How can bioplastics innovation and collaboration foster sustainable development goals and social impact?

1 Biodegradability and compostability

One of the main advantages of bioplastics is that they can be designed to biodegrade or compost under certain conditions, unlike conventional plastics that persist in the environment for centuries. Biodegradable bioplastics can break down into natural substances by microorganisms, while compostable bioplastics can turn into soil amendments in industrial or home composting facilities. This can help reduce plastic pollution, landfill waste, and marine litter, which harm wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. Biodegradability and compostability can also enable bioplastics to be part of a circular economy, where materials are reused, recycled, or returned to nature.

2 Carbon footprint and resource efficiency

Another benefit of bioplastics is that they can reduce the carbon footprint and resource consumption of plastic production and use. Bioplastics are made from renewable sources that can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as crops, algae, or waste biomass. This can offset some of the emissions generated by the processing and transportation of bioplastics. Bioplastics can also save fossil fuels and water that are used to make conventional plastics, which account for about 4% of global oil and gas consumption and 6% of freshwater withdrawal. By using bioplastics, we can conserve non-renewable resources and mitigate climate change.

3 Economic and social opportunities

A third way that bioplastics can foster sustainable development goals and social impact is by creating economic and social opportunities for various stakeholders. Bioplastics can stimulate innovation and collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and consumers, who can develop new technologies, products, markets, and practices that support bioplastics. Bioplastics can also generate income and employment for rural communities, especially in developing countries, that can grow or collect biomass for bioplastics. Bioplastics can also enhance consumer awareness and responsibility, as they can choose more eco-friendly options and dispose of them properly.

4 Standards and regulations

However, bioplastics also face some challenges that need to be addressed by standards and regulations. Bioplastics are not a homogeneous group, but a diverse range of materials with different properties, performance, and environmental impacts. Therefore, bioplastics need clear and consistent definitions, labels, and certifications that inform consumers and producers about their characteristics and benefits. Bioplastics also need adequate infrastructure and systems that enable their collection, sorting, recycling, or composting, as well as prevent their contamination or leakage. Bioplastics also need policies and incentives that encourage their development and adoption, as well as balance their trade-offs with food security, land use, and biodiversity.

5 Innovation and collaboration

To overcome these challenges and maximize the potential of bioplastics, innovation and collaboration are essential. Innovation can drive the development of new and improved bioplastics that are more cost-effective, scalable, functional, and sustainable. Innovation can also involve the use of digital tools, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, or sensors, that can enhance the traceability, quality, and efficiency of bioplastics. Collaboration can foster the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices among different actors, such as academia, industry, government, civil society, and international organizations, that can support bioplastics. Collaboration can also involve the participation of local communities, especially women and youth, that can benefit from bioplastics.

6 Future outlook

Bioplastics are an emerging and promising field of green technology that can offer environmental and social benefits. However, bioplastics also require innovation and collaboration to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. By working together, we can make bioplastics a viable and valuable solution for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?