Faced with the serious global problem of plastic pollution, biodegradable materials have emerged . These materials decompose thanks to the action of living organisms such as fungi and other microorganisms found in nature. Because of this, they don't accumulate in the soil or any other environment and don't cause pollution. The decomposition process begins with bacteria that extract the necessary enzymes, facilitating the transformation of the initial product into simpler elements. Finally, all the microparticles are gradually absorbed from the soil.
Because biodegradable materials are becoming increasingly important, we dedicate this article to telling you everything you need to know about them.
What are biodegradable materials
Biodegradable materials are those that decompose due to the action of fungi and other microorganisms found in nature. When a substance is attacked by bacteria, the decomposition process begins, extracting enzymes to help convert the initial product into simpler elements, such as carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. The final stage involves the gradual absorption of these particles into the soil.
On the other hand, non-decomposable materials, such as synthetic plastics, just remain in the soil for long periods, damaging the surrounding ecosystem. This is because most modern synthetic materials lack bacteria that can degrade them, resulting in environmental pollution.
Scientific progress has helped create biodegradable , environmentally sustainable materials capable of replacing harmful ones. To prevent the accumulation of non-biodegradable compounds in nature, there are two key solutions: using microbial strains capable of breaking down these materials or developing new materials that can be degraded by common bacteria.
Types of biodegradable materials
Next, we'll explore some of the main types of biodegradable materials that are making a difference:
Plastics from starch and rye
Biodegradable plastics made from starch, such as corn or wheat starch, are being manufactured on a large scale, for example to produce garbage bags. The degradation of these plastics can take 6 to 24 months under favorable biodegradation conditions such as soil or water. These plastics decompose more quickly when starch is effectively incorporated.
Another type of biodegradable material is plastic made from compressed rye fibres, which can replace conventional petroleum-derived plastic. These plastics have similar technical properties to conventional petrochemical polymers, meaning they can be used in a wide variety of applications.
Biodegradable synthetic and natural plastics
In this category, some synthetic polymers, such as poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and oxygen-degradable plastics, can be naturally degraded in the environment by the addition of oxidising agents. Natural biodegradable plastics, known as biopolymers, include materials such as corn or cassava starch, as well as polyesters produced by microorganisms. These biopolymers are fully renewable and offer a sustainable solution to the problem of plastic pollution.
Paper and natural fabrics
Paper is a biodegradable material that we use every day, whether it is paper towels, notebooks, kraft paper bags or receipts. Due to its wide availability, it is essential to promote its recycling to reduce the environmental impact.
In the case of natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen, wool and silk, they are biodegradable and do not require complex synthetic processes. Unlike synthetic fabrics (such as polyester or nylon), natural fabrics do not pollute the ecosystem when they disintegrate.
Advantages of biodegradable materials
The use of biodegradable materials offers numerous benefits for both the environment and society. Some of the main advantages are described below:
- They do not generate long-term waste: These materials decompose naturally in a relatively short period of time, meaning they do not leave any persistent residues in the environment.
- Reducing carbon pollution: By reducing dependence on traditional fossil-fuel-derived plastics, carbon emissions are reduced. In addition, the degradation process of biodegradable materials does not produce toxic gases or contribute to the greenhouse effect.
- Ease of recycling: Biodegradable materials are easily recyclable, either through composting or by producing new products. This encourages a more circular and sustainable economy.
- Composting compatibility: Many biodegradable materials, such as those made from corn starch or cellulose, are suitable for composting, turning waste into natural fertilizers without the need for chemicals.
It is also worth noting that the use of biodegradable materials encourages greater environmental awareness and supports the development of green technologies. Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable products that respect the environment, which is creating an upward trend in the market.
The use of biodegradable materials is one of the best options for combating plastic pollution. From creating more environmentally friendly products to their proper disposal through composting or recycling, these materials are proving to be a key element for a sustainable future. Furthermore, they directly contribute to reducing the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, promoting more environmentally responsible development.