BioPlastics

Plastics are a $580 billion global industry led by some of the world’s largest petrochemical companies. The vast majority of plastics are made from compounds derived from petroleum and natural gas. These polymers are often reinforced with glass fiber and mineral-based fillers. The ingredients of glass (sand, soda ash and limestone) are mined, creating significant negative environmental impact. To manufacture glass these ingredients must be heated to over 3,000 degrees F, generating CO2 emissions. Children’s toys, medical devices, automotive parts, plastic bottles, and countless other products have their origin in offshore oil rigs, transport tankers, refineries, and mines.

Of equal concern is that plastics incorporate over 10,000 different chemicals in the manufacturing process. These range from bisphenol-A (BPA) to brominated flame retardants, which can interfere with the endocrine system, effect fertility, and even cause cancer. Lack of co-ordination between manufacturers means that many plastics that share similar properties have different chemical compositions, making recycling difficult, if not impossible. And because petroleum-based plastics do not biodegrade they fill our landfills and pollute our land and oceans.

The good news is that there is a new generation of plastics, made from renewable, bio-based polymers that can be recycled or even composted. Globally bioplastics are already a $11 billion industry and thanks to pressure from consumers, government agencies, and industry bio-based plastics are growing at a compounded annual rate of over 23%. By transitioning to carbohydrate rather than hydrocarbon-based materials we can create lighter, stronger and far more sustainable products.