Type of Biodegradable Plastic

What Type of Biodegradable Plastic?

Maybe you knew that companies are starting to use biodegradable plastics. What you may not know is that there are several different kinds of these plastics available to manufacturers today.

While you probably won’t be able to tell what type of biodegradable plastic you are using, you will still find it interesting to learn about what is out there.

Bio Based

Bio, or starch based plastics, are made from corn, soy or potatoes. These plastics meet standards set by the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) for compostability, breaking down 60 percent or more within 180 days or less. In order to do this, bio-based plastics need water, heat and aeration.

The downside of bio-based plastics is that they take much longer to compost if they are in a landfill because landfills lack one key component—aeration. They can also be a bit pricey and are not recyclable.

An example of bio-based plastic is Spudware, which was used during the 2005 X-games. Spudware is, quite simply, forks, spoons and knives made from potato starch. It looks the same as traditional plastic flatware, but unlike its conventional counterpart, Spudware is compostable.

Other earth-friendly products used at the X-games include plastic cups made from corn as well as plates and bowls made from sugar cane. These utensils were gathered into compostable plastic trash bags and taken to a local compost facility.

Thermal Based Film

Thermal based biodegradable plastic has an additive that causes it to break down when exposed to high temperatures. This plastic is safe to use for foods because it is non-toxic, and it can often be recycled.

The downside of this type of biodegradable plastic is that it may start to degrade if it is stored in a hot place—trash bags in the garage for example. Sometimes you will see these plastics labeled with an expiration date.

Two main types of this film are oxo- and hydro-biodegradable. The difference is that oxo- needs oxygen in order to break down. Hydro- needs moisture.

Oxo-biodegradable plastic is less expensive to produce because it is easy to use with machinery that currently manufactures conventional plastics. When aerated, it gradually breaks down into biodegradable fragments over a course of several months to a few years.

Hydro-biodegradable plastic breaks down when exposed to moisture at a faster rate than oxo-biodegradable plastic.

Another additive based film is called Maverick Green. This film degrades first into humus and then into carbon dioxide or methane and water when buried. This breakdown is said to take place with or without aeration, so whether in a landfill or a compost bin, it can break down within nine to 18 months.

Where to Find Biodegradable Plastics

To learn more about biodegradable plastics, visit these websites:

• Maverick Enterprises manufactures Maverick Green film. They can make plastic trash bags ideal for recycling leaves and grass, grocery bags, food bags, forks, knives, straws and other products.

• Environmental Technologies, Incorporated manufactures biodegradable plastics that are used to make a range of products including bags, bottles, food service items and much more.

• Excellent Packaging & Supply also carries a wide range of products. This is the place to find Spudware, sugar cane bowls and trays and many more earth friendly products that you never knew existed.

While most of these companies sell to companies, it is only a matter of time before these revolutionary, natural products become available to the general public.