Degradable plastics have in the recent past received overwhelming worldwide recognition. This is because these plastics are crucial in protecting the environment and preventing its consequent pollution. Bioplastics are made using renewable raw materials as well as petrochemicals with biodegradable additives. These plastics turn to compost after some time as they undergo biodegradation. Some of the top advantages of using these plastics include:
Recyclable
The most amazing and beneficial aspect of degradable plastics is that they can be recycled. Even after their intended use is over, these plastics can be recycled into other useful products. The recycling of these plastics is made possible by the fact that the plastics do not contain any toxins or chemicals. As such, there is no emission of harmful chemicals into the environment during recycling. Additionally, these plastics do not pose any future problem or health risk as there is no pile up on landfills. The disposal of conventional plastics poses serious environmental pollution risks as the plastics are non-biodegradable and their recycling is quite limited.
Reduction Of Carbon Emission
The production of ordinary carbon emits up to 4 tons of carbon into the atmosphere. On the other hand, the manufacturing of bio-plastics emits only 0.8 tons of carbon. Excessive emission of carbon into the air adds onto the greenhouse effect thereby enhancing global warming. In addition to this, the manufacture of these plastics relies on fossil fuels hence no pollution to the environment during manufacturing. It is also worth noting that the manufacture of bioplastics requires less energy hence reducing energy wastage.
Safe To Use With Food Products
Degradable plastics are very safe for use in packaging food products and drinks. This is because the plastics do not release any toxins or chemicals into the foods and drinks. This is quite important in preventing cancer and other terminal illnesses attributed to the presence of chemicals and toxins in the body. What is more amazing about the use of bioplastics in food and drink packaging is that these plastics can easily be molded into various shapes.
Bioplastics Have A Less Break-Down Time
After they are discarded, degradable plastics take very little time to break down. Unlike conventional plastics which do not break down at all, bioplastics are absorbed into the earth in the form of compost. Since they are made from organic compounds, their breakdown and degradation do not have any negative impacts on the environment.
Reduce Overdependence On Petroleum Products
In the recent past, there has been extensive use of petroleum products in the manufacturing industry as most productions are dependent on this oil. However, with the onset of degradable plastics and the use of fossil fuels in their production, the over-reliance of petroleum products has reduced considerably. Bio-plastics are manufactured from biomass materials; most of which are readily available in the environment thereby providing an alternative solution to using of petroleum especially during the production of the plastics.
Ideally, degradable plastics are quite durable and long-lasting since their use also continues after recycling. As such, the plastics can be utilized for extended periods of time stretching for decades without the need of manufacturing new plastics.…