Traditionally, plastics are piled up in landfills or thrown into the ocean, polluting the ocean. It is precisely because of these problems that bioplastics have emerged. Many people are curious about "What is bioplastic?" Bioplastics are plastics produced from renewable resources such as plants or microorganisms. They can decompose naturally and have less pollution to the environment than traditional plastics, which can achieve green and sustainable development.
In this guide, I will introduce you to what bioplastics are, how they are made, types of bioplastics, and more. Whether you are interested in environmentally friendly materials or want to explore sustainable business, I hope this article can help you!
What is Bioplastic?
Bioplastics are plastics made from renewable materials, such as corn, sugar cane, or even bacteria, rather than the petroleum used in traditional plastics. Some bioplastics are biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally in the environment, while others are simply bio-based, meaning they come from renewable resources but don't necessarily break down.
Bioplastics are renewable plastics produced from plants, such as corn or sugar cane, or from bacteria. They replace traditional petroleum plastics. Not all bioplastics are biodegradable. Bioplastics need to break down in the natural environment. Others are bio-based, meaning they come from renewable resources but don't necessarily break down.
History of Bioplastics
The idea first emerged in the 1990s, when people were concerned about plastic pollution and the impact of fossil fuels. Now, bioplastics are part of a drive to be green and sustainable, providing a new environmentally friendly alternative to our daily lives.
Some bioplastics are completely biodegradable, while others require specific conditions to break down.
Types of Bioplastics
PLA (polylactic acid): Made from plants such as corn or sugar cane, it is one of the more common bioplastics in daily life. It is mainly used for food packaging, disposable cups, 3D printing, etc. It can be biodegraded in industrial composting.
PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate): Produced by microorganisms, it will "eat" organic substances such as sugar and can also be biodegraded in the ocean. It is widely used in medical devices and packaging.
Starch-based bioplastics: Made from starchy plants such as potatoes or corn, it can be mixed with other materials to make shopping bags or flexible films for crops.
| Type | Source | Use Cases | Biodegradability |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Corn starch, sugarcane | Food containers, 3D printing, cups | Only in industrial composters (50-90 days) |
| PHA | Microbial fermentation | Medical implants, marine products | Fully biodegradable (soil/ocean, 1-5 years) |
| Starch-based | Corn, potatoes | Produce bags, packaging peanuts | Industrial compost (needs high heat) |
| PBAT | Petroleum + bio-based | Compostable bags, mulch films | Industrial compost (3-6 months) |
| Bio-PET | Sugarcane + oil | Bottles, clothing fibers | Not biodegradable (recyclable only) |
What Is Bioplastic Made From
Can you imagine how a corn cob turns into a plastic cup? Here’s how it works:
Raw materials: Plants rich in sugar or starch, such as corn or sugar cane, are grown.
Extraction: Sugar or starch is extracted from corn or sugar cane and processed into glucose.
Fermentation: Microorganisms convert sugar into compounds, lactic acid (for PLA) or other polymers (for PHA).
Polymerization: Compounds are chemically treated to form long chains, forming the raw materials of plastics.
Molding: Bioplastics are molded into products such as bottles, bags or films.
