Plastic, which was massively introduced into everyday life in the 20th century, today represents one of the most severe environmental problems globally.
The degradation times of plastic materials are extremely long, and, combined with the enormous quantity produced and disposed of each year, are causing devastating effects on terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
However, scientific research does not stop and in recent years has been providing highly promising biodegradable materials, capable of completely replacing conventional plastic and contributing to a more sustainable future.
What exactly are biodegradable materials?
A biodegradable material is, by definition, capable of being decomposed by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, into simple natural elements like carbon dioxide, water, and biomass, within relatively short periods.
These materials often come from renewable and natural sources, significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with both production and disposal.
Biodegradability thus becomes the key factor for the transition towards a truly circular economy, eliminating the permanent residues associated with traditional plastic.
Natural polymers
Natural polymers, such as cellulose, chitosan, and starch, are some of the most well-known and promising examples of biodegradable materials.
These substances, extracted from plants, algae, or marine organisms, are today processed in laboratories to produce resistant, safe, and completely compostable bioplastics.
Polylactic acid (PLA), for example, is derived from corn starch and widely used to produce shopping bags, food packaging, and disposable biodegradable tableware.
However, despite its undeniable effectiveness, PLA still requires specific conditions for complete degradation, mainly in industrial composting facilities.
Algae and Mycelium
One of the most interesting innovations in the field of biodegradable materials involves the use of seaweed and mycelium, which is the vegetative part of fungi.
Seaweed offers a particularly promising solution as it grows quickly, absorbs CO₂ during its growth, and can be transformed into films, sheets, or materials similar to flexible plastic.
A prime example is provided by the British start-up Notpla which has created transparent, edible packaging for food and beverages that completely degrade within a few weeks even in natural environments.
Mycelium, on the other hand, allows for the creation of light yet durable materials, capable of replacing polystyrene packaging and insulation materials for construction.
Companies like Ecovative have already commercialized products based on mycelium, which can fully biodegrade within a few weeks, returning nutrients to the soil.
Biodegradable plastics derived from bacteria
Another fascinating discovery involves polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), biodegradable plastic materials produced by bacteria through natural fermentation processes.
This category of polymers has characteristics similar to traditional plastic, but is completely biodegradable in both industrial and home composting.
Companies like Danimer Scientific are already producing PHA for use in food packaging, disposable cutlery, and straws, with significant environmental benefits, demonstrating that practical and commercially viable alternatives to plastic already exist.
Challenges and future perspectives
Although biodegradable materials offer enormous benefits, there are still some significant challenges to overcome for their widespread adoption.
The cost of production, for example, is still higher compared to conventional plastics, slowing down their commercial spread on a large scale.
Moreover, it is crucial to create composting infrastructures capable of effectively managing biodegradable materials, avoiding contamination with non-biodegradable plastics and thus facilitating sustainable waste management.
However, the European Union and numerous international governments are promoting policies and regulations that encourage the use of these materials, pushing companies and research centers to further invest in this direction.
The future of biodegradable materials therefore looks promising and could represent the definitive solution to combat plastic pollution.