Advantages and Disadvantages of Biodegradable Plastics

Looking for advantages and disadvantages of Biodegradable Plastics?

We have collected some solid points that will help you understand the pros and cons of Biodegradable Plastics in detail.

But first, let’s understand the topic:

What is Biodegradable Plastics?

Biodegradable plastics are special types of plastics that can be broken down naturally by living things like bacteria and fungi. This process turns them into water, carbon dioxide, and compost, making them less harmful to the environment compared to regular plastics.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Biodegradable Plastics

The followings are the advantages and disadvantages of Biodegradable Plastics:

Advantages Disadvantages
Reduces landfill waste Higher production costs
Less harmful to wildlife Slower decomposition rate
Breaks down naturally Requires specific conditions to decompose
Lowers carbon emissions Potential for greenhouse gas emissions
Saves non-renewable resources Limited reuse potential

Advantages and disadvantages of Biodegradable Plastics

Advantages of Biodegradable Plastics

  1. Reduces landfill waste – Biodegradable plastics help to decrease the amount of waste in landfills. They decompose over time, unlike regular plastics which can take hundreds of years to break down.
  2. Less harmful to wildlife – These plastics are safer for wildlife. If accidentally ingested, they are less likely to cause harm as they can break down in the animal’s digestive system.
  3. Breaks down naturally – Unlike traditional plastics, biodegradable plastics decompose naturally. They return to the environment in a harmless form, reducing pollution.
  4. Lowers carbon emissions – The production of biodegradable plastics results in lower carbon emissions. This helps in reducing the impact on global warming.
  5. Saves non-renewable resources – By using biodegradable plastics, we save non-renewable resources like petroleum. They are typically made from renewable plant materials, reducing the dependency on fossil fuels.
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09/25/2023 06:13 pm GMT

Disadvantages of Biodegradable Plastics

  1. Higher production costs – Biodegradable plastics are more expensive to produce compared to regular plastics, making them less cost-effective.
  2. Slower decomposition rate – Even though they’re designed to break down, biodegradable plastics often take a long time to decompose fully.
  3. Requires specific conditions to decompose – These plastics need certain conditions like specific temperatures and humidity levels to decompose, which can be hard to achieve.
  4. Potential for greenhouse gas emissions – When breaking down, biodegradable plastics can release greenhouse gases like methane, contributing to climate change.
  5. Limited reuse potential – Unlike regular plastics, biodegradable plastics have a limited ability to be reused, reducing their overall sustainability.

That’s it.

09/25/2023 07:13 pm GMT

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