At a Massachusetts lab, scientists are transforming pebble-sized pellets into forks and films, creating alternatives to traditional plastics that shed harmful microplastics into the environment. These bioplastic pellets, made by CJ Biomaterials through the fermentation of sugar into plant-based polymers, are designed to be consumed by microbes. Some experts view these bioplastics as a component of the multifaceted solutions needed to address global plastic pollution.
At CJ Biomaterials' Woburn research facility, technicians have molded pellets into forks and flexible films for food packaging. While some test forks were thin and compostable, others were rigid, mirroring conventional plastic cutlery. The films, while strong, lacked the stretch of traditional cling wrap. The company is working to imbue its biopolymers with properties similar to conventional plastics, while ensuring they can degrade in compost bins.
Traditional plastics can persist for decades or centuries, breaking down into microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics. These particles have been detected in oceans, air, food, water, and various human tissues. The U.S. government, despite a rollback of some environmental regulations, has stated its intention to address microplastic contamination.
Bioplastics are classified as biobased if they are derived wholly or partially from renewable resources like corn or sugarcane, or biodegradable if they break down naturally. CJ Biomaterials produces polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a type of polymer that is both biobased and biodegradable in marine and soil environments.
The company aims to replace single-use plastics and items that cannot be recycled when contaminated with food waste, as decomposing food waste in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Containers made from CJ Biomaterials' pellets could potentially be composted along with food scraps, unlike conventional plastic containers.
CJ Biomaterials feeds sugar to microbes, which produce PHA as an energy source. The company then collects and processes the PHA into granules, which are sold to manufacturers who mold them into products. These bacteria can also break down PHA in compost piles within approximately six months.
CJ Biomaterials, part of the South Korean conglomerate CJ Group, has been producing PHA at a facility in Indonesia since 2022. The World Wildlife Fund considers biobased plastics part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change, emphasizing the need to both reduce overall plastic production and manufacture the remaining plastic sustainably.
Nations are working towards a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, with future negotiations planned. U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley has convened congressional hearings on the issue, including one exploring alternatives to single-use plastics. He views bioplastics as a promising option among many needed solutions but stresses the importance of further research into their breakdown processes and ecological and health impacts.
However, some environmental groups argue that bioplastics perpetuate the single-use consumption model and divert attention from more fundamental solutions. Concerns have also been raised about the use of agricultural land for growing crops for plastic production instead of food.
Globally, biobased plastics currently account for a small fraction of the total plastic production, but industry projections indicate that production could double by 2030 due to increasing demand and the development of new applications. Major economies like China, Sweden, and the United States are significant exporters of natural polymers.
Major venues and restaurant chains, including McDonald's, are exploring biobased packaging and utensils. CJ Group's Tous les Jours bakery, for example, uses PHA straws.
Obstacles to widespread adoption include higher costs for bioplastics compared to conventional plastics. While many large cities have composting programs, they are not universally available. Some composting facilities accept certified compostable bioplastics, while others hesitate due to concerns about soil quality. The visual similarity between bioplastics and traditional plastics can also lead to contamination issues in composting processes.
Facilities like Black Earth Compost, located near CJ Biomaterials' lab, accept certified compostable materials, noting that allowing bioplastics can increase the volume of food scraps collected, as users can dispose of entire compostable containers without pre-scraping food.
Studies by organizations such as The 5 Gyres Institute have tested various materials, including traditional plastics and bioplastics, in different environments. Early results indicated that while many biodegradable materials degraded or fragmented, traditional fossil fuel-based plastics largely persisted. Researchers are continuing to evaluate the end-of-life scenarios for newer generations of packaging. Advocates suggest that biodegradable options, particularly for packaging, are crucial to prevent further proliferation of micro- and nanoplastics in the biosphere.