FILE-Waste bins separating recyclables, compost and trash are seen in Los Angeles. (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
Researchers are working to determine how chemical compounds can make products with characteristics like conventional plastics, but that can be tossed in a composting bin instead of a trash can to avoid leaving microplastics in the environment.
According to The Associated Press, traditional plastics last for a long time as they fragment into harmful microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics.
Microplastics have been found in the ocean and the air, in food and water, and in body tissues.
Sugar-based plastics may solve microplastic pollution issue
Dig deeper:
CJ Biomaterials, a biotechnology company based in Massachusetts, stimulates sugar to make plant-based chemical compounds that microorganisms will consume. The AP reported that alternatives to traditional plastics made of fossil fuels are viewed by some as one of several solutions required to tackle global plastic pollution.
The organization feeds sugar to microorganisms that transform it to PHAs for energy. CJ Biomaterials collects the PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and turns it into small particles.
Pellets of this are then sold to other companies that can melt them down and mold them into products. These same bacteria will consume PHA in a compost pile, breaking it down within six months, Leah Ford, marketing director for CJ Biomaterials, explained to the AP.
Bioplastics growing share of the market
Big picture view:
The Associated Press reported that biobased plastics worldwide account for less than 1% of 440 million tons of plastics produced yearly, according to the industry group European Bioplastics.
China, Sweden and the United States are major exporters of natural polymers, which is a chemical compound or mixture of compounds.
Bioplastics usually cost more than conventional plastics. Major cities have municipal composting programs, but they are limited elsewhere.
According to the AP, many composting facilities accept compostable bioplastic products, though some refuse out of concern about degraded soil quality. Since bioplastics and conventional plastics look the same, they can be mixed up, creating issues for composters.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, which received comments from CJ Biomaterials marketing director. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.