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Biodegradable Seaweed and Compostable Plastics
Key Points
5 Mins Read
- Biodegradable plastics can be degraded by microorganisms (3 to 6 months).
- They leave no visible (toxic) residue.
- The seaweed film is made of a mixture of seaweed and polyethylene glycol.
- It is a substitute for traditional plastic, very suitable for outdoor applications.
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- Definition of Biodegradable Plastics
- Types of Biodegradable Plastics
- Definition of Biodegradable Seaweed Plastic
- Degradation Time of Bioplastic Films
- Applications of Seaweed Film
- Red Algae
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Seaweed Membrane
- Definition of Home Compostable Plastics
- Biodegradable Plastics vs Compostable Plastics
- Summarize
- Our Factory Equipment
- Related Products
Definition of Biodegradable Plastics
Biodegradable plastic is a type of plastic that can be broken down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass by microorganisms in the environment. These plastics are often made from renewable resources such as plant starch, cellulose, seaweed and other plant-based materials.
Biodegradable plastics typically break down within a few months. These plastics are non-toxic, so they don’t release any harmful chemicals into the environment.
They are a great alternative to traditional plastics as they are more sustainable and reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills.
This article focuses on seaweed bioplastics, and compares them with common compostable biodegradable plastics in the market, lists the advantages and disadvantages of both, and clears your doubts about the two.
Types of Biodegradable Plastics
- Polylactic acid (PLA): PLA is a type of biodegradable plastic made from plant-based materials such as corn starch or sugar cane. It is often used for packaging and other disposable items.
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs): PHAs are a type of biodegradable plastic made from bacteria or other microorganisms. They are usually used for food packaging, medical supplies, and other items.
- Starch-based plastics: Starch-based plastics are biodegradable plastics made from corn, potato, or tapioca starch. These plastics are often used for disposable items such as cups and utensils.
- Cellulose-based plastics: Cellulose-based plastics are biodegradable plastics made from plant fibers. They are often used for packaging, cups, and other disposable items.
- Seaweed-based plastics: Seaweed-based plastics are biodegradable plastics made from seaweed and other natural materials. They are often used for food packaging and other disposable items.
Definition of Biodegradable Seaweed Plastic
Biodegradable seaweed plastic also known as seaweed film, polyethylene glycol film, is a bioplastic film using seaweed and polyethylene glycol (PEG-3000) developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) of India. The bioplastic film has physical and mechanical properties similar to conventional plastics.
Seaweed films can be broken down by microbes in the environment into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. These plastics are designed to break down quickly in the environment, usually within a few months. Seaweed and polyethylene glycol, both are renewable resources and non-toxic, so the seaweed film can safely decompose in the environment without leaving any toxicity.
It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic films. A combination of seaweed and polyethylene glycol was found to be the perfect combination to create strong, flexible, biodegradable films.
This plastic has a low melting point and is highly resistant to heat and humidity. It is also highly flexible and can be used in a variety of applications, such as food packaging and medical devices, and can also be used to make thin, flexible sheets.
Degradation Time of Bioplastic Films
How long does it take for plastic to biodegrade?
Biodegradable seaweed plastic (made from seaweed and polyethylene glycol) typically takes 3 to 6 months to fully decompose, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and the presence of microbes. Depending on the exact composition of the plastic, it may take longer or shorter.
Applications of Seaweed Film
This biodegradable algal membrane can be used in a variety of applications, including:
- Food Packaging – Since it is non-toxic and does not leach harmful chemicals into the food, it is ideal for packaging foods such as sandwiches, salads and other snacks.
- Medical Supplies – Strong enough to protect items while still being biodegradable.
- Agriculture – It can be used to cover crops and soil as it protects against weather and prevents evaporation.
- Furniture – Can be used to make patio furniture and other outdoor items as it is resistant to UV rays and other environmental conditions.
- Packaging – can be used to package various items, light in weight and easy to transport.
- Clothes – It can be used to make clothes and other items because it is strong and flexible.
- Electronics – Durable and waterproof, they can be used to make protective cases for electronics and other items.
Red Algae
In fact, red algae (kappaphycusalvarezii), a type of seaweed, is an important commercial source of carrageenan and other products with a wide range of industrial applications. These algae are highly gelatinous and can be grown inexpensively in a short period of time (45 days), requiring only sunlight and no fresh water or chemicals.
They are also a potential source of polymers, similar to terrestrial plant-based polymers, that can be used to make food packaging and shipping bags, favoring good oxygen and moisture permeability. Oxygen permeability and moisture permeability are two basic parameters for fresh produce packaging. Red seaweed could be an environmental savior when it comes to replacing harmful plastics, say scientists at NIOT.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Seaweed Membrane
Biodegradable plastics offer many advantages over conventional petroleum-based plastics. They are less harmful to the environment and more biodegradable. They are also more flexible and can be used in a variety of applications.
Advantage
- Eco-Friendly – This biodegradable plastic film is made from renewable resources, so it is more environmentally friendly than traditional plastic films.
- Durable – The combination of seaweed and PEG-3000 makes the film strong and durable, yet flexible and lightweight.
- Non-toxic – PEG-3000 material is non-toxic and will not release harmful chemicals into the environment.
- UV Resistance – The film is resistant to UV rays and other environmental conditions, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
Disadvantages
- Cost – The cost of this biodegradable plastic film is still high compared to conventional plastic films.
Definition of Home Compostable Plastics
Home compostable plastic is a type of bioplastic. Made from ingredients and materials that fully decompose into the soil, they can break down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass in a home composting system without leaving visible (toxic) residues.
These home compostable plastics are often made from renewable resources such as plant starch, cellulose, lignin and other plant-based materials. The product is designed to break down quickly through microbial activity in a home composting system, usually within a few months.
Biodegradable Plastics vs Compostable Plastics
Benefits of Biodegradable Plastics
- Usage scenarios – Biodegradable seaweed plastics can be used for a wider variety of applications than home compostable plastics, as they are stronger and more durable.
- Manufacturing – Biodegradable seaweed plastics are easier to manufacture than home compostable plastics, as they require fewer steps.
- Materials – The combination of seaweed and polyethylene glycol (PEG-3000) makes biodegradable seaweed plastics stronger and more resilient than home compostable plastics.
- Environmental protection – Biodegradable seaweed plastics are more environmentally friendly than home compostable plastics, as they are made from renewable sources and do not leach any harmful chemicals into the environment.
Disadvantages of Biodegradable Plastics
- Cost – Biodegradable seaweed plastics are usually more expensive than home compostable plastics.
- Limited availability – The materials used to make biodegradable seaweed plastics are not widely available, so it can be difficult for people to access them.
- Short shelf life – Biodegradable seaweed plastics have a shorter shelf life than home compostable plastics, so it is important to use them quickly after purchase.
Summarize
Look Chemical is a great place to buy Benzocaine powder. We supply polyethylene glycol (PEG-3000) with high quality and are occupying the market with competitive price. At the same time we have professional customer service and first-class production lines and equipment.
As an experienced polyethylene glycol manufacturer and supplier. Look Chemical manufactures and supplies high quality products for customers all over the world.
Offer you products at the best price. There are no middlemen to make the difference, saving you production costs while getting high-quality products.
Over the years, we have actually worked with over 6,000 clients worldwide. With high-quality products and excellent service, our company has won many praises.
If you need polyethylene glycol or its related products, please contact us. Our service team is at your service 24 hours a day.
Summarize
Overall, bioplastic films made from polyethylene glycol and seaweed are a promising solution to the global plastic waste problem.
It is an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional plastics as it is more environmentally friendly and reduces the amount of plastic waste in the environment. At the same time, due to its many advantages over traditional plastics, such as being more flexible and durable, it is also being used more and more widely.
In countries with large populations, where annual consumption of plastic packaging is exploding, biodegradable films can help reduce the harmful environmental impact of carelessly discarded plastic packaging.
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References:
Sanz-Lázaro C, Casado-Coy N, Beltrán-Sanahuja A. Biodegradable plastics can alter carbon and nitrogen cycles to a greater extent than conventional plastics in marine sediment. Sci Total Environ. 2021 Feb 20;756:143978. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143978. Epub 2020 Dec 1. PMID: 33307497.
Din MI, Ghaffar T, Najeeb J, Hussain Z, Khalid R, Zahid H. Potential perspectives of biodegradable plastics for food packaging application-review of properties and recent developments. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2020 Apr;37(4):665-680. doi: 10.1080/19440049.2020.1718219. Epub 2020 Feb 12. PMID: 32049609.
