Commercial Oxo-Biodegradable Plastics
I.
Introduction
A. Oxo-Biodegradable plastic bags are made from environmentally friendly materials
like starch (e.g. cornstarch) that eventually breaks down into elements like carbon
dioxide, water and methane. But in order for them to decompose, they need to be
exposed to oxygen, heat and moisture.
B. The degration of Oxo-biodegradable plastics involves the breaking down of very large
molecules into smaller molecules or fragments which is normally incorporated with
oxygen.
II.
Advantages Of Biodegradable Plastics
1) Bioplastics Are Renewable
Its organic matters (e.g. grass, trees, other plants, and all other organic materials that
decompose, including animal meats, fats, and other tissues)easily breaks down and
are abundant in supply all over the world. These organic materials grows and breaks
naturally that’s why bioplastics are renewable.
2) Biodegradable Plastics Are More Environmentally Friendly and Breaks down faster
It is composed of materials that does not harm the environment by emitting very few
harmful emissions like carbon and greenhouse gases. They also degrade completely
which proves that they have much shorter effect on earth. Normal plastics use oil
while biodegradable plastics don’t . By using biodegradable plastics, we will minimize
the effects of non-biodegradable plastics on earth and also help eliminate waste
faster.
3) Producing Bioplastics Requires Less Energy
In the Production of biodegradable plastics, the energy it requires is half the energy
the ordinary plastics consume. In other words, the energy used in making one(1)
ordinary plastics can make two(2) Biodegrable Plastics.
4) Biodegradable Plastics Are Not Toxic
Compared to ordinary plastics which contains harmful chemicals and byproducts,
Biodegradable plastics contain no toxins. That is why it is very safe to use because it
would just break down harmlessly and would not harm the earth.
III. Disadvantages of Biodegradable plastics
1) Toxicity
Improper dispose of Biodegradable Plastics can increase landfill waste. Also,if it is
mixed with the Non-biodegradable Plastics, it can be contaminated or it will
contaminate the non-biodegradable plastic.
2) Composting Availability
Some Biodegradable Plastics takes much time before composting. Also,some
biodegradable plastics requires a specific place to decompose. Finding a decomposing
place for Biodegradable Plastics is quite difficult because of all the places the people
have already occupied. Most important of all, the decomposing place must have
sufficient combination of bacteria, humidity, and a constant heat of 140 degrees for
10 days in a row to be able to break down biodegradable(polyethylene) plastics
within 90 days.
IV. Kinds of Biodegradable Plastics
1)
Oxo-Biodegradable Plastics
 are made from environmentally friendly materials like starch (e.g. cornstarch)
that eventually breaks down into elements like carbon dioxide, water and
methane. But in order for them to decompose, they need to be exposed to
oxygen, heat and moisture.
 Also, this is the type of plastics that we are researching about.
2) Hydro-biodegradable
 Plastics that breaks down in faster rate than oxo-biodegradable plastics when
exposed to humidity.
 They expand their molecular structure and allow the bioactive compounds to
metabolize and neutralize them when it s exposed to humidity.
V. Conclusion
Biodegradable plastics have some advantages and disadvantages. Like all the things in
this world, biodegradable plastics must be used in its appropriate usage. If used
incorrectly, these biodegradable plastics might generate problems instead of helping us.