What is Bioplastics?
Bioplastics are the bio based plastics produced from renewable resources like corn starch, pea starch, vegetable fats and oils. On the other hand, Conventional Plastics or fossil fuel plastics are produced from petroleum. Conventional plastics create more greenhouse gas which is very dangerous for our environment.
Petroleum is very limited resource in the earth. It becomes expensive day by day. One day, this resource will be finished. During burning petroleum products like plastics, carbon is emitted and it causes the climate change. Conventional plastics are harmful by-products and chemicals. In this situation, bioplastics can offer an alternative solution. Sugarcane ethanol is a significant substitute of petroleum in the production of plastic. These bioplastics contain same physical and chemical properties like conventional plastic. They also maintain full recycling capabilities.
Applications of Bioplastics
Bioplastics are used in packaging items. They are also used in the items like bowls, pots, cutlery, crockery, straws, trays, bags, bottles for soft drinks and dairy products as well as containers for eggs, fruits and vegetables. Other applications include fuel line and plastic pipe applications, carpet fibers, car interiors and casings of cell phones.
Benefits of Bioplastics
- Bioplastics producing component like sugarcane polyethylene substitutes 25 percent or more of the petroleum which is very significant for our environment indeed.
- In order to produce bioplastics, less than half the energy is required in comparison to the production of conventional plastics. So, using the same amount of energy, we can produce twice the amount of biodegradable packaging and bags.
- Bioplastics are safe.There is no chemical or toxin in bioplastics.
- It can be composted locally into a soil amendment.
- Maximizing the use of bioplastics contributes to minimize the dependency on fossil fuel which is very significant.
Prospects of Bioplastics
Bioplastics are gradually appearing as a promising substitute of conventional plastics. Now, they are playing a significant role for a modern and forward looking plastics industry in the context of environment as well as economic development. Bioplastics are rapidly growing industry. In order to meet the highest standard, bioplastics technology is upgrading rapidly. Still, there is the scope to develop this technology for the betterment of plastic industry. Instead of utilizing edible resources, effective research development is taking place utilizing inedible organic waste resources as well as giving the products more solidity and functionality. As a result, application areas of bioplastics are expanding very rapidly with good prospects.
