The research in recycling continues, and the actual results sound great. The generic term of PLASTIC gets more variants, like bioplastic, biodegradable plastic, and compostable plastic. Which is which?
BIOPLASTIC refers to bio-based plastics (polymers derived from plant-based biomass). The bioplastic biodegrades under certain conditions and in the presence of microorganisms. Not all bio-based plastics are biodegradable, and not all biodegradable plastics are bio-based.
COMPOSTABLE PLASTICS are designed to break down into water, biomass, and gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. Environmental conditions effecting compostability include temperature, moisture level, pH, oxygen, and the microorganisms present. The compostable plastics can be either industrially compostable or home compostable, where the industrial process is more reliable but requires stricter conditions, while the home process is more flexible but less efficient.
Soil, fresh or marine water, exposure to weather conditions and microorganisms all influence and trigger the general biodegradation of materials, but an effective biodegradation means that the process completes within a reasonable timeframe.
Recycle! Reuse!
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