Page 58 - Plastics News February 2025

IN THE NEWS

mentally friendly plastics while efficiently their supply networks while cutting back on
eliminating prevalent plastic waste. disposable product usage.

♦ Enzyme-Based Degradation: Scientific teams Challenges Facing Biodegradable Plastics
research enzyme solutions that speed up
plastic degradation as a means to combat Despite their potential, biodegradable plastics
the harmful effects of microplastics. face several obstacles:

2. Regulations and Standards 1. High Production Costs

Biodegradable plastics need standardized labe- Production costs for biodegradable plastics ex-
ling protocols to succeed worldwide. Lawmak- ceed those of common plastic products in most
ers need to create standards which distinguish cases. The high production costs function as a
biodegradable products from compostable and major obstacle to achieving widespread market
recyclable plastics for public and industrial con- adoption mainly because price-sensitive mar-
sumers to select appropriate choices. For in- kets resist investment in these products.
stance:
2. Limited Infrastructure
♦ Mandatory Certification: Governments
through regulations should implement certi-
fication systems which prove biodegradable
plastics can function properly based on de-
fined settings.
♦ Bans on Misleading Claims: Driven by strict
regulatory measures producers face pen-
alties when they practice greenwashing or
make false statements about biodegradabil-
ity.

3. Consumer and Industry Roles

The successful adoption of biodegradable plas-
tics requires active participation from both con- Industrial composting facilities in many regions
sumers and industries: cannot efficiently process biodegradable plas-
tics because the needed facilities are absent.
♦ Consumer Awareness: Public education The materials lose their intended environmental
about suitable disposal practices combined benefits when users cannot access proper facili-
with clear biodegradable plastic limitations ties to enable their expected degradation pro-
will help stop incorrect use of these materi- cess.
als.
3. Contamination in Recycling Streams
♦ Industry Leadership: Companies need to
practice environmental sustainability by im- Introducing biodegradable plastics into conven-
plementing biodegradable plastics across tional plastic recycling operations creates con-

58 PLASTICS NEWS February 2025