BioPlastics Guidelines

 

Not all bioplastics are created equal. If grown with GMOs, mixed with fossil fuels, or tossed in a landfill bioplastics can lose their sustainability advantage. See the Plastics Scorecard for more info on the best plastics to use.

The Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative has a set of guidelines for making sure the bioplastic you specify will generate the maximum green benefits. Here is an exerpt.

2 c) Avoid problematic blends and additives and encourage recycling

i) Avoid blends with fossil-fuel-derived plastics. It is recognized that the development of durable goods that are entirely compostable and made without blends is a challenge that may require blends at first and will improve over time. It is also recognized that some durable applications may be better suited to recycling than composting. Particularly avoid blending with virgin or recycled non-preferred fossil-fuel-based plastic (including PVC, PS, ABS, PC, and PU). Blends should be labeled clearly, identifying the blended materials and the percent biobased.

4 b) Design product for recycling or composting

i) Design for minimum number of different material types. For multi-component products, design for quick disassembly and positive identification of component materials for recycling or composting. Avoid barrier materials that interfere with composting or recycling.
ii) Design for handling by small scale, locally managed composting and recycling systems. Design product and labeling that facilitates easy identification and sorting by the consumer. Bottle applications should be designed and labeled to facilitate easy sorting at materials recovery facilities.
iii) Certain products designed for long-term durability may not be able to be made compatible with composting programs. Landfilling and incineration are the least desirable end-of-life options as both will result in loss of the feedstock resources. Incineration (and landfilling in case of fire) will result in generation of particulate and — depending upon additives and conditions of burn — other harmful emissions.

Read the full Guidelines for Sustainable Bioplastics Version 1.0 - May 2009

Check out the section by section guidelines listing at SBC

Or just read more about biomaterials at SBC