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Bioplastics called drop-in bioplastics are chemically identical to their fossil-fuel counterparts but made from renewable resources. Examples include bio-PE , bio-PET , bio-propylene , bio-PP , [ 20 ] and biobased nylons.
There is also much debate about the total carbon, fossil fuel and water usage in manufacturing biodegradable bioplastics from natural materials and whether they are a negative impact to human food supply. To make 1 kg (2.2 lb) of polylactic acid, the most common commercially available compostable plastic, 2.65 kg (5.8 lb) of corn is required. [57]
Whether a material is biodegradable is determined by its chemical structure, not the origin of the material from which it is made. [14] Indeed, the sustainability benefits of drop-in biobased plastics occur at the beginning of the material life cycle, but still, when manufactured, their structure is identical to their fossil-based counterparts ...
Several tests can be performed on a certain plastic in order to determine whether a potential additive increases its biodegradability. Comparison of the changes in physical properties of the plastic both with and without potential biodegradable additives throughout the degradation process can provide insight into the efficacy of the additive.
NatureWorks LLC is an international company that manufactures bioplastics—polymers derived entirely from plant resources—as an alternative to conventional plastic, which is made from petroleum. The commercial quality polymer is made from the carbon found in simple plant sugars such as corn starch to create a proprietary polylactic acid ...
Cellulose acetate fiber, one of the earliest synthetic fibers, is based on cotton or tree pulp cellulose ("biopolymers"). These "cellulosic fibers" have been replaced in many applications by cheaper petro-based fibers (nylon and polyester) in recent decades. [6] Trade names for acetate include Acele, Avisco, Celanese, Chromspun, and Estron. [7]
The bioplastic degrades after 2–3 months and 7 days if immersed in water. [14] The process is done exclusively in Ortiz's lab. [4] She is experimenting with 300 species of nopal plant native in Mexico and is exploring the use of cactus in toys, bags, and other plastic products for wide-scale commercial use. [5]
There are vast examples and applications of biodegradable polymers. Bio-based packaging materials have been introduced as a green alternative in the past decades, among which, edible films have gained more attention due to their environmentally-friendly characteristics, vast variety and availability, non-toxicity, and low cost.