Understanding the Potential of Bioplastics in Sustainable Packaging
Plastics have always been a subject of concern for environmentalists. With the increased usage of plastic bags, packaging films, and storage containers, distress has been created for the future of mother Earth.
To cope with this issue, many effective steps have been taken. One of which includes the introduction of bioplastics.
The global sustainable films for packaging market is in a growing phase. New trends, such as the development of bioplastics, are further expected to provide opportunities for the market to grow in the coming years.
Bioplastics are a result of the production of plastics from renewable resources such as corn oil, sugar beet, sugar cane, grass, and plants. Extensive research has been done concerning the damage traditional plastics are doing to the environment; as a result, bioplastics are being introduced that are produced from renewable resources and degradable materials, which are expected to reduce environmental pollution.
How is bioplastic sustainable?
Dependency on fossil resources has always been in human business, and bioplastics can greatly reduce it. In the coming years, a huge surge can be expected in the manufacturing of bioplastics.
Bioplastics, being a diverse family of materials, potentially address the most notable challenges posed by conventional plastics. These are made up of biomass, such as plants, trees, animals, and food wastes. In compliance with this, the dependency on fossil resources and hard plastics can be drastically reduced.
A compostable quality of bioplastics can divert food-soiled plastic packaging out of landfills, which can reduce the contamination of soil and waterways.
The growth in the global sustainable films for packaging market is expected to be driven by an increasing focus on the circular economy and the growing awareness of its environmental benefits among end users and consumers. However, the lack of recycling technology and the high cost of raw materials are some key restraining factors for the market.
According to the BIS Research report, the global sustainable films for packaging market was estimated at $140.0 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $276.2 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period 2022–2031.
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Introducing Bioplastic in the Packaging Industry
Bioplastic packaging includes multiple options, such as carry bags for compost, agricultural films and foils, horticultural products, nursery products, toys, and textiles. Along with this, disposable cups, salad bowls, plates, clingfilm, and food containers also involve the use of bioplastics.
Bioplastics are a successful approach to packaging as an alternative to plastic packaging since they are a real solution to the need for a reduction in conventional plastic usage. Bioplastics are plant-based polymers that can compost at the end of their useful life completely.
With an increased worldwide focus on the circular economy, eco-friendly industrial practices are increasing, thereby creating demand for sustainable products. Although most of the current packaging process still involves the use of traditional plastics, which end up in landfills, lawmakers intend to address the concern and look forward to many big steps to manage this situation.
Are bioplastics the future of plastic?
Bioplastics hold the potential to reduce the environmental impacts of petroleum-based plastics. Not only this, but bioplastics also avoid the high greenhouse gas emissions of oil and natural gas extraction if they are made from bio-based feedstocks.
One of the advantages of bioplastics is that they are plant-based, which makes it relatively easy for production factories to manufacture bioplastic packaging. Also, no additional or special equipment is required in the production of bioplastics since they are made from biopolymers that can easily be processed by using standard plastics processing technology.
With such incredible and innovative qualities of bioplastics, they might have a long run in the future with a whole variety of day-to-day products being manufactured with them.
Conclusion
Bioplastics are rapidly emerging in the packaging market, which raises the need to have a nuanced understanding of bioplastics’ chemistry, unintended consequences, recovery options, and several other environmental trade-offs.
Sustainable films for packaging are expected to be the best option for reducing plastic waste. Most manufacturing companies have adopted new product development and business expansion strategies in the field of sustainable packaging materials.
There are several options available in the packaging market to rely upon for sustainable and biodegradable packaging materials.
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