Despite only 9% of plastic produced worldwide being successfully recycled, the demand for bioplastics that biodegrade naturally is growing. However, most bioplastics require industrial composting due to the need for high heat and humidity. Industrial composting facilities create conditions with temperatures around 60 degrees Celsius and 60% humidity, promoting microbial activity that breaks down organic matter. Specific enzymes and microorganisms, such as Sordariomycetes, are essential for this process.
Not all bioplastics are suitable for industrial composting, particularly those designed for durability, like bio-polyethylene terephthalate. The lack of standardization in composting facilities and regulations on acceptable materials further complicates biodegradation. Biodegradable plastics like polylactic acid may require industrial composting, while others may persist as microplastics.
Clear definitions and criteria for bioplastics are crucial. Standards must ensure products labeled as bioplastics adhere to sustainable principles, specifying minimum thresholds for biodegradability and bio-based content. Robust life cycle assessments, certification processes, and labeling requirements are necessary to maintain the integrity of bioplastic claims.
Despite being derived from renewable resources, many bioplastics are non-biodegradable, sharing similarities with conventional plastics. For instance, bio-PET, synthesized from plant sources, has properties similar to traditional PET but requires landfill disposal due to its durability. PLA, derived from fermented glucose or sucrose, can be engineered for various applications but may lose biodegradability through post-polymeric modifications.
Teysha Technologies has developed a process for creating fully biodegradable biopolymers called AggiePol, using polyhydroxyl natural products from renewable resources. This controlled synthesis allows customization of biopolymer properties to suit specific applications. AggiePol biopolymers exhibit hydrolytic degradation, enabling them to degrade naturally in various environments.
AggiePol biopolymers are ultimately biodegradable, as verified by a third-party OECD 310 Ready/Ultimate Biodegradability Assessment, which showed over 60% degradation in 28 days without a plateau in biological activity. These biopolymers have versatile applications across industries, offering environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics.
