The biggest concern with “green” plastics is that it may not break down as expected, potentially harming wildlife, marine ecosystems, and soil quality. After all, several specific factors can impact the biodegradability of plastic, including temperature, moisture, and the presence of microorganisms that are needed to break down the material.

KEY CONCERNS ABOUT BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC

Contamination of Recycling Streams

Biodegradable plastic can contaminate traditional plastic recycling streams, making it more difficult to recycle traditional plastic. This can be a particular concern when Biodegradable plastic is not properly labeled or when there are no clear guidelines for how to discard it.

Greenwashing

Some manufacturers may use the term Biodegradable in a misleading way to imply that their product is more environmentally friendly than it actually is. This is considered a form of "greenwashing,” which can mislead consumers into believing that the product is more sustainable than it actually is.

Slow Biodegradation

Biodegradable plastic may take longer to break down than expected, particularly in conditions such as landfills or marine environments.

Resource-Intensive Production

The production of Biodegradable plastic can be resource-intensive, requiring large amounts of water and energy. This can have its own environmental impact, particularly if the resources used to produce the material are not renewable or sustainable.

Microplastics

Microplastics are a major environmental concern because they are difficult to remove, can accumulate in the food chain, and can cause harm to marine life and other animals. Unfortunately, after decades of plastic use, microplastics can now be found almost everywhere, including in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. They can enter the environment through a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items, synthetic clothing, and micro-beads in personal care products.