Breaking Down Biodegradable Bioplastics: How Do They Work?

Bioplastics are a type of plastic made from renewable biomass sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, coffee grounds and vegetable fats and oils. Biodegradable bioplastics, in particular, have gained popularity due to their eco-friendly nature and ability to break down into natural components.

In this blog, we will discuss how biodegradable bioplastics work and where to find them!

Brief history and development of biodegradable bioplastics

Biodegradable bioplastics have been in development since the early 20th century. In the 1920s, French chemist Maurice Lemoigne discovered a type of bacteria that could produce a type of bioplastic known as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) as a means of energy storage. However, it was not until the 1970s and 1980s that research into biodegradable bioplastics began to accelerate.

One major breakthrough in the development of biodegradable bioplastics came in the 1990s with the introduction of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. PLA quickly gained popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

Since then, research and development in the field of biodegradable bioplastics have continued to advance, with new materials being developed and existing materials being optimized for various applications. Today, biodegradable bioplastics are being used in a wide range of products, from disposable utensils to packaging materials to medical devices. The development of biodegradable bioplastics is an important step towards reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Definition of biodegradable bioplastic

Biodegradable bioplastics are a type of bioplastic that are designed to break down into natural, non-toxic materials when exposed to certain environmental conditions, such as heat, moisture, or microbial action. Unlike traditional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, biodegradable bioplastics are intended to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment by breaking down quickly and safely.

They are made from renewable sources, such as corn starch, sugarcane, or potato starch and even coffee grounds. They are designed to have a reduced impact on the environment compared to traditional plastics.

Biodegradable bioplastic made from coffee grounds help them have a useful second life. 
 

How do biodegradable bioplastics work?

Biodegradable bioplastics work by breaking down into natural compounds, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, through the action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. The process of biodegradation is facilitated by the presence of enzymes in these microorganisms, which break down the molecular bonds of the bioplastic.

When biodegradable bioplastics are discarded in an appropriate environment, such as in a composting facility or in soil, microorganisms colonize the surface of the material and begin to produce enzymes. These enzymes catalyze the process of hydrolysis, which breaks down the bioplastic into smaller molecules. These smaller molecules can then be used as nutrients by the microorganisms, which continue to break them down until only water, carbon dioxide, and biomass remain.

The rate of biodegradation is influenced by a variety of factors, including the chemical composition of the bioplastic, the environmental conditions in which it is placed, and the presence of other materials that may interfere with the biodegradation process. Biodegradable bioplastics are a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics that do not degrade and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

So, how do biodegradable bioplastics compare to traditional plastics in terms of their impact on the environment? In addition to their eco-friendliness, biodegradable bioplastics have several benefits, including:

• Reduced carbon footprint: Biodegradable bioplastics are made from renewable biomass sources, which significantly reduces their carbon footprint. They also emit fewer greenhouse gases during production than traditional plastics.
• Versatility: Biodegradable bioplastics can be used in a variety of applications, including packaging materials, consumer goods, medical devices, and even 3D printing.
• Biocompatibility: Biodegradable bioplastics are biocompatible and can be used in medical applications such as sutures, drug delivery systems, and implants.
• Recycling: Biodegradable bioplastics can be recycled along with traditional plastics, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills.

While traditional plastics take hundreds of years to break down, biodegradable bioplastics can break down naturally, reducing waste accumulation.  

Biodegradable bioplastics are a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics that have several benefits. As the demand for eco-friendly materials continues to grow, biodegradable bioplastics have the potential to become a significant player in the plastics industry.

>>>> Learn more at: Bioplastic Sheets Leading the Way To A Greener Life  

AirX’s Biodegradable bioplastics: The world’s first bio-composites from coffee grounds

Coffee Bio-composite, plant-based biodegradable & compostable resin, is based on the blend of coffee grounds and recycled plastics.

 
AirX Coffee biocomposites

Because of biobased carbon content, there are three major advantages of Coffee Bio-composite products compared to their conventional versions:

• Save fossil resources by using biomass
• Provide the unique carbon negative solutions
• Mitigate plastic litter

Biodegradability is an add-on property which offers additional means of recovery at the end of a product’s life. Moreover, with the increasing demand for sustainable products, using our bio-composite not only benefits the environment but also positively impacts the brand reputation and meets customer demands for eco-friendly products.

Contacts us

AirX, the world’s first carbon-negative bio-material made from coffee grounds, is a leading company specializing in the production of bio composite from recycled carbohydrates derived waste, including coffee grounds, coconut husk, husk, and bamboo. We are dedicated to promoting sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials in their manufacturing process.

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!