Plastic was considered the ultimate miracle material of the 1950s – cheap, lightweight and sturdy enough for multiple uses – it seemed perfect.
Now we know plastic isn’t good for the environment and more sustainable alternatives are being researched and created globally – including some that replace commonly used items made from plastic.
Biodegradable
Plastic poses an environmental issue because its degradation takes thousands of years, endangering marine life and disrupting natural ecosystems. Engineers and inventors are developing eco-friendly alternatives that break down naturally into the environment rather than polluting it, such as biodegradable plastic alternatives that will break down naturally over time.
Polylactic acid, or PLA, is one of the most promising polymers. Composed largely of organic materials like tapioca starch and soy protein extracted from soy beans or cellulose plants, this biodegradable plastic can be found in food packaging as well as disposable cups, plates and cutlery made with it – similar to PET, commonly found in beverage bottles.
Toraphene, which created this process, has patented it and claims it can produce products which resemble plastic in every aspect and can be used similarly. Biodegradable alternatives may help reduce food waste due to packaging used on some produce to protect it during transport or storage; replacing this waste with biodegradable alternatives could divert harmful waste away from rivers and coastlines and help safeguard the environment.
However, it should be remembered that just because biodegradable plastics come from plant matter doesn’t meet all requirements to qualify as biodegradable; in order to reap all its environmental advantages it requires effective waste management systems as well.
PLA waste that is left discarded in landfill without going through industrial composting will not break down faster than regular plastic, while even when sent to an industrial composting facility it can take three months or longer before its full disintegration is completed and microorganism-friendly residues form.
Though it still needs much development to become a viable replacement for petroleum-based plastics, the material represents an important step towards sustainability and could soon be available on shelves and homes alike.
Recyclable
Plastic pollution has long been an environmental concern, with millions of single-use containers, cans and trays being thrown away each day without biodegrading in the environment and ending up in landfills or oceans where toxic chemicals leak into ecosystems. But bioplastics derived from natural biological sources could provide the solution – biopolymers being an example.
One such biopolymer is called liquid wood. This biodegradable and carbon-neutral alternative to petroleum-based plastics looks, feels and behaves similar to plastic, yet has an extremely lower environmental impact. Liquid wood is created from lignin–a byproduct from paper mills with renewable resources–mixed with water then exposed to high heat and pressure until it turns into moldable composite materials that are both strong and nontoxic.
Polymers produced through this process are used to craft products like bowls, cups and utensils. Their flexible nature makes this material perfect for food use as it can be formed into any shape desired while remaining durable enough for regular restaurant and bar usage. Furthermore, no toxic fumes or smoke emissions result from this process – making this an excellent way to reduce plastic waste production.
Polylactic acid (PLA), another plant-based material used as a bioplastic alternative, offers similar properties as traditional plastic while remaining recyclable multiple times without degrading its integrity or becoming too costly for everyday use. Furthermore, its plant-based source may interfere with existing plastic recycling systems and its lack of toughness limits its utility in items such as containers or cans.
Biodegradable plastics are still emerging; however, they have not become as mainstream or cost-effective as conventional ones. Some manufacturers have started producing cellulose acetate, an inexpensive plastic alternative used in items like cigarette filters and wood glue; additionally cellulose-based alternatives include jute which has recently been adopted to create eco-friendly reusable bags.
Biomimetic
While it’s great that there are plastic alternatives, it is equally essential that we consider their environmental impacts. While bio-plastics produce less CO2 emissions and are made from renewable biomass sources, they still impose costs to the environment – such as taking up valuable land that could otherwise be used for farming food or the cultivation of crops used in bio-plastic production having negative consequences on soil and water quality, as well as bioplastics being harmful if released into the ocean without proper treatment or disposal.
Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic ever created in 1907, contained molecules not found naturally and was heat resistant and strong enough for molding into almost any shape. Plus, its weight was significantly less than glass making it an economical alternative to metal. But it wasn’t until 1930s that scientists began developing plastics made from renewable resources.
Since then, numerous bio-based plastics have been invented. Some, like corn starch, cellulose acetate, and polylactide are made from renewable plants like cornstarch; others derived from natural sources like algae or bacteria; still others like polycaprolactone (PCL) are synthetic polyesters with six week biodegradability that doesn’t come from renewable resources but is completely decomposable into nature in six weeks or less; its manufacturer even found ways to make it cheaper by mixing in cornstarch; biomedical devices use PCL; tissue engineering researchers love its applications while it even has applications food-contact products like food-contact products such as trays.
Other natural materials offer alternatives to plastic packaging. Jute is one such plant-based material, which resembles plastic in appearance but does not need pesticides or fertilisers to thrive, that can be made into bags, containers and boxes to protect and insulate products during shipping. Also another natural alternative for plastic is mushroom root packaging which mimics Styrofoam for fresh product delivery and safe transport.
Companies have begun experimenting with all-natural, bioinspired high-performance structural materials that combine both durability and performance comparable to plastics. They accomplish this through hierarchically ordered microstructure at multiple scales that combines mutually exclusive properties. Furthermore, these biodegradable materials may even withstand harsh environments.
Lightweight
There are various plastic alternatives that can serve as suitable replacements to single-use plastics. These materials are lightweight and biodegradable, offering lightweight alternatives such as bamboo for containers and cutlery or silicone as an eco-friendly replacement to cling film or food wrap. Not only are these materials eco-friendly; they taste better and smell better too!
Plastic alternatives are becoming more and more popular as more consumers demand sustainable options for both business and personal use. Made from renewable resources and emitting less carbon emissions than their petroleum-based counterparts, they’re recyclable or compostable and typically more cost-effective than plastic options.
Bamboo, paper, cardboard, silicon and mushrooms are among the most widely-used eco-friendly plastic alternatives, which can be shaped to almost any shape and biodegrade without leaving an environmental footprint. Some may even outperform conventional plastics in durability – which type is best for your needs will depend upon your specific situation and uses.
Mushroom roots are an environmentally-friendly natural alternative to polystyrene packaging that can serve as an economical and eco-friendly packaging alternative, ideal for electronics and high-end products such as the ones sold by Ecovative Design. Not only are mushroom roots thermally insulating and water-resistant; they can even be grown using agricultural byproducts for easy customization! Companies such as Ecovative Design are already using them in place of polystyrene packaging material.
Mycelium, a flexible fungus material that can be formed into various shapes and sizes, provides another eco-friendly plastic alternative. Produced using waste from agricultural industries, Mycelium offers sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based plastics while being biodegradable and an eco-friendly replacement for Styrofoam packaging.
One effective way to reduce your plastic footprint is bringing your own reusable cup or mug when going to coffee shops, instead of purchasing disposable foam cups that cannot be recycled in local recycling programs and end up in landfill. Instead, invest in a glass or ceramic cup. Plastic straws are another major contributor – consider replacing them with bamboo or stainless steel alternatives instead; or try beeswax wrap which keeps your food fresher longer!
