A ‘substantial’ reduction in carbon emissions can be achieved by replacing traditional plastics with biodegradable alternatives, a new study published in the Engineering journal has found.
As part of the study, researchers compared four life cycle stages of traditional plastics and biodegradable plastic products to determine their respective carbon emissions – including raw material acquisition, production and product manufacturing.
Assessment process
Some 1,000 plastic products were assessed as part of the study – including plastic bags, lunch boxes and cups – and the researchers found that the carbon emissions from said products ranged from 52.09 to 150.36 kg CO2eq.
When 1,000 similar products made from biodegradable plastic were assessed, the carbon emissions were found to total 21.06 to 56.86 kg CO2eq.
This equates to a minimum reduction of 13.53%, and a maximum reduction of 62.19%, in carbon emissions.
Substantial carbon reduction potential
Biodegradable plastic products showed ‘substantial carbon reduction potential’ at the raw material acquisition stage, the researchers determined, while emissions were also reduced due to the potential for composting and anaerobic digestion in waste disposal.
However, the researchers pointed out that the high cost of biodegradable plastics presents a challenge for their widespread adoption.
While the study underscores the environmental advantages of said plastics, it stresses the necessity for more cost-effective production technologies and waste disposal methods to improve the sustainability of biodegradable plastics.
The full paper, Replacing Traditional Plastics with Biodegradable Plastics: Impact on Carbon Emissions, can be found here.
Looking to navigate the unpredictability of climate change? Read www.sustainabilityonline.net to keep up to date.
