Types of Biodegradable Plastics

Most biodegradable plastics are a fusion of organic materials (cellulose and starch) and chemical compounds that decompose into methane, biomass, water, CO2, and mineral salt.

There are two classes of biodegradable plastics namely oxo-biodegradable and hydro-biodegradable. In both, decomposition begins with a chemical procedure followed by a biological procedure.

They have their foundations from plant-hydro-biodegradable plastics and petroleum-oxo-biodegradable plastics. Both classes give off carbon dioxide as they decompose; hydro plastic can also give off methane (CH4).

1. Oxo-Biodegradable Plastics

Oxo-biodegradable plastics are made by adding a small piece of a fatty acid compound of explicit transition elements to ordinary plastic.

The plastic does not emit methane when decomposing, unlike hydro-biodegradable plastic. It is mostly used and recycled alongside traditional plastic. Its products are durable and can last for up to five years and more if kept away from direct sunlight or heat.

The products are made by blending particular additives into traditional plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinylchloride at the moment of conversion into the final stage.

The oxo-biodegradable plastic is sometimes valued at the same price or lesser than traditional plastic. It also has the same strength and weight as traditional plastic. It isn’t prone to leaks (leak-proof).

The plastic is usually made from an oil-refinery by-product. It can be decomposed anywhere, either on land or sea.

This type of biodegradable plastic is safe to come in contact with edible products. It uses no fertilizer or water during its production process. The demand for oxo-biodegradable products does not affect the price of fuel for cars. It is dormant in landfills and doesn’t emit methane while being incinerated. It is compostable in a vessel.

The decomposition is kicked off by sunlight and there’s no known duration for when the degradation starts. It takes about two years to decompose.

2. Hydro-Biodegradable Plastics

Hydro-biodegradable plastic is mainly produced from plants; the process begins with hydrolysis. It is decomposed by splitting the bond of the hydrogen cation and the hydroxide anion of water. This decomposition is faster than in oxo-biodegradable plastics.

It is the only biodegradable plastic that can degrade in a microbial area. Its temperature-resistant feature helps to speed its decomposition process.

This plastic is costlier than traditional plastic and is safe to come in contact with food. Its demand affects the price of foodstuffs for animals and humans because it’s mostly gotten from farm produce.

When incinerated or buried underground, it emits methane.

The plastic is weaker, thicker, and heavier than traditional plastic. It is compostable and not suitable for high-speed machinery. It is made from starch and isn’t leak-proof.

The duration for decomposition cannot be controlled; there is a contingency of GM ingredients. This plastic cannot be recycled.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a new type of biodegradable material, made from starch raw materials proposed by renewable plant resources - cornstarch. It is recognized as an environmentally friendly material.

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