Bioplastic
Encyclopedia : B : BI : BIO : Bioplastic
Bioplastics are a form of plastics derived from plant sources such as hemp oil, soy bean oil and corn starch rather than traditional plastics which are derived from petroleum. This is regarded as a much more sustainable activity, as it relies considerably less on fossil fuel imports and produces less greenhouse emissions, producing between 0.8 and 3.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide less per tonne of bioplastics vs. the same weight in petroleum based plastics. In addition, bioplastics are truly Biodegradable, as opposed to what is traditionally referred to as "biodegradable plastic", which is derived from petroleum and is mixed with heavy metals which will cause polyethylene to break down.
In many areas, the technology is still relatively new and currently not as cost competitive with petroleum based plastics, although that is quickly changing, given the current [price of oil]. It is already seeing some widespread use in Europe where it accounts for 60% of the biodegradable materials market, where it is found in products such as packaging materials. Japan has also been a pioneer in bioplastics, incorporating them into electronics and automobiles.
Developements
- In 2004, NEC developed a flame retardant plastic, polylactic acid, without using toxic chemicals such as halogens and phosphorous compounds [link].
- In 2005, Fujitsu became one of the first technology company to make personal computer cases from bioplastics, which are featured in their FMV-BIBLO NB80K line.
- In 2005, PSM (plastarch material) makes the move from lab to commercial use as the first truly biodegradable and heat-resistant bioplastic.
External links
- [PSM North America]
- [Agriculture and Agrifood Canada]: Bioplastics page on the Canadian Government's website
- [Bioplastics.org]: Bioplastic Plastic Resin Information
- [Trends in Japan]: Article written December 2003
- [Corn Biopolymer]
- [Fortune.com]: (subscription required to read entire article)
- [Design Insite]
- [Bio-Tec Environmental Bio-Batch BioPlastics]
From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Original article here. Support Wikipedia by contributing or donating.
All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License See Wikipedia Copyrights for details.