Journal articles: 'Compostable plastic'

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Royer, Sarah-Jeanne, Francesco Greco, Michaela Kogler, and Dimitri D. Deheyn. "Not so biodegradable: Polylactic acid and cellulose/plastic blend textiles lack fast biodegradation in marine waters." PLOS ONE 18, no. 5 (May 24, 2023): e0284681. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0284681.

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The resistance of plastic textiles to environmental degradation is of major concern as large portions of these materials reach the ocean. There, they persist for undefined amounts of time, possibly causing harm and toxicity to marine ecosystems. As a solution to this problem, many compostable and so-called biodegradable materials have been developed. However, to undergo rapid biodegradation, most compostable plastics require specific conditions that are achieved only in industrial settings. Thus, industrially compostable plastics might persist as pollutants under natural conditions. In this work, we tested the biodegradability in marine waters of textiles made of polylactic acid, a diffused industrially compostable plastic. The test was extended also to cellulose-based and conventional non-biodegradable oil-based plastic textiles. The analyses were complemented by bio-reactor tests for an innovative combined approach. Results show that polylactic acid, a so-called biodegradable plastic, does not degrade in the marine environment for over 428 days. This was also observed for the oil-based polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate, including their portions in cellulose/oil-based plastic blend textiles. In contrast, natural and regenerated cellulose fibers undergo complete biodegradation within approximately 35 days. Our results indicate that polylactic acid resists marine degradation for at least a year, and suggest that oil-based plastic/cellulose blends are a poor solution to mitigate plastic pollution. The results on polylactic acid further stress that compostability does not imply environmental degradation and that appropriate disposal management is crucial also for compostable plastics. Referring to compostable plastics as biodegradable plastics is misleading as it may convey the perception of a material that degrades in the environment. Conclusively, advances in disposable textiles should consider the environmental impact during their full life cycle, and the existence of environmentally degradable disposal should not represent an alibi for perpetuating destructive throw-away behaviors.

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Artru, Maxime, and Antoine Lecerf. "Slow degradation of compostable plastic carrier bags in a stream and its riparian area." Annales de Limnologie - International Journal of Limnology 55 (2019): 18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/limn/2019017.

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There is no place on Earth where plastic debris could not be found. Impacts of plastics on aesthetics, biota and ecosystems are dependent on how long plastic items last, and what degradation products are released, in recipient environments. As bio-based plastics tend to replace petroleum-based plastics in everyday life, it is important to upgrade knowledge on the degradation of new polymers in natural environments. Single-use plastic carrier bags are nowadays made of bio-plastics certified as biodegradable and compostable. It is unclear, however, whether claims of biodegradability and compostability can be taken as evidence of rapid degradation of plastic bags outside recycling/composting facilities. This study sought to provide quantified information about the degradation of compostable plastic carrier bags in streams and riparian zones. We found that plastic samples enclosed in different types of mesh bags lost weight at extremely slow rates, albeit significant when submerged in a stream. 95% of initial plastic mass remained after 77 days spent in water whereas alder leaf litter allowed to decompose under the same condition had completely disappeared before the end of the study. Determination of respiration rate and invertebrate abundance in plastic samples showed a greater decomposer activity in the stream than in the riparian environment. However, biotically-mediated degradation by decomposers was probably overridden by dissolution processes in mediating plastic mass loss. Our findings suggest that mismanaged plastic carrier bags could impact recipient ecosystems even when they are claimed as biodegradable or compostable.

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Andarani, P., S. M. Zumaroh, E. Rosana, Y. M. Pusparizkita, S. Obaid, and W. D. Nugraha. "Short-term fragmentation of single-use plastic carrier bags in natural environment." IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1268, no. 1 (December 1, 2023): 012027. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1268/1/012027.

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Abstract About 50% of single-use plastic carrier bags are discarded after one use. There has been a gradual increase in awareness of the accumulation of end-of-life plastics and their impact on the environment, which has led to interest in the development of degradable polymers. Cassava bioplastics (polylactic acid), oxo-biodegradable, and compostable plastics are often considered a potential solution to the accumulation of plastic waste, but it was unknown whether they can be biodegraded in the natural environment. Thus, this study aims to determine the fragmentation of single-use plastic bags under various natural conditions, which are declared to have biodegradable, oxo-biodegradable, or compostable properties. Four types of degradable plastic and conventional single-use plastic carrier bags were stored in natural conditions (open-air, river water, and soil). After one month, we conducted an analysis of plastic bags, specifically examining factors such as their visual attributes, load-bearing capacity, polymer identification, and microplastic generation. Surprisingly, the compostable plastic, which was expected to demonstrate enhanced degradation when buried in soil, remained stable, as indicated by its polymer composition. This finding suggests that there is a need to improve the criteria for biodegradable plastic carrier bags to ensure that they undergo biological degradation.

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Xochitl, Quecholac-Piña, Hernández-Berriel María del Consuelo, Mañón-Salas María del Consuelo, Espinosa-Valdemar Rosa María, and Vázquez-Morillas Alethia. "Degradation of Plastics in Simulated Landfill Conditions." Polymers 13, no. 7 (March 25, 2021): 1014. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym13071014.

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Different degradable plastics have been promoted as a solution for the accumulation of waste in landfills and the natural environment; in Mexico, the most popular options are oxo-degradable, which degrade in a sequential abiotic–biotic process, and compostable plastics. In this research, high-density polyethylene, oxo-degradable high-density polyethylene, and certified compostable plastic were exposed to simulated landfill conditions in an 854-day-long experiment to assess their degradation. High-density polyethylene showed limited degradation, due mainly to surface erosion, evidenced by a 13% decrease in elongation at break. The pro-oxidant additive in the oxo-degradable plastic increased this loss of mechanical properties to 27%. However, both plastic films kept their physical integrity and high molecular weight by the end of the experiment, evidencing degradation but no biodegradation. While the compostable film fragmented, had a lower molecular weight at the end of the experiment, and decreased the presence of C=O bonds, this degradation took place remarkably slower than expected from a composting process. Results show that oxo-degradable and compostable plastics will not biodegrade readily in landfills. This fact should be known and understood for decision-makers to match the characteristics of the materials to the features of the waste management systems.

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Sullivan, Sheila. "Are Bioplastics a Sustainable Alternative to Single-Use Plastic? A Pilot Project at the University of South Florida." SustainE 1, no. 1 (May 15, 2023): 53–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.55366/suse.v1i1.4.

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Campaigns to ban single-use plastics have spread globally, increasing awareness about plastic pollution and driving consumer demand for bioplastics alternatives. Consumer perception is that plastics derived from plants are compostable. Biodegradable and compostable products are not the same. Arguably, everything will eventually biodegrade. Compostable, however, signifies that the product will decompose into the soil within a timeframe. A University of South Florida (USF) pilot research study has launched investigating the efficacy of single-use bioplastics in a home compost environment. The results will provide consumers with green product recommendations, call attention to the interdependence between bioplastics and Industrial Composting Facilities, and encourage behavior supportive of sustainable, reusable alternatives aligned with the SDG’s.

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Intaraksa, Parichat, Yositar Rudeekit, Pongsaks Siriyota, and Thanawadee Leejarkpai. "Comparative Study of the Bio-Disintegration Behavior of Polylactic Acid under Laboratory and Pilot-Scale Composting Conditions." Advanced Materials Research 747 (August 2013): 678–81. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.747.678.

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In recent years, compostable plastics have gained a great attention as green materials due to the problems of more plastic waste generated each year over the world. One attractive of compostable plastics is that after use they can be biodegraded by natural microorganisms in the composting process within a specified period of time. Degree and rate of disintegration during composting is an important requirement that is used to determine the compostability of these plastics. This research work studied and compared the disintegration behaviors of PLA laboratory and pilot-scale composting conditions according to ISO 20200:2004 and ISO 16929:2002. Finally, the results from the disintegration testing could be used to evaluate the compostability, biological properties and impacted of a plastic material on the fermentation of organic waste in the composting plant.

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Kędzia, Grażyna, and Jolanta Turek. "What Hinders the Development of a Sustainable Compostable Packaging Market?" European Journal of Sustainable Development 11, no. 4 (October 1, 2022): 180. http://dx.doi.org/10.14207/ejsd.2022.v11n4p180.

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Numerous publications and expert reports indicate plastic pollution as a widespread environmental problem. About 10 million tonnes of litter end up in the seas and oceans each year. It is estimated that 80% of all litter in saltwater is mainly plastic food packaging. Facing this challenge compostable packaging seems to be an alternative to conventional plastic ones and a feasible solution. Despite the environmental opportunities of the packaging produced from bio-based biodegradable polymers, the compostable packaging market is growing relatively slowly. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to recognize the key factors hindering the expansion of the food compostable packaging market for sustainable development. To achieve this objective 29 in-depth interviews with respondents of the key groups of biopackaging market stakeholders were conducted. The results of the qualitative study allowed us to identify environmental, economic, social, and governance barriers in the light of four main problems disrupting compostable packaging market development. This is an important contribution to the business and academic discussion on the importance of compostable packaging in achieving sustainable development goals as well as implementing the circular economy concept. The paper is the effect of the international R&D project.

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Adamcová, Dana, Maja Radziemska, Jan Zloch, Helena Dvořáčková, Jakub Elbl, Jindřich Kynický, Martin Brtnický, and Magdalena Daria Vaverková. "SEM Analysis and Degradation Behavior of Conventional and Bio-Based Plastics During Composting." Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis 66, no. 2 (2018): 349–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.11118/actaun201866020349.

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Recently, various materials have begun to be marketed that claim to be biodegradable or compostable. Terms such as “degradable”, “oxo-biodegradable”, “biological”, “compostable” and “green” are often used to describe and promote different plastics. Commercial bioplastics and a petrochemical plastic (claim to be degradable) were used for this study. The research was carried out in real conditions in the Central Composting Plant in Brno, Czech Republic. SEM analysis of the samples was done in order to analyze microstructure and morphology of specimens, validating dispersion results. It can be concluded that samples certified as compostable have degrade in real composting conditions. Samples (4 – 7) showed significant erosion on surface when subjected to the SEM analysis. Samples labeled (by their producers) as 100 % degradable (Samples 1 – 3) did not show any visual signs of degradation.

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Lettieri, Raffaella, Veronica Fazio, Donato Abruzzese, Elisabetta Di Bartolomeo, Cadia D'Ottavi, Andrea Micheletti, Alessandro Tiero, et al. "Influence of natural additives on the properties of a milk-based compostable bioplastic." RSC Advances 14, no. 27 (2024): 19041–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d4ra02291b.

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The ongoing revolution in the plastic sector is the use of renewable and compostable materials obtained from biomass. In this paper the influence of natural reinforcing agents on the properties of a milk-based compostable bioplastic is investigated.

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Syeda Hijab Zehra, Said Akbar Khan, Saad Ali, and Syeda Mahnoor Zehra. "Appraisement and categorization of compostable and non-compostable plastic bags using HHXRF spectrophotometer, A study on brands in Islamabad." NUST Journal of Natural Sciences 9, no. 3 (September 23, 2024): 49–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.53992/njns.v9i3.196.

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Plastic bags are polymers usually composed of polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene. Rapid development in the industrial sector manufacturing plastic bags is imposing tremendous side effects on human health and the environment. Conventional plastic bags are made from recycled or first use, but authorities restricted lightweight plastic bags (thickness of <50μm) with compostable material. This study examines the degradation of plastic bags collected from the markets of different sectors of Islamabad. Many samples (~100) were gathered from the public market. Using a Hands Held X-Ray Fluorescent (HHXRF) spectrophotometer and the standard approach, the study confirmed the proportions, amounts, and patterns of several heavy metals (additives) utilized in the production of both types of bags. The result showed Titanium (Ti), Copper (Cu) and Calcium (Ca) were used in massive amounts, other carcinogenic metals i.e., Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (Ar), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) were also detected. Long term exposure to this metal can disrupt living cells. We concluded that because of the photolytic qualities of the additives used in degradable plastic bags when the linkages of polymers are generated, degradable plastic bags may be more dangerous than non-degradable plastic bags.

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Mendes, Luís André, Ricardo Beiras, and Jorge Domínguez. "Earthworm (Eisenia andrei)-Mediated Degradation of Commercial Compostable Bags and Potential Toxic Effects." Microplastics 3, no. 2 (June 8, 2024): 322–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/microplastics3020020.

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The availability of compostable plastic bags has increased greatly in the past few years, as it is perceived that this type of bags will be degraded after disposal. However, there are some knowledge gaps regarding the potential effects on the soil ecosystems. We assessed the rate of degradation of samples of four different types of commercial compostable bags in vermicomposting systems with the earthworm species Eisenia andrei. We also evaluated the biological response of E. andrei (survival and reproduction) to microplastics (MPs) from fragments of the plastic bags (<2000 µm) and assessed seedling emergence in common garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) exposed to micronized plastic (<250 µm) and the respective leachate, following OECD and ISO guidelines, respectively. The rate of degradation differed significantly depending on the type of plastic rather than the substrate in the vermicomposting system. This finding suggests that the degradation process is more dependent on the microbial community colonizing the different plastic types than on earthworm activity. Regarding the biological response of the soil system, L. sativum seedling emergence was not significantly affected; however, earthworm reproduction was affected, suggesting that although compostable, some of the formulations may potentially be toxic to soil fauna.

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Owoyemi, Abiola, Ron Porat, and Victor Rodov. "Effects of Compostable Packaging and Perforation Rates on Cucumber Quality during Extended Shelf Life and Simulated Farm-to-Fork Supply-Chain Conditions." Foods 10, no. 2 (February 20, 2021): 471. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/foods10020471.

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Cucumbers are highly perishable and suffer from moisture loss, shriveling, yellowing, peel damage, and decay. Plastic packaging helps to preserve cucumber quality, but harms the environment. We examined the use of compostable modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with different perforation rates as a possible replacement for conventional plastic packaging materials. The results indicate that all of the tested types of packaging reduced cucumber weight loss and shriveling. However, compostable MAP with micro-perforations that created a modified atmosphere of between 16–18% O2 and 3–5% CO2 most effectively preserved cucumber quality, as demonstrated by reduced peel pitting, the reduced appearance of warts and the inhibition of yellowing and decay development. Overall, micro-perforated compostable packaging extended the storage life of cucumbers under both extended shelf conditions and simulated farm-to-fork supply-chain conditions and thus may serve as a replacement for the plastic packaging currently used to preserve the postharvest quality of cucumbers.

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Rodov, Victor, Ron Porat, Amit Sabag, Bettina Kochanek, and Haya Friedman. "Microperforated Compostable Packaging Extends Shelf Life of Ethylene-Treated Banana Fruit." Foods 11, no. 8 (April 9, 2022): 1086. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/foods11081086.

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Plastic packaging preserves the quality of ethylene-treated bananas by generating a beneficial modified atmosphere (MA). However, petroleum-based plastics cause environmental pollution, due to their slow decomposition. Biodegradable packaging may help resolve this controversy, provided it shows adequate preservation efficacy. In this study, we tested the compostable biodegradable polyester packaging of ethylene-treated bananas in comparison with commercially available petroleum-based plastic alternatives. When compostable packaging was used in a non-perforated form, it caused hypoxic fermentation, manifested as impaired ripening, off-flavor, and excessive softening. Micro-perforation prevented fermentation and allowed MA buildup. Furthermore, no water condensation was observed in the biodegradable packages, due to their somewhat higher water vapor permeability compared to conventional plastics. The fruit weight loss in biodegradable packaging was higher than in polypropylene, but 3–4-fold lower than in open containers. The control of senescence spotting was the major advantage of microperforated biodegradable packaging, combined with the preservation of acceptable fruit firmness and flavor, and low crown rot incidence. Optimal biodegradable packages extended the shelf life of bananas by four days compared with open containers, and by two days compared with the best commercial plastic package tested. Microperforated biodegradable packages combined the advantage of improved sustainability with superior fruit preservation.

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Schuyler, Qamar, Connie Ho, and Fariba Ramezani. "Standards as a Tool for Reducing Plastic Waste." Sustainability 14, no. 17 (August 31, 2022): 10876. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su141710876.

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Standards are one avenue for addressing the problems caused by plastic pollution. By addressing quality and safety plus information and measurement, reducing variety and increasing compatibility, standards can help to drive the transition to a circular economy for plastic resources. The aim of this work was to classify existing plastic standards within a circular economy framework and to identify potential gaps and highlight where future standards development might be focused. Using desktop research on existing standards, 95 plastic standards were identified, only 9 of which are Australian standards. The majority of the standards cover recycling and compostable or biodegradable plastics. There are significant opportunities to develop standards pertaining to higher levels of the plastics waste hierarchy, such as design and reuse.

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Sagnelli, Domenico, Kourosh Hooshmand, Gerdi Kemmer, Jacob Kirkensgaard, Kell Mortensen, Concetta Giosafatto, Mette Holse, et al. "Cross-Linked Amylose Bio-Plastic: A Transgenic-Based Compostable Plastic Alternative." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 18, no. 10 (September 30, 2017): 2075. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms18102075.

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Sterrett, John, Ronnie Vogt, Hannah Collie, and W. Andrew Clark. "Properties of the ETEE Compostable Plastic Wrap Substitute." Current Developments in Nutrition 4, Supplement_2 (May 29, 2020): 148. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzaa042_013.

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Abstract Objectives As environmental concerns have risen, the demand for eco-friendly materials has increased as well. One such material is the ETEE wrap, a compostable plastic wrap substitute made from muslin cloth coated in tree resin and beeswax. This project determined if ETEEs compost in backyard-style compost pits, if detergent choice affects ETEE lifespan, and if temperature alters the rate of wax transfer from ETEEs to the product on which the ETEEs are placed. Methods ETEEs were produced with a coating containing UV dye fluorescent at 365 nm to measure wax loss. To test compostability, 2-inch squares were composted in 1.5 yd3 active compost, and samples were pulled weekly to be rinsed, weighed, and photographed under normal and UV light. ETEEs were washed methodically in standardized solutions of Dawn, EcoMax, or ETEE brand soap in equal amounts of cold water. Transfer of wax onto Styrofoam at 0, 23, and 40°C was analyzed. Transfer and washing ETEEs were analyzed by mass and photograph under normal and UV light. Results Full composting degradation was seen by 15 weeks, and changes in UV fluorescence color were evident as the beeswax broke down, suggesting the presence of bacteria for degradation. Marginal qualitative differences were observed between the different detergents, with the ETEE brand soap seeming the least harsh. Quantitatively (by mass), these observations were not statistically significant (F2,24 = 0.35, p > 0.05), which could be related to a small sample size. Photography under UV light showed more wax transfer from the ETEEs at 23°C than at 40 or 0°C. Conclusions ETEE wraps do compost in a backyard-style compost pit, and they may respond differently to various soaps and temperatures. This research supports the ETEE company pursuing compostability certification for their products. Funding Sources ETSU (CCRHS Undergraduate Research Fund), ETEE (Toronto, ON).

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Chong, Zhi Kai, Alexander Hofmann, Marie Haye, Sharon Wilson, Ihsanullah Sohoo, and Kerstin Kuchta. "Lab-scale and on-field industrial composting of biodegradable plastic blends for packaging." Open Research Europe 2 (August 23, 2022): 101. http://dx.doi.org/10.12688/openreseurope.14893.1.

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Background: The acceptance of compostable plastic packaging in industrial composting plants is not universal despite available certification for compostability due to the persistence of compostable plastic residues reported by some industrial plants. This study aims to better understand this discrepancy by comparing the disintegration rate of two compostable plastic blends designed for rigid packaging (polylactic acid based) and soft packaging (polybutylene succinate based) between a controlled lab-scale test and an on-field test in an industrial composting plant. Methods: The thermophilic lab-scale disintegration test was conducted according to ISO 20200 in triplicates for 4, 8 and 12 weeks while the on-field test was conducted by exposing duplicate test material in the compost pile of an industrial composting plant in northern Germany, for three weeks. The mass change of the remaining test material >2mm was used as an indicator of disintegration. Results: The rigid packaging blend (1 mm thickness) retained on average 76.4%, 59.0% and 55.7% of its mass after 4, 8 and 12 weeks respectively in the lab-scale test. After exposure to industrial composting on-field, the remaining mass was 97.2% and 99.5%. The soft packaging blend (109±9 µm sample thickness) retained on average 45.4%, 10.9% and 0.3% of its mass after 4, 8 and 12 weeks respectively and 94.0% and 93.8% after exposure to industrial composting on-field. Conclusions: The results show a substantial difference in disintegration rates between the lab-scale and the on-field test after three to four weeks. The difference between the tests that might contribute significantly to the differing disintegration rates is the composition of the composting substrate. Besides the design and characteristics of the packaging itself, the composting substrate and thermophilic composting duration of individual plants are important to determine the suitability of treating compostable plastic packaging in industrial composting plants as well as inform potential solutions.

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Varžinskas, Visvaldas, and Zita Markevičiūtė. "Sustainable Food Packaging: Materials and Waste Management Solutions." Environmental Research, Engineering and Management 76, no. 3 (September 25, 2020): 154–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.76.3.27511.

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The current food packaging model in most cases is a linear material flow model and is far from the sustainable alternative – circular economy – approach where materials are recycled and recovered at the end of each service life. High concern is rising on packaging waste and especially plastic packaging and negative environmental impact. A number of factors, including policy and legislative changes, rising concerns on food and packaging waste, environmental contamination, and world demand for food and energy resources, undoubtedly make an impact on development of biodegradable and compostable packaging made from renewable environment friendly resources and a sustainable waste management opportunity at the end of product life. Food packaging industry already has options of compostable packaging that meets biodegradation and composting standards and does not impact environmental contamination, but a variety of existing bio-labels such as biobased, biodegradable, and compostable appear misleading for consumers, and terms biodegradable and compostable are often used as synonyms, although they are not the same.

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Alfei, Silvana, Anna Maria Schito, and Guendalina Zuccari. "Biodegradable and Compostable Shopping Bags under Investigation by FTIR Spectroscopy." Applied Sciences 11, no. 2 (January 10, 2021): 621. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app11020621.

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In the recent years, plastic-based shopping bags have become irregular and progressively replaced by compostable ones. To be marketed, these “new plastics” must possess suitable requirements verified by specific bodies, which grant the conformity mark, and the approved physicochemical properties are periodically verified. The fast, inexpensive, non-destructive, easy to use, and reproducible Fourier-Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a technique routinely applied to perform analysis in various industrial sectors. To get reliable information from spectral data, chemometric methods, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), are commonly suggested. In this context, PCA was herein performed on 4, 5, and 21 × 3251 matrices, collecting the FTIR data from regular and irregular shopping bags, including three freshly extruded films from the Italian industry MecPlast, to predict their compliance with legislation. The results allowed us to unequivocally achieve such information and to classify the bags as suitable for containing fresh food in bulk or only for transport. A self-validated linear model was developed capable to estimate, by acquiring a single FTIR spectrum if, after the productive process, the content of renewable poly-lactic-acid (PLA) in a new produced film respect the expectations. Surprisingly, our findings established that among the grocery bags available on the market, irregular plastic-based shopping bags continue to survive.

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Alfei, Silvana, Anna Maria Schito, and Guendalina Zuccari. "Biodegradable and Compostable Shopping Bags under Investigation by FTIR Spectroscopy." Applied Sciences 11, no. 2 (January 10, 2021): 621. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app11020621.

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In the recent years, plastic-based shopping bags have become irregular and progressively replaced by compostable ones. To be marketed, these “new plastics” must possess suitable requirements verified by specific bodies, which grant the conformity mark, and the approved physicochemical properties are periodically verified. The fast, inexpensive, non-destructive, easy to use, and reproducible Fourier-Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a technique routinely applied to perform analysis in various industrial sectors. To get reliable information from spectral data, chemometric methods, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), are commonly suggested. In this context, PCA was herein performed on 4, 5, and 21 × 3251 matrices, collecting the FTIR data from regular and irregular shopping bags, including three freshly extruded films from the Italian industry MecPlast, to predict their compliance with legislation. The results allowed us to unequivocally achieve such information and to classify the bags as suitable for containing fresh food in bulk or only for transport. A self-validated linear model was developed capable to estimate, by acquiring a single FTIR spectrum if, after the productive process, the content of renewable poly-lactic-acid (PLA) in a new produced film respect the expectations. Surprisingly, our findings established that among the grocery bags available on the market, irregular plastic-based shopping bags continue to survive.

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Lörcks, Jürgen. "Properties and applications of compostable starch-based plastic material." Polymer Degradation and Stability 59, no. 1-3 (January 1998): 245–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0141-3910(97)00168-7.

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Dawit, Meseret, Habtamu Hailu, and Arbo Feyisa. "Assessment of reuse, recycle, and recoverable potential of solid waste." MATEC Web of Conferences 276 (2019): 06007. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201927606007.

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A study was conducted to assess the reuse, recycle, and recoverable potential of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Generation rate, waste type, and physicochemical analysis of MSW were evaluated. Results of MSW analysis indicated that the total amount of MSW generation rate per day at Haramaya University (HU) is estimated to be 2608.56 kg/day. The per capita solid waste generation rate is estimated to be 0.134 kg/cap/day. The three waste categories that contributed the greatest proportion of the total sorted waste at all sources are compostable organic matter (57.31%), papers (16.26%), and fines (10.98%) respectively. These three waste categories accounted for approximately 84.55% of the total waste sorted. The remaining 15.45% of the sorted waste were plastic material (5.82%), miscellaneous (4.45%), cardboards (2.37%), metals (1.30%), glass (0.87%), and textiles (0.63%). The particle size distribution of compostable organic matter is 42.76% (greater than 50 mm), 53.2% (between 10-50 mm), and 4.04% (less than 10 mm). The result shows that a large proportion of compostable organic waste is found in the particle size range of 10-50 mm. The physicochemical composition of selected compostable organic waste was compared with standard values suitable for the composting process. The study further revealed that there has been a generation rate of potentially recyclable were 169.45 tonnes/year papers and carton, 59.49 tonnes/year plastic material, and 11.82 tonnes/year metals (can). These materials should be collected separately (source separation) and can also be a means of income generation to the institute.

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Vinci, Giuliana, Roberto Ruggieri, Andrea Billi, Carmine Pagnozzi, Maria Vittoria Di Loreto, and Marco Ruggeri. "Sustainable Management of Organic Waste and Recycling for Bioplastics: A LCA Approach for the Italian Case Study." Sustainability 13, no. 11 (June 4, 2021): 6385. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13116385.

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The collection of the organic fraction in Italy recorded significant growth in the decade 2010–2019 (+74%) due to both the increase in the spread of separate waste collection as well as the increase in the biological treatment plants of municipal waste. However, within the organic fraction there remains a share of non-compostable material (NCM) (plastic, glass, aluminum, etc.), equal to ~5% of the total, which affects the efficiency of composting practices as well as decreasing both the yield and the quality of the final compost, causing a portion of organic material to be subtracted from composting and ending up in landfills. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to evaluate how the sustainability of the organic fraction collection and the amount of compost obtained in the composting plants could improve, following the use of biodegradable and compostable bioplastic bags (shoppers), in replacement for conventional plastic ones. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Carbon Footprint (CF) methodology was used for the assessment, comparing two different scenarios based on data relating to the collection of the organic fraction in Italy in 2019. Scenario 1 relates to the composting of organic material that also contains plastics, bioplastics, and non-compostable materials, while in scenario 2 the share of plastic material in the first scenario has been entirely replaced by bioplastics. The results show that scenario 2 assumes the lowest values for 15 impact categories out of the 18 analyzed, and, among these, in three categories it assumes negative values: ozone formation-terrestrial ecosystems (−1.64 × 10−2 kg NOX eq), ozone formation-human health (−8.50 × 10−3 kg NOX eq), and fossil resource scarcity (−4.91 × 102 kg oil eq). Furthermore, scenario 2 has a negative carbon footprint (−3.80 kg CO2 eq) compared to scenario 1 (79.71 kg CO2 eq), and in general it is the most sustainable scenario as a direct consequence of the greater amount of compost obtained (307.4 kg vs. 269.2 kg).

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Adamcová, Dana, Joanna Fronczyk, Maja Radziemska, Magdalena Vaverková, and Jan Zloch. "Research of the biodegradability of degradable/biodegradable plastic material in various types of environments." Przegląd Naukowy Inżynieria i Kształtowanie Środowiska 26, no. 1 (April 14, 2017): 3–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.22630/pniks.2017.26.1.01.

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Research was carried out in order to assess biodegradability of degradable/biodegradable materials made of HDPE and mixed with totally degradable plastic additive (TDPA additive) or made of polyethylene (PE) with the addition of pro-oxidant additive (d2w additive), advertised as 100% degradable or certifi ed as compostable within various types of environments. Research conditions were: (i) controlled composting environment – laboratory-scale, (ii) real composting conditions – domestic compost bin, (iii) real composting conditions – industrial composting plant and (iv) landfill conditions. The results demonstrate that the materials made of HDPE and mixed with totally degradable plastic additive (TDPA additive) or made of polyethylene (PE) with the addition of pro-oxidant additive (d2w additive) or advertised as 100% degradable did not biodegrade in any of the above-described conditions and remained completely intact at the end of the tests. Biodegradation of the certified compostable plastic bags proceeded very well in laboratory-scale conditions and in real composting conditions – industrial composting plant, however, these materials did not biodegrade in real composting conditions – domestic compost bin and landfill conditions.

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Maragkaki, Angeliki, Nikitas G. Malliaros, Ioannis Sampathianakis, Theofanis Lolos, Christos Tsompanidis, and Thrassyvoulos Manios. "Evaluation of Biodegradability of Polylactic Acid and Compostable Bags from Food Waste under Industrial Composting." Sustainability 15, no. 22 (November 15, 2023): 15963. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su152215963.

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To reduce plastic pollution, biodegradable plastics have been introduced to the market to replace petroleum-based plastics. This work investigates the biodegradation/disintegration of pure poly-L-lactic acid (PLLAB2B), composed of food waste (FW), and PLLAB2B bags, under industrial composting conditions, in order to determine whether they are compostable and to examine compost quality. In order to study the biodegradation, pure PLLAB2B was degraded in laboratory conditions and bag samples were put into simulation systems using windrow technology. Phytotoxicity tests were carried out for every compost sample and high germination values were found (97–103.8%). The pure PLLA reached an average biodegradation value of 100.2 ± 3.7% and a disintegration value of 100.0 ± 0.0%, resulting in biodegradable mature compost. After a seven week composting trial, the bag samples had fully decomposed. The samples had no influence on compost characteristics and there were no visually perceptible changes to the compost. Therefore, we suggest that food waste bioplastic can be used as a potential eco-material for compostable bags, one which could be used in industrial composting units and which offers degradable active materials with low environmental impact.

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Maragkaki, Angeliki, Ioannis Sampathianakis, Katerina Katrini, Eleni Michalodimitraki, C. Gryparis, V. Raptis, A. Power, et al. "Bio-waste to Bio-plastic (B2B): Production of Compostable Bio-Plastics from Food Waste." Proceedings 30, no. 1 (January 18, 2020): 47. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2019030047.

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The degree of purity of materials recovered from municipal solid waste (MSW) depends mainly on the objective: the intended use of the recovered material and the cost to recover this material in its pure form, determined by the intensity of the effort and the technology involved. The Bio-waste to Bio-plastic (B2B) Project aims to develop an integrated separation process at the bio-waste source, focusing on Hospitality Units. The quality of the collected bio-waste will be upgraded by removing foreign bodies or even specific categories of food waste, or by adding bio-waste from other, more specialized, sources (e.g. bakery residues) to produce compostable bio-plastics through an optimal synthesis process. Compostable bio-plastics are high added value products, which justify an increase in the cost of the preceding processes. After examining the possibility of further source separation and its results, B2B will study the optimal collection and transport system which decisively affects many qualitative elements, testing and evaluating a relatively high-cost but highly effective solution, that of hand-sorting in order to optimize materials recovery. B2B will identify all the parameters of the production process of PLA monomers and (poly) lactic acid in relation to the quality characteristics of the raw material (bio-waste) collected from Hospitality Units. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of food waste (bio-waste) produced in Hospitality Units will then take place. All the above will be tested on a bench-scale unit that will allow their further study and their substantial improvement, as well as the extraction of realistic results. Finally, the effect of the end-product bio-plastic on the composting and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste will be examined. The expected results from the B2B implementation are an optimized source separation scheme for Hospitality Units, the identification of the appropriate method of upgrading the quality of residues collected for the purpose of bio-plastic production, and eventually an integrated process of converting bio-waste into a high added value product.

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Allison, Ayşe Lisa, Fabiana Lorencatto, Susan Michie, and Mark Miodownik. "Barriers and Enablers to Buying Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic Packaging." Sustainability 13, no. 3 (January 30, 2021): 1463. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13031463.

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Biodegradable and compostable plastic packaging (BCPP) has the potential to reduce a global plastic waste problem. We aimed to identify influences on buying BCPP as a basis for designing strategies that enable BCPP’s environmental benefits. Using a UK-focused citizen science dataset, we thematically analysed 610 survey responses to a question exploring reasons for BCPP purchase. Themes are categorised as barriers and enablers and according to the components of the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model of behaviour. Key barriers concerned: psychological capability (not understanding terminology used to label packaging, not taking notice of packaging, and preferring other types of packaging and product qualities); reflective motivation (negative beliefs about BCPP’s environmental impacts and skepticism over decomposition claims), and physical opportunity (no access to appropriate waste management). Key enablers concern: reflective motivation (positive beliefs about BCPP’s environmental impact and resolve to behave pro-environmentally) and physical opportunity (access to appropriate waste management). Reducing ambiguity concerning the labels of biodegradable and compostable may reduce skepticism over environmental claims of packaging. Interventions should improve information about the source of the packaging material, how the packaging waste is processed, and how to dispose of the packaging. This will not be sufficient unless facilities for local BCPP waste collection and processing are increased.

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Cuff, Madeleine. "Most ‘home compostable’ plastic doesn't break down in garden bins." New Scientist 256, no. 3412 (November 2022): 16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0262-4079(22)02026-7.

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Kyvik, Adriana. "Sustainable packaging with seaweed." EU Research Winter 2023, no. 36 (December 2023): 36–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.56181/cour6109.

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Plastic has long been used in food packaging, but with concern growing over its ecological and environmental impact, the hunt is on for alternatives. Researchers in the SeaweedPack project are using the polysaccharides present in seaweed to develop new, flexible, home-compostable films for food packaging, as Dr Adriana Kyvik explains.

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Khachatryan, Hayk, Ben Campbell, Charles Hall, Bridget Behe, Chengyan Yue, and Jennifer Dennis. "The Effects of Individual Environmental Concerns on Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Plant Attributes." HortScience 49, no. 1 (January 2014): 69–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/hortsci.49.1.69.

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This study adds to the consumer choice literature by linking consumers’ environmental concern (EC) orientations (egoistic, altruistic and biospheric) to willingness to pay (WTP) premiums for proenvironmental attributes. Results from a mixed-ordered probit model showed that individuals were willing to pay a premium for energy-saving production practices ($0.131), non-plastic containers such as compostable ($0.227), plantable ($0.122), and recyclable ($0.155), and locally grown plants ($0.222). Individuals scoring high on the EC scale expressed higher WTP across all attributes—$0.148 for energy-saving practices, $0.288 for locally grown plants, and $0.255, $0.143, and $0.175 for compostable, plantable, and recyclable containers, respectively. Using the results, we discuss the practical implications for nursery and garden stores (i.e., communicating product attributes related information to consumers).

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Harianja, A. H., G. S. Saragih, and R. Fauzi. "Replacing single use plastic bags with compostable carriers: socio-economic approach." IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 407 (December 17, 2019): 012001. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/407/1/012001.

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Cristóbal, Jorge, Paola Federica Albizzati, Michele Giavini, Dario Caro, Simone Manfredi, and Davide Tonini. "Management practices for compostable plastic packaging waste: Impacts, challenges and recommendations." Waste Management 170 (October 2023): 166–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2023.08.010.

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Wetzel, Corryn. "Compostable plastic fails to break down after a year at sea." New Scientist 258, no. 3441 (June 2023): 13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0262-4079(23)00986-7.

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Bryson, Emily, Lisa Bricknell, Ryan Kift, and Amie Anastasi. "Disintegration of certified compostable plastic bags in outdoor household composting conditions." Waste Management 190 (December 2024): 654–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2024.10.028.

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Marsono, B. J., and A. Z. Maharsiwi. "Waste management of household-scale snack industry based on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) In Watubonang Ponorogo." IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1307, no. 1 (February 1, 2024): 012018. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1307/1/012018.

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Abstract The household food industry that produces fish-based snacks in Ponorogo needs good waste management. Therefore, the waste is directly disposed of into the irrigation channel and vacant land. The waste produced by the industry contains highly organic compounds, which results in several problems, such as foul odor and eutrophication due to excess nitrogen and phosphorus. The management of water and solid wastes is a must to prevent environmental pollution, reduce waste circulation, and create better production; one of the methods that can be used is Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R). Primary data were collected by sampling, laboratory analysis, and field research. In contrast, the secondary data were collected through literature studies. Based on the analysis results, reduction is done on liquid waste, compostable, and non-recyclable solid waste. Reuse is done on liquid waste and recyclable solid waste. Recycle is done on compostable and recyclable solid waste. Based on waste management, the treatment units begin with a grease, then an equalization basin, an Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR), and constructed wetland. Solid waste storage for all types uses closed High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) tubs. Composting is carried out on compostable solid waste aerobically in a HDPE plastic tub.

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Arias-González, Andrés Felipe, Luis David Gómez-Méndez, and Adriana Sáenz-Aponte. "Consumption and Digestion of Plastics by Greater Hive Moth Larvae." Insects 15, no. 9 (August 28, 2024): 645. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/insects15090645.

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The accumulation and unsustainable management of plastic waste generate environmental pollution that affects ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. We studied the possibility of using the consumption and digestion of oxo-biodegradable, compostable plastics and polypropylene from face masks by the fifth-instar larvae of G. mellonella as a strategy for the sustainable management of plastic waste. We used Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) to determine the percentage of consumption and presence of microplastics in the digestive tract and excreta for 10 treatments evaluated for 135 h. The effects of plastics on the continuity of the life cycle of the greater hive moth were also determined. We established that the larvae fragmented and consumed 35.2 ± 23% of the plastics evaluated, with significant differences between treatments. Larvae were able to consume more of the intermediate layers of masks (86.31%) than the other plastics. However, none of the plastics were digested. Instead, microplastics accumulated in the excreta, resulting in nutritional deficits that affected the continuity of the life cycle, including the induction of the early formation of pupae after 24 h and a reduction in the number of eggs laid by the females.

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Olt, Jüri, Viacheslav V. Maksarov, Kaarel Soots, and Tõnu Leemet. "Technology for the Production of Environment Friendly Tableware." Environmental and Climate Technologies 24, no. 2 (September 1, 2020): 57–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/rtuect-2020-0054.

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AbstractFrom the point of view of environmental protection, it is reasonable to stop using disposable tableware that has been made from polluting plastics and to start using biodegradable and compostable products. Biodegradable and compostable tableware is significantly more environment and nature friendly than disposable plastic tableware and drinkware. The by-products (mostly bran) from the milling of wheat, corn and rice and palm leaves are used for the production of tableware. In the Baltic States, including Estonia, it is reasonable to use wheat bran, rye bran and buckwheat bran and the mixtures of these brans. The aim of this research was to provide the technical and technological know-how for the production of environment friendly disposable tableware and to verify the suitability of the new technological means. In order to achieve the aim, a punch and a die were modelled to produce disposable plates with desired parameters, materials and work modes for the material were chosen and, thereafter, the plates were produced from bran using a physical punch and die and using a suitable moulding mode or temperature and compression duration and using prescribed compressive forces. The mechanical properties like density and flexural strength of the moulded plates were determined.

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Koenig-Lewis, Nicole, Laura Grazzini, and Adrian Palmer. "Cakes in plastic: A study of implicit associations of compostable bio-based versus plastic food packaging." Resources, Conservation and Recycling 178 (March 2022): 105977. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105977.

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Rapisarda, Marco, Cristina Patanè, Alessandra Pellegrino, Angelo Malvuccio, Valeria Rizzo, Giuseppe Muratore, and Paola Rizzarelli. "Compostable Polylactide and Cellulose Based Packaging for Fresh-Cut Cherry Tomatoes: Performance Evaluation and Influence of Sterilization Treatment." Materials 13, no. 15 (August 4, 2020): 3432. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ma13153432.

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For food packaging, plastic materials display large appeal, mostly due to their versatility, mechanical, optical and barrier properties. However, they play an important role in environmental concerns and waste management issue. Compostable bioplastics represent alternative materials designed for a lower environmental impact. In this work, a biobased compostable packaging, constituted by polylactide (PLA) trays and NatureFlex™ film, was evaluated for fresh-cut cherry tomato. A comparative analysis was accomplished using traditional packaging materials, that is, polyethylene terephtalate (PET) trays and polypropylene (PP Coex) film. Structural stability under food contact conditions, mechanical and physical-chemical properties were investigated. Tensile mechanical properties, puncture resistance, contact angle (CA) and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), before and after UV or radiofrequency (RF) sterilization treatment, were evaluated. UV irradiation method resulted the less invasive one. Therefore, oxygen and water vapor transmission rate (OTR and WVTR), overall chemical migration test, biodegradation assessment by biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) according to ISO 14851 and disintegration test by ISO 20200 were carried out to establish the further influence of UV sterilization on the packaging. Overall, data showed that the biobased compostable packaging for a prolonged shelf-life of fresh-cut cherry tomato has better properties that were surprisingly enhanced by the UV treatment.

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WHITEMAN, NICOLE, ANDREA AUCHTER, ANDREW CHRISTIE, and MICHAEL PRUE. "Rethinking the paper cup — beginning with extrusion process optimization for compostability and recyclability." June 2021 20, no. 6 (July 1, 2021): 353–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.32964/tj20.6.353.

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More than 50 billion disposable paper cups used for cold and hot beverages are sold within the United States each year. Most of the cups are coated with a thin layer of plastic — low density polyethylene (LDPE) — to prevent leaking and staining. While the paper in these cups is both recyclable and compostable, the LDPE coating is neither. In recycling a paper cup, the paper is separated from the plastic lining. The paper is sent to be recycled and the plastic lining is typically sent to landfill. In an industrial composting environment, the paper and lining can be composted together if the lining is made from compostable materials. Coating paper cups with a compostable performance material uniquely allows for used cups to be processed by either recycling or composting, thus creating multiple pathways for these products to flow through a circular economy. A segment of the paper converting industry frequently uses an extrusion grade of polylactic acid (PLA) for zero-waste venues and for municipalities with ordinances for local composting and food service items. The results among these early adopters reveal process inefficiencies that elevate manufacturing costs while increasing scrap and generally lowering output when using PLA for extrusion coating. NatureWorks and Sung An Machinery (SAM) North America researched the extrusion coating process utilizing the incumbent polymer (LDPE) and PLA. The trademarked Ingeo 1102 is a new, compostable, and bio-based PLA grade that is specifically designed for the extrusion coating process. The research team identified the optimum process parameters for new, dedicated PLA extrusion coating lines. The team also identified changes to existing LDPE extrusion lines that processors can make today to improve output. The key finding is that LDPE and PLA are significantly different polymers and that processing them on the same equipment without modification of systems and/or setpoints can be the root cause of inefficiencies. These polymers each have unique processing requirements with inverse responses. Fine tuning existing systems may improve over-all output for the biopolymer without capital investment, and this study showed an increase in line speed of 130% by making these adjustments. However, the researchers found that highest productivity can be achieved by specifying new systems for PLA. A line speed increase to more than 180% and a reduction in coat weight to 8.6 µm (10.6 g/m2 or 6.5 lb/3000 ft2) was achieved in this study. These results show that Ingeo 1102 could be used as a paper coating beyond cups.

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Mukherjee, Anindya, and Martin Koller. "Microbial PolyHydroxyAlkanoate (PHA) Biopolymers—Intrinsically Natural." Bioengineering 10, no. 7 (July 19, 2023): 855. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10070855.

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Global pollution from fossil plastics is one of the top environmental threats of our time. At their end-of-life phase, fossil plastics, through recycling, incineration, and disposal result in microplastic formation, elevated atmospheric CO2 levels, and the pollution of terrestrial and aquatic environments. Current regional, national, and global regulations are centered around banning plastic production and use and/or increasing recycling while ignoring efforts to rapidly replace fossil plastics through the use of alternatives, including those that occur in nature. In particular, this review demonstrates how microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a class of intrinsically natural polymers, can successfully remedy the fossil and persistent plastic dilemma. PHAs are bio-based, biosynthesized, biocompatible, and biodegradable, and thus, domestically and industrially compostable. Therefore, they are an ideal replacement for the fossil plastics pollution dilemma, providing us with the benefits of fossil plastics and meeting all the requirements of a truly circular economy. PHA biopolyesters are natural and green materials in all stages of their life cycle. This review elaborates how the production, consumption, and end-of-life profile of PHAs are embedded in the current and topical, 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, which constitute the basis for sustainable product manufacturing. The time is right for a paradigm shift in plastic manufacturing, use, and disposal. Humankind needs alternatives to fossil plastics, which, as recalcitrant xenobiotics, contribute to the increasing deterioration of our planet. Natural PHA biopolyesters represent that paradigm shift.

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Ruiz, Frank A. "A New Class of High-Performance Compostable Plastic Bags and Can Liners." Journal of Plastic Film & Sheeting 23, no. 2 (April 2007): 109–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/8756087907082343.

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Quecholac-Piña, Xochitl, Mariel Anel García-Rivera, Rosa María Espinosa-Valdemar, Alethia Vázquez-Morillas, Margarita Beltrán-Villavicencio, and Adriana de la Luz Cisneros-Ramos. "Biodegradation of compostable and oxodegradable plastic films by backyard composting and bioaugmentation." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 24, no. 33 (April 5, 2016): 25725–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-6553-0.

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Vu, Minh Duc, Thanh Liem Nguyen, Thi Kim Chi Dang, and Chau Giang Nguyen. "Evaluation of the biodegradability of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and cassava starch films in municipal compost under controlled conditions by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide." Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam 65, no. 8 (August 25, 2023): 50–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.31276/vjst.65(8).50-55.

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Plastic waste pollution is a major environmental issue all over the world, with Vietnam ranking among the ten most polluted countries. As a result, it is critical that research aims to reduce pollution levels from this plastic waste resource through the fabrication and application of biodegradable polymers to replace traditional plastics. In this study, plastics blend film based on cassava starch/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (TPS/PBAT) (ratio of 40/60) was fabricated in a reactive twin screw extruder. Testing methods following the ASTM 6400 standard were used to evaluate the biodegradability of the film based on the TPS/PBAT blend shown that under controlled aerobic composting conditions (temperature of 58°C and humidity of 55%), the biodegradation rate of the film, calculated according to the amount of CO2 produced, reached of 91% after 155 days, and the disintegration degree of 96% after 53 days. The rate of bean and cucumber germination on the resulting compost demonstrates satisfactory terrestrial safety. The results of this study confirmed that TPS/PBAT film is a highly compostable material that can be used to improve the biodegradability of products like munch films, supermarket bags, seedling bags, and garbage bags.

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Gumel, B. U., S. M. Gumel, A. A. Bawa, and A. S. Auwal. "Experimental assessment on preparation of biodegradable polythylene/polylatic acid-chithosan composite from renewable resources." Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences 14, no. 1 (December 17, 2021): 45–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bajopas.v14i1.7.

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Due to poor degradability and contamination risk of synthetic plastics, utilization of renewable resources is encouraged. Biobased thermoplastic polymers from renewable resource that is inexpensive, biodegradable, compostable and renewably non-toxic, is focused. In this paper mixtures of synthetic and natural polymers were used as a potential option to reduce pollution by plastic waste. The study is aimed at assessing utilization of sweet potato waste as a source of bioplastic for package application, the polymer was modified with a biopolymer chitosan to obtain polylactic acid-chitosan plastic. The developed polymer matrix was blended with polyethylene to obtain biodegradable packaging material. The bioplastic was characterized using Fourier Transformed Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and scaning electron microscope (SEM). Physical and mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated by measuring enzymatic degradation, tensile strength, and elongation at break. The results have shown that the film obtained have homogeneous surface by (SEM). Mechanical properties of the bio plastics revealed that tensile strength increases with increases in the concentration of chitosan and hence, the elongation at break decreases with increase in chitosan content. While the fastest enzymatic degradation was observed to have high microbial growth on the bio plastics with high content of Chitosan-Polylactic acid.

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Beiras, Ricardo, and Sara López-Ibáñez. "A Practical Tool for the Assessment of Polymer Biodegradability in Marine Environments Guides the Development of Truly Biodegradable Plastics." Polymers 15, no. 4 (February 16, 2023): 974. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym15040974.

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Environmental persistence is one of the few shortcomings of plastic materials. As a consequence, alternative plastics labeled as compostable are replacing polyolefins in some commercial applications, such as food bags and trash bags. A rapid, high-throughput, and environmentally relevant method to assess the potential biodegradability in marine conditions is used to assess these materials already on the market, as well as novel bio-based polymers still in development. By fitting experimental data to a non-linear logistic model, ultimate biodegradability can be calculated without regard for incubation time. Whereas the commercial products show negligible or very low marine biodegradability, one of the novel materials exceeds the 20% biodegradation threshold relative to fully marine biodegradable PHB after 28 days. In addition, the sensitivity of the method can be enhanced and its duration reduced, at the expense of labor-demanding preconditioning of the microbial inoculum, by increasing the bacterial density in the incubation vessels. In contrast, pre-exposure of the inoculum to plastic, either in laboratory or field conditions, does not enhance the performance of the test.

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Rampazzo, Federico, Nicoletta Calace, Malgorzata Formalewicz, Seta Noventa, Claudia Gion, Lucia Bongiorni, Amelia De Lazzari, Valerio Causin, and Daniela Berto. "An FTIR and EA-IRMS Application to the Degradation Study of Compostable Plastic Bags in the Natural Marine Environment." Applied Sciences 13, no. 19 (September 29, 2023): 10851. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app131910851.

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The present study aims to explore the degradation process of compostable, starch-based (i.e., Mater-Bi®) shopping bags in the marine environment using isotope ratio mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The mixing model applied to the isotopic data suggested that the compostable shopping bags had a mixed composition with a higher percentage of polyesters (61% to 72%). Changes in the isotopic composition over a 73-day period of marine water immersion showed a decrease in the corn starch constituent (of 14% to 13%), with a similar rate in both types of bags in accordance with the evidence derived from the infrared spectra. The time required for complete degradation of the starch fraction was estimated by an isotopic approach from 124 to 180 days, following zero-order kinetics. The coupled application of these two analytical methodologies promises to (i) show complementary evidence regarding the time-course degradability of different polymers via FTIR changes, and (ii) infer potential degradation mechanisms via carbon isotope analyzes. We encourage the use of this information to support advancements in the development of more sustainable-by-design plastic materials.

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Vaverková, Magdalena, František Toman, Dana Adamcová, and Jana Kotovicová. "Study of the Biodegrability of Degradable/Biodegradable Plastic Material in a Controlled Composting Environment." Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S 19, no. 3 (January 1, 2012): 347–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10216-011-0025-8.

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Study of the Biodegrability of Degradable/Biodegradable Plastic Material in a Controlled Composting EnvironmentThe objective of this study was to determine the degrability/biodegradability of disposable plastic bags available on the market that are labeled as degradable/biodegradable and those certified as compost. The investigated materials were obtained from chain stores in the Czech Republic and Poland. Seven kinds of bags (commercially available) were used in this study. One of them was a disposable bag made of HDPE and mixed with totally degradable plastic additive (TDPA additive). Another was a disposable made of polyethylene with the addition of pro-oxidant additive (d2w additive). One was labeled as 100% degradable within various periods of time, from three months up to three years, and four were certified as compostable. The test was carried out in a controlled composting environment. The biodisintegration degree of the obtained pieces was evaluated following a modified version of ČSN EN 14806 Norm "Packaging - Preliminary evaluation of the disintegration of the packaging materials under simulated composting conditions in a laboratory scale test" and a modified version of ČSN EN ISO 20200 "Plastics - Determination of the degree of disintegration of plastic materials under simulated composting conditions in laboratory-scale test" (ISO 20200:2004). The emphasis was put on determination whether the bags are degradable/biodegradable or not.

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Wang, Tiantian, Mahboubeh Hosseinzadeh, Alice Cuccagna, Rakhat Alakenova, Paula Casademunt, Alcira Reyes Rovatti, Amparo López-Rubio, and Cinta Porte. "Comparative toxicity of conventional versus compostable plastic consumer products: An in-vitro assessment." Journal of Hazardous Materials 459 (October 2023): 132123. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132123.

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Oh, Jiwon, Sung Bae Park, Chaenyung Cha, Hyeonyeol Jeon, Dongyeop X. Oh, Jun Mo Koo, and Jeyoung Park. "Compostable plastic/paper composites with high gas/moisture barriers for sustainable beverage bottles." Chemical Engineering Journal 484 (March 2024): 149651. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.149651.

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Journal articles on the topic 'Compostable plastic'

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