Navigating the Diversity of Plastics and Non-Fossil Substitute Materials
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Suitable substitutes such as PHA have emerged as a promising solution to conventional fossil-based plastics. These substitutes are often associated with reduced environmental impact, renewable resources, and biodegradability. In this article we will provide a comprehensive overview on the diversity of safe, non-fossil substitutes and their environmental impact.
The Four Quadrants of Plastics and Suitable Substitutes Which Can Replace Them
It is essential to comprehend the diverse landscape of fossil-based plastics and safe, non-fossil substitutes for plastics, which can be categorized into four distinct quadrants, each with its unique characteristics and environmental implications:
1. Bio-Based and Biodegradable (First Quadrant): Distinct features of these materials include their production methods and feedstock sources, which contribute to their biodegradability and environmental impact.
Bio-Based with Synthetic Production: Materials like PLA (Polylactic Acid) and PBS (Polybutylene Succinate) fall within this quadrant, deriving their bio-based nature from synthetic production processes conducted in a laboratory setting. This method involves precise chemical reactions, potentially utilizing crop feedstocks and various synthetic methods to create materials. While these materials are typically biodegradable in industrial composting facilities with controlled environments, including specific temperature and humidity conditions, it's essential to note that synthetic production may raise concerns about environmental impact and cost due to its potential complexity and use of non-renewable resources.
Bio-Based with Biological Production: Materials like PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) and cellulose fall into this category, obtaining their bio-based status through biological production methods. Bacteria, engaged in bacterial fermentation, are pivotal in creating PHAs by consuming carbon-rich materials, often sourced from agricultural leftovers or waste water streams. This approach is recognized for its environmental friendliness as it aligns with natural processes. Although managing bacterial cultures is involved, technological advancements are enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this process. These materials, marked by their natural biodegradability, break down in environments like soil and water without necessitating industrial composting facilities.
The significance of suitable substitute polymers lies in their origin from natural processes within plants, animals, fungi, or bacteria during production, independent of fossil fuels. Furthermore, at the end of their lifecycle, these materials exhibit biodegradability and compostability without generating persistent microparticles during breakdown. Globally, researchers and innovators have discovered and successfully replicated natural processes and features, such as biodegradability, compostability, and renewability, for commercial applications. When manufactured responsibly in accordance with safety and environmental guidelines and when reused and recycled extensively, these materials can serve as environmentally sound and safe alternatives to problematic fossil-based plastics.
2. Bio-Based and Not Biodegradable (Second Quadrant): This quadrant encompasses materials derived from natural sources but lacking biodegradability. Despite being bio-based, they exhibit properties similar to fossil-based plastics in terms of stability. These materials are durable and do not readily break down in the environment. However, their eco-friendly origin makes them suitable candidates for recycling rather than composting.
3. Fossil-Based and Biodegradable (Third Quadrant): Materials in this quadrant are manufactured from fossil fuel sources, typically petroleum, yet are designed to be biodegradable. They offer a unique blend of properties, as they can naturally break down while originating from non-renewable resources. Similar to bio-based, biodegradable materials, they may require specific conditions for proper decomposition and can pose challenges in traditional recycling processes.
4. Conventional Fossil-Based Plastics (Fourth Quadrant): The final quadrant encompasses traditional plastics made from fossil fuel sources that are neither bio-based nor biodegradable. These plastics, including most common packaging materials, are known for their persistence in the environment, contributing to plastic pollution. They lack the sustainable characteristics of the other three quadrants.
Overview of Plastic Materials and Safe, Non-Fossil Substitute Materials
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable Materials | Designed to break down in specific environments (e.g., water, soil, compost) under certain conditions and over varying periods of time. |
| Industrially Compostable Materials | Engineered to biodegrade in industrial composting or anaerobic digestion plants, often with subsequent composting. |
| Home Compostable Materials | Designed to biodegrade in home composters, typically at lower temperatures, and can also biodegrade in industrial composting plants. |
| Bio-based Materials | Partly or fully made from biological raw materials instead of fossil fuels, reducing reliance on fossil-based resources. |
| Non-biodegradable Materials | Do not naturally break down and can persist for long periods, potentially forming microplastics and accumulating in the environment. |
| Oxo-degradable Materials | Contain additives that, through oxidation, lead to fragmentation into microplastics or chemical decomposition. |
Certification Schemes for Biodegradable, Compostable and Bio-based Products
Compostable and biodegradable certifications, such as those offered by organizations like TÜV Austria, are vital for ensuring the environmental credibility of products. These certifications play a crucial role in reducing waste and encouraging sustainable practices. By verifying that products meet specific environmental standards, certifications build consumer trust and empower individuals and businesses to make informed and sustainable choices. They contribute to waste reduction by diverting organic materials from landfills, promote market differentiation for businesses, and serve as educational tools to raise awareness about the environmental impact of products. Moreover, these certifications help companies comply with regulations, foster global standards, and encourage sustainability throughout the supply chain, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally conscious and responsible world Some certifications include:
TÜV OK biodegradable MARINE: This certification ensures marine biodegradability, a crucial attribute for products that might end up in marine environments, adhering to international standards.
TÜV OK biodegradable SOIL: Products certified under this label guarantee complete biodegradability in soil, making them ideal for agricultural and horticultural applications, where they can be left to break down in situ after use.
TÜV OK biodegradable WATER: This certification verifies biodegradation in natural freshwater environments, thereby contributing significantly to the reduction of waste in rivers, lakes, and other natural freshwater bodies. Please note that this certification does not necessarily guarantee biodegradation in marine waters.
Criteria Required for Certification: To earn this certification, products must pass rigorous testing and adhere to strict criteria, including:
Passing Fresh Water Biodegradability testing.
Meeting the requirements set by ISO14851 and ISO14852 Fresh Water Biodegradability testing standards.
Achieving over 90% biodegradability compared to a control substance (microcrystalline cellulose) in less than 56 days.
Undergoing triplicate testing to a certification testing protocol.
Meeting the biodegradability requirements outlined in EN14987.
Testing conducted by an ISO17025 approved laboratory.
TÜV verification of testing standards, testing protocols, test data, and approved test lab status.
Certification Process: TÜV Austria acts as a trusted third-party certification body, ensuring transparency and integrity in the certification process. Certified products are granted a serial-coded logo unique to the company that owns the certification, making it easily verifiable for authenticity, currency, and ownership.
| Environment | European Reference Standard | Certifications and Logos | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Composting | EN13432 |
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EN 13432 refers to packaging. In addition, EN 14995 is a similar European standard for compostability of non-packaging products in industrial composting plants. |
| Well-managed Home Composting Conditions | No European standard |
|
The OK compost home label builds on a certification scheme developed by TÜV Austria Belgium NV. The DIN-Geprüft Home Compostable label is based on French standard NF T51-800 and/or the Australian standard AS 5810. National standards also exist in Belgium and Italy. A draft European standard exists for plastic carrier bags suitable for treatment in well-managed home composting installations (prEN 17427:2020). |
| Soil | EN17033 | EN17033 applies to mulch films only. Based on a certification scheme developed by the label provider, but can be compliant with EN 17033 on request by adding two additional ecotoxicity tests. | |
| Water | No European standard | Based on a certification scheme developed by the label provider. | |
| Marine Water | No European standard | Based on a certification scheme developed by the label provider, using American standard ASTM D7081 (withdrawn) as a basis. | Bio-based | EN 16785-1 |
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Based on a certification scheme developed by the label provider. |
*Starting on December 1st, 2017, the TÜV AUSTRIA Group assumed control of the certification operations previously managed by VINÇOTTE and incorporated them into TÜV AUSTRIA Belgium NV/SA (TABLE).
Biodegradable vs. Compostable vs. Bio-based
It's crucial to distinguish between concepts such as "biodegradable", "compostable”, and “bio-based”:
Biodegradable: A biodegradable product can be broken down by microorganisms. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that it will turn into high-quality compost. The rate of biodegradation depends on the environment in which the product is placed. Different environments (compost, soil, water, etc.) have varying temperatures and microorganisms, which can affect the speed of biodegradation. For instance, materials or products that biodegrade in an industrial composting plant may not do so in your backyard compost heap due to lower temperatures.
Compostable: Compostable products, on the other hand, are specifically designed to break down into nutrient-rich compost under controlled conditions. To be labeled as compostable, a product must meet stringent standards and requirements, ensuring that it contributes positively to compost quality and doesn't leave harmful residues.
Bio-based: Denotes materials derived from renewable resources like plants, bacteria, or algae. These materials reduce dependence on fossil fuels and can be more sustainable choices.
Understanding the rigorous certification criteria for biodegradation and compostability provides consumers with confidence in the sustainability claims of biodegradable, compostable, or bio-based materials. These certifications offer a valuable tool for consumers seeking to make informed choices and promote responsible environmental practices.
Further Information:
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There exists a fundamental misconception among consumers regarding the diverse nature of bioplastics.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Japan's College of Policy Science at Ritsumeikan University, published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, has highlighted a crucial issue: the gap in consumer understanding of substitutes to fossil-based plastics.
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Learn more about the TÜV Austria Biodegradability Certifications here.
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Learn more about the TÜV Austria Compostability Certifications here.
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Learn more about the TÜV Austria Bio-based Certifications here.