3. Contents of this presentation
• Concept of Biodegradation
• What is Biodegradable Plastic ?
• India’s situation in Conventional Plastics
• Need for Biodegradable Plastics
• Life cycle of Bio degradable plastics
• Types of Bio degradable plastic items
• Market scenario in India
• Manufacturing process
• Features of biodegradable bags
• Applications
• Advantages & Disadvantages
• Opportunities ahead
• Conclusion
4. Concept of Biodegradation
Plastics designed to degrade comparatively quickly include oxo-degradable and UV
degradable polymers that break down when exposed to oxygen or light respectively.
. To qualify as bio-degradable, however, this degradation has to happen, at least in
part, due to cell mediated phenomena or microorganisms. As a result the polymer is
eventually reduced to water, carbon dioxide, biomass and possibly methane.
To be considered as compostable it must meet some strict criteria as defined in
national and international standards:
Biodegrade: break down into carbon dioxide, water and bio mass.
Disintegrate; after three months composting and subsequent sifting through a 2
mm sieve no more than 10% residue may remain.
Eco toxicity: the bio-degradation does not produce any toxic material and the
compost can sustain plant growth.
5. What is a biodegradable plastic?
• It’s an environmental-friendly plastic as it does not cause any harm or destruction to
our environment. They are completely anti toxic and will not harm the animals or the
environment.
• It can be decompose, unlike typical and standard plastics. For example, they can
easily decompose in natural environments such as composting and landfill
environments. It would not harm human’s health when these plastic decompose into
the soil.
• While traditional Plastics products may take upto 1000 years to degrade,
biodegradable bags biodegrade within 3-6 months depending on where it is being
disposed.
• They are primarily made of vegetable starch like tapioca, corn etc along with some
other natural extracts and resins and DO NOT contain polyolefins.
• The colors used in biodegradable plastic items are natural dyes and are also anti toxic
and environment friendly.
Some examples of biodegradable plastics include:
Polylactic acid : A viable alternative to petrochemical-based plastics that is produced
6. India’s situation in plastics
• Every single piece of plastic ever made (other than the ones burnt) still exists. 50% of the
plastics we produce, we use once and throw away as we currently recover only 5% of the
plastics we produce. Plastic waste constitutes on average 9-10% of the local waste
collected daily.
• It takes 500-1,000 years for plastic to degrade. In India, total generation of plastic waste is
estimated to be approximately million tones per annum. Packaging represents the single-
largest sector of plastics use and accounts for 35% of plastic consumption.
• More than 15,000 tones of plastic waste are generated in the major cities in India every
day, of which 6,000 tones remain uncollected and littered. We have made more plastic
products in the last 10years than in the last century. India’s contribution to plastic waste
that is dumped into the Indian ocean every year is 60%.
• Non-woven bags are passed off as cloth bags due to texture, but they are essentially PP
bags. Paper cups have a layer of plastic in-between them to withstand temperature and
be rigid.
• Plastic ban is ineffective so far due to difficult enforcement and no proper alternatives.
• It is common across India to find sewers & drainage systems clogged by single use plastic
bags leads to diseases like malaria, dengue caused by mosquitoes breeding on flooded
sewers.
7. Need for Bioplastics
The main purpose of using biodegradable materials lies in the fact that they do not
generate waste once the disintegration process has been carried out. It implies, as
these materials decompose, they do not generate waste or garbage in the
environment.
As they’re more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics because they are
derived from renewable resources and can help reduce environmental impact.
They are made from renewable resources like corn, sugarcane, or potatoes, while
traditional plastics are derived from non-renewable fossil fuels.
They are needed to help reduce the negative impact of plastics on the environment
and human health as it reduces amount of space they take up in landfills .
It can help reduce the impact of litter on the environment , facilitates better
recycling process.
Reduces carbon emissions & can have lower carbon footprints than fossil-based
plastics.
It comprises of natural products, which can reduce the amount of petroleum
required to make.
Reduce microplastics in the environment & make the organisms for sustainable
living in ocean. They can fully decompose into nutrients for plants and
microorganisms, while traditional plastics can persist in the environment and
contribute to climate change.
• Bioplastics are more permeable to water vapor, which helps keep food fresh without
condensation. They also don't change the taste of food.
• They are free of harmful substances and don't tend to encourage the growth of
11. Features of biodegradable bags
• Biodegradable carry bags are made to replace regular single use plastic carry
bags.
• As they decompose naturally, so they don't create pollution from chemical
reactions.
• During processing they don't release toxins when they break down.
• Although they look like normal plastic bags, they do not contain any conventional
plastic.
• They are made from vegetable starch and other natural additives, allowing them
to completely biodegrade in 3-4 months leaving no toxic residue.
• They can replace plastic carry bags in almost all applications and are completely
environment friendly as they emit less CO2 vis-à-vis traditional plastic bags.
• It Contains no polyolefin plastic and made from all natural extracts such as corn,
sugar cane and plants, so they use less petroleum.
• It requires less energy to manufacture than traditional plastic bags.
• By default it is Biodegradable and Compostable in nature, having unique
properties such as
Oxygen barrier
Natural antistatic properties
Oil resistant
Recyclable with paper
12. Market scenario of Bioplastics in India
Biodegradable Plastic Bags -India Market size in 2029 will be INR 22,500 Cr.
The Indian government has been implementing policies and initiatives to promote
sustainable practices and reduce environmental pollution. Incentives, subsidies, and
regulations supporting the use of bio-based and biodegradable materials have
encouraged businesses to adopt bio-plastics, which significantly boost the India Bio
Plastics Market growth. India's significant agricultural sector provides a rich source of
bio-based feedstocks for the production of bioplastics. Crops such as sugarcane, corn,
and other biomass materials are utilized in Bio Plastics manufacture, contributing to the
growth of the industry.
Biodegradable plastic packaging market in India is expected to grow due to many
factors such as
a) Environmental awareness : Consumers are becoming more aware of the
environmental impact of plastic waste, climate change, and carbon footprint reduction.
b) Government initiatives : Collaborating with manufacturers to encourage the use of
biodegradable packaging.
c) Industry commitments : Companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have pledged to use
more sustainable packaging materials.
d) Industry trends : The food and beverage industry has pledged to reduce single-use
plastic and develop more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
e) Technological advancements : Manufacturers are innovating to create more eco
friendly packaging.
13. Applications of Biodegradable plastics
• Biodegradable plastics are a new
generation of polymers emerging in
the market having an expanding
range of potential applications, and
are driven by the growing use of
plastics in packaging and the
perception that biodegradable
plastics are 'environmentally
friendly', their use is predicted to
increase.
• Technological advancements will
expand the utility of biodegradable
plastics, making them competitive
with traditional plastics in a wider
array of applications.
Biodegradable
cling film
Compostable
cutlery
Compostable
garbage bag
Compostable
grocery bag
Compostable
Fruits &
vegetables bag
Compostable
laminate
pouches
Compostable
courier bags
Compostable
garment bags
Bioplastic bag
rolls
Compostable
medical waste bags
Compostable
cups
Compostable
straws
Biodegradable bags can replace
plastics in many applications such as
Shopping & Carry bags
Garment bags
Laundry bags
Garbage bags
Aprons
Films/Sheets
Wrapping covers
Pet Waste Bags
Seat Covers
14. Advantages of
Biodegradable plastics
• Bioplastics are renewable & can be recycled
easily as they break down faster.
• They’re ecofriendly & non toxic.
• Production requires less energy
• It reduces foreign oil dependence
• Government policies and regulations are
increasingly supporting the use of
biodegradable plastics.
• Bioplastics are biocompatible and can be used
in biomedical applications.
• Consumer awareness of environmental issues
is driving demand for sustainable products.
• The market for biodegradable and bio based plastics is currently growing by 20% per
year.
15. Disadvantages of Biodegradable plastics
• Biodegradable plastics are more expensive than plastics made from fossil fuels.
• Leads to landfills can produce methane gas, a greenhouse gas that's 23 times more
potent than carbon dioxide.
• Some biodegradable plastics can't be recycled, and they can contaminate other
plastics during recycling.
• They don't break down quickly in the ocean, so they can still cause littering
problems.
• Biodegradable plastics are made from oil, which depletes a finite resource.
• The raw materials for biodegradable plastics, like corn and sugarcane, can impact
food crop sales if production increases.
• The production of biodegradable plastics can result in pollutants from fertilizers,
pesticides, and chemical processing.
• Biodegradable plastics have a limited lifespan, not meant for long term durability
applications.
• A special composting system is required to ensure proper recycling/processing of
biodegradable plastic bags.
16. Opportunities ahead
• Traditionally, biodegradable plastics have relied on sources like cornstarch and
sugarcane. However, new materials such as algae, mushroom mycelium, and
agricultural waste are emerging as promising alternatives.
• The next generation of biodegradable plastics may have antimicrobial properties
for medical use, UV resistance for outdoor use, and improved barrier properties for
food packaging.
• Bioplastics can help reduce plastic pollution in the environment as it facilitates
reduced greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
• Biological recycling can tackle mixed plastic waste that may not be easily recycled
using other means.
• Biodegradable plastics are increasingly being integrated into circular economy
models, which emphasize the reuse and recycling of materials to minimize waste
and environmental impact. Companies are investing in systems that ensure
biodegradable plastics can be composted or processed at the end of their lifecycle.
• The future of biodegradable plastic technology is bright, with numerous
17. Conclusion
• We can help by use less plastic and use more biodegradable plastic. As we do so, we can save
environment from being destroyed but unneeded chemical substances.
• Soon, the use of biodegradable plastics will be globalised and people should take more attention to
it by support any programme regarding biodegradable plastics.
• However we have to look into the negative side of Bio degradable plastics as given below :
Under proper conditions biodegradable plastics can degrade to the point where microorganisms can
metabolise them.
Degradation of oil-based biodegradable plastics may release of previously stored carbon as carbon
dioxide.
Starch-based bioplastics produced from sustainable farming methods can be almost carbon neutral
but could have a damaging effect on soil, water usage and quality, and result in higher food prices.
LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST
As global awareness of environmental sustainability intensifies, the biodegradable plastics industry is
undergoing significant advancements. The need for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics has
never been more critical. Biodegradable plastics offer a promising solution, yet their development and
application are continuously evolving. This exploration delves into the future trends and innovations
poised to revolutionize the biodegradable plastics sector, highlighting key areas of focus that will shape
its growth and impact.