Rot – the problem with Bio-Plastics

What is a bioplastic? For European Bioplastics (the association representing the interests of the bioplastics industry in Europe) a bioplastic is a type of plastic that can be biodegradable, bio-based or possess both characteristics. However, when evaluating bioplastics, it is essential to distinguish between recyclability, biodegradability and composting, three key processes that significantly influence their environmental impact:

• Recyclability: recyclable materials can be reused in the production cycle to create new products. This reduces the need for virgin resources and reduces waste going to landfill. Some bioplastics are designed to integrate into existing recycling systems for traditional plastics, making their lifecycle more sustainable.
• Biodegradability: a biodegradable material can be decomposed naturally by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, transforming into water, carbon dioxide and biomass. It is important to note that the biodegradability of a bioplastic can strongly depend on environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, and can take a long time.
• Composting: Composting is a specific type of biodegradation that occurs under controlled conditions (such as those of an industrial composting facility) and produces compost, a nutrient-rich soil improver. Compostable bioplastics are specially designed to decompose in these environments relatively quickly.

These distinctions are key to understanding how to best manage bioplastic waste and maximize its ecological potential