Bioplastics
are biodegradable materials. They are developed from renewable resources like
biomass. They used to reduce the problem of plastic waste.
Types
of bioplastics:
- Cellulosed based plastics are made from wood pulp and they are used for making film materials such as wrappers.
- Thermo plastics are starch based plastics. They are used for production of drug capsules.
- Poly hydroxy butrate (PHB) is used for making
bank notes and carpets etc., - Polymide II : It is prepared from vegetable oils and used for making oil and flexible pipes etc.,
Impact
of Bioplastics on environment.
Positives
:
- Bioplastics are better than petro plastics interms of fossil fuel consumption, energy, efficiency etc.,
- They are easy to recycle . They don't contain additives
which are harmful to health.
They donot change the flavour of the food contained. - They reduce the carbon footprint because they do not consume the non renewable resources.
- They all ready used in Agriculture, textile, industry, medicine etc in Europe and USA for their ecological reason.
Negatives:
- All bioplastics are not biodegradable.
- In 2009, Central pollution control board tested the samples and found that only 40% of them are biodegradable.
- People cannot differentiate bioplastics from regular plastics in the trash.
- Bioplastics are inferior to petroplastcs in terms of cost and applicability.
It
is better for Alternative techniques which are more environmental friendly. Ex:
Composting and making people aware about the importance of waste management and
protecting environment.