What are bioplastics? How are they manufactured? Are they recyclable? Pampa García Molina, journalist and scientific educator, asked Auxiliadora Prieto, a research professor at the Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research of CSIC.
When we say bioplastics, many people immediately think of the plastics used in biodegradable trash bags. We have identified them as biodegradable, but that is not always the case. What exactly are bioplastics?
We have had a very hard time defining them because they are highly complex. It’s true that in the beginning bioplastic was associated with biodegradable; now there are so many opportunities. We consider bioplastic everything that has a biological origin – regardless of whether or not it is biodegradable. But there are also biodegradable bioplastics that do not have a biological origin. Then we say that the ‘bio’ foundation is very broad. We could define it by what it isn’t: plastic with a petrochemical origin that cannot be degraded.
What are the main differences with respect to traditional plastics, those that have a petrochemical origin?
The main differences between bioplastics and traditional plastics are:
- Origin: Bioplastics are obtained from renewable sources while traditional plastics come from oil.
- Biodegradability: Bioplastics are biodegradable, while traditional plastics are not biodegradable.
- Price: Bioplastics tend to be more expensive than traditional plastics.
Why are bioplastics more sustainable than traditional plastics, those with a petrochemical origin?
More sustainable… I don’t know if I would say more sustainable. What is really important is that the plastics become part of what is known as the circular economy. When plastic of petrochemical origins is recycled, it is more likely to enter into the whole circle of proper waste management; we can say that it is a sustainable approach. However, bioplastics are already part of this circular economy from the beginning of their manufacturing process because the carbon we use to manufacture them comes from waste or renewables. That is what makes them more sustainable.
– https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/science/research/bioplastics-sustainable-alternative-to-conventional-plastic/