Biodegradable plastic is plastic that decomposes naturally in the environment. This is achieved when microorganisms in the environment metabolize and break down the structure of biodegradable plastic. The end result is one which is less harmful to the environment than traditional plastics.
Plastic bags, if not reused or recycled, take approximately 100 years to degrade in nature. There are multiple advantages to using Biodegradable Plastic Bags instead of normal plastic bags. Biodegradable plastic bags make it easier to keep our environment safe and clean, as they break down easily once they are discarded in our garbage bins or landfills.
Plastic degrades slowly, releasing toxic chemicals into the soil and water sources, making these plastics practically useless after disposal. Bags made from biodegradable materials contain an additive that helps them decompose faster, thus reducing their negative impact on the environment.
Biodegradable plastic bags can be an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic bags, if they are produced responsibly and recycled by consumers. Plastic that does not get recycled into new products ends up in landfills or in the oceans, harming our environment and potentially causing health problems for fish and other marine animals that ingest it. Biodegradable plastic bags can make this problem worse, because they require months to biodegrade, and until they do, the bags have the same environmental impact as regular plastic bags.
Uses and Application
Biodegradable plastic bags have a wide range of uses and applications. They can be used for shopping, storing food, and even as garbage bags. These bags are made from materials that will decompose naturally, so they're much better for the environment than traditional plastic bags. Plus, they're often cheaper to produce, so they can save you money in the long run.
These plastics are also used in non-disposable applications including mobile phone casings, carpet fibers, insulation car interiors, fuel lines, and plastic piping. New electro-active bio-plastics are being developed that can be used to carry electric current. In these areas, the goal is not biodegradability, but to create items from sustainable resources. They are also often used to make disposable diapers, sanitary pads, and tampons.
Common Applications of Bio-plastics Bags
1. Bio-plastic Packaging
2. Bio-plastics for Consumer Electronics
3. Food Service
4. Medical
5. Aerospace and Automotive
6. Cosmetics
Indian Market
Major challenges to the growth of this market include higher input costs and, hence, prices, as well as the presence of impurities in finished corn starch bags such as plastic and metal. These challenges can be overcome by increasing the raw material (corn) supply, which can reduce costs and enhance manufacturing per EN, ASTM, and IS/ISO norms to decrease contamination.
With increasing concerns over the use of plastics, sustainable alternatives to plastics are increasingly in demand. Biopolymers in general and bioplastics in particular, present one such sustainable alternative. Products and solutions based on bioplastics/biopolymers present exciting opportunities globally. Opportunities are present across a variety of industrial sectors that include packaging, water, beverages, insulation materials, specialty materials and more.
The global biodegradable plastic market size was estimated at USD 4.1 billion in 2021. It is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% during the upcoming period. Governments prohibiting the use of single-use plastic coupled with rising awareness among the public regarding the ill effects of plastic waste are among the key trends stimulating market growth. Additionally, the increasing use of biodegradable plastics in packaging and agriculture is anticipated to supplement the growth of the segment. Non-decomposable plastics are a global issue. Governments around the world are tackling this problem by banning single-use plastics and promoting the use of biodegradable plastics. Moreover, consumers are willing to pay more for biodegradable plastics owing to their eco-friendly nature. The aforementioned factors, cumulatively, are providing a fillip to the market.
Industry Major Market Players:
Key market players are pouring hefty funds into research & development to introduce novel biodegradable plastic products, which are strong and readily degradable in the natural environment.
1. Cargill Incorporated
2. PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd.
3. Biome Technologies plc.
4. Plan tic Technologies Limited
5. BASF SE
6. Total Corbion PLA
7. Synbra Technology BV
8. Futerro
9. Novamont SpA
10. Nature Works LLC
11. Eastman Chemical Company
12. Trineso
13. Danimer Scientific
14. FKuR Kunststoff GmbH
Cost Estimation
Capacity:
Biodegradable Plastic Bags
From Corn Starch Granules 6 MT Per Day
Biodegradable Plastic Bags
From Cassava Starch Granules 6 MT Per Day
