Bioplastics and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are polymers generated by certain bacteria when they are fed foods, including sugars. First discovered decades ago, they have been held back from commercial success by high production prices. But technological breakthroughs and rising investment are shifting the landscape.
However, as the range of materials grows, so are concerns about consumer confusion and greenwash, with campaigners warning that they aren’t a magic bullet for our plastics crisis.
Consumer Confusion
Rob Opsomer, new plastics economy lead at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, believes that certain bioplastics can bring benefits if disposed appropriately. But he worries that the baffling range of labels can leave consumers unsure of what to do with their bioplastics once they’re finished with them.
Bioplastics can also do real damage when they end up in the wrong place, says Jo Ruxton, co-founder of campaign group Plastic Oceans. Even plastics labelled as biodegradable can take years to breakdown at sea.
Disposable Culture
Beyond the logistical challenge, Rhoda Trimingham, a senior lecturer in design and technology at the University of Loughborough, worries that bioplastics may simply help to perpetuate the disposable culture at the root of our waste crisis.
Tom Szaky, chief executive of recycling business TerraCycle, agrees there is a serious question about efficiency. Although he supports the development of durable bioplastics that reduce oil use and can fit in with the existing recycling system, he regards compostable plastics as a “negative step” – wasting precious resources such as land and energy creating a product designed for single use.
The Compostable Conundrum
At Wolverhampton University, researchers Iza Radecka and Marek Kowalczuk have developed a method for producing PHAs by feeding bacteria used cooking oil. Being able to put a carton smeared with leftovers in the compost bin saves both the nutrients in the food and the packaging from ending up in landfill, says Eilidh Brunton, group recycling consultant at Vegware, an Edinburgh-based business that sells compostable cutlery and cups.
Bioplastics only account for 1% of global plastics production.
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Source: The Guardian, 31 October 2017