As environmental awareness grows and the need for sustainable materials becomes more apparent, bioplastics have come to play a central role in the debate on the future of plastics. But what exactly are bioplastics? What misconceptions exist, and what regulations govern production and use today and in the future?
This article reviews the topic of bioplastics, its definitions, and the current and upcoming regulations affecting plastics manufacturers.
What are bioplastics?
Definition and properties
Bioplastics is an umbrella term for plastics that are either bio-based, biodegradable or both. A bio-based plastic is made entirely or partly from renewable resources, such as biomass. However, it is important to note that bio-based plastics are not necessarily biodegradable. Biodegradable plastics, on the other hand, can be broken down by microorganisms into natural end products such as water, carbon dioxide and biomass under specific conditions.
