Plastic waste has become a growing concern in the United States and worldwide. With less than 10% of plastic waste being recycled in the US, landfill overflow and environmental damage have become significant issues. In response to this, researchers from Michigan State University’s School of Packaging have developed a groundbreaking method to make a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics more biodegradable. Their work, published in the esteemed journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, presents a bio-based polymer blend that can be composted in both home and industrial settings. This promising development has the potential to substantially reduce plastic waste and create a more environmentally friendly future.
Traditionally, plastic recycling has presented significant challenges, particularly in terms of cleaning contaminated waste. Recycling facilities often face the dilemma of investing time, water, and energy to clean dirty plastic waste or discarding it altogether. However, with the introduction of biodegradable and compostable plastics, this obstacle can be successfully overcome. A compostable plastic designed for home use would eliminate the need to clean food contaminants, allowing for more efficient recycling processes. This breakthrough presents an exciting opportunity to revolutionize plastic waste management.
The research team focused on polylactic acid (PLA) as a starting point for their experiments. PLA is a bio-based polymer derived from plant sugars instead of petroleum, making it an attractive alternative. Industrial composting settings have proven to effectively biodegrade PLA, as they provide optimal conditions for breaking down bioplastics. However, the challenge remained in developing a method for PLA to biodegrade in home composting conditions, where microbes have limited ability to consume it as food.
To bridge the gap between industrial and home composting, the research team integrated a carbohydrate-derived material called thermoplastic starch into PLA. This blend provided composting microbes with a more accessible food source, enabling PLA to degrade efficiently. Postdoctoral researcher Anibal Bher, along with doctoral students Pooja Mayekar and Wanwarang Limsukon, meticulously formulated various PLA-thermoplastic starch blends. Their objective was to find the perfect balance between enhanced biodegradability and preserving the desirable properties of regular PLA films, such as strength and clarity.
The team conducted extensive experiments to track the different materials’ hydrolysis and biodegradation pathways throughout the composting process. Guided by their 19 years of expertise, Dr. Rafael Auras and his team utilized equipment they built themselves, showcasing their commitment to innovation and the pursuit of sustainable solutions. Furthermore, collaboration with the School of Packaging and the availability of state-of-the-art facilities at Michigan State University (MSU) enabled the researchers to develop and test materials effectively. This collaborative environment promotes interdisciplinary research and provides resources crucial for bringing these breakthroughs to the market.
The findings of this study mark a significant step forward in tackling plastic waste and promoting sustainability. The development of biodegradable and compostable plastics has the potential to revolutionize the packaging industry, making it more environmentally friendly and minimizing its ecological footprint. By diverting waste from landfills and enabling efficient composting processes, this innovative solution addresses the global issue of plastic waste head-on.
The research conducted by Michigan State University’s School of Packaging holds immense promise for a greener and more sustainable future. By making significant advancements in the biodegradability of PLA-based plastics, the team has set a new standard for the industry. Their focus on home composting, in addition to industrial composting, opens up new possibilities in waste management and recycling. Through continued research and innovation, there is no doubt that biodegradable plastics will play a vital role in overcoming the challenges posed by plastic waste and creating a cleaner, greener planet.
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