What are the main challenges and opportunities for bioplastics in the circular economy?

Bioplastics are a diverse group of materials derived from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable fats, corn starch, and woodchips, designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and environmental impact. They can be categorized into biobased but non-biodegradable plastics, such as bio-PE and bio-PET; biodegradable plastics made from renewable resources like PLA and starch blends; biodegradable plastics from fossil resources, such as PBAT; and both bio-based and biodegradable plastics, including PHA and PBS.

Bioplastics offer significant environmental benefits, including reduced carbon footprint and fossil fuel consumption, owing to their renewable biomass origins. They contribute to waste reduction through biodegradability and compostability options, easing landfill pressures and facilitating organic recycling processes. Additionally, bioplastics support waste reduction strategies and can lead to innovations in recycling and sustainable materials management, aligning with global efforts towards circular economies and reduced environmental impact.

- Reduce carbon footprint - Bioplastics provide energy savings in production - Not involve the consumption of non-renewable raw materials - Their production reduces non-biodegradable waste that contaminates the environment - They do not contain additives that are harmful to health, such as phthalates or bisphenol A - They do not change the flavor or scent of the food contained

The use of some bioplastics may not be practical for certain climates. For example, PLA plastic is made of corn starch and breaks down at high temperatures and humidity. As such, they are less resilient in tropical and humid climates as they may degrade too quickly.

Drawbacks including potential competition with food production due to the use of agricultural land and resources for biomass instead of food crops. The biodegradability of bioplastics can vary, requiring specific conditions to break down effectively, which may not be met in typical landfill environments, leading to persistent waste issues. Additionally, the production of bioplastics can be resource-intensive, involving significant water and energy use, and their recycling processes are not yet widespread, posing challenges for waste management systems.

Bioplastics fit in the circular economy concept as they help to break away from the linear economy characterized by make, use, dispose in favour of a more circular model based on “make, use, reuse, recycle”. Bioplastics are a perfect illustration of circularity in that they regenerate CO2 and use renewable raw materials to make more sustainable products. The circular economy for bioplastics need to focus on the technical and biological cycle in the value chain.

The circular economy for bioplastics is designed to minimize environmental impact and resource use by incorporating bioplastics into a closed-loop system of production, use and recycling or composting. This model emphasizes the sustainable sourcing of bioplastics from renewable resources, their application across various industries with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint, and the efficient management of their end-of-life through composting for biodegradable types or recycling for non-biodegradable types.

The future outlook for bioplastics is positive, driven by increasing environmental consciousness, technological advancements, and supportive policies aimed at sustainability. Growth is anticipated in production and usage, spurred by demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Innovations in bioplastics are expected to enhance their properties and reduce costs, making them more competitive. The market is also likely to see a rise in biodegradable and compostable options, aligning with circular economy principles and improved waste management practices.