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Key Facts
- Biodegradable plastics like polylactic acid (PLA) only break down under certain conditions, namely industrial composting which is not prevalent in many parts of the world, including the US.
- The world produces 430 million metric tons of plastic per year, only 9% of which gets recycled, according to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
- Scientists are working on new types of biodegradable plastics, including one made from corn cobs by a team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and another made from cheese waste byproducts by a professor at the University of California, Davis.
Article Summary
Biodegradable plastics, despite their eco-friendly promise, do not always break down in the environment. Many such materials, including the commonly used polylactic acid (PLA), require specific conditions like industrial composting to fully degrade. This becomes an issue in places like the United States, where industrial composting is not a widespread practice. Misunderstandings about these products can lead to increased consumption and waste. Currently, the world produces 430 million metric tons of plastic annually, with only around 9% being recycled, according to the United Nations Environment Program. However, scientists are striving to develop new types of biodegradable plastics, such as a type made from corncobs and another from cheese waste byproducts, which could potentially reduce plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
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