International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research and Management, Volume 4 Issue 4, April 2019 www.ijasrm.com

ISSN 2455-6378

Bio-Plastics: A sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum based

Anil Pratap Singh1, Angom Sarjubala Devi2

1,2Department of Environmental Science, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram-796004

Abstract (Chen,2014). Compostable plastics are a category of biodegradable plastics that are biologically Bio plastics are plastics made from renewable decomposed within a short period of time under sources such as biomass.Most common feedstock suitable conditions. All compostable plastics are used to manufacture are sugar, starch, biodegradable but all biodegradable plastics are not , vegetable oils obtained from corn, potato, necessarily be compostable (Stevens,2002). sugarcane, wood etc.While synthetic plastics is Microorganisms recognize these as their derived from petroleum based products. New food and decompose them through intra and economy bio plastics include Poly lactic acid, extracellular enzymes through the process of Polyhydroxyalkanoate, starch blends,biobased hydrolysis and oxidation. Biodegradation of polyesters etc.while old economy bio plastics polymers comprises of fragmentation and includes rubber,cellulose,Linoleum.Bioplastics can mineralization (Naryan,2002). Fragmentation occurs be broadly classified in to two categories through various living and nonliving factors which Biodegradable plastics and Biobased plastics.Some cause chemical breakdown of Polymers and cause common bioplastics include Poly Lactic mechanical disintegration. Partially degraded acid(PLA),Poly hydroxyalkanoate (PHA),aliphatic fragments produced through fragmentation process polyesters and polysaccharides.Polycaprolactone are metabolized into end products through the (PCL),Polybutylene succinate(PBS) are derived from process of mineralization. During mineralization petroleum and are biodegradable.Bioplastics are organic Carbon is converted in to Carbon di oxide. finding its use as compostable bags,mulch,film,rigid Polymers such as Polyesters and Polyamides which packaging and in catering products.Bioplastics are formed through the process of condensation are generation saves fossil fuel consumption and hence decomposed through hydrolysis (Mohee et al.,2008). prevents greenhouse gas emissions. Recovery While polymers such as Polyvinylchloride (PVC) options for bioplastics includes thermal which contains only C atoms are decomposed recovery,Mechanical recycling,landfilling and through the process of Oxidation. Biodegradation organic recycling.Biopastics are costly as biobased occurs due to living and nonliving factors such as plastics industries are in nascent stage and UV, heat, water and with the help of production is low.Bioplastics have potential to microorganisms.Expermentally the degradation impact food supply and recycling options are still process can be analyzed through measuring not much for bioplastics.In lines with core principles concentration of functional groups for ex. Infrared of circular economy, Bio plastics prevents waste Spectroscopy can be used to determine concentration generation and enhances recovery from of Carbonyl group -(C=O)- produced as a result of waste.Bioplastics promote resource efficiency and oxidation process. Degradation process can also be adheres to low carbon economy. measured by measuring molar mass by mass Keywords: renewable sources, new economy plastics, spectroscopy (Srikant,2011). Biodegradation through resource efficiency, circular economy process of mineralization can be analytically determined by precisely measuring amount of 1.Introduction Carbon dioxide produced or oxygen consumed in a closed system, if amount of Carbon in a poymer, its Bioplastics comprise of both biodegradable and bio structure and mass is known. Naturally based plastics.Generally plastics are composed of Phanerochaete chyrosoporium decomposes lignin in synthetic polymers hence plastics are non- natural condition through the process of oxidation biodegradable. Biodegradable plastics are plastics (Song,2009).Biodegradable plastics can be that decompose into Carbon di oxide, Methane, manufactured from renewable (Polylactic acid) or water, biomass and other inorganic compounds nonrenewable source (Polybutylenesuccinate,

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International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research and Management, Volume 4 Issue 4, April 2019 www.ijasrm.com

ISSN 2455-6378

Polycaprolactone).As susceptibility of a to thermoplastic starch.First bioplastic manufactured biodegradation depends upon its chemical structure was celluloid was made from cellulose not on what is its source. Biodegradable plastics can nitrate.cellulose derivatives can be classified in to be manufactured from Starch,Polylactic acid two groups mainly cellulose ethers and cellulose (PLA),Poly hydroxyl Butyrate (PHB).On the other esters. Cellulose esters are produced by esterification hand Bio composites are combination of two or of cellulose by organic acids. Examples of cellulose more polymers natural or synthetic (Zhang and esters includes , cellulose propionate, Sun,2005).Biocomposites have properties of matrix and cellulose butyrate. and fibres with higher material strength.Biocomposites can be synthesized by 2.Protein based:Casein formaldehyde is most reinforcing gluten,soy protein with jute, bamboo common example of protein based plastics.Casein is fibres,hemp.Egg albumin and starch composites cross-linked by formaldehyde and dewatering. derieved from potatao and corn are suitable for Another example is gelatin produced from collagen packaging (Plackett,2005).Oxo degradable polymers used in pharmaceutical industry. are polymers with which have a metal element added to it to catalyze or act as prooxidant to enhance 3.Lignin based:Lignin can be used to manufacture fragmentation and breakdown (Lee,1996).One both thermosets and thermoplastic polymers.It cabn important concern regarding bio plastics is that they also be blended with PE,PVC,PA and with natural are biobased polymers and are generally costly. fibers.Most common lignin based bioplastic is liquid wood and used in injection molding machines. Table.1Natural polymers and their uses 4.PHA: (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) Polymer Source Uses Polyhydroxyalkanoates are produced by Paper fermentation of carbonate through action of microbes. Cell wall of plants Cellulose cellophane PHA includes PHB(Polyhydroxy butyric and algae , fuel acids),polyhydroxybutyrate,PHV (Polyhydroxy Construction valerate).PLA is transparent and rigid and used as Lignin Cell wall of plants timber, film,pot and cups.PLA is also used to pack vegetable News print,fuel and fruits to its permeability. Exoskeleton of Medical, 5.PLA(Polylactide,polylactic acid):It is crustaceans, agriculture Chitin manufactured from natural acid lactic acid produced insects, from fermentation of sugars or starch by microbes. cell wall of fungi Polyesters Plant cuticle Clothing 6.Biobased polysuccinates (PBS): Polybutylene Fibre Wool,silk Clothing succinate (PBS) is a biodegradable bioplastic produced from Butanediaol and succinic acid.

2. Categories of Bio-plastics 7.Biobased Polyamides:Polyamides are suitable for technical application and as fiber.Most common Biobased plastics can be produced from plant based examples are Nylon,Perlon.Biopolyamides are raw material such as sugars, polysaccharides,fatty manufactured from dicarboxylic acid,diamine acids,protenis and lignin.Most common biopolymers produced from renewable feedstock. are polysaccharides found in cellulose and starch.Proteins are polymers of aminoacids most 8.Biobased Urethanes:Biobased polyurethanes are common examples are gluten,collagen and casein produced by reaction between Polyols and present in milk.Lignin is cross linked polymer found diisocynates.These can be in cell walls of plant and leads to formation of hard,brittle,eleastic,foamed or compact.Polyols are wood.Biodegradble plastics being produced obtained from soya, castor,rapesees,sunflower oil. commercially and available in market can be classified in to fallowing categories; 9.Biobased Polyacrylates: Acrylicplastics PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) commonly known as 1.Polysaccharides based:Starch and cellulose are plexiglass. Methyl methacrylate have been recently abundant in nature are very common discoverd to get produced from an enzyme, based on polysaccharides.D-glucose is a monomer present in a biotechnological process using sugars, alchol and starch.Starch is composed of amylose and fattyacids. amylopectin.Amylose and amylopectin are linked by stron intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen 10.Biobased PVC:Ethylene from bioethanol is used bonding.Plasticizers like sorbitol and glycerol at to produce partially biobased Poly Vinyl chloride temperature 90-180 0C converts Native starch to

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International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research and Management, Volume 4 Issue 4, April 2019 www.ijasrm.com

ISSN 2455-6378

Table.2 Types of Bio-plastics biopolymers can be ploughed in field after use.Pots and trays made from bio plastics can get decayed in Bio-plastics to soil easily.

Biodegradable Derived from Non renewable 3.Personal care products and plastics sources medicine:PLA(Polylactic acid) is used in surgery as PCL(Polycaprolactone) thread.Thermoplastic starch is used to make pills and PBS Poly(butylene succinate) capsule.Dental implants,disposable gloves,nappies,women hygiene products can also be Derived from Renewable sources manufactured from bioplastics.Biobased PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate) polyethylene products are used as casing for PLA(Polylactide acid) cosmetics such as lipsticks and sampoo Starch blends bottles.Biodegradable pins,screws are used in broken Bio-based Degradable bones,ligaments and reconstructive surgery on knees Plastics PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate) and ankles. PLA(Polylactide acid) Starch blends 4.Electronics:Computer mouse, keyboard, Cellophane headphones components can be manufactured from Chitosan bio based plastics. Rayon 5.Automobile:Soya based polyols are used to Non-biodegradable manufacture Poyurethanes for making seats,head Nylon-11(NY 11) rests,armrests in automobiles.Sapre wheel Polyethylene (PE) cover,surface covering,seat covers and carpet can be Acetyl cellulose (AcC) made from biobased plastics.The idea of bioconcept car is gaining momentum which uses biobased components such as fuel line,connectors, made of 3.Global production and Consumption polyamides,steering wheel with airbags etc.

According to Institute of Bioplastics and 6.Textile: Children dress,shoes,swim Biocomposite global production of bio plastics was wear,suits,wedding dress can be made from biobasd 2.27 million tonnes in 2017 and is expected to grow polyesters. to 4.31 million tonnes by 2022 (Bioplastics facts and 7.Construction and Housing:Carpets, biobased figures, 2018).Bioplastics production uses .01%(.6 foams such as polyurethanes for furniture,cellulose million hectares) of global agricultural area of about based building insulation,wood plastics 5 billion hectares. composites,Bio PVC also biobased polymers can Table.3Feed stock for Bio-based plastics also be found in paints ,varnishes and wall papers.

Feedstock crop Table 4.Comaprison of Bio-plastics with Sugarcane Sugarcane without cane tops conventional plastics Sugarbeet Beet without leaves Conventional plastics Bio plastics Corn Maize kernel Technically mature Early stage of Potatoes Potato tuber development Wheat Wheat grains High quality products Production and Wood Standing timber,residual wood recycling processes Castor oil Castor beans (seeds) not yet optimized More consumption of Less consumption of energy during production energy during 4.Application of Bio-plastics production More greenhouse gas Less greenhouse gas 1.Packaging:Bioplastics can be used for packing emission emission chocolates,fruits,vegetables,meat and eggs.Jars and Treatment option includes Also has option of bottles can also be manufactured to store juice, milk and water.Bioplastics once used can be composted in thermal recovery, Organic recycling mechanical recycling and sound ecological manner. landfilling 2.Agriculture/horticulture:Due to its biodegradable Long times usually hundreds Can be degraded and nature bioplastics can find extensive role in years to degrade composted gardening and agriculture. Mulch made from

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International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research and Management, Volume 4 Issue 4, April 2019 www.ijasrm.com

ISSN 2455-6378

5.Disposal of Bio- plastics efficiency and carbon emissions (Future of bioplastics,2013). Around 4% of petroleum Recycling is top priority in any waste management consumption is devoted for manaufacturing.In strategy. How bio plastics will be recycled and United States alone plastics manufacturing is managed depends upon type of product and type of responsible for 2% of greenhouse gas emissions plastics.Once end product is generated it is collected, (British petroleum,2009). Also petroleum based it can either be recycled, biodegraded or utilized for plastics are resistant and doesn’t degrade in energy generation.Bioplastics can also be composted environment for very long periods.Bioplastics can be which can used for gardening and farming. From safely recycled, reused, composted or burnt without farms renewable resource in form of biomass can be producing any harmful toxins. During production, generated which can be used to extract and process Bio plastics consume less fossil fuels and emit less raw materials like starch,oils,sugars, fibers to again greenhouse gases.Bioplastic do not have any health manufacture bio plastics.In recycling products not in issue like that of conventional plastics and upon use are converted in to secondary materials.Material degradation doesn’t leach any harmful chemicals to recycling includes shredding, cleaning, melting, soil (UNEP,2015). However production of bio granule formation of plastic waste.During material plastics from renewable feed stock such as corn, soy, recycling chemical characteristics of plastic waste sugarcane and other food crops is thought to affect remains unchanged (Sivan,2011).While feedstock or world food supply. chemical recycling involves breaking up of plastic in to its monomers.For example during chemical 7.Conclusion recycling of biplastics like PLA(Polylactic acid) is converted in to lactic acid which can be used for Plastics are pillars of modern economy and find its other purposes.Bioplastics which have been recycled use in every sphere of life. Plastics accounts for several times can also burned to extract energy. about 40 % of global market for consumer packaging Many European countries incinerate plastic waste to products including food and nonfood items.No doubt generate heat to produce electricity. Incinerating plastics are incredible human invention but plastic makes it ideal substitute for coal and petroleum based plastics are non biodegradable and oil.Bioplastic waste can be treated biologically which creates numerous ecological,health and asthetic involves composting and fermentation. During probems.There is an urgent need to find alternative composting bioplastic waste is completely broken solution to plastics which is not only ecologically down in to CO2 and H2O.Fermentation involves bio sound but also is economical viable.Due to gasification through anaerobic digestion. Methane Ecological concern, limited availability of fossil gas generated during fermentation can also be used fuels and Lower carbon footprint, Bio plastics are as energy. suitable options for replacement of Petro based plastics.Bioplastics are energy efficient, it doesn’t Table.5 Management options for Bio plastics contain health damaging chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols,can be safely used to pack food Recycling Technically feasible but items.However bioplastics need to be collected and depends upon quality of recycled separately and properly disposed off. It has feedstock and continues supply been estimated that if all of world plastics is Waste to energy Energy recovery by incineration switched over to use of bio plastics then around 4- is suitable option although has 7% of world arable land would be required to grow low calorific values crops to produce raw material to manufacture bio Composting Microorganisms such as plastics.Biobased polymers with unique properties bacteria,fungi, degrade can be used to produce bio based plastics. The bioplastic waste in to humus, strength and durability of bio based plastics can be carbondioxide and water improved to great extent by combination of various Anaerobic Bioplastic waste is converted in sets of biocomposites.Presently bioplastics market digestion to biogas and biodigestate by remains small as compared to convention microrganisms in absence of air plastics.Hence there is a need to promote research in industrial biotechnology to produce raw materials to produce bioplastics.There is a need to screen 6.Benefits of Bio-plastics microorganisms which have ability to synthesize biopolymers. The most important benefit of the Bioplastics are produced from renewable sources biodegradable plastics is that they decompose like biomass.Bioplastics hence during manufacturing naturally.As part of collection system they should be doesn’t involve fossil fuel fuels.Bioplastics are seen treated aerobically and anaerobically with organic as alternative to petro based plastics.Bioplastics are waste. superior to conventional plastics in terms of energy

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