Bio-Plastics vs Fossil Plastics: What’s the Difference
There is no doubt that plastics have become an integral part of modern life, and the convenience of this packaging product has led to widespread use since the mid-20th century. However, the plastic boom has led to significant environmental concerns, both in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and waste pollution.
The impact of traditional fossil plastics begins with the extraction and refining of fossil fuels, processes that release large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane. Production of fossil plastics is energy-intensive and often relies on fossil fuels, generating additional greenhouse gas emissions.
Traditional fossil plastics also contribute to pollution and waste that persist for centuries. The growing problem of plastic waste is evident in our oceans, landscapes, and even the food chain, prompting an urgent need for sustainable solutions.
This is why the Doglyness team has leveraged bio-plastics as an alternative solution and continues to explore the best solutions, intending to minimize our environmental impact as much as possible. Bio-plastics have their limitations and are not necessarily suitable for all applications, as we will explore below. Ultimately, the goal is to create a circular economy where we are using what has already been created, and ensuring that what we create from that can also be used again.
By understanding the differences between bio-plastic vs fossil plastic, we can make informed choices that support sustainability, fostering a greener future for our pets and the planet.
What Are Fossil Plastics?
Fossil plastics are synthetic polymers derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum and natural gas. Their composition typically involves long chains of carbon atoms bonded with hydrogen and other elements, forming materials like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). These plastics are prized for their versatility, durability, and low cost, and are becoming almost impossible to avoid in modern life.
Fossil plastics are made from non-renewable resources like crude oil, gas or coal.
However, the environmental impact of fossil plastics is substantial. They have extremely long decomposition times, often taking thousands of years to break down. Waste plastics accumulate in the environment, contributing to pollution and landfill issues. This persistence in nature leads to widespread environmental degradation, including harm to marine life and the disruption of ecosystems. Additionally, the production of fossil plastics relies heavily on non-renewable resources, particularly the extraction and consumption of petroleum.
Here are some key facts that make the Doglyness team ever more determined to ditch traditional fossil plastics:
- Microplastics have been found in the deepest parts of the oceans, Arctic ice, and even in human blood.
- Approximately 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans every year, adding to around 150 million tons of plastic currently circulating in marine environments.
- Recycling schemes can’t keep up – an estimated 79% of the 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic produced since the 1950s has ended up in landfills or the natural environment.
- The production and incineration of plastics contribute about 400 million tons of CO₂ equivalent per year, comparable to the annual emissions of the United Kingdom.
- Over 700 species of marine animals are known to have ingested plastic or become entangled in plastic waste, often with fatal consequences.
What Are Bio-Plastics?
Bio-plastics are derived from renewable biological sources, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil plastics. Unlike conventional plastics, which are made from non-renewable petroleum, bio-plastics are produced using plant materials such as corn starch, sugarcane, flax, hemp, and wood fibers. This shift to plant-based sources significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with plastic production.
There are two main types of bio-plastics currently available:
- PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is made by fermenting plant starch, typically from corn or sugarcane, to produce lactic acid, which is then polymerized to form PLA. This type of bio-plastic is widely used in packaging, disposable cutlery, and 3D printing due to its versatility and relatively low production cost.
- PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates)
PHA is produced through the microbial fermentation of sugars or lipids and is used in various applications, including medical devices, packaging, and agricultural films.
- Bio-PE (bio-based polyethylene)
These plastics are made from renewable resources, typically sugar cane or other biomass sources, but have the same molecular structure as conventional PE. Bio-PE itself is not biodegradable, but it is fully recyclable using existing recycling streams. Its similar strength and durability to regular plastic make it ideal for packaging
Bio-plastics are derived from renewable biological sources like flax or sugarcane
Benefits of Bio-Plastics
Bio-plastics offer several environmental benefits over traditional fossil plastics. They are made from renewable resources, which can be sustainably grown and harvested, reducing the dependency on finite petroleum reserves. The production of bio-plastics generally results in a lower carbon footprint, as the process emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to the production of fossil plastics.
Certain types of bio-plastics have the potential to biodegrade under specific industrial conditions, which can significantly reduce long-term pollution, helping reduce the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment. However, it’s important to note that this is only the case if proper waste management facilities are available. With more advanced, accessible, and effective recycling systems in place, both regular and bio-plastic will remain out of landfills and instead be recycled into new products.
Limitations of Bio-Plastics
Despite their environmental advantages, bioplastics have certain limitations. When it comes to function, they can pose problems in applications like liquid packaging, as liquids speed up the degradation process.
Another major issue is that not all bio-plastics are biodegradable or compostable. For instance, PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a common bio-plastic that, while derived from renewable sources, is not widely accepted in current recycling facilities. Many industrial composting facilities do not accept PLA either, meaning it can often end up in landfill sites. This is often because bio-plastics are not super strong or durable yet, so manufacturers may add oil-based plastics for strength, but the addition of other plastics means it’s unable to be recycled. The average recycling center can only recycle mono-material plastics.
There are also issues surrounding the compostability of bio-plastics. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that bio-plastics can be composted in home composting systems, but this is not the case. Instead, they require an industrial composting system that utilizes heat and microbial activity to break down green waste and bio-plastics into organic compost. Until the infrastructure to compost or recycle bio-plastics becomes more widespread, homeowners will be left with no alternative but to dispose of them with their normal household waste.
That said, some mono-material bio-plastics, such as bio PE, can be recycled and are accepted in most communities household recycling programs (we know, there are a lot of intricacies with this as there are new developments coming forward daily!).
Doglyness has been packaging our products in PLA, which, while appropriate for some products, isn't the most effective when it comes to liquids. We've recently had feedback about our bottles leaking, and as we’ve come to understand, the packaging is essentially beginning the biodegradation process! Protecting the integrity of our products is our utmost concern, while also ensuring that we are staying in alignment with our sustainable vision. And that's why we have begun the search for alternative packaging options.
What About Compostable Fossil Plastics?
In the race to find a solution to the plastic problem, scientists and industries are searching for sustainable alternatives, including compostable fossil plastics such as PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate). Although PBAT is derived from fossil fuels like petroleum, it is engineered to biodegrade in specialist composting facilities. Unlike traditional plastics that persist for centuries, PBAT breaks down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass when composted in an industrial system.
PBAT retains the flexibility and durability necessary for various applications, such as packaging, agricultural films, and disposable products. Its compostability also addresses a key issue faced by many bio-plastics that are not accepted in industrial composting systems.
However, PBATs reliance on fossil fuels remains a concern for environmentally conscious consumers aiming to use products derived solely from renewable resources. The effective disposal and biodegradation of PBATs are also limited by the availability of industrial composting infrastructure, similar to the issue with bio-plastic composting. Many regions lack facilities capable of managing PBAT, meaning it often ends up in landfill sites instead.
Fossil plastics that are infinitely recyclable can support a circular economy
Can Recyclable Fossil Plastics Fill the Gaps?
In addition to bio-plastics and compostable fossil plastics, recyclable plastics play a crucial role in sustainability. While not all fossil plastics are recyclable, selecting and properly recycling the right types can significantly reduce environmental impact. For a plastic to be recyclable, it must be a mono-material, meaning it consists of only one type of plastic; otherwise, it cannot be recycled. While recycled plastics are indefinitely recyclable, they weaken over time, so incorporating a component of virgin plastic helps maintain the integrity of the packaging.
Fossil plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) are widely used in various applications. PE, found in plastic bags and bottles, and PP, used in packaging and automotive parts, are both highly recyclable. However, PS, often seen in disposable cutlery and packaging, poses recycling challenges due to contamination.
Choosing recyclable plastics and ensuring they are processed correctly conserves resources, saves energy, and reduces pollution. Proper recycling of plastics ensures that materials are reprocessed into new products, cutting down the need for virgin plastic production and minimizing plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
However, effective plastic recycling faces challenges. Plastics must be clean and sorted correctly, and adequate recycling facilities are essential for managing and recycling plastics efficiently. Educating consumers on proper recycling practices is crucial to avoid contamination and inefficiency. By choosing recyclable plastics and ensuring proper recycling, we can fill the gaps that are still there when it comes to the compostability of bioplastics.
The Role of a Circular Economy in Plastic Use
Embracing a circular economy is key to addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste. Unlike the traditional linear economy, where products are made, used, and disposed of, a circular economy focuses on keeping resources in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value from them, and then recovering and regenerating materials at the end of their life cycle. In the context of plastics, this means designing products for durability, repairability, and recyclability, ensuring that they can be reused or transformed into new products rather than ending up in landfills or oceans. At Doglyness, we are committed to integrating circular economy principles into our packaging solutions, aiming to reduce waste, lower our carbon footprint, and promote a more sustainable and regenerative approach to plastic use.
Doglyness' Approach to Sustainable Packaging
At Doglyness, our commitment to sustainability is central to everything we do. We recognize the urgent need to address plastic pollution and strive to lead by example in the pet care industry. Transparency is one of our core values, ensuring that our customers understand the environmental impact of our products and the choices we make. As such, we are always exploring new and innovative options to keep our products as carbon neutral as possible.
With the aim of being as sustainable as possible while maintaining our product’s integrity, we continue to explore 100% recycled and recyclable packaging options. HDPE (high-density polyethylene), commonly used in hard plastics like bottles and jars, tends to retain molecules from previous contents, posing a contamination risk—an unacceptable scenario when dealing with certified organic and vegan products like ours. In contrast, LDPE (low-density polyethylene), found in pouches or bags, doesn't hold onto old molecules, while still being fully recyclable.
Consistent innovation and adaptation are key components in our mission to create a better world for dogs and the planet! We will continue to explore options in bio and oil plastics to determine which are most aligned with circular economy principles.
In Summary
As a team that is dedicated to producing the ultimate in sustainable pet care products, we firmly believe that understanding the distinctions between bio-plastic vs fossil plastic is crucial.
Bio-plastics currently offer a promising alternative to traditional plastics. They derive from renewable resources and are designed to biodegrade under appropriate conditions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact. However, the limitations of industrial composting systems mean that it may not always be possible to dispose of bio-plastics correctly.
In contrast, compostable fossil plastics like PBAT are derived from fossil fuels but engineered to biodegrade, presenting a solution that addresses some environmental concerns but still relies on non-renewable resources. At this point, properly recycled fossil plastics, like HDPE and LDPE, could be the best option to fill the gaps until the innovation catches up.
By striving to only use sustainable packaging solutions at every stage of our manufacturing and supply process we can ensure that we are not contributing further to the horrific plastic waste problem our planet is facing. As the use of bioplastics increases, over time every consumer will have access to suitable industrial composting facilities that provide optimal conditions for the biodegradation of these innovative products.
Here at Doglyness, we remain steadfast in our commitment to leading the way in environmentally friendly pet care products. We believe that together, through innovation, education, and responsible consumption, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come – and we’d love to invite you to join us on this journey toward a cleaner, greener planet!
