Biobased and Biodegradable Plastics

Existing production and consumption patterns worldwide are mainly based on a linear commodity economy. Especially Single-Use Plastic ends up as waste after a short use with disastrous consequences for marine and terrestrial ecosystems. To change this, we need solutions that prevent single-use plastic from entering the market in the first place. But how to do this? What policy options exist and have proven effective to prevent single-use plastics? What are experiences of practitioners that are subject to those policies, and how do they implement them in their operations?

Disposable, single-use packaging is convenient from the perspective of consumers, e.g. take-away food packaging. However, the high amounts of plastic consumed entail various negative impacts. In the dilemma between ecological perspectives on single-use plastic and the convenience that biobased and biodegradable plastic packaging offers, this type of plastics has been discussed as an alternative to fossil-based plastics for quite some time. Environmental benefits are often attributed to biobased and biodegradable plastics due to the fact that “bio” is understood to mean “environmentally friendly”. They are perceived as suitable substitutes for the conventional plastics whose environmental impacts have been widely researched. However, this supposed solution implies various consequences and problems. A one-to-one substitution of conventional plastic with biodegradable or biobased plastic does neither lead to any changes in waste volumes nor to a reduction of the associated environmental impacts in the long run.

This episode of the dialogue series provides science-based background knowledge on biobased and biodegradable plastic. The speakers’ input shall enable the partners to avoid regrettable substitution, aims to raise awareness for the need to consider the trade-offs and anticipate consequences of material decisions, in terms of environmental impacts and end-of-life treatment.

The dialogue series is part of the project “Collaborative Action for Single-Use Plastic Prevention in Southeast Asia (CAP SEA)”, which is part of a global project “Export Initiative for Green Technologies” commissioned by the German Ministry of the Environment (BMU). 

The event will take place mainly in English with simultaneous interpretation into Thai and Bahasa Indonesia.  

Listen to the recording here: Biobased and Biodegradable Plastics - YouTube