Plastic comes in many forms and can be found in just about everything we buy. It is formed from a waste product of making oil. It is a versatile and long-lasting product. For many years it was a primary choice for packing, molding and segregating harmful or non-useful components. In developed countries, like the United Stated, 1.3 million tons of plastic bags are used each year alone. Every year 12.3 million tons of plastic are in use worldwide and rising. Its uses are dynamic because of its durability and low cost of production. The problem with plastic is that it takes many decades to degrade and become organic material. It is taking up value space in our landfills and chokes rivers and streams. Another problem with plastic is that while the components breakdown, they release carbon particles into the environment.
Recycling plastic has been an answer to the waste issues related with plastics, but in many cases the cost of separating the plastic from the organic materials is overwhelming. The sear man force it would take is unrealistic. Due to the disposable and sanitation properties of plastics the demand is continuing to increase. At the same time society is also aware of the environmental impacts. In an effort to meet both needs, a product called bio-plastic has been created. Bioactive compounds and swelling agents that react to heat and moisture are added to the chemical makeup of traditional plastic. These allow it to break down and be digested by microorganisms.
Biodegradable plastic broken down and digested by microorganisms
Bio-plastics can be 2-10 more expensive to produce than petrochemical plastics. By comparison, it takes 40% less energy, creates 80% less solid waste, lowers emissions by 74%, spills 94% less waste into the water systems, and has a 400% lower transportation and storage cost than paper production. Also it protects the depletion of natural forests vital to our environment.
There are many different variations of Bio-plastics being made today. Most are biodegradable and some are not. In studies it is estimated that biodegradable plastics breakdown and are 60-90% degraded in 70-180 days. The unknown variable is the long-term effect of the additives on the environment. Exposure to some properties in biodegradable plastics can be harmful.
By adding metal salts to the mixture, oxy-biodegradable plastic is created. This can be recycled with traditional plastic and takes 3-6 months to degrade. It is commonly seen in developing countries. It is being used as a protective liner for candy wrappers and eco-friendly shopping bags.
Another alternative is hydro-biodegradable plastic. Hydro-biodegradable plastic is made by chemically combining starch, from corn, wheat and potatoes with common plastic. This category of bio-plastics has varying degrees of water solubility. This form cannot be recycled and it depletes our valuable food resources. The cost of corn production has increased 120% in recent years.
In finding an alternative to the industrial need for plastic many scientific discoveries have been made. More research is needed to determine the impact on the environment and our health.
