Offering an alternative to traditional plastics,
bioplastics , also known as biopolymers, are derived from
renewable natural materials . The term also refers to plastics derived from petroleum, but which biodegrade, and plastics produced from
renewable sources , such as sugar cane, but which do not biodegrade.
Considering that, with each passing year, around
a third of the plastic produced directly pollutes the land and ocean – and also enters the food chain – bioplastics, especially biodegradable ones, have proven to be a
favorable possibility for the future. Therefore, below, understand the
different types of bioplastics and how some brands have used them in everyday life.
Different types of Bioplastics
Currently on the market, it is possible to find different types of bioplastics, the most common of which are polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Next, learn a little more about these two types.
Polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bioplastic produced from
bacteria . In the process, they produce
lactic acid through the fermentation process of starchy vegetables, such as beets, corn and cassava. They can be used in
food packaging , cosmetics,
plastic grocery bags , bottles, pens, glass, lids, cutlery, among others. One of the biggest advantages of PLA is
its degradation time , which takes from six months to two years to occur. And when disposed of correctly it turns into
harmless substances because it is easily degraded by water.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Polyethylene terephthalate, better known as PET, is a type of plastic widely used in the manufacture of bottle packaging, mainly for soft drinks, and some types of fabrics. If discarded incorrectly in nature, packaging made from PET has a decomposition process that is considered
long and
harmful to the environment, and can remain in place for between 400 and 750 years.
British fashion brand
Stella McCartney recently launched a sleeveless jumpsuit embellished with bioplastic sequins made from tree cellulose by materials innovation company Radiant Matter. The sequins were developed as a replacement for petroleum-based plastic ornaments, which the brand says can contain carcinogenic chemicals. Radiant Matter's alternative is made from renewable cellulose extracted from trees, which has a crystalline shape that reflects light and gives the product a sparkling quality.
Kelp Mini Clutch, by JK3D
Composed of seaweed structures found along the coast of Malibu, California, the Kelp Mini Clutch is a
3D-printed bioplastic bag created by Black Panther costume designer Julia Koerner for her brand JK3D. The bag uses bioplastics
derived from corn and soy for its construction and is
3D printed to achieve a ribbed, lamella-like shape reminiscent of the underside of mushrooms.
Alternative polystyrene packaging, by Doppelgänger
Design studio
Doppelgänger developed an alternative to
polystyrene foam made from chitin – a biopolymer from the exoskeleton of mealworms – and turned it into cups, foam peanuts and other packaging. The material breaks down in soil in a matter of weeks, according to the studio, offering shock-
absorbing and water-resistant qualities that rival its petroleum-based counterpart. [April-see-also]W3siaWQiOjE0MzcwMywidGl0bGUiOiJQYWlzYWdpc21vIHJlZ2VuZXJ 9zc2lzdGVtYSBsb2NhbCJ9LHsiaWQiOjE0MzU2NiwidGl0bGUiOiJEZXNpZ24gZmVpdG8g YSYje DMwMDsgbWEmI3gzMDM7byByZXBvc2ljaW9uYSBhcyB0cmFkaSYjeEU3OyYjeEY1O2VzIGFydGVz YW5haXMgbmEgZGVjb3JhJiN4RTc7JiN4RTM7byJ9LHsiaWQiOjE0MzcxNSwidGl0bGUiOiJTU EEgZW0gY2FzYTogY29tbyB0cmFuc2Zvcm1hciBzZXUgYmFuaGVpcm8gZW0gdW0gbyYjeEUxO3N pcyBkZSByZWxheGFtZW50byJ9XQ==[/abril-see-also]
