Bioplastics is a term that broadly includes bio (mass)-derived plastics and biodegradable
plastics. Being sourced from carbohydrate rich biomass, they align with sustainable
development and provide the option of quick-fixing our waste problem. Thus, these plastics are
projected as a good alternative to indestructible, fossil derived plastics.
Types of plastics based on their origin and biodegradability
However, a common misconception associated with bioplastics is their biodegradability. The
biodegradability of a polymer is dependent on its chemical structure, not on its source of origin
— all biodegradable plastics are bioplastics, but all bioplastics are not biodegradable.
These plastics are not new in India. Supermarkets, online platforms and take-aways offer a mix
of alternatives with contentious catch phrases like “this product is not plastic” or “this product
is made of corn starch” or “oxo-biodegradable” or “biodegradable” or “compostable”.
For the unskilled consumer, these tags more or less mean the same. They all sound green. But
the fact is, these terms cannot be used interchangeably in the lexicon of plastics. For example,
oxo-biodegradables, a greenwashed alternative to plastics, are essentially oil-derived plastics
containing additives that accelerate their degradation on exposure to ultraviolet, heat, oxygen,
etc.
These are considered to contribute to microplastics and a ban on these plastics is set to take
effect in the European Union ( EU) by 2021.
Biodegradable is a vague term, if you think about it. It has no defined time frame under which
the material will breakdown. Given enough time, all matter will eventually biodegrade say, 500
years for conventional plastics.
In contrast, compostable plastics are designed to completely biodegrade under controlled
conditions within 180 days. Their quality and claims are regulated by a set of standards and
certifications such as ASTM International, European Norms, DIN Certo etc.
According to Plastic Waste Management (PMW) Rules, 2016, the manufacturers or sellers of
compostable plastic carry bags or products are required to obtain a certificate from the CPCB
before marketing or selling compostable carry bags or products. Such compostable plastics are
specified by IS/ISO 17088 under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in India.
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