Bioplastics
Bioplastics
Bioplastics (/baɪoʊˈplæstɪks/) are a type of plastic derived from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, food waste, etc., rather than fossil-fuel plastics which are derived from petroleum.
Etymology
The term "bioplastics" is derived from the Greek word "bios" meaning "life" and the English word "plastic" which is derived from the Greek word "plastikos" meaning "capable of being shaped or molded".
History
The concept of bioplastics is not a new one. In fact, before the development of petroleum-based plastics in the 20th century, most plastics were made from plant or animal sources.
Types of Bioplastics
There are several different types of bioplastics, including but not limited to:
- Polylactic acid (PLA)
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
- Starch-based plastics
- Cellulose-based plastics
- Protein-based plastics
Production
Bioplastics are produced by converting the sugars present in biomass into plastic using microorganisms and fermentation processes.
Environmental Impact
Bioplastics are often touted as being eco-friendly, but their environmental impact is subject to debate. While they do reduce reliance on fossil fuels and can be biodegradable, the process of growing the biomass can involve harmful pesticides and fertilizers.
Related Terms
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