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Global plastic production is a problem that experts say is on the verge of becoming unmanageable.
Professor Geoffrey Spinks of the University of Wollongong is among them.
“We are all obviously familiar with plastics ending up in water and soil, causing waste and even degrading into things like microplastics.”
460 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide.
It is estimated that it will double by 2040.
Plastic produced from fossil fuels causes 3% of greenhouse gases.
These numbers are driving greater demand for sustainable alternatives – such as bioplastic – made from plant-based sources.
Dr Deborah Lau from the CSIRO says bioplastics have many benefits.
“It fills this gap as we move away from our dependence on fossil fuels. They actually have a lower carbon footprint than traditional plastics made from fossil fuels.”
But disposing of bioplastics can be confusing, and Geoffrey Spinks says unclear labeling could be to blame.
“Some bioplastics are biodegradable or even compostable, some are not. So if you have a label that says it’s a bioplastic, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s suitable to go into a composting system or a biodegradable facility.”
The CSIRO’s Dr Lau says confusion over bioplastics can lead to them ending up in landfill or contaminating other recycling materials, prompting calls for clearer language.
“…which can be about raising awareness and understanding the different symbols for certified compostable materials or biodegradable materials, so that people can actually understand what that means and where those materials can go.”
Bioplastics currently account for just 1% of plastic in Australia.
Professor Spinks says cost is a huge factor.
“So I think we need to see more research to reduce costs, certainly increased production to reduce costs, but probably also some regulation to encourage these practices and make them more economically sustainable.”
If these challenges are addressed, experts say bioplastics offer a promising solution to reducing humanity’s reliance on fossil fuels and pollution caused by plastic.