Bioplastics are being increasingly considered as a sustainable alternative to synthetic plastics, which continue to cause serious environmental problems. In Europe, the average person generates 36 kilograms of plastic waste annually, with global projections suggesting that plastic waste could triple by 2060. The search for alternatives has intensified as consumption rises, with bioplastics often highlighted as a promising solution.
Interestingly, bioplastics are not a new concept. As far back as 1926, French researcher Maurice Lemoigne developed a bioplastic, polyhydroxybutyrate, but this innovation was overshadowed by the rise of cheap oil. Today, the consequences of this choice are clear, with synthetic plastic waste reaching 400 million metric tons in 2021 alone, which is roughly equivalent to the weight of 40 Eiffel Towers.
Research from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) suggests that bioplastics could play a role in alleviating the global ecological crisis, but they cannot solve the problem without the responsible use of conventional plastics. Dr. Ramunė Rutkaitė of KTU explains that bioplastics come from renewable materials and can be biodegradable, but their production also raises ethical concerns. For example, first-generation feedstocks such as corn and potatoes, used in many bioplastics today, could be better utilised as food. Thus, bioplastics should ideally be made from second- and third-generation materials such as algae, municipal waste, and food industry by-products.
Research at KTU is exploring plant-based materials that could serve as sustainable sources for bioplastics, such as the protective structures found in nut shells, which offer both physical protection and bioactive compounds. Dr. Ayodeji Amobonye, a postdoctoral trainee at KTU, is working on developing bioactive bioplastics that can help extend the shelf-life of food, potentially combating food waste.
While bioplastics are attracting attention for their potential biodegradability, it is important to note that not all bioplastics are biodegradable. Some, although made from plant-based materials, may not decompose in the same way that conventional plastics can. Dr. Rutkaitė points out that the biodegradability of a plastic depends more on its chemical structure than its source. Consumers must also be careful when recycling bioplastics, as incorrect disposal could still contribute to waste.
However, Dr. Rutkaitė stresses that bioplastics alone will not solve the global plastic pollution problem. People must learn to manage synthetic plastics more effectively, including improving recycling efforts and reducing single-use plastics. She advocates for better waste collection systems and greater consumer awareness of recycling practices. While bioplastics can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels in plastic production, they cannot completely replace the need for effective plastic waste management.
The transition to a bioplastic future faces challenges, including the higher cost and underdeveloped technology of bioplastics made from second- and third-generation feedstocks. Although bioplastics are more expensive and less durable than synthetic plastics, continuous research and innovation could eventually make them a more viable alternative. Dr. Amobonye emphasises the importance of exploring waste-to-energy recycling and other recycling methods to address the plastic waste problem alongside the development of bioplastics.
Bioplastics show potential as part of the solution to global plastic waste, but their development must go hand in hand with improving waste management practices and consumer habits. The future of bioplastics depends on ongoing research and the evolution of technology to make them more affordable, efficient, and widely available.
Biome Technologies plc (LON:BIOM) is a growth oriented, commercially driven technology group. The Group’s primary activity is the development of its fast growing business in bioplastics. The Group comprises two divisions: Biome Bioplastics and Stanelco RF Technologies.
