A Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Plastics: Bioplastics

Abstract

Traditional plastics made from petrochemicals continue to be extensively employed in packaging because of their strong barrier qualities, rigidity, and tensile and tear strengths. Despite their popularity, plastics have a number of disadvantages, such as a relatively low water vapour transmission rate and a lack of biodegradability. In recent years, we have seen the correct disposal of plastic become a persistent and possibly global environmental issue. Millions of animals have died as a result of improper plastic disposal and land and marine garbage disposal, which reduced soil fertility. Newer concepts for using bioplastics were implemented while keeping in mind the environmental damage and contamination. Bioplastics are a rapidly growing segment of the plastics industry, and they have the potential to play a significant role in addressing some of the environmental challenges posed by traditional petroleum-based plastics. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of the bioplastics industry, including its brief history, the types of bioplastics that are available, their properties, production processes, and end-of-life considerations. Additionally, the review will explore the advantages and disadvantages of bioplastics compared to traditional plastics, and will consider the future prospects of this rapidly evolving industry.