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Get monthly hand-pick environmental newsWhat are Biodegradable Materials?
Biodegradable materials are polymers that spontaneously break down as a result of natural microbiological and chemical processes. Simply put, the biodegradability of plastics is the breakdown of organic matter into its constituents naturally, aided by microorganisms.
Biodegradable polymers differ from other plastics in that they decompose in the environment under the action of microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) and physical factors (UV radiation, temperature, oxygen). Long chains of biodegradable polymer molecules break down into carbon dioxide and water and methane, biomass, and inorganic compounds.
Even an accurate definition of biodegradability cannot always explain which products and materials are produced by biodegradable plastic companies. This makes it possible for some unscrupulous manufacturers to speculate on this concept. To help you avoid the mistake, here is a short list of biodegradable products that firms are delivering:
● Food waste;
● Animal droppings;
● Herbal products;
● Paper;
● Wood;
● Cut grass;
● Leaves.
The most popular biodegradable alternatives to plastic are based on natural polymers – starch and cellulose (from sugarcane and corn). Big firms making biodegradable plastic also use:
● castor oil as raw material;
● potatoes;
● algae.
Modern consumers are fond of dealing with such manufacturers since their eco-friendly plastics are less harmful to the environment. Moreover, in doing so, every biodegradable plastic company significantly cuts pollution.What is the Difference Between Compostable and Biodegradable Plastic?
“Biodegradable materials” can be easily confused with “compostable waste”. The environmental benefits of compostable and biodegradable materials are apparent. Both those and others decay into organic elements without causing harm to the environment.
And if excellent fertilizers are obtained from the former, then the biodegradable plastic emits carbon dioxide. Companies collect it and use it in everyday life and production.
Unlike the biodegradable plastic business, their compostable competitors do their job differently.
Composting is based on the ability of materials to decompose naturally. The invaluable benefit plastic alternative companies bring to the world lies in their ability to enrich the soil, while making it possible to reduce the amount of waste.
It doesn’t matter if the compost is made at the factory, or if you decide to dig a compost pit in your garden yourself, this makes a significant contribution to the preservation of the environment.
To make such plastic, manufacturers need to create favorable working conditions with the help of bacteria and fungi. They need light, fresh air, a balanced temperature regime, and sufficient moisture.How and why state authorities in different countries are encouraging the transition to biodegradable materials
The biggest step towards the transition to biodegradable materials was declared at the UN fourth session held in Geneva, 8-9 July 2019.
Many representatives welcomed the efforts of the National Environmental Management Agency to encourage biodegradable plastic companies.
For example, the Swedish government has established mechanisms encouraging business conduct in accordance with the requirements of sustainability based on existing international standards set out in the Agenda up to 2030.
Currently, all large supermarkets, street vendors, and other stores in Sweden must use biodegradable packaging materials that are not as harmful to the environment.
This example shows how government intervention, including fines and legal action against those who violate the ban, can target both biodegradable plastic firms and consumers and will be welcomed by both parties.
How companies are developing in such conditions
Bio-based, non-biodegradable plastic firms’ products, including solutions, based on PE (bio-based polyethylene), PET (bio-based polyethylene terephthalate), and PA (bio-based polyamide) currently account for up to 48% (1 million tonnes) of global bioplastic production capacity.
It is predicted that environmentally friendly plastics companies will continue the production of bio-based polyethylene, as new capacities for its production are planned to be launched in Europe in the coming years.
Intentions to increase capacity for the production of bio-based PET have not materialized at the rate projected in previous years. At the same time, the focus of manufacturers has shifted to the development of PEF (polyethylene furanoate), a new polymer expected to hit the market in 2023. PEF is comparable to PET but is 100% bio-based and has excellent barrier and thermal properties, making it ideal for beverage, food, and non-food packaging.How to Choose the Right Companies of Biodegradable Plastic Company
Step №1. Try to get as much useful information about the companies that use biodegradable plastic as possible. Find them on the web. If you have a lot more questions than answers, then it is better to refrain from dealing with such a firm. This is a good sign if the site contains photos of their products, certificates, and contact information.
Step №2. Ask your friends where they ordered biodegradable materials to replace plastic. If you hear positive reviews, then most likely the company can be trusted. Word of mouth, as you know, is more truthful than any advertising. To back up your findings, read online reviews. If among them there are more positive than negative, then draw the appropriate conclusions.
Step №3. The experience of the company is also of great importance. If you understand that it has been working not so long ago, then do not rush to place an order. Among the newcomers to this market, there are also professionals, but there are also many who came for the sake of quick money. Such one-day companies save on materials, as a result of which the products they make do not last long. Usually, there is no one to make claims, as these manufacturers disappear from the field of view of dissatisfied customers.
Step №4. No one forbids you from visiting the company's office and familiarizing yourself with the equipment used in production. If you see old machines and dirty laboratories, then hurry up to get out of there. If you haven’t noticed anything suspicious, then you can safely choose this biodegradable plastic manufacturer (but only after you see the certificates, which are rightfully a tool to protect buyers from unscrupulous firms).
All in all, the choice of a company depends on your goals and a number of personal priorities, as well as the location. Also, it is worth considering the methods of plastic production and their impact on the environment.