Biodegradable and degradable plastics sound like they are very similar, but they are quite different. Both biodegradable and degradable plastics can break down in the right conditions. Biodegradable plastics, however, will not remain in the environment forever. There are many benefits of using biodegradable plastic rather than traditional plastic which is not biodegradable.
However, it’s important to understand what makes biodegradables different from other plastics that can also degrade. In this article, we explore the differences between biodegradable and degradable plastics, their advantages, disadvantages, and more so you can decide if either of these is the best option for your business or personal needs.
What is Biodegradable Plastic?
Biodegradable plastics are constructed from recycled or renewably sourced components that break down quickly. A biodegradable bag made of maize, for instance, will decompose in the same length of time that corn takes to grow. Polymers derived from renewable resources like corn and sugarcane, including polylactic acid (PLA), are frequently used to create biodegradable plastics. When these polymers are exposed to environmental factors like sunlight, air, and water, they break down without producing any toxic compounds.
Because they decompose in the correct circumstances in a very short period of time—typically less than six months—biodegradable plastics are also referred to as eco-friendly plastics. A variety of industries, including agriculture, food service, retail, packaging, and more, employ biodegradable plastics.
What is Degradable Plastic?
Degradable plastics are made to slowly decompose in the environment. For instance, it can take ten years for a polyethylene-based degradable bag to decompose. Non-renewable fossil fuels including crude oil, natural gas, and coal are used to make degradable polymers. Although they don’t break down as quickly as biodegradable polymers, these plastics nevertheless transform into benign compounds. In order to hasten the breakdown of degradable polymers, they are frequently heated or exposed to radiation. However, due to how slowly they decompose, they are frequently detected in the environment much beyond their intended use. Degradable plastics are therefore a bad choice for the environment.
The Difference Between Biodegradable and Degradable Plastics
Plastics that are biodegradable and those that are degradable both degrade over time, but in different ways. Biodegradable plastics degrade when exposed to oxygen and water, so microorganisms in the soil break them down. Plastics that are biodegradable disintegrate when exposed to heat and light. Degradable plastics have the potential to degrade in a harmful fashion, releasing chemicals into the atmosphere. Biodegradable polymers degrade in a safe manner without releasing any chemicals. Renewable resources like corn or sugarcane are used to make biodegradable plastics. Crude oil and other non-renewable fossil fuels are used to make degradable polymers. When biodegradable polymers are exposed to air and water, they degrade. When plastics are exposed to heat and light, they degrade.
Advantages of Biodegradable plastics
The fact that biodegradable plastics decompose into harmless substances like CO2 or water makes them a suitable option for disposal. They, therefore, do not linger in the environment or contribute to the expanding issue of plastic pollution. Since the majority of biodegradable plastics are created using renewable resources like plants, they do not add to the expanding issue of plastic pollution brought on by non-biodegradable plastics. Due to their approval for direct food contact, biodegradable polymers are appropriate for use in food applications. Medical applications can potentially make use of biodegradable plastics.
Disadvantages of Biodegradable plastics
For long-term use, biodegradable polymers are not the best option. Even though they disintegrate quickly, the proper circumstances must exist for them to do so. Biodegradable polymers don’t function well for products that won’t be exposed to water and oxygen because they need those components to degrade. This includes goods that are constantly cleaned and thrown away, such as disposable diapers, medical supplies, and other things. Compared to conventional plastics, biodegradable plastics might be more expensive and necessitate particular care both during manufacturing and shipment.
Advantages of Degradable Plastics
Over time, biodegradable polymers break down into harmless substances like CO2 or water. In comparison to other types of plastic, they won’t persist in the environment for as long. Due to their slow breakdown, biodegradable plastics are a fantastic solution for disposal. They, therefore, do not linger in the environment or contribute to the expanding issue of plastic pollution. Many degradable polymers can be used in direct food contact and are suited for applications involving food. Medical applications can potentially make use of biodegradable plastics.
Disadvantages of Degradable plastics
Degradable polymers take a while to decompose. Degradation may take a decade or longer, depending on the type of plastic. Degradable plastics take a long time to decompose, making them a poor choice for disposal. They could stay in the environment for years because the degrading process can take a very long time. Plastics that degrade require exposure to heat and light to degrade. They are not a suitable choice for things like disposable diapers, medical supplies, and other things that are frequently cleaned and thrown away and won’t be constantly exposed to light. When compared to other plastics, degradable plastics might be more expensive and require particular care both during manufacturing and shipment.
Conclusion
Both biodegradable and degradable plastics are forms of degradable plastics, despite the similarity in their names. However, biodegradable polymers degrade swiftly under the correct circumstances, whereas degradable plastics degrade gradually. Degradable or biodegradable plastics may be a fantastic choice for you, depending on your demands. Biodegradable plastics are constructed from recycled or renewably sourced components that break down quickly. Plastics that degrade over time are produced from non-renewable fossil fuels. Biodegradable and degradable plastics differ in how they break down.