Over the past few decades, there has been a growing concern over the impact of plastic waste on the environment. Traditional plastics are non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose. As a result, the world has seen a shift towards more eco-friendly plastic alternatives that are sustainable and biodegradable. Here are some of the latest developments in eco-friendly plastics:

Bioplastics

Bioplastics are made from renewable biomass sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, and potatoes. They are biodegradable and can decompose within a few months. Bioplastics can be used for a wide range of applications, including packaging, disposable cutlery, and even in the automotive industry. Bioplastics are still in the early stages of development and face challenges such as cost and scalability.

Bio-based plastics

Bio-based plastics are made from renewable biomass sources, but unlike bioplastics, they are not biodegradable. Instead, they can be recycled and reused, making them a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. Bio-based plastics can be used for a wide range of applications, including packaging, electronics, and automotive parts.

Compostable plastics

Compostable plastics are designed to break down into organic matter when they are disposed of in a composting environment. They are typically made from plant-based materials such as corn starch, potato starch, and sugarcane. Compostable plastics are becoming increasingly popular for food packaging and disposable cutlery. However, they can only be composted in industrial composting facilities and not in home composting systems.

Recycled plastics

Recycled plastics are made from post-consumer or post-industrial waste. They are a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics as they reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Recycled plastics can be used for a wide range of applications, including packaging, furniture, and construction materials.

Biodegradable additives

Biodegradable additives are added to traditional plastics to help them break down more quickly. These additives are typically made from natural materials such as corn starch, potato starch, and sugarcane. While biodegradable additives can make traditional plastics more sustainable, they are not a complete solution as they still produce microplastics that can harm the environment.

In conclusion, there are many eco-friendly plastic developments that can help reduce the impact of plastic waste on the environment. However, it is important to remember that no single solution is perfect, and a combination of these alternatives is needed to create a more sustainable future.

Poly Products UK Ltd – Our Aim

At Poly Products UK Ltd we recycle 100% of our in-house scrap polymer for re-use in the manufacture of a wide range of products, utilising the Rotational Moulding process. Many of our customers specifically request products manufactured from 100% recyclable polymer, which subsequently provides them with a higher valued product. Eco friendly plastics are made up of varieties and grades that are very specific to certain plastic manufacturing processes, as the science develops and more grades become available that are compatible for use within the Rotational Moulding process, we aim to be at the forefront of utilising these new materials, to manufacture products that not only reduce waste, CO2 emissions and pollution but overall, much more environmentally friendly.