Polythene and Plastics – Are there any alternatives? The “credit ” for the invention of plastics goes to the famous scientist Dr. Alexander Parkes who invented the first synthetic plastic i.e. celluloid way back in 1856. In today’s modern era of science and technology Plastics are one of the most widely used products all over the world. The number, types and qualities of plastics have immensely increased since1856, producing superior materials such as epoxies, polycarbonates, Teflon, silicones and polysulfones. The bonding properties and chemical versatility of carbon account for the great number of plastics. Our success in creating such varieties in plastics has adversely affected the entire global eco-system. At places, plastics have created such a menace that it has led to the spread of cancer by the spread of carcinogenic compounds. An alternative to plastics is the order of the day nd this is in the use of biodegradable and naturally occurring materials. By biodegradable we mean those materials that can be broken down and assimilated by natural means back into common earth elements like carbon and hydrogen. Plastic eco-foam loose fill is one such material, very similar to polystyrene, but with a very positive advantage. Unlike polystyrene, eco-foam has no need for chemical blowing agents like CFCs, which harm the ozone layer. It comprises of 99% cornstarch and readily biodegrades in compost heaps, thus providing a good source of manures.

Classes of natural polymers known as PHAs allow photosynthesis to be harnessed directly to manufacture plastics, chemicals and coatings from plant crops, and by fermentation. Most western nations are using such life science technologies to forge new links between agriculture and industry in creating renewable sustainable products. These new links are provided by these natural polymers. In this process, proprietary genes direct the metabolism of the plants and bacteria to these polymers, which accumulate as storage compounds, like starch and oils. After harvesting, these PHA storage compounds may then be used directly plastics and coatings or converted into useful chemicals, meeting today’s environmental challenges.

Another eco-friendly plastic is Greensack film, processed the same way as conventional plastic and is available in several grades. It starts life as kernel of grain and ends its life as compost, enriching the soil and completing the cycle. It is totally biodegradable.

Biopol, a biodegradable plastic made from renewable materials such as cottonseeds and cornstarch degrades in a normal composting process, yet they provide the functional characteristics of conventional plastics. All these biodegradable plastics are better than their conventional predecessors because they resist better to rain and bad weather and are transparent.

Much research has been done all over the world, to find a substitute for plastics – a biodegradable substitute. The use of protein from Cereal Grain along with plant starch and degradable synthetic polymers makes such plastics. Starch based plastic act as a reacted blend of starch and synthetic polymer. It is a renewable agricultural product and the use of this product will reduce the world’s dependence on oil – a non-renewable resource. Besides, they are recyclable and biodegradable thus reducing the environmental impact.

Here are some of the latest research in biodegradable plastics, now being produced in various countries

A new catalyst to recycle plastic wastes

The Scotland University of Dundee and its spin-out Greenward Environmental Technology (GET) have developed and patented a new catalyst technology based on an alloy of palladium and zinc. According to GET, the new system is designed to be used in the presence of the halon gases (fluorine, chlorine and bromine) and could convert all types of mixed plastics into oil and wax. It allows to recycle the plastics wastes stemming from electronic, automotive, building or agricultural applications. These oils and waxes can be used by a lot of markets: petrochemicals industry, domestic fuel.

100% recyclable PVC bags to pack PVC Powder

A collaborative project between Solvin, Eurosak and Insdustria Resine Biccari has generated a 100% recyclable PVC bag to replace polypropylene-liner paper bags or polyethylene bags for PVC powder packaging. The new PVC bag has been developed to adapt exactly to automatic packaging machines currently available. After use, they can be easily and entirely recycled. They permit to eliminate contamination such as plastic residues from PE or PP bags not only for recycling but also for PVC powder processin

An European project to turning whey into plastic for food packaging

Only around 10% of the raw materials used for organic chemicals production in Europe and the USA come from renewable resources. Now, whey, the watery liquid separated from milk curd in the cheese-making process, is a potential and important resource. Consequently Wheypol, an European consortium including Italian, Austrian, Polish and Slovak members, is developing an industrial process to synthesise polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), biodegradable polyesters that can replace conventional packaging plastics. The Wheypol team investigates to know if processes such as melt blow extrusion or injection moulding could be used to convert PHAs into packaging films and containers.

Recycling PET/PA bottles into plastic strapping tapes

So far, only virgin PET has been used to make PET strapping. A project between IKV, the German plastic research institute, DSM, Reimotec and Teufelberger has generated a method for recycling PET...

Thermoformed recycled LDPE for packaging

Nelipak of the Netherlands and Reflex Packaging propose to replace virgin polystyrene foam packaging and from other polymers by a thermoformed black recycled LDPE .

Waste plastics for producing truck panels

Composites research company Europrojects has developed a method for turning waste plastics, usually PET, PP and PE, into sandwich panels for trucks.

Fiber from feathers

A recent invention of fibre extracted from feathers has shown significant results. It can replace more expensive plastic and fibreglass. The feather fibre is more absorbent than wood fibres. More importantly, it comes from any bird and commercial chickens.

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