Notes

made of materials that can decompose naturally in the environment.

What is bioplastic:
Bioplastic, or biodegradable plastics, as they are often called, are remarkable plastics to traditional plastics. They are specific plastics that can naturally break down over time and return to the environment without leaving harmful residues. In most cases, you’ll find that they are made from plant-based materials like potatoes, sugarcane, or corn. These materials are quickly broken down into essential components, mainly by bacteria and fungi. This process is called biodegradation, which happens when organic matter decomposes naturally. In fact, they share many similar properties to traditional plastics, like moldability, versatility, and durability.
But here’s the main difference: Unlike traditional plastics that stay for centuries, bioplastics are a better solution to overcoming the challenges of non-degradable materials. Now that we have grasped the concept let’s uncover the advantages of bioplastics.
Advantages of bioplastics:
We can’t help but keep stressing the numerous advantages of bioplastic materials. Besides being eco-friendly, they offer many benefits, contributing to a healthier planet.
They are easily renewable:
Since we can easily get bioplastics from cornstarch and sugarcane, we can plant and harvest them easily, so they get replaced as we use them. Besides, they can replace petroleum-based plastics and protect the environment!
Reduced carbon footprint:
Traditional plastics are made from fossil fuels. When burned, they produce harmful gases like carbon dioxide and methane in the environment.
Usually, these gases trap heat in the atmosphere and cause climate change. On the other hand, renewable sources like cornstarch do not release greenhouse gases when burned, therefore having a reduced carbon footprint.
Biodegradable materials reduce waste accumulation:
Traditional plastics do not break down easily and can stay for hundreds of years. This means they can accumulate in landfills and oceans, harming wildlife and polluting the environment.
The good thing about biodegradable plastic products is that they break down over time in the presence of microorganisms. They will always decompose and return to the environment as organic matter.
Resource conservation:
Can you imagine if we could over-rely on non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels? Besides their negative effects on the environment, they will be depleted rapidly, leaving little energy for future generations.
And that’s where these biodegradable plastics come in, ensuring we maintain a greener planet for generations.
What is a biodegradable plastic made of?
Biodegradable plastics can be made from a mixture of organic bio-based materials, such as starch and cellulose.

The breakdown is reliant on temperature and humidity. That means if the weather is very cold, or the temperature is too high and humid – the process will slow down, or essentially stop.
Moreover, if it ends up in a landfill, it might get buried. Which again will stop the breakdown process, because of the lack of light and oxygen.