What is biodegradation and biodegradable plastics?

Any waste of organic origin undergoes gradual decomposition. This phenomenal cycle of transformations of substances is possible thanks to the existence of various microorganisms that enable the biological breakdown of compounds. What is biodegradation and how does it relate to biodegradable plastics? This is knowledge in a pill.

Biodegradation - definition

It is not without reason that it is said that nothing is lost in nature. All organic substances are finally broken down into microscopic particles and become food for plants and microorganisms. The biochemical decomposition of organic compounds is called biodegradation and is possible with the participation of bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa that secrete digestive enzymes. Organisms present in the soil, air and water become active under the influence of moisture, oxygen, light and the right temperature. As a result of their action, substances turn into biomass.

Organic compounds are more or less susceptible to the influence of microorganisms and break down at their own rate. Every substance of natural origin is subject to biodegradation - the fastest decomposition is garbage, which we place in brown waste containers, marked as BIO. These are, for example:

• leftover food,
• peelings,
• weeds,
• leaves,
• grounds

What are biodegradable plastics?

Due to the growing problem of environmental pollution, people began to look for ways to reduce the amount of poisonous waste. Biodegradable plastics , also known as bioplastics and biopolymers, have become an alternative to synthetic materials and plastic. These are materials obtained as a result of the polymerization of renewable raw materials, such as: starch, cellulose, lignin or polypeptides.

Bioplastics are created as a result of processing renewable and non-renewable raw materials. Their characteristic feature is that they can be quickly decomposed by composting or industrial treatment in anaerobic conditions. Various raw materials and items that we reach for in everyday life are made of bioplastics: disposable packaging, dishes, etc.

Examples of biodegradable plastics

Currently, research is being carried out in laboratories around the world to create new, ecological, biodegradable materials. The list of the latest and most promising raw materials includes bioplastics in the form of:

• polylactide, otherwise: poly(lactic acid) - PLA,
• polycaprolactone (PCL),
• bio-polyethylene (bio-PE, eco-ethylene),
• PBS, or polybutylene succinate,
• PHBV - poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate),
• PHB - polyhydroxybutyrate.

How to recognize biodegradable plastics?

Biodegradable products and materials have special markings and certificates confirming their composition and quality. These are graphic signs with green motifs, awarded by authorized national or international units. Examples of such eco-labels are:

• germinating seed symbol - indicates that the material is fully compostable,
• 3 arrows pointing clockwise - indicate products that can be recycled,
• 2 parallel arrows in opposite directions - they indicate that the material can be reused,
• green label: Bio Raw Materials.

What are the uses of biodegradable plastics?

Biodegradable plastics find a variety of applications. This material is often and increasingly used, among others, in:

• food industry,
• medicine,
• gastronomy,
• logistics,
• pharmacy

PLA fibers and bio-PE bioplastic are used to create durable packaging, caps, disposable bags and dishes, resistant to damage and high temperatures. Polylactide is a material valued in the latest tissue engineering, implantology and dentistry.

Biodegradable PCL can be used to produce soluble surgical sutures and high-quality dental fillers. Poly (butylene succinate) is used to produce modern biodegradable films used in various industries. PHBV and PHB plastics, on the other hand, work well as biocomposites and packaging materials.

Why is it worth reaching for biodegradable materials?

Biodegradable materials are undoubtedly the raw materials of the future. It is thanks to them that we can ensure the purity of the planet and reduce environmental pollution. By choosing plastics marked with green symbols, we generate less toxic waste. At the same time, we focus on ecological solutions, such as recycling or composting, which do not contaminate water, soil or air.

Biodegradable materials are getting better and better. This means that disposable dishes, bags and films made of bioplastics are a great alternative to plastic. They are durable, non-toxic and can be processed quickly. The advantage of these ecological raw materials is also that they contribute little to the increase in carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Thanks to the use of bioplastics, the demand for shrinking resources of non-renewable raw materials is also reduced.