Characteristics of biodegradable packaging (Characteristics of biodegradable

packaging)
Biological packaging is a type of packaging made from materials of natural origin that
can completely decompose in the natural environment under the influence of
microorganisms under appropriate conditions, without causing harm to the environment. .
Compared to traditional packaging, biological packaging possesses many of the
following outstanding features:
1. Environmentally friendly:
- Completely degradable: Biological packaging can completely decompose in the natural
environment, without polluting the soil, water and air environment. The decomposition
process takes place by microorganisms under appropriate conditions, forming organic
substances that are not toxic to the environment.
- Minimize waste: Using biological packaging contributes to reducing the amount of
plastic waste, helping to protect the environment and ecosystem.
- Save resources: The production of biological packaging uses natural, renewable
materials, helping to minimize the exploitation of natural resources and fossil energy.
2. Food safety:
- Made from natural materials: Biological packaging is made from materials of natural
origin, does not contain toxic chemicals, and is safe for consumers' health.
- Protect food quality: Biological packaging has the ability to preserve food well, helping
to maintain the flavor, quality and freshness of food for a long time.
- Suitable for organic food: Biological packaging is the perfect choice for packaging
organic food, ensuring product safety and quality.
3. Physical properties:
- Durability: Biological packaging has high durability, can withstand impact, impact and
certain temperatures.
- Waterproof and air-proof: Some types of biological packaging have good water-proof
and air-proof properties, helping to preserve food effectively.
- Easy to print and decorate: Biological packaging can easily print and decorate logos and
product information, attracting consumer attention.
4. Recyclability:
- Recycled into new products: Some types of biological packaging can be recycled into
new products, helping to save resources and reduce waste.
- Support circular economy: Recycling biological packaging contributes to promoting a
circular economy, minimizing negative impacts on the environment.
5. Price:
- Higher cost than traditional packaging: Due to the use of natural materials and more
complex production processes, the cost of biological packaging is often higher than
traditional packaging.
- Decreasing price trend: Thanks to the development of science and technology and the
increase in demand, the price of biological packaging is tending to decrease in the future.
Classification of biodegradable packaging
Bio-based packaging is classified into many types based on different criteria such as raw
material origin, physical properties, degradability and application.
1. Classification according to raw material origin:
- Bio-packaging from plants: made from materials of plant origin such as starch,
cellulose, chitin, PLA (Polylactic acid), PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates)... Bio-packaging
from plants can Completely decomposable in the natural environment and safe for human
health.
- Biological packaging from microorganisms: produced by microorganisms using
materials such as sugar, starch, grease... Biological packaging from microorganisms is
completely decomposable and has the ability to can be produced on a large scale.
- Biological packaging from minerals: made from natural minerals such as clay,
limestone... Biological packaging from minerals is highly durable and can withstand high
temperatures.
2. Classification according to physical properties:
- Rigid biological packaging: has high hardness, used to package heavy, fragile products.
- Soft biological packaging: flexible, used to package liquid, powdered products or fresh
foods.
- Bio-film packaging: thin and light, used to wrap food or make bags.
3. Classification according to decomposition ability:
- Completely biodegradable packaging: can completely decompose into non-toxic
organic substances in the natural environment.
- Biodegradable biological packaging: can biodegrade under certain conditions, for
example in a composting environment or an environment with appropriate
microorganisms.
- Slowly decomposing biological packaging: has a longer decomposition time than other
types of biological packaging.
The advantages/disadvantages of biodegradable packaging (The
advantages/disadvantages of biodegradable packaging)
Advantages of biodegradable packaging include:
- Decomposition time is short, the average time is from 6 months - 2 years or
longer, depending on environmental conditions.
- Reduce landfill waste.
- Reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.
- Helps reduce overall environmental impact.
- The material decomposes into harmless substances.
- Suitable for eco-conscious operations in diverse industries.
Disadvantages of biodegradable packaging include:
- Some materials degrade faster than desired.
- Production can require significant resources.
- Can compete with agricultural land for production.
- Biodegradable materials can contaminate recycling streams.
- Efficacy may vary depending on environmental conditions.
Future development trend of biological packaging (Packaging trend in
biodegradable packaging)
Every year, around the world, about 175 million tons of plastic waste (RTN) is released
into the environment, accounting for more than 50% of urban waste (1).
It is estimated that there are over 5,109 pieces of RTN somewhere on the ocean floor (2).
RTN never completely decomposes, they just turn into billions of "particles" of matter
that are unobservable to the naked eye. Besides, plastic contains highly toxic compounds,
potentially harmful to animals, plants and humans.
Among plastic products, packaging accounts for a large amount, becoming an
indispensable product for people in daily life. However, the "danger" that plastic
packaging poses to the environment is extremely large, threatening the survival and
development of many marine species. Therefore, the use of biodegradable packaging is
becoming increasingly popular as awareness of the negative impact of traditional plastic
packaging on the environment increases. Biodegradable packaging is an eco-friendly
alternative that offers a sustainable solution to the waste problem, as it reduces the need
for landfill and helps protect the environment.
Research and applications in BBPHSH production are currently aiming at more feasible
requirements for BBPHSH in general packaging trends, including:
- Develop biological packaging that is more durable, can withstand high
temperatures and is more waterproof.
- Research and develop biological packaging that can preserve food better, helping
to extend the shelf life of food.
- Develop biological packaging suitable to the needs of each industry and each
product type.
- Research and develop biological packaging with special features, such as
biological packaging with antibacterial, deodorizing or UV protection capabilities.
For example, there are 2 groups:
- BBPHSH Oxo (Oxo-biodegradable): The nature of the name of this material is
that their decomposition occurs mainly through oxidation. In terms of appearance,
this type of packaging is almost no different from conventional plastic packaging.
To produce this type of packaging material, biodegradable additives are added to
the composition of conventional plastic materials, capable of promoting
biodegradation of the material (in about 2 years of waste). cancel).
-
- BBPHSH Hydrogen (Hydro-biodagradable): The nature of the name of these
materials is that their decomposition occurs mainly through hydrolysis processes.
They are produced from plant materials such as corn, barley, potatoes or sugar
beets. These types of packaging decompose in just about 12 weeks, forming CO2
and H2O.
When the trend of using environmentally friendly packaging gains attention, businesses
often change their strategies to motivate users to take action.
- In the world, there are many suppliers of additives as raw materials for BBPHSH
production such as Symphony Environmental and Wells Plastics Ltd (UK),
Environmental Products Inc (Canada), Willow Ridge Plastics (WRP), Bio-Tec
Environmental (USA). , ECM BioFilms (USA),
- In Vietnam, a number of businesses produce packaging products from
biodegradable plastic such as Vianeco Co., Ltd., Green World Vietnam, An Phat
Holdings