A Complete Clarification of Biodegradable Plastics & its Manufacturing

Biodegradable plastics are a type of plastic that can decompose naturally in the environment. They are made from natural materials such as corn starch, vegetable oil, or pea starch, and synthetic materials such as polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA), or Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). If you are looking for Plastic Manufacturing Companies in Dubai, then you have come to the right place.

What are biodegradable plastics?

Biodegradable plastics are those that can be broken down by microbes into elements of nature like compost, water, and carbon dioxide. Biodegradable plastics are made from renewable raw materials such as corn starch, vegetable fats and oils, and pea starch. The manufacturing process of biodegradable plastics involves the use of renewable resources and is less energy-intensive than traditional plastic manufacturing processes.

Biodegradable plastics can be made from a variety of materials, including natural materials such as corn starch, potato starch, and sugarcane, or synthetic materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and polycaprolactone (PCL). These materials can be derived from renewable resources, such as plants or bacteria, or fossil fuels.

Biodegradable plastics are often promoted as a more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional plastics, as they can reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment and the need for fossil fuels. However, it is important to note that not all biodegradable plastics are created equal, and some may only partially degrade or require specific environmental conditions to break down. Therefore, it is important to choose biodegradable plastics that are certified to be fully biodegradable and compostable under specific conditions.

Bioplastics, Bio-based, Biodegradable, and Oxo-plastics

Bioplastics, bio-based plastics, biodegradable plastics, and oxo-plastics are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different types of plastics with different properties and environmental impacts.

1. Bioplastics

Bioplastics are a type of plastic made from renewable biological resources, such as corn starch, sugarcane, or vegetable fats and oils. They can be either bio-based or petrochemical-based, meaning they can be made from renewable resources or fossil fuels. Bioplastics can be biodegradable or non-biodegradable depending on the type of material used and the additives included in the plastic.

2. Bio-based plastics

Bio-based plastics are a type of plastic made from renewable biological resources, such as plants or bacteria. They are typically made from materials such as PLA, PHA, or cellulose, which are derived from crops like corn, sugarcane, or potatoes. Bio-based plastics can be biodegradable or non-biodegradable, and can be used in a range of applications, including packaging, textiles, and electronics.

3. Biodegradable plastics

Biodegradable plastics are a type of plastic that can be broken down naturally in the environment by microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or algae. They can be made from a variety of materials, including natural materials like corn starch or synthetic materials like PLA, PHA, or PCL. Biodegradable plastics can break down into harmless compounds like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, reducing their impact on the environment.

4. Oxo-plastics

Oxo-plastics are a type of plastic that contain additives that make them degrade more quickly than traditional plastics. However, they are not truly biodegradable. Even if they break down into tiny pieces of plastic, they can still lurk in the atmosphere and cause harm to wildlife and ecosystems. Oxo-plastics are not considered a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics and are banned in some countries.

Oxo-degradable plastics are made of traditional plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polystyrene (PS), that have been mixed with additives, known as pro-degradants or oxo-additives. These additives are typically based on metal ions, such as cobalt or manganese, or organic compounds.

The oxo-additives are designed to accelerate the degradation of the plastic by reacting with oxygen and breaking down the long chains of polymer molecules into smaller fragments, known as microplastics. These microplastics can then be further degraded by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, or physical processes, such as UV light or mechanical stress.

However, it is important to note that oxo-degradable plastics are not truly biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years in the form of microplastics. Furthermore, the use of oxo-additives has been criticized for potentially contaminating the environment with harmful metals or chemicals and interfering with the recycling process of traditional plastics. For these reasons, several countries have banned or restricted the use of oxo-degradable plastics.

It is important to note that while bioplastics and bio-based plastics can be more sustainable than traditional plastics, not all biodegradable plastics are created equal. Some biodegradable plastics require specific environmental conditions, such as high temperatures or humidity, to break down. Others may only partially degrade and leave microplastics in the environment, which can still cause harm to wildlife and ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to choose biodegradable plastics that are certified to be fully biodegradable and compostable under specific conditions.

Manufacturing process of biodegradable plastics

1. Step 1 – Material selection

The first step in the manufacturing process is to select the appropriate material for making biodegradable plastics. The most commonly used materials are cornstarch, vegetable oil, and pea starch. These materials are renewable, sustainable, and biodegradable.

2. Step 2 – Polymerization

Once the raw material is selected, it is converted into a polymer. This process is called polymerization. The polymerization process involves the breaking down of the raw material into its basic components, which are then reassembled into long chains of molecules called polymers.

3. Step 3 – Extrusion

The third step involves the manufacturing process which is called extrusion. The polymer is melted and forced through a die to create a specific shape, such as a bag, cup, or container.

4. Step 4 – Cooling and cutting

After extrusion, the biodegradable plastic is cooled and cut to the desired size and shape.

5. Step 5 – Testing

The last step in the manufacturing process is testing. Biodegradable plastics are tested for their strength, durability, and biodegradability. This ensures that the final product meets the required standards and is safe for use.

It is important to note that not all biodegradable plastics are created equal. Certain environmental factors, such as extreme heat or humidity, are necessary for some biodegradable plastics to degrade. Others may only partially degrade and leave microplastics in the environment, which can still cause harm to wildlife and ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to choose biodegradable plastics that are certified to be fully biodegradable and compostable under specific conditions.

How to recognize compostable plastics? Standards and labels

Compostable plastics can be recognized by specific standards and labels that indicate they have been tested and certified to break down into compost in specific conditions. Here are some common standards and labels to look for:

1. ASTM D6400

This is a standard set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) that specifies the requirements for compostable plastics to be considered suitable for industrial composting. Plastics that meet this standard are certified to break down within 180 days in an industrial composting facility, leaving no visible or toxic residue.

2. EN 13432

This is a standard set by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that specifies the requirements for compostable plastics to be considered suitable for industrial composting in Europe. Plastics that meet this standard are certified to break down within 180 days in an industrial composting facility, leaving no visible or toxic residue.

3. BPI Compostable

This is a certification label from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) in the United States, indicating that a product has been tested and certified to meet ASTM D6400 or other recognized composting standards. Products with this label are certified to break down within 180 days in an industrial composting facility, leaving no visible or toxic residue.

4. Seedling logo

This is a certification label from the European Bioplastics Association, indicating that a product meets the requirements of EN 13432 or another recognized composting standard. Products with this label are certified to break down within 180 days in an industrial composting facility, leaving no visible or toxic residue.

5. OK compost

This is a certification label from TUV Austria, indicating that a product meets the requirements of EN 13432 or another recognized composting standard. Products with this label are certified to break down within 180 days in an industrial composting facility, leaving no visible or toxic residue.

When looking for compostable plastics, it is important to check for these standards and labels to ensure that the product is truly compostable and meets specific requirements for industrial composting. It is also important to follow the guidelines for composting, as not all compostable plastics are suitable for home composting and may require specific conditions to break down properly.

Why should you compost your compostable plastic?

Here are some reasons why you should compost your compostable plastic:

• Reducing waste: When you compost your compostable plastic, it helps to deter it from landfills and reduces the amount of waste that goes into the atmosphere. When compostable plastics break down in landfills, they do not have access to enough oxygen or microbes to properly decompose, which can contribute to the problem of plastic pollution.
• Creating nutrient-rich compost: It can help create a nutrient-rich compost that can be used to enrich the soil, promote plant growth, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. When compostable plastics break down, they release valuable nutrients that can be absorbed by plants, which can help improve soil health.
• Supporting sustainable practices: It supports sustainable practices by promoting the use of renewable resources and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. Compostable plastics are typically made from renewable resources, such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cellulose, which can be grown and harvested sustainably.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: It helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills, where it can produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting organic waste, including compostable plastics, can help reduce the production of methane and promote the production of carbon dioxide, which is a less potent greenhouse gas.
• Promoting circular economy: It promotes a circular economy, where waste is seen as a resource and is reused, recycled, or composted. By composting compostable plastics, we can turn waste into a valuable resource that can be used to promote sustainable practices and support the production of food and other agricultural products.

Super Plast Plastic Factory is one of the leading Plastic Manufacturing Companies in the UAE. Our products are made of high-quality materials. Some of our products are trash bags, 100% virgin oxo-biodegradable bags (HDPE & LDPE), carry bags, banana cut bags, etc. Our products are manufactured based on the needs and requirements of clients.

We have years of experience in the industry, our prices are low and our quality is high. This is what makes us one of the top plastic manufacturing companies in Dubai. Call us today at +971 5056 89 879 to know more.