Busting Plastic Myths: What You Thought You Knew About “Green” Plastics
Navigating the world of “eco-friendly” plastics can be confusing, with a variety of terms like “biodegradable” and “compostable” often used interchangeably. This has led to many misconceptions about what these materials truly mean for the environment. Biowrap’s technology offers a clear, effective solution, but first, let’s address some common myths surrounding green plastics fact or myth biodegradable plastics.
Myth 1: All “biodegradable” plastics are the same.
Fact: The term “biodegradable” is not regulated and can be misleading. Many plastics labeled as such will only break down under very specific conditions, such as high heat and microbial activity found in industrial composting facilities. If they end up in a typical landfill or the ocean, they may not break down at all, or they can simply break into tiny, persistent microplastics that pose a significant threat to ecosystems.
Myth 2: “Compostable” plastics always break down, no matter where they end up.
Fact: “Compostable” plastics are a step up from generic “biodegradable” ones, as they are certified to break down completely in a commercial composting environment. However, this process requires specific conditions of high heat, moisture, and oxygen. When these plastics are placed in a landfill, they are deprived of the necessary conditions to decompose properly and can persist for decades, potentially contaminating recycling streams in the process.
Myth 3: All sustainable plastics perform differently than traditional plastics.
Fact: Many early sustainable alternatives often struggled to match the performance of traditional plastics. However, advancements in material science have changed this. Biowrap’s products are engineered to provide the same strength, durability, and unlimited shelf life as conventional plastics. This means you don’t have to sacrifice quality or performance to choose a more sustainable option.
Myth 4: If a plastic is “eco-friendly,” it doesn’t need to be recycled.
Fact: Recycling is a critical component of a circular economy. It conserves resources and reduces waste by keeping materials in use. Even with Biowrap’s advanced biodegradable properties, we strongly encourage recycling where facilities exist. Our products maintain their original quality and can be recycled and re-enter the circular economy, providing a dual-benefit approach to waste management.
Myth 5: Nothing good comes from a landfill.
Fact: While waste reduction is always the primary goal, modern landfills are not the unmanaged dumps of the past. They are increasingly being designed to capture and harness the energy potential of decomposing waste. This is where Biowrap’s technology provides a significant advantage.
Biowrap: A Truly “Plastic-Smart” Solution
BioWrap’s innovative technology directly addresses these myths with a unique, two-pronged approach.
The Technology
Our products use a unique organic additive that actively attracts naturally occurring microbes found in a modern landfill environment. This is unlike traditional “biodegradable” plastics that require specific, and often unavailable, conditions. The microbes consume the plastic, breaking it down into natural substances without forming harmful microplastics.
Turning Waste into a Positive
A key advantage of our process is that the waste is actively broken down. Modern landfills are designed to handle this process, ensuring that the waste is responsibly managed. Instead of simply contributing to long-term waste, our products contribute to a more sustainable end-of-life process.
The Best of Both Worlds
Ultimately, Biowrap offers a clear choice for a more sustainable future. Our products are recyclable where facilities exist, yet they also have a controlled, end-of-life solution in a landfill. This “plastic-smart” approach ensures that whether our products are recycled or end up in a landfill, they have a positive, measurable impact on the environment.