This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Vortexrealm (talk | contribs) at 15:21, 25 August 2006. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 15:21, 25 August 2006 by Vortexrealm (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) | It has been suggested that this article be merged with bioplastic. (Discuss) |
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Biodegradable plastic" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Technology
Biodegradation of plastics can be acheieved by enabling microorganisms in the environment to metabolize the molecular structure of plastic films to pruduce an inert humus-like fmaterial that is less harmful to the environment.
The use of proprietary bio-active compounds compounded with proprietary swelling agent ensure that when combined with heat and moisture, the expand the plastic's molecular structure and allow the bio-active compinds to metabolise and neutralize the plastic.
Advantages of biodegradable plastic
Using propritary formulations with existing processes only nominally effects production costs. This is largely because the technology does not rely on changing to re-engineered plastics which have not achieved economies of scale but merely requires adding a small percentage of bio-active material to existing resins. In addition, the additions do not jeopardize the products' quality. Plastic products making use of this technology can be manufactured to be clear, as well as opaque, and in any colour.
Environmental Concerns
Over 200 million tonnes of plastic are manufactured annually around the world, according to the . Of those 200 Million tons 26 Million are manufactured in the United States. The EPA reported in 2003 that only 5.8% of those 26 Million tons of plastic waste are recycled. The wastage of plastic at increased rates are causing problems with landfill capacity throughout the world. The use of biodegradable plastic is one means of reducing the volumes of waste priduced by modern societies
Cost of production of plastics
Making one kilogram of plastic from genetically modified corn plants requires about 3 times as much energy as that needed to manufacture an equal amount of fossil fuel-based polyethylene. The benefit of using corn instead of mineral oil as a raw material could not offset this substantially higher energy demand.