Page 63 - Plastics News April 2024

PRODUCT NEWS

was more resilient under conditions on the plastic type.
simulating 24 months of sun exposure “It’s important to understand how Conventional plastics tended to break
in Central Europe when compared to these materials behave when they’re down into smaller, less fibrous pieces
petroleum derivatives-based plastic. exposed to extreme environments, than their plant-based counterparts.
The study also revealed that a new so we can predict how they’ll work According to Plastic Oceans Interna-
plant-based plastic material emits when they’re used in marine ap- tional, the equivalent of a truckload of
significantly fewer microplastics than plications, like building a boat hull, plastic enters the oceans every min-
traditional plastic when subjected to and what impact they might have on ute of the day.
sunlight and seawater. ocean life. This plastic waste breaks down into
University of Portsmouth School of “By knowing the effect of different microplastics, particles smaller than
Mechanical and Design Engineering types of plastics on the environment, 5mm, which pose a considerable
professor and member of Revolution we can make better choices to pro- threat to marine ecosystems.
Plastics Hom Dhakal said: “Biobased tect our oceans.” The study’s findings are crucial as they
plastics are gaining interest as alterna- The research paper, published in Eco- suggest that plant-based plastics could
tives to conventional plastics, but little toxicology and Environmental Safety, be a more environmentally friendly al-
is known about their potential source also indicated that the size and shape ternative for marine applications.
of microplastics pollution in the ma- of the microplastics varied depending
rine environment.

Navigating the Bioplastics Packaging Market: Trends, Projections,

and Insights
I ntroduction: by the end of 2023. This growth tra-

jectory is indicative of the rising adop-
The global bioplastics packaging
market is undergoing a transforma- tion of bioplastics as a viable alterna-
tive phase, driven by the escalating tive to conventional plastic packaging
demand for sustainable packaging materials. Moreover, the market is
solutions across industries. With a poised for significant expansion over
projected compound annual growth the forecast period, driven by increas-
rate (CAGR) of approximately 12.5% ing consumer awareness, regulatory
from 2023 to 2033, reaching a valu- interventions, and technological ad- mand: The food and beverage
ation of about US$ 23,818.9 million, vancements. industry represents a significant
the market presents a compelling op- Drivers of Growth: end-user segment for bioplas-
portunity for stakeholders. This article Several factors are propelling the tics packaging. Factors such as
offers a comprehensive exploration of growth of the bioplastics packaging contamination risk mitigation,
the bioplastics packaging landscape, market: consumer preference for natural
encompassing current trends, future • Sustainability Focus: With height- polymers, and the pursuit of en-
projections, key drivers, challenges, ened environmental conscious- vironmentally friendly packaging
and regional dynamics, as per data ness, there’s a growing pref- solutions are driving the adoption
according to Persistence Market Re- erence for biodegradable and of bioplastics in this sector.
search eco-friendly packaging solutions. • Technological Advancements:
Current Market Dynamics: Bioplastics, derived from renew- Major industry players are invest-
ing in research and development
As of 2022, the global bioplastics able resources, offer a sustainable to enhance the physical proper-
packaging market size stood at ap- alternative to traditional plastics, ties of bioplastic materials. In-
proximately US$ 7,678.7 million, with aligning with consumer prefer- novations aimed at improving
projections estimating a substantial in- ences and regulatory mandates. durability, flexibility, and barrier
crease to around US$ 8,913.1 million • Food and Beverage Sector De- properties are expanding the ap-

PLASTICS NEWS 65
April 2024