Innovative Approach to Addressing Global Plastic Pollution
Biopolymers, materials derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms, are gaining significant attention in the realm of water and packaging. This research is of particular relevance to the United Nations' treaty for ending plastic pollution, as the world grapples with the growing issue of plastic pollution.
Several companies and research institutions worldwide, including NatureWorks, BASF, Novamont, and researchers at universities like Wageningen University in the Netherlands, are currently involved in the development of compostable biopolymer films for commercial food packaging. These efforts are being driven by the need to find affordable, environment-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics.
The research is being conducted under the Creative Commons by 360info. Scientists and engineers are making progress in developing biopolymers with improved strength and flexibility for broader industry applications. This is achieved by mixing biopolymers with natural antimicrobial agents or fibers from agricultural waste.
One of the key advantages of biopolymers is their non-toxic nature, making them safe for humans. In fact, biopolymers are already being used in food packaging as an eco-friendly alternative.
Researchers are also exploring new sources for biopolymers, such as algae-based polymers, silk fibroin proteins, and bacterial cellulose. Moreover, biopolymer-based films with high barrier properties are being developed to improve the shelf life of fresh produce and processed food. For instance, pectin-based films have been shown to keep capsicum fresh for up to 15 days.
It's worth noting that around 40% of global plastic production is used for packaging, contributing to the plastic waste problem in the world's rivers and oceans. Every year, the world generates 57 million tonnes of plastic waste, with the global use of plastics expected to increase from 464 million tonnes in 2020 to 884 million tonnes in 2050.
Biopolymers, unlike regular plastics, can be composted or turned into biogas, making them a more sustainable solution. Despite the efforts to address plastic pollution, it remains a significant environmental issue. Studies project a gradual and partial, but substantial, substitution of plastics derived from fossil fuels with bioplastics by 2050.
The development of biopolymers contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action). However, the progress in this field is primarily focused in the Asia Pacific region.
The United Nations is working on a treaty for ending plastic pollution, but progress has stalled due to competing economic interests among the 175 countries involved. The detection of microplastics in the bloodstreams of people and farm animals raises concerns about their impact on human health, underscoring the urgency of finding sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics.
Yamini Sudha Sistla, an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, is one of the many researchers working tirelessly to advance the field of biopolymers. Her work, along with that of countless others, offers hope for a future where plastic pollution is a thing of the past.
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