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Global plastic production is a problem that experts say is on the verge of becoming unmanageable.
Professor Geoffrey Spinks from the University of Wollongong is one of them.
“We are all, of course, familiar with plastics that end up in waters and on land, causing litter and even breaking down into microplastics.”
460 million tonnes of plastic are produced worldwide.
This figure is estimated to double by 2040.
Plastics made from fossil fuels are responsible for 3% of greenhouse gases.
These numbers are driving increased demand for sustainable alternatives – like bioplastics – made from plant-based sources.
CSIRO’s Dr Deborah Lau says bioplastics have many benefits.
“This fills that gap as we move away from our reliance on fossil fuels. They actually have a lower carbon footprint than traditional plastics made from fossil fuels.”
But phasing out bioplastics can be confusing, and Geoffrey Spinks says lack of clarity in labeling could be to blame.
“Some bioplastics are biodegradable, or even compostable, and some are not. So if you have a label that says it’s a bioplastic, that doesn’t necessarily mean it can be used in a composting system or a biodegradable facility.”
The CSIRO’s Dr Lau says confusion around bioplastics can lead to them ending up in landfills or contaminating other recycling products, prompting calls for clearer language.
“…which may involve raising awareness and understanding the different symbols of certified compostable materials or biodegradable materials, so that people can actually understand what that means and where those materials can go.”
Currently, bioplastics only make up one percent of plastics in Australia.
Professor Spinks says cost is an important factor.
“So I think we need to see more research to reduce costs, certainly increased production to reduce costs – but also probably some regulation to encourage these practices to make them more economically sustainable.”
If these challenges are addressed, experts say bioplastics offer a promising solution to reducing humanity’s dependence on fossil fuels and plastic pollution.
