2. Smart Usage Benefits of Biodegradable Bags Now
The biodegradable plastic has emerged in the 70s, but only since 2000 has become known worldwide. Demographic growth and
greater urban concentration have increased the demand for plastic packaging and, thus, the need for environmental awareness
through the use of sustainable products such as biodegradable plastic. This material is produced from renewable sources such as
starch, cellulose, cassava, among others. During manufacture, its molecular composition is formed so that carbon bonds are not as
strong as those of ordinary plastic.
Biological degradation
This modification at the molecular level does not interfere with the resistance of the bags, for use, that support the same weight as
the normal ones, the only difference is in the degradation process. In this case, this action occurs naturally when in contact with soil,
moisture and sun. The biopolymers that form biodegradable plastic are reduced to smaller molecules, quickly used as an energy
source for microbial decomposition. Atoms that are not assimilated by the micro biota are absorbed by soil, water or go to the
atmosphere.
What is a biodegradable product?
These kinds of products have achieved a lot of significance in latest times, as the global population has become more aware of the
conservation of the environment.
In this context, they are indispensable for keeping the biosphere in perfect working order, that is, they help to allow life as we know it
today to continue to exist.
They are called this way because of their great ease of degradation by biological action, such as the activity of bacteria. Additionally
to the rapid corrosion, to be confidential as biodegradable, they can’tproduce pollutant residues that accumulate in nature.
Benefits
The main advantages of biodegradable plastic over ordinary plastic are the raw materials and the degradation time in the
environment. Normal plastic is made from petroleum resin which is a non-renewable source and can take over a century to
disappear from the environment. Bags made of biodegradable plastic can be reused and recycled just like ordinary bags, and after
decomposition, they provide nutrients that are great for soil fertilization.
Biodegradable bags are recyclable and can be reused before degradation begins;
They can be made from recycled plastics;
After being discarded, they can be destined for composting.
When decomposed, it produces water, carbon dioxide and biomass, an excellent soil fertilizer;
Must be separated in separate collection as well as conventional plastics;
Are bags tested, safe and approved for food contact;
Do not emit methane (polluting gas) in its degradation;
The decomposition of these bags in open dumps - where they are normally destined for Brazil - is not 100% proven since the
conditions offered in the dumps for their degradation are not known. The same is true in landfills. Moreover, what is known about
the conditions offered in dumps and landfills is that they provide anaerobic biodegradation, where methane gas is released, which
contributes about 20 times more to the greenhouse effect than the CO2 generated in aerobic biodegradation.
3. What is the difference between a biodegradable and a non-biodegradable product?
Biodegradable products are of natural origin and their decomposition does not aggravate the
environment and may even be beneficial as it is a form of energy for microorganisms.
Non-biodegradable ones are generally petroleum-based synthetic and heavy metal compounds,
as in the case of ordinary batteries. From their production process they release toxic products to
the environment, polluting the air, water and soil.
These products can bio-accumulate in living beings from the bottom of the food chain until they
reach humans, causing diseases, including cancer.
Because they do not easily degrade - such as petroleum-based plastic, which can take 500 years
to decompose - they accumulate in landfills. This, when there is good conduct in the disposal of
this material.
4. Biodegradable plastic must be completely degraded within a maximum of 18 months. If product
decomposition does not occur within this period, it cannot be considered biodegradable.
However, it is important to note that biodegradation only occurs optimally under appropriate
conditions, especially in composting areas. Sites such as open dumps can disrupt the
decomposition of this material, leading to anaerobiosis that causes methane gas to be released
into the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to check for improper disposal, causing such nature-damaging
products to be found polluting the most diverse places.
Finally, the conceptual difference is that one is able to be digested rapidly by biological means
without generating environmentally toxic products, while the other has a long degradation time,
usually not being digested by microorganism and presenting extremely toxic products to the
environment. environment.
On top of that, we have the difference in the gains and losses they bring to the biosphere and to
living things as a whole.
They highlight how it interferes with ecosystems both directly, as in the case of turtles, as well as
indirectly, by the action of their toxic and teratogenic byproducts, results of the decomposition
process or their harmful composition.