Impact of bioplastics on environment from its production to end-of-life
Monjurul Islam, Tu Xayachak, Nawshad Haque, Deborah Lau, Muhammed A. Bhuiyan, Biplob Kumar Pramanik
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics has propelled the interest in bioplastics. While numerous studies have showcased their environmental advantages, particularly in reducing global warming potential and fossil fuel usage, comprehensive reviews on the holistic environmental impacts of bioplastics throughout their life cycle are scarce. This paper aims to fill this gap by critically evaluating the sustainability of bioplastics, from production to disposal. We find that the environmental impact of bioplastics is influenced by feedstock choices, processing methods, and disposal practices. Although intensive agriculture for feedstock can cause acidification and eutrophication as well as incomplete biodegradation may lead to the formation of bio-micro/nano-plastics, bioplastics generally present a lower environmental burden than traditional plastics, evidenced by their reduced carbon footprint and enhanced biodegradability, which contributes to decreased plastic waste. Importantly, bioplastics can positively affect soil carbon dynamics, underscoring their role in promoting sustainable agricultural and soil management practices. We advocate for future Life Cycle Assessment studies to develop a comprehensive life cycle inventory database for bioplastics, enabling a more thorough evaluation of their environmental impacts. This research provides critical insights for policymakers on the environmental viability of bioplastics.