Future of Bioplastics Rests on Improved Research & Design

There is a “high interest” in bioplastics, according to John Kalkowski, editorial director at Packaging Digest, who observed numerous questions about their use at a recent conference on the innovative material. While its popularity has room to grow, Kalkowski said their time “can’t be far off.”

A main difference between bioplastics and petroleum-based plastics is that bioplastics are made of “biopolymers,” polymers manufactured from living, green cells. Because they are naturally derived, biopolymers can be broken down by microorganisms (essentially composted) and returned to the soil.

According to Kalkowski, bioplastics have a few hurdles to jump before their use is as prevalent as traditional, petroleum-based products. “The cost, performance, moisture-barrier properties, recycling-stream contamination and use of food crops all need improvements, he said. “However, several long-term trends will drive the growth of bioplastics: volatile oil prices; energy security concerns; environmental benefits; favorable regulatory intiatives; and the improving performance and competitiveness of bioplastic resins.”

While the use of petroleum-based plastics continues to grow (estimates range up to one trillion pounds per year), BCC Research estimated that the market for biodegradable plastics is expected to reach 1.2 billion pounds by 2012, up from 541 million pounds in 2007.