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The definition of bioplastics is still up for debate. The phrase is frequently used to refer to a wide range of diverse goods that may be biobased, biodegradable, or both. This could imply that polymers made from oil can be branded as "bioplastics" even if they have no biological components at all. [5]
Although bioplastics are extremely advantageous because they reduce non-renewable consumption and GHG emissions, they also negatively affect the environment through land and water consumption, using pesticide and fertilizer, eutrophication and acidification; hence one's preference for either bioplastics or conventional plastics depends on what ...
Furthermore, only about 9-10% of discarded plastics are recycled each year. Non-biodegradable plastics accumulate in the environment, threatening human, animal, and environmental health. Current solutions to dealing with the amount of plastic being thrown away include burning the plastics and dumping them into large fields or landfills.
Plastic pollution has also greatly negatively affected our environment. "The pollution is significant and widespread, with plastic debris found on even the most remote coastal areas and in every marine habitat". [77] This information tells us about how much of a consequential change plastic pollution has made on the ocean and even the coasts.
However, questions have been raised regarding its actual performance and environmental impact. Some studies suggest that instead of fully biodegrading, oxo-degradable plastics tend to fragment into smaller pieces, including microplastics, which can persist in the environment. These microplastics may take longer to degrade than initially ...
There is more plastic in the soil than in the oceans. The presence of plastic in the environment hurts ecosystems and human health. [57] Research on the environmental impacts has typically focused on the disposal phase. However, the production of plastics is also responsible for substantial environmental, health and socioeconomic impacts. [58]
In typical parlance, the word biodegradable is distinct in meaning from compostable.While biodegradable simply means an object is capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms, "compostable" in the plastic industry is defined as able to decompose in aerobic environments that are maintained under specific controlled temperature and humidity conditions.
The European Union Plastic Products Directive 2019 banned single-use plastic plates, cutlery, straws, balloon sticks and cotton buds; cups, food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, and all products made of oxo-degradable plastic, and to fishing gear containing plastic. [2]