3. Bio-based Plastics

‘Bioplastic’ is a general term which includes bio-based plastics, biodegradable plastics and compostable plastics. These bioplastics have been developed with the idea of creating a more sustainable plastics system.

Traditional plastics are made from non-renewable fossil fuels. In contrast, bio-based plastics (a type of bioplastic) are made in whole, or in part, from biomass e.g. sugar cane or starch. These are potentially more sustainable, as biomass is a renewable source; in theory it can be generated over and over again. 

However, bio-based plastics may not be as environmentally sustainable as they first appear. Bio-based plastics may still be composed of up to 75% fossil fuels. 

The production of bio-based plastics still leads to greenhouse gas emissions due to the intensive energy, water, pesticides and fertilisers needed to grow plants. Land required for biomass production may lead to deforestation and loss of natural habitat.The process of bio-based plastic production may generate harmful by-products, which are often not disposed of properly. 

There may be unintended economic consequences of bio-based plastic production making them unsustainable. Production of biomass will lead to competition for land against food production, potentially increasing costs for both. 

In addition, most bio-based plastics are not biodegradable (i.e. they don’t break down easily into safe by-products). Bio-based plastics are often chemically the same as traditional plastics. They will have all the same related waste management issues. Recycling, landfill and incineration are all polluting, expensive processes.

Bio-based plastics sound environmentally friendly, but have many sustainability issues associated with them. The concern is that consumers will believe they are purchasing sustainable products when they see the term ‘bio-plastic’ or ‘bio-based’ without knowing what this really means.