What are bioplastics?

Traditional oil-based plastic is the third most commonly used petroleum derivative in the world; each year 200 million tons of plastic are consumed on the planet. It comes from a non-renewable source (petroleum), it is contaminating and non-biodegradable (it can take more than 1000 years to decompose).

That is why countries such as Bangladesh have prohibited traditional plastic bags (they jam the sewage pipes and cause flooding), Africa has baptized them as a new 'national flower' because they are so visible all over the landscape and Europe has considered taxing them. In addition, this waste is the cause of the death of marine species and fowl that ingest them (whales, sea turtles, albatross, etc.) and pose a serious environmental problem, such as garbage patches (islands of garbage).  

Bioplastics: An alternative to traditional plastic

As an alternative, the use of bioplastics is being promoted, consisting in obtaining natural polymers from agricultural, cellulose or potato and corn starch waste.

These are 100% degradable, equally resistant and versatile, already used in agriculture, textile industry, medicine and, over all, in the container and packaging market, and biopolymers are already becoming popular in cities throughout Europe and the United States.

This product is expected to cover the needs of 10% of the European plastics market within 10 years.

Advantages of bioplastics:  

They reduce carbon footprint ; They providing energy savings in production; They do not involve the consumption of non-renewable raw materials; Their production reduces non-biodegradable waste that contaminates the environment; They do not contain additives that are harmful to health, such as phthalates or bisphenol A; They do not change the flavor or scent of the food contained.