Further, it also means that it will have little or no negative impact on the environment after it degrades. In order for this to occur, the material itself must be made up of "natural" components normally found in the environment. In the world of plastics, those made from natural sources are termed "biopolymers" and are typically made of renewable resources including starch, cellulose, and polyhydroxyalconates or "PHA," produced by microbes). Further, in the near future, other types may also be used, including those derived from specific proteins and pectins.
Although there is little question that the biopolymer plastics are exponentially friendlier to the health of the environment, there are definite drawbacks to their use, including cost as well as use issues. Indeed, most governments balk at the notion of requiring industrial and consumer plastics to be biopolymer-based due to the comparably high cost of their production. According to many, to require this change would adversely effect companies, and in turn adversely affect the economy as a whole. Additionally, of real concern is the current functional discrepancy between the bio-derived and the synthetic plastic product. For example, certain natural plastics are highly susceptible to water, and begin to break down after exposure. Further, starch-based products (and cellulose), must be carefully formulated to ensure that they are not subject to "bio-attack" by starch eating organisms.
In the end, there is little question that bio-plastics are more "earth friendly" than their...
Further, the more advanced plastics research becomes the more effective these products become. However, their increased costs of research as well as production will likely play a large role in suppressing their widespread use globally. Much like the international reluctance to cut airborne pollution emissions despite scientific evidence supporting its damaging effects on the earth, nations will (if left to their own devices) prefer to honor issues of cost over issues of environmental concern. For this reason, it is imperative for governments to be held accountable for their plastic production, as well as production (and disposal). Without this step, it is doubtful that natural plastics (like non-fossil fuels) will ever become mainstream.
Bibliography
Answers.com. (Staff). "Plastics." Web site. http://www.answers.com/plastic&r=67(accessed 19 April, 2005).
Farrell, M. And N. Goldstein, Unraveling the biodegradable plastics maze. Biocycle, 1995. 36(11): p. 74-79.
IWMB. Integrated Waste Management Board. "Market Status Report: Post Consumer Plastics." California Home. http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Markets/StatusRpts/Plastic.htm#Global.(Accessed 19 April, 2005).
CIWMB. California Integrated Waste Management Board. http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Markets/StatusRpts/Plastic.htm#Global
Answers.com. "Plastics. http://www.answers.com/plastic&r=67
Farrell, M. And N. Goldstein, Unraveling the biodegradable plastics maze. Biocycle, 1995. 36(11): p. 74-79
