The global production of synthetic plastics of petrochemical origin has increased in recent decades. However, the great increase in its application in daily life has not been accompanied by good management for its disposal or degradation, estimating that plastic represents about 54% of anthropogenic waste in the environment. Therefore, the search for alternatives to this problem has shown great interest in the development of bioplastics.

The manufacture of bioplastics has experienced significant growth, and it is now common to see them in supermarkets and restaurants. However, there is still confusion between the terms used to describe them. This is because the prefix is associated Bio in terms of biodegradability, biopolymers, compostability, sustainability, renewable resources, among others.

But what is a bioplastic? It is a polymer that has at least one of the following characteristics: 1) it is made with raw materials of biological origin and/or 2) it is biologically degradable. Based on this, bioplastics can be classified into three groups: 1) Degradable bioplastics of petrochemical origin, 2) Degradable bioplastics of biological origin and 3) Non-degradable bioplastics of biological origin.

Another classification given to bioplastics is as biodegradable and compostable. Biodegradable plastics are those that have the ability to be fragmented by microorganisms into small parts until they are consumed by them. On the other hand, compostable bioplastics can decompose in months into compost (fertilizer for soil rich in nutrients) and do not generate any waste or toxicity for nature.

As can be seen, there is a vast literature on the subject of bioplastics, not to mention the endless applications in daily life (cutlery, cleaning supplies, office supplies, as part of household appliances, among others). As consumers, we must review each of these products and know what we are buying. For example, how many times have we not seen people throw their fast food containers or covers on the floor, simply because they are “bioplastic”? Without understanding that, not all bioplastics have the property of being biodegradable or composted.

Our Penka straws are biobased and biodegradable, making them an excellent sustainable alternative to traditional plastic straws. These products offer the same performance and, in addition, reduce the carbon footprint.

By: Andrea Zambrano

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