Bioplastics may sound good, but are in fact an environmental problem

The debate regarding bioplastic products as an alternative to fossil plastics is still in in its infancy. The use of biomass in plastics only represents a climate benefit if there is a focus on biodegradability, waste management and sustainability in general. Currently, this focus is less than perfect, making bioplastics an environmental problem in their own right. And what does that mean?

The problem with bioplastics:

• Biodegradable plastic can only be degraded under very special conditions and cannot be recycled. It therefore ends up being incinerated.

• A system for sorting and marketing biodegradable plastics has not yet been established. Incineration remains the most commonly used waste disposal solution.

• Bioplastics are bad for the green plastic transition: A significant quantity of fossil fuels is used in the production of bioplastics, for example in the extraction of raw materials and in the manufacturing process. In addition, the production of new bioplastics can contribute to the increase of monoculture, drought and the use of pesticides that harm nature and ecosystems.

• ‘Biodegradable’, ‘compostable’ or ‘bioplastic’ – how would you go about sorting waste products with these labels? If you are confused, you are not alone. Working out how to sort bioplastics correctly is a nightmare in itself, as improper sorting undermines the whole recycling concept.

At glassFORever, we focus on reusing, collecting and recycling plastic rather than letting nature make it or try to break it down. Therefore, we do not recommend bioplastics and do not use them in our production or products.