Bioplastic

Biodegradable plastics made from starch have been presented as a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. One of the first studies examining the impacts of consuming starch-based microplastics found that prolonged low-dose exposure can lead to a broad spectrum of health impacts.

Biobased polymers and biodegradable plastics are both referred to as bioplastics. Types, applications, toxicity and regulation of biobased polymers and biodegradable plastic used in food contact materials are summarized in the dossier.

Bio-based and biodegradable plastics are often described as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. Critically, the use of bio-based carbon and of biodegradable plastics must not compromise the necessity to reduce the production of all plastics.

Promising research continues to emerge around alternative materials to single-use plastic. However, labels like “compostable” and “biodegradable” are misleading. The case study offers greater transparency around these novel materials, their behavior in the environment, and other concerns.

Plastic Solutions Review provides clear information and analysis of solutions, with each page reviewed by an expert panel of scientists.

The podcast series by Anja Krieger journeys into the world of synthetic polymers, their impacts on nature and humans, and looks into the global quest to tackle plastic pollution.

An overview of the various versions of the Plastic Atlas of the hbs international offices: Translations, regional editions and other interesting formats.