BIO-DEGRADABLE, COMPOSTABLE AND PETROLEUM-BASED

PLASTICS: PROS AND CONS

Abstract
AUTHOR: DR.PARAS MANGLA (M.(MEDICINE(HOM),
PARAS_MANGLA@YAHOO.COM

ABSTRACT

The application of biomass to substitute fossil resources for the production of plastics, is a widely
accepted strategy towards sustainable development. In recent years, several types of bioplastics were
introduced and the most important are those based on cellulosic esters, starch derivatives,
polyhydroxybutyrate, polylactic acid, and polycaprolactone. PLA has properties similar to polypropylene
(PP) and polyethylene (PET) and looks just like ordinary plastic. In theory, it breaks down in a matter of
weeks and does so without leaching toxic chemicals back into the soil and water table. However, this can
be a bit misleading, as it’s not a good idea to simply let waste of any kind break down in a landfill. Like
most organic material, its decomposition yields methane gas, a greenhouse gas many times more potent
than carbon dioxide. Instead, PLA-based bioplastics should be taken to a commercial composting facility
where it can be broken down in a controlled environment by microbes.

Biodegradable plastics, on the other hand, refer to petroleum-based plastics that are combined with an
additive that makes them break down quickly.

Nowadays, the most important tool to evaluate the environmental impact of a bio plastic or plastic is the
life cycle assessment that determines the overall impact of a plastic on the environment by defining and
analyzing several impact categories like the global warming; the human toxicity; the abiotic degrardation;
the eutrophication; the acidification; and many others directly related to the production, utilization, and
disposal of the considered plastics. The aim of this work is to present a comparison between Bio-
Degradable, compostable and Petroleum-based Plastics .

Keywords : - Bio-Degradable, compostable , environmental impact, life cycle assessment, renewable

resources .