Category: blog

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction to Biodegradable Plastics
   • Understanding the Need for Sustainable Plastics
   • Differentiating Between Traditional Plastics and Biodegradable Plastics
2. Fundamentals of Biodegradability
   • Factors Influencing Biodegradation
   • Types of Biodegradable Plastics
3. Role of Biodegradable Future towards sustainability
   • Organization’s Overview
   • Biodegradable Future’s Impact on Environment
4. Biodegradable Future’s Additives
   • What are Additives – Definition
   • Benefits of Biodegradable Future’s Additives
   • How do Biodegradable Future’s Additives work
   • Manufacturing Process for using Biodegradable Future’s Additives

Introduction to Biodegradable Plastics

The widespread use of plastics in today’s society has resulted in a worrying environmental catastrophe. Conventional plastics, which are made of fossil fuels, have ruined ecosystems for a very long time by filling up landfills and polluting the oceans. Biodegradable plastics reduce their environmental impact by decomposing naturally into harmless substances, offering a viable solution to this dilemma. This manual attempts to delve deeply into the world of biodegradable plastics, examining their varieties, methods of manufacture, uses, advantages, drawbacks, and the way toward a more sustainable future.

1.1 Understanding the Need for Sustainable Plastics

In order to overcome environmental concerns, sustainable plastics are crucial. Traditional plastics contribute to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion because they are made from fossil fuels. Instead of relying on finite resources and increasing carbon emissions, sustainable plastics are produced from recycled or renewable materials. They reduce plastic waste by being easily recyclable or biodegradable. Sustainable alternatives are essential to reduce ecological harm, conserve resources, and fight climate change as our globe struggles with plastic pollution. An important first step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more responsible future for both people and the earth is to embrace sustainable plastics.

1.2 Differentiating Between Traditional Plastics and Biodegradable Plastics

Here’s a table differentiating between traditional plastics and biodegradable plastics:

Aspect	Traditional Plastics	Biodegradable Plastics
Source of Raw Materials	Derived from fossil fuels	Derived from renewable resources or recycled materials
Production Process	Typically energy-intensive and resource-consuming	Generally more energy-efficient and eco-friendly production processes
Decomposition in Nature	Non-biodegradable; can persist for hundreds of years	Biodegradable; break down into natural substances over time
Environmental Impact	Contribute to plastic pollution, harm wildlife, and damage ecosystems	Reduce plastic pollution and mitigate harm to the environment
Biodegradation Time	Do not naturally biodegrade	Biodegrade within a specified timeframe, depending on the type
Recycling	Often challenging due to diverse types and lack of recycling infrastructure	Generally easier to recycle or compost under controlled conditions
Carbon Footprint	High carbon emissions during production and disposal	Lower carbon emissions due to renewable source materials and biodegradation
Applications	Widespread use in various industries	Used in specific applications where biodegradability is a priority
Cost	Often cost-effective due to abundant raw materials	May be more expensive due to specialized production methods
End-of-Life Management Options	Landfill, incineration, or persistent waste	Composting, recycling, or controlled degradation

It’s important to note that the biodegradability of plastics can vary depending on their composition and environmental conditions, so not all biodegradable plastics behave the same way.

2. Fundamentals of Biodegradability

A key idea in sustainability is biodegradability, which describes a material’s capacity to gradually decompose into harmless components through natural processes. The composition of the material, the environment, and the presence of microorganisms are important considerations. Biodegradable polymers, made from renewable resources, present a viable way to fight plastic pollution and lessen its negative effects on the environment. Biodegradability supports our shared goal of a greener and more sustainable future by promoting decomposition and reducing waste. Knowing these fundamentals enables us to make wise decisions, encourage eco-friendly behavior, and usher in a world where innovation and the environment coexist together.

2.1 Factors Influencing Biodegradation

Several important aspects have an impact on biodegradation, which is the natural breakdown of compounds by microbes. The content of the substance is important; synthetic polymers decompose more slowly than organic materials like food waste. Biodegradation rates are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, moisture content, and oxygen concentration. The right microorganisms are essential for decomposition since different materials call for different microbial communities. Chemical additions can either speed up or slow down biodegradation. The process is also impacted by size, pH levels, and duration. Promoting sustainable behaviors, lowering pollution, and utilizing biodegradation’s ability to produce a cleaner, more environmentally friendly world all depend on understanding these aspects.

2.2 Types of Biodegradable Plastics

Under some circumstances, biodegradable polymers are created to naturally degrade into harmless molecules, minimizing their negative effects on the environment. There are various different kinds of biodegradable polymers, each having unique properties and uses:

Polylactic Acid (PLA): PLA is made from sustainable sources like sugarcane or cornstarch. It is frequently utilized in 3D printing, throwaway dinnerware, and food packaging. For efficient decomposition, PLA biodegrades in industrial composting facilities under controlled conditions.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): Produced by microorganisms, PHA is a class of biodegradable polymers. It is adaptable and can be utilized in many different applications, including as medical devices, agricultural films, and packaging materials. PHA degrades in both natural settings and commercial composting systems.

Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT): PBAT is often used in combination with other biodegradable plastics to enhance their properties. It’s commonly found in compostable bags and films and biodegrades in industrial composting environments.

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB): PHB is a type of PHA and is entirely biodegradable. It’s used in applications like disposable cutlery, food packaging, and agricultural films. PHB biodegrades in industrial composting facilities and natural settings.

Starch-Based Plastics: These plastics use starch as a primary ingredient, often blended with other biodegradable polymers. They are used in packaging, disposable items, and agricultural applications. Starch-based plastics typically biodegrade in industrial composting facilities.

Polyester-based Plastics: Certain polyesters, like polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), can be made biodegradable. They are used in textiles, packaging, and bottles. Biodegradable polyester plastics typically require industrial composting conditions for breakdown.

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA): PVA is used in applications like water-soluble packaging and 3D printing materials. It’s water-soluble and can biodegrade in natural environments when exposed to moisture.

Polycaprolactone (PCL): PCL is a biodegradable polyester often used in drug delivery systems, orthopedic implants, and modeling applications. It biodegrades slowly in natural environments and may require industrial composting for faster decomposition.

Oxo-degradable Plastics: These plastics contain additives that promote fragmentation when exposed to oxygen and UV light. While they break down into smaller particles, they may not fully biodegrade and can leave microplastic residues.

It’s essential to note that the biodegradability of these plastics varies depending on factors like composition, environmental conditions, and disposal methods. Proper disposal and management are critical to ensure these materials break down as intended, minimizing their environmental impact. Additionally, certifications like ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 can help consumers identify genuine biodegradable products.

3. Role of Biodegradable Future towards sustainability

Biodegradable Future is a major distributor of organic additives that help plastic products biodegrade. Its additives make sure to enable microbes to consume the plastic in landfills, and oceans without changing the appearance or characteristics of your product.

Thus, Biodegradable Future plays a key role in sustainability, helping our environment to

become cleaner and greener and thus help in decreasing pollution levels, leading towards a sustainable future!

3.1 Organization’s Overview

Biodegradable Future is a global product developer and distributor of innovative & proven biodegradable technologies. Currently, 8 manufacturing plants are strategically placed worldwide.

The company Biodegradable Future specializes in providing clients with cutting-edge biodegradable products and additives that, when used in landfill, marine, or industrial composting environments, accelerate the biodegradation of plastic polymers.

Biodegradable Future’s applications are virtually endless in the petrochemical and natural polymer industries. It uses patented technology with international recognition. Biodegradable Future’s Additive portfolio surpassed others in the market due to its effectiveness and key benefits.

It was started in the year 2019 by Dean & Leviticus after years of researching to make vitamin beverage water bottles, and packaging, environmentally friendly.

3.2 Biodegradable Future’s Impact on Environment

Biodegradable Future has a positive impact on the environment as it helps in producing biodegradable plastics, which have the potential to break down into natural substances, reducing the persistence of plastic waste in the environment. Biodegradable plastics require specific conditions, such as sunlight, oxygen, and microbial activity, to degrade effectively. Their degradation may be slow in environments lacking these factors, like landfills or the ocean, leading to persistent pollution. In agriculture, biodegradable plastics can help reduce plastic pollution when managed correctly.

Nowadays, Companies are under pressure to improve their business practices and thus look for alternatives when it comes to packaging and product design because of the staggering number of plastic products that end up in landfills each year. Biodegradable Future’s additives are a great choice for any business that wants to use plastics in an environmentally responsible way for a number of reasons as those mentioned below –

• Maintain the strength of the plastic
• Are cost-effective and easily implemented
• Are versatile and adaptable to your needs
• Have been tested and proven to work

Over 90% of all plastic ends up in landfills Biodegradable Future’s product is designed to ensure that this stops becoming a problem.

4. Biodegradable Future’s Additives

Biodegradable Future’s Additives improves how microbes interact with plastic, facilitating their consumption of it. Mixing it with a petroleum-based resin helps draw microbes to the plastic product, where they can then move on to colonize the surface. Once fully colonized, the microbes use the plastic as food and continue to degrade the polymer chain.

4.1 What are Additives – Definition

Additives refer to the substances or compounds that are added to products or materials to achieve specific desired effects, properties, or functions. These substances are typically mixed or incorporated into a base material to enhance its performance, appearance, durability, or other characteristics. Additives can be found in various sectors, including food and beverages, plastics, fuels, cosmetics, and more.

4.2 Benefits of Biodegradable Future’s Additives

Biodegradable Future’s Additives naturally make plastic biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable without affecting product shelf life. It works on a variety of different plastic types, including –

• PET
• Polyester
• Nylons
• PP
• EVA
• HDPE
• LDPE
• LLDPE
• Polycarbonate
• PVC..etc.

It utilizes 100% organic technology. It’s Additives maintain the strength of the plastic and do not affect product property characteristics. Treated products can still be recycled in conventional recycling systems and PET can still be reused in r-PET. It does not reduce the shelf life of the product.

The by-product left by this additive is naturally compostable. It is a plug-and-play additive that requires no change to the current machinery setup and is added like a masterbatch. It is a plug-and-play additive that requires no change to the current machinery setup and is added like a masterbatch. It is FDA & EU Food & Drug Compliant.

The BF additive does not produce microplastics or nanoplastics because it is not an OXY/OXO additive.

Oxo-degradable products are known to break down into tiny pieces, but they won’t completely decay until they come into contact with oxygen, moisture, and sunlight.

Oxo-degradable products must be used under very specific circumstances in order to be effective, and even then, they won’t completely decompose, making them dangerous for animals and marine life that might mistake them for food.

4.3 The additive is not a PLA: BF additives degrade polymers

PLA is produced using Genetically Modified Organisms and requires the use of pesticides during the farming phase. The product is said to be compostable but can only be composted in commercial or industrial facilities, which are not readily found, meaning scalability becomes an issue.

PLA production requires components sourced from food crops, which we feel should be eaten rather than used to make plastic

How do Biodegradable Future Additives work

Biodegradable Future Additives is an organic additive used to accelerate the rate at which plastics biodegrade. BFA accelerates the biodegradation of treated plastics in microbe-rich environments. Plastics treated with BF have unlimited shelf life and are completely non-toxic. The organic compound within crude oil that is burned out during the cracking process is synthesized with nutrients and then grafted onto the plastic polymer chain. Adding BFA to petroleum-based or natural polymers such as PLA etc. resin attracts microbes to the product allowing them to control their PH level and become quorum sensing and colonize on the surface of the plastic.

Once the microbes have colonized on the plastic, they, identify with the plastic as a food source, during the feeding/ digestive process of the polymer, the micro-organisms secrete acids that break down the polymer chain during the various processes in both anaerobic (hydrolysis process), aerobic (oxygenizes process).

Microbes utilize the carbon backbone of the polymer chain as an energy source. The difference between BFA-treated plastic and traditional plastic is that BFA creates an opportunity for microbes to utilize plastic as food.

OR

Once exposed to enzymes that act as catalysts found in landfills and other naturally created chemicals, the microorganisms will penetrate the treated plastic while other ingredients expand the molecular structure, making room for the incoming microbes. The microbes attract other microbes by releasing chemicals in a process called quorum sensing. Quorum sensing is a process by which the microbes determine where to nest and grow once they have found a reliable food source. Collectively, they feast on the polymer chains, breaking down the chemical bonds that hold the plastic together.

Biodegradable Future Additives provide a signal compared to regular plastics making it easier for it to react better with microbes, allowing them to consume it, naturally biodegrading into a nutritional soil (humus)

Adding it to a petroleum-based resin assists in attracting microbes to the plastic product so that they can proceed in colonizing the surface of it

When the colonization is complete, the microbes proceed to break down the polymer chain while utilizing the plastic as food.

4.4 Manufacturing Process for Using Biodegradable Future’s Additives

Using the Biodegradable Future’s Additives in the manufacturing process is easy to do and does not require equipment modification. It is added via a standard commercial gravimetric hopper just as anybody would add a colorant into the extruder feed-throat.

Table of contents
• Microplastics: The Tiny Invaders
• Understanding Microplastic Pollution
• The Reality of Plastic Waste Management: Statistics Unveiled
• The Widespread Impact of Microplastics
• Combating Microplastics
• Individual Actions to Reduce Microplastic Pollution
• Conclusion

Microplastics: The Tiny Invaders

In recent years, plastic pollution has become a global environmental crisis, with its devastating impact on marine life and ecosystems being a major concern. Microplastics have distinguished themselves among the numerous types of plastic waste as a sneaky threat to our oceans. From the depths of our oceans to the furthest reaches of our world, it may be found everywhere. Get ready for a thrilling adventure filled with facts and insights. Let’s get going.

Understanding Microplastic Pollution

Oh, microplastic contamination! What a fascinating subject! Let’s break down this microplastic problem in less than 100 words. Microplastic contamination is defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimeters in size. They are found in a range of materials, including plastic packaging, synthetic fabrics, and even personal care items. These tiny troublemakers pose a serious threat to our environment, particularly our oceans and marine life. They are easily eaten by marine organisms due to their size, inflicting internal damage and disturbing ecosystems. Those tiny devils really know how to cause havoc! But don’t worry; in this blog, we’ll look at potential long-term solutions to this threat. Keep an eye out!

The Reality of Plastic Waste Management: Statistics Unveiled

• The world is producing twice as much plastic waste as it did two decades ago.
• In 2019: 353 million tons: 40% packaging, 12% consumer goods, and 11% textile.
• Global plastic waste set to almost triple by 2060
• Almost half of all plastic waste is generated in OECD countries
• Leakage of microplastics is also a serious concern
• Bans and taxes on single-use plastics exist in more than 120 countries but are not enough.
• Roughly 50% of the yearly plastic waste, amounting to 419,980,609,462 pounds, comprises single-use plastic items, exacerbating the issue of disposable plastic.
• Plastic has a frightening persistence, lasting up to 1,000 years to disintegrate and form microplastics. Everyday items like clothing (polyester, nylon, acrylic) increase microplastic predominance, which can be discovered in unexpected places like salt, tap water, and beer. Plastic output increased by 900% between 1980 and 2020, highlighting the deteriorating environmental situation.

The Widespread Impact of Microplastics

You should be aware that the distressing effects of microplastics on marine life are extremely concerning. Approximately 1 million seabirds are tragically lost every year due to plastic pollution, with a significant number of them having plastic in their stomachs. Surprisingly, research indicates that over 60% of seabirds have experienced plastic ingestion at some point, highlighting the widespread nature of this crisis. Even young sea turtles, which are symbolic of vulnerability in the marine environment, are not exempt from this issue. Nearly all of them consume plastic during their lives, and half of all sea turtles suffer the negative outcomes of plastic consumption. Larger marine creatures, like the majestic Blue Whale, are also in a dangerous situation, as 59% of them have been found to carry plastic in their bodies. Meanwhile, microplastics have reached the depths of marine ecosystems, as evidenced by their presence in every single mussel studied. Plastics’ chemical makeup exacerbates the problem by corroding coral health, polluting fish, and casting a pall over human health. With over 700 marine species at risk and ecological balance under threat, solving the problem of microplastic pollution is not only necessary—it is a cry to protect marine life and preserve our planet’s future.

Combatting Microplastics

In the midst of the oncoming microplastics problem, Biodegradable Future emerges as a pathfinder, promising a transformative solution that has the potential to restore balance to our fragile ecosystems. With a consistent dedication to combating this intangible threat, Biodegradable Future proposes a game-changing method that not only mitigates the threat but also accelerates us toward a more sustainable future.

It’s cutting-edge additive technology exemplifies purposeful innovation. It brings in a new era of biodegradability by injecting traditional plastics with it’s additive. This transformational procedure has no negative impact on the product’s integrity or shelf life. The end result? Plastics that degrade spontaneously, leaving no trace of microplastics behind.

However, our quest extends beyond scientific accomplishments. It is a joint effort that involves industries, communities, and individuals championing the cause. We can reduce the amount of microplastic in our oceans by using biodegradable alternatives. The significance of Biodegradable Future’s approach to #EmbraceZeroWaste. As microplastics lose their hold on our oceans and ecosystems, we imagine a world where nature may thrive without interference and where our legacy is one of responsibility rather than regret. The journey to a microplastics-free world starts now, and Biodegradable Future extends an invitation to all to join in this transformative revolution.

Individual Actions to Reduce Microplastic Pollution

Did you know that every time you wash your clothes, you might be contributing to the microplastic pollution crisis? Yes, those tiny little fibers that shed from your clothing during the washing process are wreaking havoc on our environment. But fear not! There are several actions you can take as an individual to reduce microplastic pollution. Firstly, consider investing in a microplastic filter for your washing machine. This nifty little device captures those pesky fibers and prevents them from entering the water system.

Secondly, opt for natural fabrics whenever possible. Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are major culprits when it comes to shedding microplastics.

Another simple yet effective step you can take is to minimize your use of single-use plastics. Remember that every plastic bag, straw, or water bottle you refuse to use is one less item that could potentially end up as microplastic pollution in our oceans and rivers.

Lastly, spread the word! Educate your friends and family about the harmful effects of microplastic pollution and encourage them to take action as well. Together, we can make a significant difference in reducing this widespread problem.

Conclusion

In the midst of our oceans’ silent invasion of microplastics, Biodegradable Future stands as a beacon of hope, armed with ground-breaking technology that converts plastics into biodegradable solutions. However, this is a group effort. Imagine an ocean free of microplastics, with unaffected marine life. The call to #EmbraceZeroWaste from Biodegradable Future is an invitation to companies, communities, and individuals alike.

The path to a cleaner world necessitates concerted effort. Using microplastic filters, choosing natural materials, and reducing single-use plastics are all steps toward a brighter future. By raising awareness, we multiply the influence of our actions, resulting in change that extends beyond ourselves.

Change is gathering pace as we fight microplastics, propelled by innovation, shared resolve, and individual strides. Let us seize this transformative moment and leave a legacy of accountability. The way forward is clear: it’s time to rewrite the story of our planet and protect it for future generations.

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Plastic waste in Europe has been a growing concern in recent years. The region generates a significant amount of plastic waste, and its improper disposal and management have adverse environmental and health impacts.Europe is one of the major contributors to plastic waste globally. The region produces millions of tons of plastic waste each year, primarily from packaging materials, single-use items, and household products.

The packaging sector is a major contributor to plastic waste in Europe. The increasing consumption of packaged goods, both in households and industries, leads to a significant amount of plastic packaging waste.Single- use plastics, including items like plastic bags, disposable cups, and food packaging, also contribute significantly to plastic waste production in Europe. These items are typically used for a short time and then discarded.

In 2020, each person living in the EU generated 34.6 kg of plastic packaging waste on average. Out of these, only 13.0 kg were recycled. Europe has made efforts to increase plastic recycling rates. However, the recycling rates for plastic waste vary across countries. Some European nations have more advanced recycling infrastructure and higher recycling rates compared to others.The availability and effectiveness of waste management infrastructure play a crucial role in managing plastic waste. Countries with well-developed waste management systems, including Kg per capita recycling facilities and waste-to-energy plants, tend to have better control over plastic waste.

According to estimates, the EU recycled 41% of its plastic packaging waste in 2019. More than half of the plastic packaging waste produced was recycled in nine EU Member States: Lithuania (70%), Czechia (61%), Bulgaria (59%, 2018 data), the Netherlands (57%), Sweden and Slovakia (both 53%), Spain (52%), Cyprus (51%) and Slovenia (50%). In contrast, Malta (11%, 2018 data), France (27%, Ireland, Austria, Poland, and Hungary (33%), all recycled less than one-third of their plastic packaging waste.

Problems with plastic recycling

The recycled plastics are more harmful to the environment than the virgin products due to the mixing of additives, colours, stabilizers, halogenated flame retardants, and so on. There is a considerable controversy about the extent to which these additives are released and their adverse effects on the environment. The central issues are the types and quantities of additives present in plastics for the uptake and accumulation in living organisms. Some plastics have fibres which shorten every time it is recycled. Thus, a plastic can be recycled 7–9 times before it is no longer recyclable. A few polymers can only be recycled 1–2 times before they are down cycled into lesser-value products. The items that are downcycled (such as clothing, fleece, or even lumber) usually cannot be recycled and may eventually end up in a landfill.

Plastic waste treatment in Europe

The most common approach for getting rid of plastic waste in Europe is incineration, which is followed by landfilling. 14% of all plastic garbage produced is recycled.

In order to be recycled, half of the plastic waste collected is transported to nations outside the EU for processing. The inability to treat the waste locally due to a lack of capacity, technology, or financial resources. 32.7 million tonnes of trash were exported from the EU to non-EU nations in 2020. The majority of waste, which primarily goes to Turkey, India, and Egypt, is composed of ferrous and nonferrous metal scrap as well as paper, plastic, textile, and glass waste.

Conclusion

Since 90% of the plastic waste end up in the landfill and ocean, Biodegradable Future have developed additives which will boost the biodegradability of any plastic goods without compromising the physical characteristics and will not negatively impact the recycling process if it ends up in a landfill, ocean or soil, it will naturally biodegrade.

Biodegradable Future aids businesses and manufacturers overcome the difficulties they currently face. The additive is made to prevent the plastic from degrading until it comes into touch with bacteria, ensuring that the plastic keeps its strength. Thus, there are no unpleasant shocks when using polymers that have undergone additive treatment; they maintain the same strength as other plastics.

The additives will work on all plastic items, including single-use shopping bags and custom-engineered durable parts. Additionally, Biodegradable Future provides a thorough consultation on the requirements in order to ascertain and validate whether how one can use this product in their enterprise.

The high expense of switching away from plastic in manufacturing and packaging is one of the reasons businesses are hesitant to do so.The affordable additives are more reasonable than the majority of plastic substitutes, keeping the prices down.Biodegradable Future additives have been shown to biodegrade plastic much faster than natural techniques in tests utilising the ASTM D5511 standard.

For more information contact

Dean Lynch 
President 
+1 619 752 3445  
+27 76 982 5253
dean@biodegradablefuture.com

Yves Renon
Global Sales Director
+33 607 496 377
yves@biodegradablefuture.com

The largest issue with plastic trash in India is not the volume of
waste produced, but rather inefficient waste management, such as
poor disposal and recycling.

The collection, management, and correct disposal of plastic trash
are currently the main priorities. We are all aware that over the past
two decades, there has been an increase in the demand for new
goods and technology, which has led to an increase in plastic
usage.

According to the projections, the United States consumes 2.7 times as much plastic yearly as India, according to projections for 2023. The margin is expected to shrink to 1.6 times in 2033 and to be almost equal by 2053, nevertheless. This suggests that between 2023 and 2053, plastic usage in India could climb by a factor of four. The OECD warns that this will also lead to an increase in trash generation of 4.5 times.

India’s plastic consumption is expected to reach 20.89 million tonnes in 2021–22 and 64 million tonnes by 2033, so it is up to the industry to adopt circular economy principles in order to reduce waste and pollution while also creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.According to a CPCB data, 4,953 registered units are working with plastic across 30 Indian states and union territories. The research listed 823 unregistered plastic recycling and manufacturing facilities in nine states and UTs.

With no access to basic disposal methods, the informal sector manages 42–86% of waste. Due to a lack of technology-enabled equipment and knowledge, the informal sector diverts most garbage to landfills, and waste materials gathered by the informal sector are not channelled transparently. Waste that cannot be recycled and must instead be disposed of in landfills is frequently delivered to material recovery plants and recyclers in the waste management sector.

According to the Indian government, 60 percent of the nation’s plastic garbage is recycled. The reality, however, is rather different because, according to CSE statistics based on CPCB data, India could only recycle 12% of its plastic garbage.Additionally, 20% of plastic garbage is diverted to co-incineration, plastic-to-fuel production, and road building, meaning that only 20% of our plastic waste is burned and the remaining 68% is unaccounted for.

Because of the increasing environmental harm caused by overusing plastic and ignoring disposal options for it for a very long period, several other countries, like India, have adopted legislation to restrict the use of plastic.

How much plastic waste is generated in
India annually?

With 25,490 tonnes per capita, India produces 3.5 million tonnes of plastic annually. In India, the production of plastic waste has doubled in the previous five years. The pandemic also led to a rise in plastic production in the FMCG and e-commerce industries as well as in food delivery services, among other industries.

The primary issue is uncollected plastic waste, which makes up 40% of the rubbish thrown in landfills, clogs waterways, and pollutes roadways. Animals can easily consume plastic due to improperly disposed of plastic trash, which also contributes to the plastic catastrophe and overproduction of plastic.

We can infer that just a tiny portion of plastics are recycled and the remainder all ends up in landfills from the fact that 60% of the collected plastic garbage cannot be recycled for a variety of reasons.

Ocean plastic waste is a major issue in India as well; according to a Phew Trusts (2022) study, 11 metric tonnes of plastic garbage enter oceans each year, killing marine life and destroying habitats. If this trend persists, there is a significant risk, particularly in waterways and when wind blows the plastics deeper into the oceans.

Among the most contaminated oceans in the world include those near Mumbai, Kerala, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.Plastic packaging for groceries, food, cosmetics, consumer goods, etc., together with rising urbanisation and the growth of retail chains are to blame for India’s vast buildup of plastic garbage, which is the main cause of harm to the environment and to people.

Plastic waste management in India

A study conducted by the CIPET- CPCB on the ‘Assessment and Characterisation of Plastic Waste in 60 Major Indian cities’ observes a few important findings as has been mentioned below:

• 94% of plastic waste generated is recyclable and belongs to the thermoplastics family, while the rest 6% are non-recyclable thermoset plastics.

• 67% of the plastic waste belonged to the HDPE/ LDPE, 10% to PP, and 8.66% to PET amongst others.

The data indicates that the majority of the plastic waste generated comprised the HDPE/LDPE materials, such as polybags and multilayer pouches used for food packaging, gutkha, and so on. Further, the study also observes that households are the biggest source of this plastic waste.

Recycling and associated problems

The recycled plastics are more harmful to the environment than the virgin products due to the mixing of additives, colours, stabilizers, halogenated flame retardants, and so on. There is a considerable controversy about the extent to which these additives are released and their adverse effects on the environment. The central issues are the types and quantities of additives present in plastics for the uptake and accumulation in living organisms.

Some plastics have fibres which shorten every time it is recycled. Thus, a plastic can be recycled 7–9 times before it is no longer recyclable. A few polymers can only be recycled 1–2 times before they are down cycled into lesser-value products. The items that are downcycled (such as clothing, fleece, or even lumber) usually cannot be recycled and may eventually end up in a landfill.

What is the solution to the existing
problem?

Since 90% of the plastic waste end up in the landfill and ocean, Biodegradable Future have developed additives which will boost the biodegradability of any plastic goods without compromising the physical characteristics and will not negatively impact the recycling process if it ends up in a landfill, ocean or soil, it will naturally biodegrade.

Biodegradable Future aids businesses and manufacturers overcome the difficulties they currently face. The additive is made to prevent the plastic from degrading until it comes into touch with bacteria, ensuring that the plastic keeps its strength. Thus, there are no unpleasant shocks when using polymers that have undergone additive treatment; they maintain the same strength as other plastics.

The additives will work on all plastic items, including single-use shopping bags and custom-engineered durable parts. Additionally, Biodegradable Future provides a thorough consultation on the requirements in order to ascertain and validate whether how one can use this product in their enterprise.

The high expense of switching away from plastic in manufacturing and packaging is one of the reasons businesses are hesitant to do so.The affordable additives are more reasonable than the majority of plastic substitutes, keeping the prices down. Biodegradable Future additives have been shown to biodegrade plastic much faster than natural techniques in tests utilising the ASTM D5511 standard.

Conclusion

Plastic consumption is continuously increasing owing to urbanisation and the growing global demand. Although the rising rates of plastic production project positively for Indian businesses and the economy, unscientific waste management practices are leading adverse environment effects.

Bio-based and biodegradable plastics offer sustainable alternatives to curb plastic use and waste minimisation. The use of biodegradable plastic must be promoted, especially in large-scale applications, such as manufacturing of agricultural mulch films, superabsorbent composites used for waste water treatment, and sustained release of pesticides. There is a further need for the upscaling and commercialisation of these products through a facilitation of research and industry tie-ups.

This is where Biodegradable Future additives play a major role in replacing the traditional plastics that persist in landfills and ocean and harm the environment.Biodegradable Future is committed to improving our environment through material advances. They believe that through the research, invention and creation of biodegradable plastic, they can make actual improvements in peoples’ lives by putting less stress on the planet. Through a variety of properties— recyclability, compostability, sustainability- they make us believe that plastics are part of the solution, not the problem.

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For more information contact

Dean Lynch 
President 
+1 619 752 3445  
+27 76 982 5253
dean@biodegradablefuture.com

Yves Renon
Global Sales Director
+33 607 496 377
yves@biodegradablefuture.com

Disposable diapers are one of the biggest factors in plastic waste. Efforts to address the problem are popping up all over the world

In July 2017, Prigi Arisandi stood in the Surabaya River in East Java, Indonesia, and counted nappies. In one hour, “176 diapers floated in front of my face,” he said.

The Indonesian biologist, who won the Goldman environmental prize in 2011 for his efforts to stem pollution flowing into the Surabaya, decided to make nappy waste his focus. He launched the Diaper Evacuation Brigade, a movement of volunteers who travel across Indonesia, wearing hazmat suits to fish used nappies out of the country’s rivers.

Indonesia produces an estimated 6bn disposable nappies a year. Many end up thrown into rivers and the sea, in part because the country lacks waste infrastructure but also because of a belief among some that burning babies’ nappies could cause them pain. Disposable nappies made up 21% of the waste found in the waterways of 15 Indonesian cities, according to a 2018 World Bank study. In the water, nappies break down into microplastics, leach chemicals, damage marine life and potentially contaminate drinking water, most of which comes from the rivers.

Prigi Arisandi examines polluted river water
Indonesian biologist Prigi Arisandi examines polluted river water in Surabaya, in the East Java province. Photograph: Sigit Pamungkas/Reuters
The problem of disposable diaper waste is not confined to Indonesia. While discussions of single-use plastics tend to be dominated by plastic straws and bags, disposable nappies are one of the biggest contributors to plastic waste globally. They are typically made from several types of plastic, including a polyethylene waterproof back layer and a polypropylene inner layer.

A baby may get through 4,000-6,000 nappies by the time they are potty trained. Every year, an estimated 167bn disposable nappies are produced, requiring 248.5m barrels of crude oil. Because of the mix of materials, and the addition of human waste, they are very hard to recycle. The vast majority end up in landfill, where they take hundreds of years to break down. Globally, more than 300,000 disposable nappies a minute are sent to landfill, incinerated or end up in the environment, including the ocean.

The problem is disposable nappies are easy and convenient. Parents may be too overwhelmed to cope with the extra work of reusable nappies, they may lack adequate washing and drying facilities or be put off by upfront costs. As a result, disposable nappy companies’ sales are booming in some regions, particularly south-east Asian countries such as Indonesia, with its rising population and growing middle class.

One alternative is “biodegradable” or “compostable” nappies, which seem to promise a solution to this complex problem: the convenience of a single-use product with less guilt about what happens to it after use.

However, the vast majority of biodegradable or compostable nappies still contain plastic elements, often the sticky tabs or the outer film. “The best example that I could find was made out of around 80% of biodegradable materials,” said Dr Charlotte Lloyd, an environmental biogeochemist at the University of Bristol, who is researching nappies available in the UK.

After using a nappy, Lloyd said, “you tend to roll it up, stick it down, and then actually all of your biodegradable materials will be protected within that outer shell”. When the nappies end up in landfill – which almost all will – the biodegradable materials will have little contact with the oxygen they need to biodegrade. “So you spend more money on a biodegradable nappy, thinking that you’re doing the right thing. But actually, it’s just still sitting in landfill,” she said.

It’s a situation that Laura Crawford, also based in the UK, finds incredibly frustrating. After a thwarted attempt to use reusable nappies with her baby – struggling with a toddler and colicky newborn “[they] were just the last thing I could cope with” – she decided to create an eco range. In 2018, she launched Mama Bamboo, producing nappies from sustainably sourced, FSC-certified bamboo with compostable bioplastic liners.

We have a system where people are prepared to pay upfront for expensive nappies and then get their government to put them into landfill
Dr Mark Miodownik
However, eliminating fossil-fuel plastic is still “only half the answer”, she said. Her nappies break down in hot composters, which few people have, or industrial composters, which are not nationally available in the UK.

“At the moment, we have a system where people are prepared to pay upfront for expensive nappies and then get their government to pay – and the environment to pay – to put them into landfill,” said Dr Mark Miodownik, a materials scientist at University College London. He has been working with Mama Bamboo and other biodegradable nappy companies as part of a research project on establishing a comprehensive industrial composting system for plastics.

Small-scale efforts to create better systems for compostable nappies are popping up across the world. Paris-based social enterprise Les Alchimistes collects compostable nappies from childcare centres and takes them to a composting site on the outskirts of the city. It tests the compost, said Maïwenn Mollet, director of the nappies project, “to check there is no ecotoxicity and also to study microplastics”. Once they have proven the compost’s quality, they plan to sell it to farms. Kim and Jason Graham-Nye, founders of gDiapers, are trialling their 100% compostable nappy in West Papua, Indonesia. They work with an Indonesian company to do daily nappy drop-offs and collections, and to compost the used diapers locally.

Other efforts focus on increasing uptake of reusable nappies. These create less landfill waste but their environmental credentials are not always clear cut. Many are made out of cotton, a thirsty crop often grown with a lot of pesticides. They also require laundering, which can be water- and energy-intensive. Reusables’ footprint depends on how they are used, according to 2008 UK government analysis, which found that line-drying, washing in full loads and using them for subsequent children would make reusables a better environmental choice than disposables.

In the south Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu – where disposable nappies make up 27% of the nation’s rubbish – local social enterprise Mamma’s Laef and UK-based Bambino Mio have been providing modern reusable nappies to 150 mothers. Here, nappies tend to be hand washed and line dried. The pilot has been very popular, said Jack Kalsrap, who runs Mamma’s Laef with his wife, Mary, because “it can be expensive for families to set up buying a pack of reusable baby nappies”.

Arisandi wants to make reusable nappies more accessible in Indonesia, too. He’s calling on the government to crack down on single-use nappies and to subsidise reusable cloth nappies to make the initial costs more affordable. He also wants nappy companies to be forced to take responsibility for the waste their products produce.

Experts globally speak of a lack of policies around disposable nappies. “To date there’s no legislation [in the EU] regulating nappies,” said Larissa Copello, consumption and production campaigner at Zero Waste Europe. The organisation wants incentives for reusable nappies as well as pressure on big nappy companies to make their products more sustainable.

“There definitely is a better route than plastic disposables but, at the moment, the system is just very broken,” said Lloyd, adding, “we’re morally obliged to do something better than we’re currently doing.”

The year 1907 was a time for celebration. Clever humans had invented a material that was more malleable than metal, more durable than wood and more cost-effective than glass. It was magic, and they called it… plastic. 

Soon, plastic could be found at Tupperware parties, bottling factories and in just about every household in the world. Moms were sending their kids to school with plastic lunch boxes, wives were taking groceries home in plastic shopping bags, and stores were ordering trolleys made of, you guessed it, plastic!

Since then, we’ve managed to produce a whopping 6.3 billion tons of plastic, and we’ve only recently stopped to realise the problem. We’ve filled our planet with one of the least biodegradable materials that has ever existed, and forgot to devise a plan for getting rid of it! Perhaps we’re not as smart as we thought back in 1907, huh?

Fast forward to 2020. Plastic waste has left us with rapidly rising landfills, polluted rivers and oceans, dying wildlife, and struggling tourism industries. In fact, it’s estimated that 8 million tons of plastic leak into the ocean every year. 

If we didn’t have a plan before, we need one now. As in right now! This plan needs to go where other waste disposal solutions have never gone before. It needs to be innovative, pioneering, down right GENIUS! 

You see, plastic is extremely tricky to destroy. We tried burning it, but that just gave off toxic chemicals like dioxins. We tried recycling it, but that’s just a way of delaying its eventual trip to the landfills, which means passing the problem on to our youth. 

People like Greta Thunberg will tell us to stop producing plastic altogether. She’s not wrong, but it’s more complicated than that. What do we do with the 6.3 billion tons that we’ve already created? What about the alternatives, which can actually be more environmentally damaging? 

For example, without plastic containers, the amount of food waste globally could have devastating effects on our planet. Nearly a quarter of our water supply is wasted in the form of uneaten food, and rotting food is a serious source of methane gas. If you don’t already know, this is a greenhouse gas with 21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. You see the problem, don’t you?

Then there are products that still need plastic, because we haven’t found a more organic solution yet. Take feminine hygiene products, for example. The vast majority of pads and tampons are made, at least in part, of plastic. They can’t be recycled for sanitary reasons, and we haven’t yet found an alternative that aligns with cultural norms for female hygiene. 

What we’re trying to say is this. No matter how many magic lamps we rub, plastic production isn’t going to come to a standstill overnight. The phasing out of this troublesome material is going to be slow and complicated, and we need to do something while we wait. That ‘something’ is biodegradable plastic.

These are plastics that biodegrade through a series of biological processes in a landfill disposal environment. While regular plastics can take up to 1000 years to break down, biodegradable plastics are broken down at a comparatively rapid rate. Here’s how it works. 

The microorganisms that live in landfills feed off carbon and break it down into tiny bits. The problem is that the carbon in plastic exists in chains called polymers, and these are too long and hard for microorganisms to break down. Biodegradable Future’s organic additive changes the DNA of regular plastic so that microbes in landfills, oceans and soil can consume it more easily.

Biodegradable plastics can be just useful as regular plastics, too. They maintain their strength, they’re affordable, and the additive can be applied to the vast majority of plastic products. They can be foamed into packing materials, injection-moulded in modified conventional machines, and co-injected with other plastic materials like LDPE, PP, and HDPE.

Obviously, biodegradable plastics are just one piece of the ‘Save Our Planet’ puzzle. We still need to recycle, we still need to look for plastic alternatives that can be manufactured with minimal environmental impact, and we definitely still need to make an effort to safeguard our oceans from pollution. 

Still, Biodegradable Future’s organic additives are an attractive solution to a problem that is now a matter of urgency. If you’re interested in learning more about our additives, and how they could lower your company’s global footprint, get in touch with Dean Lynch at dean@biodegradablefuture.com

The Earth is 71% water, you’ve probably heard that before. What you might not know is that, today, 6.9 km3 of our planet is plastic. That’s a scary-as-hell statistic, and it’s also sure-as-hell not what Mother Nature intended. 

It’s the reason over 100 million marine animals die every year from swallowing chip packets and sticking their cute little heads into empty bottles. It’s also why 8 out of 10 human babies, and almost all adults, have traces of plastic additives in their bodies. Yikes!

So, what to do, what to do? There’s an answer, but it’s not simple. It’s multifaceted, and requires the forward-thinking, conscious behaviour of a united human race (companies included!). Let’s break it down (pun intended). 

1. Stop using plastic for the things we can

If you ask most people, “stop using plastic” is the obvious solution. Get rid of the demand for plastic, and there won’t be any reason to make plastic, so the world is saved. Right? Well… not exactly. 

You see, plastic will probably always be a necessary material for certain products. Truthfully, plastic is sometimes the more eco-friendly solution! Take plastic shopper bags, for example. A reusable cotton bag requires so much more energy and carbon dioxide emissions to produce, that it has to be used 7100 times before it would have a lower impact on the environment than a plastic bag. 

Then, of course, there’s the plastic that already exists. There’s a lot of it, 335 million tons to be precise, and it needs to go somewhere. One option is to recycle and upcycle, but that’s really just delaying the process. After all, every plastic eventually ends up in the same smelly place – the landfill. 

Now, don’t get me wrong. We should try to stop plastic production with vehement determination. Slowing down the increase of plastics on Earth will have long term benefits for the planet. Still, we need to do MORE. Enter, biodegradable plastics!

2. Start using biodegradable plastic for the rest

The Industrial Revolution might have created a serious plastic problem, but we’ve also been getting smarter and more innovative as a human race. The proof? A ground-breaking plastic additive that causes plastics to biodegrade more quickly in a landfill disposal environment.

The science is actually quite simple. 

Microorganisms that live in landfills feed off carbon and break it down into tiny bits, but the carbon in plastic exists in chains called polymers. These are too long and hard for microorganisms to break down. So, Biodegradable Future’s organic additives change the DNA of regular plastic to make it more easily broken down when it comes into contact with microbes. 

This means that plastic in landfills is broken down at an accelerated rate. The bonus is that this additive doesn’t weaken the strength of the plastic, it’s cost-effective and easy to implement, and it’s EU and FDA compliant. 

3. Recycle and upcycle like your life depends on it (spoiler alert: it does!)

The importance of recycling has been understood and embraced by people for years. It’s the process of converting waste into materials that can be reused to make a new product. More recent, though, is the popular practice of upcycling. This is when discarded products (like fabric samples) are used to create products of higher value (like slippers). 

Sadly, only 10% of all plastic produced has actually been recycled. Still, even if this was 100%, recycling and upcycling are not a complete solution to plastic waste. They keep plastics out of the landfills for a while, but only for a while. Eventually, the final product ends up in a bin, and that bin is dumped in a landfill, and then what? 

Well, the pile grows bigger, smellier and more toxic, because plastics take up to 1000 years to decompose! Unless, of course, they’re made with Biodegradable Future’s organic additives!

If you’re interested in learning more about our additives, and how they could lower your company’s global footprint, get in touch with Dean Lynch at dean@biodegradablefuture.com

In 2019, Greta Thunberg became the youngest person to ever be named Time Magazine’s person of the year. An announcement that shook the world. 

As a plastic producing, purchasing or retailing company, this probably shook you more than the rest. Maybe it even inspired you. Either way, it was less about Greta, and more about the fact that caring for the environment is making headlines. It’s become popular! 

This means that ordinary people, just like your customers, choose to support companies with a smaller carbon footprint. As for everyone else, well, they fall victim to negative publicity – something easily achieved through today’s social media frenzy. This is a risk you can’t afford to take. 

So, what should you do? Make your ‘foot’ smaller by discontinuing plastic-related product lines? Sure, your footprint will be reduced, but so will your revenue. Little help that is if it puts you out of business. 

Maybe you should swap plastic for alternatives, like cotton? Wait, didn’t you recently read that cotton production uses far more energy, and releases far more carbon dioxide emissions, than plastic? There goes that idea. 

There is something you can do, though. A pioneering solution that many of the biggest companies around the world are embracing with wide-open arms. It’s called biodegradable plastic. 

What is biodegradable plastic, anyway?

Let’s start at the beginning, with regular plastics. Plastic is made up of carbon chains called polymers. The microorganisms that live in landfills feed off carbon and break it down into tiny bits. The problem with regular plastic is that the polymers are too long and hard for microorganisms to break down. So, our landfills pile up, and up, and up!

This is where Biodegradable Future’s organic additives come in. Our additives cause plastics to biodegrade through a series of biological processes in a landfill disposal environment. Whereas regular plastics can take up to 1000 years to break down, biodegradable plastics are broken down at a comparatively rapid rate. 

Why your brand depends on it

Ask me how biodegradable plastics will benefit your business, and I’ll ask you how much time you have. I could talk for hours about the positive impact on your brand appeal alone. 

You see, 70% of consumers between the ages of 15 and 20 want to buy goods from companies committed to sustainability. These consumers are your future, and you need to get their attention early on. 

This is probably why Nestlé launched their very own Institute of Packaging Sciences to explore the potential of biodegradable materials and systems. It’s also why Unilever announced its commitment to ensuring all of its plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. 

This is a bandwagon you need to jump on. 

By leveraging biodegradable plastics, you’re making a statement that your company cares for the environment. More than that, you’re giving your customers a product they don’t need to feel guilty about. Every time they chuck it in the bin, they can rest assured that it’s going to break down into a natural humus that takes little to no space in a landfill. 

If you’re interested in learning more about our additives, and how they could lower your company’s global footprint, get in touch with Dean Lynch at dean@biodegradablefuture.com