Plastic is notorious for its detrimental effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. A revealing international study shows that our global consumption of plastic bottles amounted to 1 million per minute, equating to 583.3 billion plastic bottles in 2021 alone.
That mounting pile of plastic threatens our oceans — yet we cannot even see the whole problem. The Ocean Conservancy estimates that 95% of the plastic we’ve dumped into the sea is invisible, wreaking havoc beneath the waves.
Since the 1950s, we have lost an estimated 50% of the world’s coral reefs and 90% of its large fish. Enter polylactic acid (PLA) , a bioplastic lauded as an environmental savior.
But how does this revolutionary new product compare to traditional plastics? Let’s delve into the battle of PLA versus plastic and crown the environmental champion.
Introducing the contenders: Understanding both PLA and plastic
PLA is a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch, sugarcane, or tapioca roots. Due to its biodegradability under certain conditions, PLA has emerged as a popular alternative to conventional plastics, especially in applications like packaging, disposable cutlery, and even medical implants.
When we talk about traditional plastics, we’re referring to petroleum-based polymers like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). We’re also talking about Bisphenol A (BPA) , which raises health concerns due to its prominence in food containers.
Because of its convenience and durability, these plastics are omnipresent in our daily lives. However, their resilience and longevity become a serious environmental problem when they are no longer useful.
Comparing PLA and plastic
In terms of production, PLA requires 65% less energy than petroleum-based plastics and generates 68% fewer greenhouse gases . The plants that are grown to produce PLA also absorb CO2 , offsetting emissions, though crop cultivation for PLA production can involve pesticides and fertilizers, potentially negating some of these environmental benefits.
By contrast, the production of conventional plastics is far more energy-intensive, as it relies on the extraction and refining of oil and natural gas, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and the depletion of non-renewable resources. Additionally, the petrochemicals involved can lead to environmental hazards such as oil spills.
In terms of end-of-life impact, PLA’s biodegradability offers an extremely hopeful alternative scenario. Under high-temperature conditions in industrial composting facilities, PLA breaks down within months. Unfortunately, access to these facilities is not yet widely accessible to everyday consumers.
PLA also complicates the recycling process because it cannot be processed with other plastics. If mixed, it contaminates the recycling stream and impacts the quality of recycled materials.
The end-of-life impact of conventional plastics is widely recognized as detrimental to the planet. While plastics are recyclable, they continue to end up in landfills or oceans due to inadequate recycling systems and policies.
PLA or plastic?
The comparison reveals a nuanced picture. PLA presents a promising path toward reducing dependency on petroleum, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing biodegradability. In addition, the lasting harmful environmental legacy of conventional plastics underscores the urgent need for sustainable alternatives and better recycling practices.
PLA presents a more sustainable option overall than traditional plastics, but the most eco-friendly choice still depends on the availability of local recycling and composting facilities on a case-by-case basis.
Ralph Bianculli About the Author: Ralph Bianculli is the CEO and Founder of Emerald Ecovations . Established with a vision to reduce waste and promote environmental consciousness, Emerald Ecovations has been at the forefront of the green movement for over a decade.
With a passion for creating a positive impact on the environment, Ralph has dedicated his career to promoting sustainable practices within the business world. His commitment to sustainability is evident in the wide range of sustainable solutions Emerald Ecovations offers, including Tree-Free™️ towel and tissue products, compostable tableware, and non-toxic cleaning supplies.
Through his work, Ralph inspires others to embrace sustainability and make conscious choices that benefit the planet. His vision and leadership continue to drive Emerald Ecovations towards a greener future, demonstrating that businesses can thrive while prioritizing environmental stewardship.
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