There are some truly biodegradable and compostable bioplastics. (Whats a bioplastic? Find out here)
Please note, NOT ALL BIOPLASTICS ARE BIODEGRADABLE.
Polylactic acid, (PLA), plastic is an example of a biodegradable bioplastic.
PLA can also be composted.
PLA is a bio-polymer
Bio-polymers can be produced from natural resources
A natural bio-polymers is one that is extracted directly from biological raw materials such as cellulose and cotton from plants, wool from sheep and silk from moths
Man made bio polymers are also derived from plants but then further treated using chemicals. Poly-lactic acid (PLA), falls into this category.
PLA is made from the starch found in plants
Starch is a natural polymer, a white, granular carbohydrate produced by plants during photosynthesis
Starch can be made into bio-plastic. However when exposed to water starch bio-plastic swells and deforms.
To stop this happening the starch needs to be modified
Starch is transformed into PLA by;
1) Using microorganisms to transform it into a lactic acid – a monomer
2) Then chemically treating the lactic acid to create a long chain polymer, polylactic acid – PLA
PLA can be made from a variety of plants including beets, sugar cane, and tapioca.
PLA products can be recycled in Wisconsin and Belgium.
PLA can be recycled back into lactic acid and used to make products of the same quality as the original- there is no down-cycling.
If you are in California, you dispose of PLA here. If you are located outside of California, you can find a facility near you here.
PLA products biodegrade into water, carbon dioxide and organic materials. and so can be composted.
An example of how a commercial bio-polymer, Ingeo, breaks down
“First, the moisture and heat in the compost pile split the polymer chains apart, creating smaller polymers, and finally, lactic acid. Micro-organisms in compost and soil consume the smaller polymer fragments and lactic acid as nutrients. Since lactic acid is widely found in nature, a large number of organisms metabolize lactic acid. The end result of composting is carbon dioxide, water and humus, a soil nutrient. This degradation process is temperature and humidity dependent. “
http://www.natureworksllc.com/the-ingeo-journey/end-of-life-options/composting.aspx
In commercial composters this should take about 30-45 days. In home composting bins it might take longer. Obviously the bulkier the product the harder it is to break down, and the longer it takes.
PLA will not compost in landfill.
PLA can apparently be returned to the food chain. I have heard it suggested that you can feed it to your pig. Please double check.
It is also supposed to be safe to burn. Again, please check.
PLA or polylactide was discovered in 1932 by Carothers (at DuPont).
More Information
While most agree that PLA plastic is indeed compostable, many say that it can only composted in large scale municipal schemes. As we don’t have many large scale municipal schemes, this is a pointless advantage.
I say the days of large scale municipal schemes is fast approaching as governments aim to divert biodegradable rubbish from landfill sites.
Anecdotal Evidence
I have been composting my PLA plastic for years. Biobags, deli pots and cutlery have gone into my bin and been transformed into mulch for the roses. However I do have a Green Johanna Composter which is pretty fab.
WHY COMPOST
I say the days of compulsary compost schemes are fast approaching as governments aim to divert biodegradable rubbish from landfill sites. Get your bin now.
Take up composting with these Compost bins for Home & garden
And some useful stuff to know
Why leaves rot at How Biodegrading Works
Why most plastics dont at Why Plastic Doesnt Rot
Remember, not all bio- plastics can be composted and some are not as green as they sound>
Yup its confusing but try everything you ever wanted to know about plastic.but were too scared to ask, to find out a lot more about plastic.
Related articles
- What is bioplastic? (plasticisrubbish.wordpress.com)
- The quest for bio-polystyrene (greenchemicalsblog.com)
Boycott Plastic
Inspired to give up plastic? Check these plastic-free products. Use them then compost them.
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