Plastic pollution is a huge issue, and things like straws and cutlery only make it worse, regular plastic take sforever to break down, so it ends up just piling up in oceans and landfills, polluting and intoxicating our land, air, and water. These plastics are harming our wildlife, our ecosystems, and us, they breech into our water systems, get into our food and poison our soil. And its not just what they do but also the process of producing, recycling or even just getting rid of them that also feeds to the problem.

 Biodegradable plastics are starting to get more attention because they break down way faster, and could help cut down on the waste. In this project, I look at how biodegradable plastics work, especially when it comes to straws and cutlery, and if they can actually help fix the problem.  A big question I explore is whether they could even be used in the food industry, where there’s so much disposable plastic being used we need to make sure that the product is food safe and non-toxic.

 While biodegradable plastics aren’t perfect, they could still help reduce plastic waste and make things more sustainable in the future. For this reason I will be exploring the different types of biodegradable plastics and trying to find the best of them for not just plastic straws and cutlary but as a subsitute for normal plastics in general. 

 

For this project, I did a research on biodegradable plastics and whether or not they are applicable in the food industry. This is my method of research: 

• Gathering Info:
  • I look up the topic I want to research and search up different sources, such as science journals, government reports, and environmental websites.
  • I used sites like WHO, National Geographic, and The Government of Canada to get reliable stats on plastic pollution and regulations.
  • I also checked out companies like Biome Bioplastics and Good Natured Products Inc. to see how biodegradable plastics are being used in real life.
• Analyzing the Data:
  • I compared different types of biodegradable plastics (PLA, PHA, starch-based, etc.) based on their composition, decomposition time, cost, and practicality for food-related products like cutlery and straws.
• Accuracy & Credibility:
  • I cross-checked everything to make sure I wasn’t getting false information.
  • I made sure everything was recent and not outdated, so my project is based on facts, not old or unreliable info.

By doing all this, I made sure my research and information was accutate and credible, without errors or misinformation.

 

 What is Plastic? 

So what is plastic exactly? Plastics are a wide variety of synthetic and semisynthetic materials that are based on polymers. There plasticity allows plastics to be able to be pressed, extruded or molded, enabling  them to be fashioned in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. This adaptability, along with the fact that (depending on the kind) they are lightweight, durable, flexible, non-toxic, and cheap to produce, makes them such a commonly spread material. Globally, we produce 380 million tons of plastic annually, and reports indicate that 50% of these plastics are single use plastics, meaning that they will only be used for only a few minutes before being thrown in the trash. From 1950 to 2017 9.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced and its estimated that more than half of that was produced after 2004, and it is estimated that annual global plastic production will reach over 1.3 billion tons by 2060, applications include packaging (40%) and building/construction (20%).

Types of Plastics

All in all there are thousands of different types of plastic but they can be organized into 7 categories, each one is different from the other and has its own properties and uses. In 1988, the Society of the Plastics Industry introduced the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system which divided plastic resins into 7 different categories. The purpose was to “provide a consistent national system to facilitate recycling of post-consumer plastics.", since then RIC has been recognized as the worldwide standard plastic classification. The types of plastic are: 

 

• PET: Polyethylene terephthalate or PET is the most widely used plastic, it's used food and drink packaging purposes, mostly because it can keep oxygen from getting in and spoiling the good. These are also the most widely recycled plastic. 

 

• HDPE: High-Density Polyethylene or HDPE is a extremely stretchy and resistant plastic, it's mostly used for plastic bags, milk cartons, recycling bins, agricultural pipe, but also playground equipment, lids, and shampoo bottles etc. Since its made of longer, unbranching polymer chains, it’s more thicker and much stronger than PET, it is also extremely heat resistant, able to withstand up to 120 °C. HDPE is also one of the most easily recycled polymer.

 

• PVC: Polyvinyl chloride or PVC is the third most common synthetic plastic polymer, there are two primary types of it: rigid and flexible. PVC is widely used in the construction and building industries in its rigid form to make drinking and wastewater pipes as well as door and windows frames. It can be used for flooring, electrical cable insulation, plumbing, and wiring when combined with other materials to make it softer and more flexible. 

 

• LDPE: Low-density molecules, which differentiates LDPE from HDPE, gives this resin a thinner and more flexible structure. It is simple and cheap to produce because it has the most straightforward structure of all the plastics. Utilized in many kinds of containers, dispensing bottles, plastic bags, six-pack rings, and most famously, plastic wraps, it is rarely recycled by curbside programs though.

 

• PP: Polypropylene or PP is the second most common commodity, and its market is expected to continue expanding over the next years. Found in yogurt containers, vehicle parts, thermal vests, tupperware, and even disposable diapers, it is strong and resilient to extreme temperatures.

 

• PS: The sixth kind of plastic on the list is polystyrene, which comes in solid or foamed forms. It is widely used in everything from beverage cups, insulation, packaging materials, egg cartons, and disposable dinnerware since it is a relatively cheap resin per unit weight and simple to make. Better known by its brand name, Styrofoam, it is extremely flammable and dangerous because it may release toxins when heated, which frequently occurs because it is used in take-out containers that consumers often microwave to reheat the food. PS. It is one of the worst kinds of plastic for the environment.

 

• Other: Plastics fall under this category if they don't fall under any of the others. Polycarbonates (PC), which are used to create solid, durable products, are the most well-known plastics in this category. In addition to being used in phones, polycarbonates are frequently used for eye protection in the production of lenses for sunglasses, sports, and safety goggles.The usage of these has been controversial recently since they leak bisphenol A, a substance listed as potentially dangerous to the environment, when heated to high temperatures. Additionally, because BPA does not break down in landfills, it will remain on the earth and eventually find its way into waterways, leading to water contamination. Also, category number seven is barely recycled. 

                                               

Plastic Fabrication

Fossil fuels are mined beneath the ground and transported to factories, where they are reduced into small molecules called monomers, the first step in making plastic. The small plastic building blocks are called monomers, and they chemically bond to form long chains called polymers. Plastic durability, flexibility, and versatility are because of these polymers.

Manufacturers add color pigments, stabilizers, or plasticizers to plastic to make its range larger; that is why, some plastics are hard, but others like plastic bags are flexible and soft. When the material is prepared, it is later heated, molded, and cooled to create things like containers, bottles, and packaging.

Defects to Normal Plastics 

Why would we change to biodegradable plastics when we have perfectly functional plastics at our disposal? Why not just use these plastics and once we’re done, why not just throw the waste in a giant landfill? Why waste time and energy into making biodegradable plastics? 

   Well in true the carbon footprint of regular plastics is just not worth it.

  Normal plastics can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose, and even then they do not completely go back to the earth but just get smaller and smaller, leading to massive waste accumulation in landfills and the natural environment.

   There are many cons to normal plastics some of which include: 

• Non-biodegradable: Plastics do not completely decompose for hundreds of years and pollute earth's surface
• Marine Pollution: Plastics often ends up in the ocean, endangering the marine life that lives in it and disrupting the ecosystems that rely on the ocean, along with this marine pollution also poses a threat to human health and well-being
• Production: The production of these plastics produces tons of greenhouse gasses, in fact it’s estimated that only the extraction of the fossil fuels used for these plastics and the transportation to get these fossil fuels to plastic factories emits a whopping 1.5 to 12.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gasses. 
• Fossil fuel dependency: Normal plastics are primarily produced by petroleum based products, which is non-renewable resource, extracting it is energy intensive and like I said before, produces tons of greenhouse gasses which contribute to global warming. 

• ifficult to recycle: Most types of plastics are difficult to recycle, or the recycling process is completely inefficient. Plastic quality often degrades too limiting its reuse potential.
• Toxicity: Normal Plastics often release toxic chemicals into the environment, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These chemicals can get into the water supply, into the soil (disrupting plant life), and food, all of it causing major harm to humans, animals, and plants. 
• Microplastics: As plastics break down, they fragment into tiny particles called microplastics, which have been found in water, food, and even the air. Microplastics can be tremendously harmful to all living organisms.
• Harm to Wildlife: Animals often mistake plastic for food, they can suffocate on it or get entangled in it, this can lead to extreme injuries or even death. 

  In total, plastic cause 4-8% of the total greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming, so if we could just limit our plastic production and usage we could cutdown on 4-8% of total gas emissions causing global warming, it may not sound much but its a major step forward.  Along with this Plastics make up a significant portion of municipal solid waste (MSW) in landfills. In the United States, for example, plastics account for roughly 12-20% of the total weight of landfill waste. However, plastic occupies a much higher proportion of landfill volume than weight because plastics are lightweight and take up more space compared to other materials like metals, glass, or organic waste. According to estimates, 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced globally since plastic production began, with a large portion of it ending up in landfills or the environment.

                                                                     

Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle

I’m sure you’ve heard about how you're meant to recycle and reuse plastic, but actually it’s not so easy to recycle plastics. While these ideas are meant to reduce plastic waste, they're not doing as much to help as we would like them to.

Plastic recycling is easy to some level, for example, reusing a plastic water bottle or bag. But not all plastics can be used and reused so many times, they normally break, crush, or lose value after a while. This is the same for single-use plastic, such as plastic straws or cutlery that are used once and thrown away, that's the whole point of their existence. And so a person would have no choice but to throw it in the trash.

Plastic when it comes to actually recycling plastics it gets complicated. First of all, there is no one plastic that can be recycled, plastic items are made of different kinds of resin, and these must be sorted to be recycled, sorting all these plastics takes labor and is thus quite expensive. On top of that is the consideration that even if one piece of plastic can be recycled, it may not always get recycled. A lot of plastic ends up in the wrong bin, loaded with food or dirt, or just goes directly to landfills anyway because the recycling facilities can't handle it all.

Even when plastic does end up getting recycled, the recycling process itself isn't so good. It requires a lot of energy to re-melt plastic again, and the heat can degrade it and make it less durable. This is why recycled plastic often can't be turned back into the same item. For example, a plastic bottle that is recycled may turn into something like a park bench or threads for clothing, but not necessarily a bottle again. Also, plastic can only be recycled so many times before it is completely useless.

In the end, recycling might sound like a great idea, but it’s really just delaying the problem instead of solving it. A huge amount of plastic still ends up in landfills or the ocean, even with all the recycling programs out there. It’s clear that recycling alone isn’t enough to fix the mess we’ve made with plastic.

Repurposing, like plastic bottles as pots or making sculptures out of old plastics, is another option. But not everyone has the time, skill, or creativity to make treasure out of trash. Most people just toss it out because it's easy.

The truth is, while reusing, repurposing, and recycling are great in some small ways, they're not enough to deal with the scope of the plastic problem.

Landfills and Ocean Pollution 

Plastic waste is a major issue for our oceans and landfills. Although most  people believe that plastic is something that just gets thrown away, the truth is that it doesn't truly "go away." It must find a home, and that home is most often the ocean or landfills, where it will probably remain for hundreds of years.

Plastic makes up a significant amount of the garbage that currently fills landfills, even worse plastic does not decompose in landfills, rather than breaking down, it simply remains in place and gradually falls apart into tiny pieces called microplastics. These microscopic plastics contaminate the area surrounding the landfill by releasing harmful chemicals into the groundwater and soil.

Ocean pollution is an equally serious issue; millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean each year. A large portion of it comes from landfills, where plastic debris is either dumped or carried away by the wind, eventually finding its way to rivers and the ocean. Marine life, such as turtles that confuse plastic bags for jellyfish, can be strangled or suffocated by plastics in the water, even the tiniest organisms, such as plankton, can confuse plastic fragments for food, and some species become entangled in plastic debris. The worst part is that plastic simply breaks down into ever-tinier pieces, which travel farther and do more damage, it never fully vanishes.

A Deception in a Renowned Solution 

Paper cups and straws are advertised as a better option for the environment compared to normal plastics, however,  people do not realize that these products are not completely  paper. Most of them are coated with a thin layer of plastic, like polyethylene, which prevents leaks but comes with its own set of problems.

When hot liquids are poured into the cups, the plastic layer can starts to melt, this causes tiny plastic particles to break off and mix into you drink, even though you can’t see them, these microplastics can still end up in your body with every sip.

Additionally, heat can cause the plastic to release harmful chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates, into the liquid, over time these substances may pose health risks.

What appears to be a harmless and environmentally friendly option is actually another form of plastic pollution, hidden behind false advertisement.

These products are marketed as eco-friendly, but the truth is they’re just another contributor to the global plastic waste crisis. And worse, they directly harm our bodies, the last thing we need is microplastics and chemicals like BPA and phthalates can be detrimental to our bodies, it honestly seems like a good substitute for poison.

A Future Without a Solution

There is a serious problem with plastic pollution, and to be honest, it doesn't seem like things will improve anytime soon. Tons of plastic that we continue to discard simply accumulate. It simply remains in place rather than decomposing. Even though plastics are becoming smaller, they are still around. They simply transform into microplastics, which are now present everywhere—in our food, in the water, and even in the air.

Not only are landfills already overflowing, but they are also filled with plastic that will remain in place for hundreds of years. In addition, the ocean is essentially turning into a soup of plastic. Marine life is becoming entangled in plastic, or worse, consuming it, believing iIt's food. Additionally, even though we may not be aware of it, this plastic is entering our food supply. Fish and even the salt we use to season our food are exhibiting signs of it.

The future will be chaotic if we can't figure out a solution. Plastic will continue to accumulate in landfills, the ocean, and other places. We cannot ignore the issue, but we will only continue to exacerbate it in the absence of a practical solution. Who knows what kind of harm the plastic we use now will cause in the centuries to come?

Introduction to Biodegradable Plastics

Unlike ordinary plastics, which take hundreds of years to decompose, biodegradable plastics can decompose naturally over time. These plastics are more environmentally friendly because they are derived from renewable resources like corn, plants, or vegetable oils. Biodegradable plastics contribute to less waste and pollution, particularly in landfills and the ocean, because they break down more quickly.

Polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and starch-based plastics are examples of biodegradable plastics. Every one of these varieties has advantages and disadvantages of its own. For instance, PHA biodegrades in the ocean, whereas PLA is frequently used for food packaging. 

Although using biodegradable plastics is a huge advancement, there are a number of obstacles to overcome: they are expensive, some must decompose in factories and can’t decompose in nature by themselves, they require the natural resources that make them biodegradable (which often requires water, soil, and other resources), and there production may cause just as much greenhouse gases as normal plastics

Introduction to Bioplastics 

Unlike petroleum, a non-renewable fossil fuel, bioplastics are made from natural, renewable resources like plants. They offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics, which can be hazardous to the environment and take hundreds of years to break down. Bioplastics can reduce waste and pollution because they break down naturally over time. Furthermore, some bioplastics can be safely broken down in composting facilities because they are compostable.

Made from corn starch, sugarcane, or even algae, bioplastics can be utilized in a variety of products, including straws, cutlery, and packaging.Despite their potential to lessen plastic pollution, bioplastics have drawbacks, such as increased costs and the requirement for suitable Unlike petroleum, a non-renewable fossil fuel, bioplastics are made from natural, renewable resources like plants. They offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics, which can be hazardous to the environment and take hundreds of years to break down. Bioplastics can reduce waste and pollution because they break down naturally over time. Furthermore, some bioplastics can be safely broken down in composting facilities because they are compostable.

Made from corn starch, sugarcane, or even algae, bioplastics can be utilized in a variety of products, including straws, cutlery, and packaging.Despite their potential to lessen plastic pollution, bioplastics have drawbacks, such as increased costs and the requirement for suitable waste management. However, bioplastics represent a significant step toward a more environmentally friendly future as we look for ways that reduce our impact on the environment.

Biodegradable Plastics VS. Bioplastics

Though they may sound alike biodegradable plastics and bioplastics are not the same in fact some bioplastics aren't even even biodegradable, here some key differences:

Comparasion

Types of Biodegradable Bioplastics 

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

What It Is: PLA is made from plant-based materials, like corn starch or sugarcane. It is one of the most common biodegradable plastics.

Uses: PLA is often used for things like food containers, disposable cutlery, and drink cups.

How It Breaks Down: PLA breaks down in industrial composting facilities, where it can turn into water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter. However, it may not break down as well in natural environments like landfills or oceans.

Limitations: PLA is not heat-resistant, so it can’t be used for hot foods or drinks.

Cost: $2.80 per kilogram

Decomposition (optimal conditions): 1-3 months

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)

What It Is: PHA is a biodegradable plastic produced by bacteria using plant sugars and oils. It's one of the most environmentally friendly bioplastics because it decomposes easily in both industrial composting and natural environments, including the ocean.

Uses: PHA can be used for packaging, medical products, and agricultural films.

How It Breaks Down: PHA breaks down easily in nature, even in marine environments, making it ideal for items like biodegradable plastic bags.

Limitations: PHA is more expensive to make compared to other bioplastics, which makes it less common.

Cost: $3.00-$5.00 per kilogram

Decomposition (optimal conditions): 1-3 months

Starch-Based Plastics

What It Is: These plastics are made from natural starch, often derived from corn or potatoes. They are biodegradable and compostable.

Uses: Starch-based plastics are commonly used for food packaging, disposable containers, and agricultural films.

How It Breaks Down: These plastics break down in composting environments, turning into natural materials like carbon dioxide and water.

Limitations: Starch-based plastics aren’t as strong as other bioplastics and can get damaged when exposed to moisture.

Cost: $2.50 per kilogram

Decomposition (optimal conditions): 3-6 months

Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)

What It Is: PBS is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable plant sources. It is similar to regular plastic but breaks down more easily.

Uses: PBS is used in products like packaging, disposable cutlery, and agricultural films.

How It Breaks Down: PBS is compostable and breaks down in industrial composting environments.

Limitations: PBS is not as widely used as other biodegradable plastics, and it’s more expensive to produce.

Cost: $4.50 per kilogram

Decomposition (optimal conditions): 6-12 months

Polycaprolactone (PCL)

What It Is: PCL is a biodegradable plastic made from petrochemical sources, but it can still break down by microorganisms in the environment.

Uses: PCL is used in medical applications, such as drug delivery and tissue engineering, as well as in biodegradable packaging.

How It Breaks Down: PCL breaks down slowly in both composting and natural environments.

Limitations: PCL is more expensive than other biodegradable plastics and isn't used as widely.

Cost: $7.00 per kilogram

Decomposition (optimal conditions): 1-2 years

Cellulose-Based Plastics

What It Is: These plastics are made from wood pulp or cotton fibers. They are a natural and biodegradable material.

Uses: Cellulose-based plastics are used in packaging, coatings, and medical devices.

How It Breaks Down: Cellulose-based plastics break down in the environment and return to organic matter.

Limitations: The process of making cellulose plastics can be more complicated, and they may not be as durable as other types of plastics.

Cost: $4.00 per kilogram

Decomposition (optimal conditions): 6 months to 1 year

Mater-Bi

What It Is: Mater-Bi is a type of compostable plastic made from renewable sources like starches, vegetable oils, and other biodegradable materials.

Uses: It is commonly used in food packaging, bags, and agricultural films.

How It Breaks Down: Mater-Bi decomposes in industrial composting facilities, where it turns into organic materials like carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.

Limitations: Mater-Bi needs specific conditions to break down and isn’t suitable for all environments.

Cost: $5.00 per kilogram
Decomposition (optimal conditions): 3-6 months

Algae-Based Plastics

What It Is: Algae-based plastics are made from algae, which is a fast-growing, renewable resource. These plastics are biodegradable and eco-friendly.

Uses: Algae-based plastics can be used for packaging, food containers, and biodegradable straws.

How It Breaks Down: Algae-based plastics break down naturally in the environment, including in oceans, helping to reduce ocean pollution.

Limitations: The production process is still in development and can be expensive.

Cost: $6.00 per kilogram

Decomposition (optimal conditions): 6 months to 1 year

Protein-Based Bioplastics 

What It Is: Protein-based plastics are made from proteins like casein (milk proteins) or soy. They are biodegradable and can be used in many products.

Uses: Protein-based plastics are used for packaging, coatings, and medical applications.

How It Breaks Down: These plastics break down into natural materials like amino acids when exposed to microorganisms.

Limitations: Protein-based plastics are not as durable as other bioplastics and require more research for larger-scale production.

Cost: $5.50 per kilogram

Decomposition (optimal conditions): 3-6 months

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)

What It Is: PHB is a bioplastic produced by bacteria from plant sugars and renewable resources. It is biodegradable and similar to traditional plastics in many ways.

Uses: PHB is used for packaging, medical products, and agricultural applications.

How It Breaks Down: PHB breaks down naturally in the environment when exposed to microorganisms.

Limitations: The production cost is high, which makes PHB less common and harder to produce.

Cost: $8.00 per kilogram
Decomposition (optimal conditions): 6 months to 1 year

Types of Non-Biodegradable Bioplastics 

Polytrimethylene Terephthalate (PTT)

What It Is: PTT is a bio-based plastic made from renewable resources like corn or sugarcane. It is used in various applications and is biodegradable.

Uses: PTT is used in textiles, clothing, and some types of packaging.

How It Breaks Down: PTT is biodegradable and breaks down through natural microbial activity in composting environments.

Limitations: PTT is still being developed and is not as widely available or used as other bioplastics like PLA or PHA.

Cost: $4.00 per kilogram

Decomposition (optimal conditions): 1-2 years

Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF)

What It Is: PEF is a plant-based alternative to polyethylene made from renewable resources like plant sugars.

Uses: PEF is mainly used for food packaging, beverage containers, and bottles.

How It Breaks Down: PEF is biodegradable and breaks down naturally in composting environments.

Limitations: PEF is still being developed and is not yet as widely available or cost-effective as other bioplastics.

Cost: $6.00 per kilogram

Decomposition (optimal conditions): 1-2 years

Bio-Based Polycarbonate (Bio-PC) 

What It Is: Bio-based polycarbonate (Bio-PC) is a form of plastic made from renewable plant-based sources like sugar.

Uses: Bio-PC is used for products like electronics, eyewear lenses, and bottles.

How It Breaks Down: Bio-PC is not biodegradable but is made from renewable resources, which makes it more environmentally friendly than traditional polycarbonate.

Limitations: Bio-PC is not biodegradable, and recycling options for Bio-PC are limited.

Cost: $9.00 per kilogram

Decomposition (optimal conditions): Not biodegradable

Bio-Based Polyethylene (Bio-PE)

What It Is: Plastic made from renewable sources like sugarcane, but chemically the same as regular polyethylene.

Uses: Packaging, plastic bottles, and bags.

Breakdown: Not biodegradable

Limitations: Non-biodegradable

Cost: $3.00 per kilogram

Decomposition (optimal conditions): Not biodegradable

Bio-Based Polypropylene (Bio-PP)

What It Is: Plastic made from plant-based materials like sugarcane or corn, identical to regular polypropylene.

Uses: Packaging, textiles, automotive parts.

Breakdown: Not biodegradable

Limitations: Can contribute to plastic waste if not recycled.

Cost: $3.50 per kilogram

Decomposition (optimal conditions): Not biodegradable

Cost Efficiency

Through my research I have found that PHA, PLA, and Starch-based plastics are the best biodegradable plastics, but what about the cost?

Plastic Type	Raw Material Cost	Manufacturing Cost	Additional Costs
PLA (Polylactic Acid)	Corn/sugarcane (~$1,200–$2,000 per ton)	$1,800–$2,500 per ton	Requires industrial composting
Starch-Based Plastics	Corn/potato starch (~$800–$1,500 per ton)	$1,500–$2,500 per ton	Biodegrades in nature, but expensive
PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates)	Bacteria fermentation (~$2,500–$5,000 per ton)	$5,000–$8,000 per ton	Decomposes faster, but weaker than others
Traditional Plastic (PET, PP, etc.)	Petroleum-based (~$800–$1,500 per ton)	$1,200–$2,000 per ton	Non-biodegradable, but cheap

 

What I collect from this: PLA is cheaper than PHA but needs specific composting conditions. PHA is the most expensive but breaks down naturally, making it the best long-term option. Starch-based plastics are the cheapest but aren’t strong enough for cutlery and straws. Traditional plastic is still the cheapest, which is why companies stick with it. PLA is cheaper than PHA but needs specific composting conditions. PHA is the most expensive but breaks down naturally, making it the best long-term option. Starch-based plastics are the cheapest but aren’t strong enough for cutlery and straws.

From this I gather that PHA would likely be the best option, but that is only if mass production brought the price down. 

Application Costs (How Expensive It Is for Businesses to Switch)

• Biodegradable plastics cost 2–5 times more than regular plastics.
• Most businesses won’t switch unless laws force them to.
• Even big companies like McDonald's or Starbucks struggle with switching due to costs.

Disposal & Recycling Costs

Plastic Type	Disposal Cost	Composting/Recycling Cost
PLA	Needs industrial composting ($50–$80 per ton)	Only 30% of facilities can compost it
PHA	Naturally decomposes (low cost)	Can be composted anywhere
Starch-Based	Decomposes in soil or compost	Cheap but not very durable
Traditional Plastic	Ends up in landfills (free but bad for the planet)	Recycling is expensive ($100+ per ton)

What I collected from this:

• PHA is the best option long-term since it decomposes naturally.

• PLA looks good but is useless without the right composting facilities.

• Recycling is expensive and inefficient, so biodegradable plastics are the better choice.

Application

Canada’s Plastic Ban and the Challenge of Switching to Biodegradable Alternatives

One of Canada's most significant efforts to reduce plastic waste was the prohibition of specific single-use plastics. In an effort to lessen the quantity of plastic that ends up in landfills and the ocean, this initiative began in 2022 and focused on items like plastic bags, straws, stir sticks, and cutlery. However, it hasn't been easy to replace these plastics in practice. People have had to adapt to new materials, some of which are more expensive and not always as convenient, and businesses have had difficulty finding suitable substitutes.

Polylactic acid, or PLA, plastic is one of the primary substitutes. Made from natural materials like cornstarch or sugarcane, PLA is biodegradable in the right circumstances. However, only a small portion of Canada's plastic cutlery is currently biodegradable. The majority of what's still being used is regular plastic, which sticks around for hundreds of years because it doesn’t break down naturally. If Canada fully switched to PLA, we could drastically cut down on plastic waste. But the problem is—it’s not that simple.

Cost

ecause PLA is made from plant-based materials, its production costs are significantly higher than those of conventional plastic. PLA currently costs around $2.80 per kilogram, whereas conventional plastic costs about $1.50 per kilogram. Even though it might not seem like much, it quickly adds up when companies purchase large quantities of plastic goods. Businesses will raise prices for consumers to offset the cost if they must pay more for biodegradable substitutes.

The fact that PLA doesn't decompose randomly is another issue. In order to properly decompose, it must be sent to industrial composting facilities, where it is heated to high temperatures. The problem? Not all Canadian cities have these amenities. If PLA cups or cutlery wind up in a landfill instead of a composting facility, they won’t break down much faster than regular plastic. So even though PLA sounds like a great eco-friendly option, if Canada doesn’t improve its composting systems, switching to PLA won’t fix the problem.

Supply Problems: We Don’t Make Enough PLA in Canada

We import the majority of the PLA we use from other nations. Therefore, we would need to start producing more biodegradable plastics here if we wanted to use them more. However, that costs money and time. To produce PLA on a large scale, the government and private businesses would have to invest in new factories, which is not inexpensive.

Composting facilities would need to be extended throughout Canada at the same time. Currently, food waste—rather than biodegradable plastics—is the primary focus of the majority of industrial composting facilities. There could be a significant impact if the government encouraged businesses to switch to PLA and pushed for more composting facilities.

What Would a Full Switch to PLA Look Like?

If Canada fully committed to using PLA instead of regular plastic:

• Businesses would have to pay more for materials, which could lead to higher prices for consumers.

• Industrial composting facilities would need to expand so PLA can actually break down properly.

• Local PLA production would need to grow, so we don’t rely on importing it from other countries.

• More awareness would be needed so people know how to properly dispose of biodegradable plastics.

Would It Actually Reduce Plastic Waste?

Yes, if done correctly. We could reduce the quantity of plastic waste that ends up in landfills if companies made the complete transition to PLA and if Canada made improvements to its composting systems. Although it wouldn't be a perfect solution, it would be a significant step in Canada's efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

Although Canada is currently making strides, biodegradable plastics won't completely replace conventional ones for some time. Investing in improved waste management systems and lowering the cost and increasing the availability of biodegradable plastics are crucial. 

Normal plastics pollute our lands and oceans, and do not decompose for centuries, even then they do not fully decompose but get smaller and smaller, turning into microplastics that litter the oceans, and what we consume. This is the reason biodegradable plastics are such a big thing, they give us a potential solution by breaking down so much faster and reducing long-term waste buildup. 

Some biodegradable plastics, like PLA (Polylactic Acid), can decompose in less than six months under the right conditions. Compared to the normal plastics that use, that last for longer than you and I will, this is a major improvement.

If waste is taken care of more quickly there is less build up in landfills and oceans, which already betters the situation by so much.

One of the biggest advantages of biodegradable plastics is the fact that they come from renewable sources like corn, sugarcane, and algae. On the other hand regular plastics are made from fossil-fuels, non renewable resources that take millions of years to form and release massive amounts of greenhouse gasses into our atmosphere, when extracted. Using renewable sources instead of non-renewable ones greatly cuts down on emissions and reduces our dependence on oil. 

Biodegradable plastics also cause less harm to the environment by means of wildlife. Many animals often mistake plastic for food, and end up choking or getting poisoned by them. Since biodegradable plastics break down much faster they’re less likely to cause long-term harm. Though this isn't the perfect solution for this problem because a lot of biodegradable plastics still need  specific conditions to decompose properly, like high heat and moisture in industrial composting facilities. If they end up in regular trash or in the environment they may take way longer than expected to decompose.

For example, PLA (Polylactic Acid) sounds like a great alternative but it has some huge downsides, for one they need industrial composting to decompose properly, this means that if they are thrown in the regular trash or thrown in the environment, they will not decompose, for say six months, as they’re advertised. That is why better waste management systems are needed to be implemented if we are to go through with the intent of replacing traditional plastics. 

So, when it comes to picking the best biodegradable plastic for straws and cutlery, there are a few key things to consider:

1. Environmental impact (How well does it break down?)
2. Food safety (Is it safe to use with food and drinks?)
3. Durability (Will it hold up when eating or drinking?)

Here’s how the main options compare:

• PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) is probably the best overall. It’s heat-resistant, food-safe, and naturally biodegradable—even in the ocean. The downside? It’s expensive, which makes it harder to produce on a large scale.
• PLA is a good choice for cold drinks and food, but it softens with heat and won’t break down unless it’s sent to an industrial composting facility.
• Starch-based plastics are cheap and compostable, but they aren’t very strong. That makes them fine for cutlery, but not great for straws, which need more durability.

So the best option would be, if not for the cost, PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates). It’s the most durable and breaks down naturally, on land and in water, but because of its high price, PLA and Starch-based plastics are more commonly used, even though they have more limitations in comparison to PHA. If production costs drop in the future, PHA could replace plastics completely. 

Until then, switching to any biodegradable plastic would better the scene significantly, as long as we dispose of them properly.

Biodegradable plastics are one of the best plastic pollution solutions, they degrade much faster and are less harmful to the environment compared to the conventional plastics that degrade in hundreds of years and form dangerous microplastics. They are eco-friendly since they are made from renewable sources like plants and not fossil fuels, they help reduce greenhouse gases, and do not harm wildlife. 

But they are not perfect, they may not degrade as they should if they ever find themselves in the environment or common trash because they require specific conditions like composting facilities to degrade. Even with that mentioned they still show a large improvement. Biodegradable plastics can be used to make the world a better place, save animals in the sea, and limit the creation of garbage to the landfills. It is hoped that biodegradable plastics would be a significant part of the solution to the plastic pollution problem as their recycling and dumping processes are enhanced. 

The main issue is cost. Right now, biodegradable plastics cost 2–5 times more than regular plastics, companies won’t switch unless governments provide subsidies or increase plastic bans. If PHA production expands and prices drop, it could replace traditional plastics completely.

To answer my question: PHA is likely the best biodegradable plastic for straws and cutlery if you’re looking for a material that combines environmental benefits, food safety, and durability. It’s a little more expensive but could be a game-changer in reducing plastic waste.

Articles & Reports

Geyer, Roland, et al. "Production, Use, and Fate of All Plastics Ever Made." Science Advances, vol. 3, no. 7, 2017, https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.1700782.

"Microplastics in Our Food and Water: A Hidden Health Risk." World Health Organization, 22 Aug. 2019, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/microplastics-in-drinking-water.

"The Reality of Plastic Recycling." Greenpeace International, 24 Oct. 2022, https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/45638/the-truth-about-plastic-recycling/.

"Canada’s Single-Use Plastics Ban: Progress and Challenges." Government of Canada, 22 June 2022, https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2022/single-use-plastics-ban.html.

"Plastic Pollution Crisis." National Geographic, 2021, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-pollution.

Biodegradable Plastics & Science Sources

"Biodegradable Plastic." Wikipedia, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodegradable_plastic.

"Biodegradation." Wikipedia, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodegradation.

"Biodegradable Plastics." Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council, 2024, https://www.saskwastereduction.ca/recycle/resources/plastics/biodegradable.

"How Biodegradable Plastics Break Down." Europlas, 2023, https://europlas.com.vn/en-US/blog-1/how-biodegradable-plastics-break-down-.

"Polylactic Acid (PLA) in Sustainable Packaging." American Chemical Society, 2018, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b01029.

"Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) as a Biodegradable Plastic." Nature Communications, vol. 9, no. 1, 2018, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-07849-3.

"The Future of Bioplastics: Challenges and Innovations." MIT Technology Review, 10 Apr. 2021, https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/04/10/bioplastics-sustainability.

Plastic Types, Recycling & Environmental Impact

"Plastic." Wikipedia, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic.

"Polymer." Wikipedia, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymer.

"Polyethylene." Xometry, 2023, https://www.xometry.com/resources/materials/polyethylene.

"Different Types of Plastic." Plastics for Change, 2022, https://www.plasticsforchange.org/blog/different-types-of-plastic.

"5 Bioplastic Types." Green Business Benchmark, 2022, https://www.greenbusinessbenchmark.com/archive/5-bioplastic-types.

"Plastic Fabrication." IQS Directory, 2023, https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/plastic-fabrication.html.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Alternatives to Plastic

"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: The Truth About the 3Rs." Muuse, 2022, https://www.muuse.io/post/reduce-reuse-recycle-the-truth-about-the-3rs.

"Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: The Three Rs to Help the Planet." Santander, 2022, https://www.santander.com/en/stories/reduce-reuse-and-recycle-the-three-rs-to-help-the-planet.

Company Profiles

"About Us." Biome Bioplastics, https://biomebioplastics.com/.

"Good Natured Products Inc. Announces Closing of CCAA Sale Transaction." good natured Products Inc., 15 Nov. 2024, https://goodnaturedproducts.com/blogs/news/good-natured-products-inc-announces-closing-of-ccaa-sale-transaction.

"Good Natured Products Inc. Announces Order to Cease to be a Reporting Issuer." Newswire, 28 Nov. 2024, https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/good-natured-products-inc-announces-order-to-cease-to-be-a-reporting-issuer-897547419.html.

Costs and Decomposition Times

European Bioplastics. "Bioplastics - The Facts 2020." European Bioplastics, 2020,

https://www.european-bioplastics.org/bioplastics-the-facts/

Shen, L., et al. "The Impact of Bioplastics on the Environment." Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 45, no. 3, 2011, pp. 1049-1055, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es1024216

Niaounakis, M. "Biodegradable and Biobased Polymers: Materials, Properties, and Applications." Elsevier, 2015, https://www.elsevier.com/books/biodegradable-and-biobased-polymers/niaounakis/978-0-323-35815-4

Plastics Technology. "The Future of Bioplastics: Innovations in Biodegradable Plastics." Plastics Technology, 2021, https://www.ptonline.com/articles/the-future-of-bioplastics

Global Bioplastics Market Trends Report. "Bioplastics Market Study 2021." Grand View Research, 2021, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/bioplastics-market

Application 

Government of Canada. "Canada’s Single-Use Plastics Ban: Progress and Challenges." Government of Canada, 22 June 2022, https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2022/single-use-plastics-ban.html.

Narancic, Tanja, et al. "Biodegradability of Bioplastics in Natural Environments: What Can We Really Expect?" Science of the Total Environment, vol. 727, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138560.

European Bioplastics. "PLA: Biodegradability, Industrial Composting, and End-of-Life Options." European Bioplastics, 2023, https://www.european-bioplastics.org/pla/.

Greene, Joseph P. Sustainable Plastics: Environmental Assessments of Biobased, Biodegradable, and Recycled Plastics. Elsevier, 2014.

Shen, Li, et al. "Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastics: Facts and Figures." Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, 2019, https://edepot.wur.nl/512081.

I want to give a big thanks to the people who helped me with this project:

1. Mrs. Jyoti Nambiar – Thank you so much for all your help and guidance. You made this whole process way easier, and I couldn’t have done it without your support.
2. My Mom – Huge thanks to my mom for always having my back, whether it was brainstorming ideas or just being there when I needed a break.
3. Biome Bioplastics – I really appreciate your help with my project. Your expertise made a big difference.
4. Good Natured Products – Thanks for the extra resources and help throughout my project.