An Overview of Bio plastic - Things you may never known

 
In order to maximize the benefits of bioplastic, it is crucial to ensure that its production, processing, and disposal occur in a controlled and regulated manner.

The alarming condition of our planet: Plastic waste.

According to the UN, one minute has one garbage truck of plastic wasted in the ocean.

From 1950-2017, approximately 7 billion of 9.2 billion tons of plastics became plastic waste, ending up in landfills or dumped.

Conventional plastics - used fossil fuel which is non renewable resources. Additionally, the persistence of plastic in the environment, which takes hundreds of years to decompose, further intensifies the gravity of the situation. 

Countries across the global fight Plastic waste  

In 2019, The US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has published a National Recycling Strategy, with the aim to enhance and advancing the national municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling system and identify strategic objectives. According to the EPA, this is one of the main ways to achieve a circular economy across the country. 

In 2021, Canadian government intended to prohibit the manufacturing, importing, and sapling of six categories of single-use plastics through  Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations. 

At the same time, China also forbade single-use plastic bags and utensils from big cities. 

By 2024, The country Russia bans the use of disposable plastic, and the manufacturers have to pay 10% for the environmental costs relevant with utilizing plastics.

Does bio plastic present a viable solution?

There is a common misunderstanding that bioplastics can fully decompose in the environment, leading to them being thrown away on the ground. However, it is crucial to understand that bioplastics encompass diverse variations, each manufactured and designed for specific decomposition processes to optimize their effectiveness.

The aim of bio plastic is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment. Bio plastic can be either biobased, biodegradable or both.

• “Biobased” refers to the materials or feedstocks used in production, which is (fully or partly)  derived from biomass. This biomass originates from plants grown like: sugar cane, cereal crops, oil crops or non-food sources like wood; or by-products such as used cooking oil, bagasse, rice-husk,...
• "Biodegradable" refers to the fact that plastics can be decomposed at the end of their life (in the suitable conditions in the receiving environment and sufficient time is necessary).

Two facts that users should know (a ccording to EU policy framework on biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics)

• Plastics designed to be biodegradable can be bio-based or fossil-based 
• Biobased plastics does note mean they are biodegradable

2 types of common bio plastics can biodegradable are:

PLA (Polylactic acid): is produced from the fermentation of corn starch by bacteria. PLA is often used in packaging materials, disposable cutlery, food containers, 3D printing filaments, and even in biomedical applications such as sutures and implants.

PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate): is also produced by microorganisms through the fermentation of various carbon sources, including plant sugars, vegetable oils, and even waste materials. They can be used in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and drug delivery systems.

Facts of bio plastic you may have never known:

Above information mentions the basic understanding of bio plastic, but there is more to consider. To use bio plastic widely and effectively, it is important for governments to create and enforce strict rules that regulate how bio plastic are made and used. 

Here are the reasons why:

Misunderstanding among consumers

According to Proposal for a Directive on Empowering Consumers for the green transition, It is advisable to avoid making generic claims on plastic products, such as labeling them as "bioplastics" or "biobased."

The claim should focus on the exact and measurable share of the biobased plastic content on the product such as “products contain 50% bio plastic content”

Biomass production may cause loss of biodiversity

The production of biomass requires various natural resources such as land, water, fertilizers and pesticides,.. which leads to deforestation, biodiversity loss  if they are overused. So, Biomass used to produce biobased plastics must meet the sustainability criteria.

Therefore, according to the circular economy principles, producers should give priority to utilizing organic waste and by-products as feedstock, thereby reducing reliance on primary biomass and minimizing potential environmental consequences.  

>>>Learn more: The Power of Circular Economy System: How does it work?

“Biodegradability” requires a lot of efforts

When something is labeled as biodegradable or compostable, it doesn't mean that you can just dispose of it anywhere without worrying about plastic litter or pollution. It still depends on the right environmental conditions and sufficient time for it to break down properly.

Additionally, industrial biodegradable plastics should be manufactured, collected and recycled at the right conditions to promote their effectiveness. And this system requires a strict and reasonable treatment process to avoid causing other harm to the environment. 

AirX Biobased Plastics Made From Coffee Grounds   

AirX, purchasing the purpose of providing high-quality plant-based carbon negative products, always searching and innovating the technique of bio-based products manufacturing. Our process and materials are ensured to be closely monitored, which adapt the needs of qualified finished products of our customers. 

Our bio-based materials, especially Biobased plastics made from coffee grounds offer the same functions of conventional plastics, but it's environmentally friendly characteristics make them an ideal choice for partners, businesses looking for sustainable development.   

Our biobased plastics made from coffee grounds have abilities to:

• Reduce carbon footprint by using carbon negative materials
• Reduce reliance on non-renewable resources by using by-products coffee grounds
• Do not contain harmful additives 
• Do not change the food or drink flavor contained
• Apply in various industries
• Certified 20%-80% Bio propylene by USDA certified Biobased preferred

Additionally, AirX Coffee-based polypropylene possesses a remarkable advantage as they undergo decomposition within 12 months of use. Subsequently, they are collected and brought back to the factory for mechanical recycling, where they are shredded and recycled into a completely new product. This approach contributes to promoting the product's life cycle and establishes a closed-loop system for its utilization.

Contact us

AirX is the world’s first carbon-negative bio-material made from coffee grounds manufacturer.   
 
We specialize in producing bio-based composites using recycled carbohydrates derived from by-products such as coffee grounds, coconut husk, husk, and bamboo. Our goal is to promote sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials.

We are always here to help and provide the best service possible. If you have any questions or would like to receive advice and feedback directly from our sales staff, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us through:

• Whatsapp: +84 969 742 950
• Email: [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you!