Limitations of Biodegradable Plastics
While biodegradable plastics seem like a step in the right direction, they have several major drawbacks:
1. Misleading Claims & Greenwashing
Many biodegradable plastics only degrade in controlled industrial settings, not in nature.
Companies often use the term “biodegradable” as a marketing tool without clear scientific backing.
2. Landfill Inefficiency
Most biodegradable plastics do not break down in landfills because modern landfills are designed to limit oxygen and moisture to prevent decomposition.
3. Microplastic Pollution
Some biodegradable plastics degrade partially, leaving behind harmful microplastics that persist in the environment.
4. Higher Production Costs
Compared to traditional plastics, biodegradable alternatives can be more expensive to produce and require special disposal methods.
The Better Alternative: Advanced BioRecycling™
Rather than relying solely on biodegradable plastics, businesses should consider Advanced BioRecycling™, an innovative solution that enhances the natural breakdown of traditional plastics without compromising performance or recyclability.
How Advanced BioRecycling™ Works
Enhances Plastic Breakdown – Allows traditional plastics to degrade more effectively in landfills and marine environments.
Does Not Affect Recyclability – Unlike some biodegradable plastics, BioRecycling™ technology allows plastics to be recycled during their lifecycle.
Works in Real-World Conditions – Unlike biodegradable plastics that require specific environments, BioRecycling™ activates in landfills, oceans, and soil.
Why Businesses Should Choose Advanced BioRecycling™ Over Biodegradable Plastics
| Feature | Biodegradable Plastics | Advanced BioRecycling™ |
|---|---|---|
| Requires Industrial Processing? | Yes | No |
| Leaves Microplastics? | Often | No |
| Works in Landfills? | Rarely | Yes |
| Affects Recyclability? | Yes | No |
| Cost-Effective? | No | Yes |
Making a Smarter Sustainability Choice
By choosing Advanced BioRecycling™, businesses can reduce plastic waste more effectively, maintain recyclability, and avoid the greenwashing pitfalls of biodegradable plastics.
