Bioplastics: a less disposable future

Catarina Possidónio

We live surrounded by plastic. It is found in packaging, cars, clothing and even hygiene products. This material, created to last, has become one of today's greatest environmental threats, affecting not only nature but also our health. In response to this issue, bioplastics have emerged as a promising alternative though still far from a daily reality for most people.

Bioplastics are plastics either derived from renewable raw materials (such as plants or organic waste) or biodegradable and in some cases, both. At first glance, this seems like a perfect solution: materials that replace conventional plastics, with less environmental impact and the potential to degrade naturally. However, the reality is more complex.

From an environmental perspective, the benefits of bioplastics are clear. By depending less on petroleum, they help reduce the carbon footprint and support energy security and independence. They can be produced from waste that would otherwise end up in landfills, offering, for example, a possible solution for urban waste management. In certain cases, they are fully biodegradable in industrial treatment facilities, making it easier to recover their value and integrate them into production systems and the circular economy.

But if the benefits are so evident, why haven't bioplastics become the norm? As part of the European project BioLaMer, we are studying these challenges in order to help identify sustainable solutions. On the consumer side, we see that few people truly know what bioplastics are. They confuse "biodegradable" with "breaks down in the garden" and often struggle to distinguish these products on shop shelves. There is also a perception that they are of lower quality or simply a case of greenwashing.

On the business side, the transition is hindered by unclear legal frameworks and a lack of clear incentives. Without common regulations or consistent support, producers hesitate to invest on a large scale. Moreover, production costs remain high, making it difficult to compete with traditional plastics. Technological challenges also persist, such as ensuring bioplastics have the same durability and functionality, along with the lack of proper infrastructure for collection and composting.

So, what can be done to stop the invasion of conventional plastics? First and foremost, it is essential to strengthen public and private investment in research and innovation. Only through this will costs be reduced and bioplastics' performance improved. At the same time, information and clarification are key. Awareness campaigns can help dispel doubts and build consumer trust.

The role of the state is also crucial particularly in creating favourable tax policies, setting clear standards for labelling and composting, and promoting investment in infrastructure that allows for proper collection and treatment of these materials.

This transition will not happen overnight. Bioplastics are not a magic solution, but they can play a significant role in addressing the plastic problem. To unlock their potential, joint efforts from science, industry, governments, local authorities and citizens are vital. Even if some bioplastics can degrade in soil, littering is never a solution. The success of bioplastics also largely depends on the industry's ability to access end-of-life products, recover resources, and transform them into new products.

After all, if we want a future with less plastic and greater harmony with the planet, waiting for perfect solutions is not enough, we must start with the ones already within our reach.

Catarina Possidónio
Researcher & Psychology Professor at Lusófona University

Source: Público