Advantages and disadvantages of biodegradable plastics

Biodegradable plastics are made when ultraviolet radiation, enzymes, bacteria, and water are exposed and break down. It is made from traditional petrochemicals but designed to break down faster. There are several advantages and disadvantages of biodegradable plastics. You can check it out here in this article. 

Advantages of biodegradable plastics

1. Recycling biodegradable plastics is easy and simple.  
2. Biodegradable plastics consume less energy during their manufacturing. 
3. They contain less harmful chemicals. 
4. It is less harmful because it releases fewer toxic substances. 
5. It can decompose quickly as waste is less. 
6. It produces fewer emissions and less carbon dioxide. 
7. It consumes less fossil fuels. 
8. Biodegradable plastics have recently been used for export industry. 
9. The dependence on oil is reduced due to the alternative of biodegradable plastics. 
10. The use of biodegradable plastics is good for our environment. 

Disadvantages of biodegradable plastics

1. Expensive to produce as costly equipment is used for both processing and recycling. 
2. Engineering problems may arise, as they are made from plants such as corn and soybeans. 
3. There is a risk of contamination due to confusion between biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics. 
4. Some biodegradable plastics may produce methane when decomposing in landfills. 
5. Biodegradable plastics do not solve ocean pollution problem. 
6. Some biodegradable plastics may contain metals. It raises the issue of toxicity left after decomposition.