Taboo or Reality: Is every bioplastic sustainable and biodegradable?
Confusion often arises because we use the word "bioplastic" as a catch-all term, when international standards (ISO) are very specific in separating origin (where it comes from) from behavior (properties and functions). These definitions are based on standards such as ISO 16920 (terms and definitions), ISO 14855, and ISO 17088 (specifications for compostable plastics).
These protocols define concepts that establish two distinct bases for classifying bioplastics, which are summarized in Table 1, illustrating the difference between origin and behavior. Below are the definitions:
Bio-based (ISO 16620): This standard measures "bio-based carbon content." A material is bio-based if its carbon comes from renewable sources, but this does not guarantee biodegradability. For example, a Bio-PET spoon is 100% renewable in origin, but it will persist for 500 years in the ocean just like one of fossil origin.
Biodegradable (ISO 14855 / 17088): The standard certifies that the material is consumed by microorganisms in a specific environment. PBAT meets this standard and is biodegradable, even if its origin is petroleum.
The "Holy Trinity" (The Ideal Bioplastic): Materials that meet both standards (bio-based and biodegradable), such as PHA, Algae, TPS, Casein, and PLA, are the most sought-after in industry and regenerative design for their low carbon footprint and zero waste impact.
Table 1. ISO Classification Matrix: Bio-based vs. Biodegradable
Table 1 helps understand how bioplastics are classified. The term "bioplastic" is a broad category. According to ISO 14855, a material is labeled as such if it is bio-based or biodegradable. PBAT is a bioplastic due to its degradation capacity, even if it comes from petroleum. Conversely, Bio-PET replaces part of its raw material with sugarcane ethanol, but the resulting molecule is identical to conventional PET; therefore, it is not biodegradable and does not reduce final plastic pollution.
To conclude the idea of an ideal definition, below are the fundamental concepts based on scientific terms:
Polymer: The technical term for a long chain of linked molecules. It can be natural (cotton, silk) or synthetic (nylon, polyester). It is not inherently ecological or fossil-based; it is a classification of chemistry as a science.
Plastic: A type of polymer moldable by heat. Most are synthetic and petroleum-derived.
Biopolymer: Any polymer produced by living beings (plants, animals, or bacteria). Examples: starch, cellulose, proteins, and DNA.
Bioplastic: A commercial product manufactured from biopolymers, or designed to behave as such, that is either bio-based or biodegradable.
Personally, I confess to my readers that I prefer to rely on scientific categorization, as it adjusts to a more precise definition and facilitates the distinction between what is truly biodegradable and what is not. I recognize that international regulations are necessary, but they often fail to translate the realities of each material with the agility that science requires. We must remember that biodegradability is not a category, but a necessary condition; moreover, it is not a uniform process, but depends on various external factors. Therefore, Table 2 details the specific conditions of temperature, humidity, and time required for each process:
Table 2. Environmental Conditions for Biodegradation
Degradation conditions are key. A degradation time of more than two years, especially in the marine environment, is considered pollution. This occurs because the low temperatures of the seabed do not favor the breaking of carbon chains. Although this does not imply direct chemical toxicity to DNA, it alters the physical environment and harms wildlife, making the creation of sustainable degradation protocols imperative. Environmental temperatures are fundamental for the development of biodegradation, which is why low-temperature zones need specific protocols for the bioplastic degradation process.
In conclusion, although bioplastics require management protocols, their handling is simpler and more consistent with the circular economy than conventional plastics (which take 450 years to degrade). However, bioplastics are not exempt from the time factor; "zero emission" and reuse measures are required to truly consolidate a circular system. To identify which material fits each technical need, Table 3 details the types of bioplastics, their origin, and their durability:
Table 3. Types of bioplastics, origin, and degradation conditions
Finally, to visualize the industrial scope of these technologies, Table 4 sets out the economic and design sectors where each material has its greatest potential application:
Table 4. Bioplastic application sectors
Conclusion and Future Vision
Now that you understand how the bioplastics industry works and its technical classification, we can focus on our value proposition. Physis Ocean Lab produces a biopolymer that integrates into the "Holy Trinity" of materials—that is, it is bio-based, biodegradable, and high-performance—offering versatile properties that make it an optimal option for various industrial sectors.
Our main goal is to transform the use of bioplastics into a real, valuable possibility that is in complete harmony with nature. Our technology offers endless possibilities for a transition towards more sustainable models. We hope this small insight has been valuable for understanding how to classify and apply these new technologies responsibly.
Thank you very much for your attention. We hope you continue to visit us and participate actively in our small community.
