Bioplastics seemed to be the answer to all our problems, yet have had some bad press in recent years, mainly for reasons of a misperception about what they actually are and what they promise.
The reason is that bioplastics are often labeled ‘biodegradable’ and ‘compostable’, and while bioplastics do decompose in nature more quickly than synthetic plastics, the truth isn’t anywhere near what consumers would expect these terms to mean. In order for items made from bioplastics to biodegrade they need to be composted in an industrial facility where temperature, humidity and oxygen levels are carefully managed to provide the optimum conditions that allow for the safe, natural breakdown process to happen.
Without the proper process, these early, or first-generation, bioplastics can actually cause more hazardous pollution as they continue to leech toxins and produce microplastics that will eventually end up in the food chain.
CirQulor is working with materials developers on what we call the next generation of bioplastics. These bioplastics harmlessly biodegrade in nature, leave no trace of microplastics, and have low to zero toxicity levels – making them likely to emerge as a viable alternative to plastic in the future.
