The Truth About Biodegradable Plastics and Microplastics

(Trafton, 2024).

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental issues of our time. With the intention of helping, biodegradable plastics have started to grow as a seemingly promising solution. Biodegradable plastics are designed to decompose naturally, these materials aim to help with the issue of long-lasting plastic waste and pollution. However, their actual effectiveness, especially in reducing microplastic pollution, poses some controversy and is a topic of research.

What Are Biodegradable Plastics?

Biodegradable plastics are made to break down into natural materials such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass through microbial processes. These materials are different from normal plastics, which can last in the environment for centuries, polluting ecosystems and harming wildlife. However, the decomposition of biodegradable plastics usually requires specific conditions, such as high temperatures, a specific moisture level, and the presence of certain microorganisms that are often found only in industrial composting facilities.

Not all biodegradable plastics are the same. For example, "compostable" plastics are designed to break down within a specific time frame in controlled composting environments, while "oxo-degradable" plastics rely on chemicals to break into smaller pieces. Unfortunately, when these materials aren’t able to fully break down, they can contribute to microplastic pollution.

The Challenge of Microplastics

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size. They are created through the breakdown of larger plastics or directly introduced into the environment through products such as synthetic textiles and cosmetic microbeads. These particles have been detected in pretty much every corner of the planet. These range from the vast oceans to the food we eat and are a major threat to ecosystems and human health.

The expectation that biodegradable plastics might solve the microplastic problem is appealing but not a hundred percent accurate. Research shows that even biodegradable plastics can break into microplastics under certain conditions. These pieces, like their counterparts, can live in the environment for extended periods, which poses risks to marine life and other organisms. 

Do Biodegradable Plastics Live Up to the Hype?

The effectiveness of biodegradable plastics in reducing microplastic pollution is limited by several factors:

• Incomplete Degradation: Biodegradable plastics often require industrial composting facilities to fully decompose. In natural environments, such as oceans or soil, these plastics may only partially break down, leaving behind microplastics. Studies have shown that biodegradable polymers can produce more microplastics than traditional plastics when degradation conditions are not met.

• Environmental Dependency: The performance of biodegradable plastics heavily depends on external conditions. For instance, a "compostable" plastic bag discarded in the ocean isn’t likely to break down properly, instead breaking into smaller, more harmful pieces.

• Consumer Misunderstanding: Many consumers mistakenly believe that "biodegradable" means a material will decompose in any environment. This misunderstanding can lead to improper disposal, further worsening plastic pollution.

Innovations in Biodegradable Plastics

Despite these challenges, advancements in biodegradable materials give us hope. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have recently developed a new class of biodegradable polymers that break down into harmless materials, such as sugars and amino acids. These materials are designed to break down more effectively and could replace microplastics in products like cosmetics and personal care items.

This breakthrough is a step forward in addressing the flaws of existing biodegradable plastics. However, applying these changes on a global scale requires collaboration between researchers, industries, and governments to allow proper regulations and infrastructure to be in place.

The Bigger Picture: Systemic Solutions

While biodegradable plastics are a major part of the solution, they are not the only solution. Addressing plastic pollution requires systemic changes that go beyond developing new materials:

• Improved Waste Management: Expanding access to industrial composting facilities and encouraging proper disposal practices are important for ensuring biodegradable plastics carry out their potential.

• Reduction in Plastic Use: Limiting the production and consumption of all types of plastics—biodegradable or not—is a top priority. Reusable alternatives and circular economy models must be prioritized.

• Consumer Education: Clear labeling and public awareness is needed to prevent misunderstandings about biodegradable plastics and promote responsible disposal.

• Regulation and Standardization: Governments and organizations need to provide clear definitions and standards for biodegradable plastics to prevent false information and ensure product effectiveness.

Conclusion

Biodegradable plastics have a high potential in solving the plastic pollution issue, but their impact on microplastic pollution is limited without the right conditions and infrastructure. Ongoing innovation, such as the materials developed by MIT, offers hope for a future with less reliance on normal plastics. However, these solutions must go along with broader systemic changes, including reduced plastic consumption and improved waste management.

As individuals, we can contribute by making better choices such as, opting for reusable products, properly disposing of biodegradable plastics, and advocating for policies that support sustainable practices. Together, we can tackle the plastic pollution crisis in multiple ways.

Sources

Gibbens, Sarah. "What you need to know about plant-based plastics." National Geographic, 15 Nov. 2018, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/are-bioplastics-made-from-plants-better-for-environment-ocean-plastic.

Swartz, Angela. "Biodegradable plastic exists—but it's not cheap." National Geographic, 23 July 2024, www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/bioplastic-biodegradable-compostable-plastic-pha.

Trafton, Anne. "A new biodegradable material to replace certain microplastics." MIT News, 6 Dec. 2024, news.mit.edu/2024/new-biodegradable-material-could-replace-certain-microplastics-1206.

Wang, Can, et al. "Biodegradable microplastics (BMPs): A new cause for concern?" SpringerLink, 16 Sept. 2021, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-021-16435-4.