Bark-based bioplastics have emerged as a sustainable and viable alternative to traditional plastics, which contribute to the growing plastic waste crisis and climate change. Bioplastics derived from renewable sources such as bark offer environmental benefits such as being a renewable resource, emitting lower levels of greenhouse gases, taking less time to decompose, being non-toxic, and having a lower carbon footprint. Bark-based bioplastics are also biodegradable and compostable, breaking down within three to six months, and can be sourced sustainably from forestry waste products. Although currently more expensive than traditional plastics, demand is driving down costs gradually.
Bark-Based Bioplastics Proven to Be More Sustainable than Traditional Plastics
Our world is facing an unprecedented plastic waste problem. Traditional plastics that are used in everyday life take thousands of years to decompose, causing lasting damage to the environment. The carbon footprint of plastic production has also become a point of concern, contributing to climate change. Fortunately, there is a solution to the problem – bioplastics made from sustainable materials like bark have emerged as a viable alternative.
Traditionally, plastic is derived from non-renewable sources such as petroleum. However, bioplastics are derived from renewable sources like corn starch, sugarcane, and even bark. Bark-based bioplastics are lightweight and strong, just like conventional plastics, but they offer an array of benefits that are unavailable in traditional plastics.
Benefits of Using Bark-Based Bioplastics
Sustainability is at the heart of bioplastics, and using bark to create bioplastics offers a range of environmental benefits. Some of the reasons why bark-based bioplastics are a better solution for the planet include:
1. They are a renewable resource
Bark-based bioplastics are derived from the waste products of the forestry industry. Unlike traditional plastics, bark-based bioplastics can be sourced sustainably and are not a finite resource.
2. They emit lower levels of greenhouse gases
The production process for bark-based bioplastics emits fewer greenhouse gases than the production of traditional plastics. This is because the production of bark-based bioplastics requires less energy.
3. They take less time to decompose
Bark-based bioplastics are biodegradable and compostable, meaning that they will break down naturally within a shorter period of time. This characteristic helps reduce waste and prevent the accumulation of plastic in landfills and oceans.
4. They are non-toxic
Traditional plastics contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to both human health and the environment. Bark-based bioplastics, however, are non-toxic, making them a safer and more eco-friendly alternative.
5. They have a lower carbon footprint
The production of bark-based bioplastics results in a lower carbon footprint when compared to traditional plastics. This statement is due to their process involving using less energy and emitting fewer greenhouse gases, making them an essential part of a circular economy.
FAQs about Bark-Based Bioplastics
1. What is the difference between normal plastic and bioplastics made from bark?
Traditional plastics are derived from non-renewable sources like petroleum, while bark-based bioplastics are derived from a renewable resource. Additionally, bark-based bioplastics are biodegradable and compostable, while traditional plastics take hundreds of years to decompose.
2. How long do bark-based bioplastics take to decompose?
Bark-based bioplastics can take between three to six months to decompose fully. This timeframe is significantly shorter than it takes for traditional plastics to decompose.
3. Is the production process of bark-based bioplastics humane?
Bark is generally a waste product of the forestry industry, making its harvesting an ethical and sustainable practice. Additionally, bark is not used as a food source, ensuring its production does not interfere with human or animal food production.
4. Are bark-based bioplastics more expensive than traditional plastics?
At present, bark-based bioplastics are generally more expensive than traditional plastics. However, this is gradually reducing due to increased demand for eco-friendly products.
Conclusion
Bark-based bioplastics present an opportunity to reduce plastic waste and tackle climate change. They offer an array of benefits like being non-toxic, decomposable, and renewable, making them a smart, sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. The continued progress and innovation of bioplastics such as bark-based ones is an essential way to reduce the impact humans have on the environment while scaling back the use of non-renewable and harmful resource production.
