Government entities and society have begun to invest in more sustainable alternatives to the plastic pollution problems faced by the population. However, did you know that bioplastics are not recent in the history of the plastic industry? Today's bioplastics are just the return of 200 years of research and innovation.

Plastics are organic materials that can be produced from natural renewable sources (plants or animals) or non-renewable sources (petroleum). Although plastics are wrongly defined as synthetic or semisynthetic materials, the term Plastic actually refers to that material that can be melted and molded to achieve the desired applications.

In the 15th century, the Egyptians made glue from albumin. In the Middle Ages, treated bovine horns were used to produce designs for flashlights. Mesoamericans used natural latex and rubber to make balls, containers and waterproof clothing. In 1869, Hyatt created celluloid and with it, the film and photography industry. In 1912, cellophane was obtained, a product that is widely used today. On the other hand, Henry Ford in the 1920s used soy bioplastics to manufacture automotive parts (steering wheels, interior moldings and panels).

Starting in 1926, the production of petroleum-derived plastics began. This greatly displaced the use of bioplastics, since they were cheaper and had better mechanical properties. In 1980, the search for new biobased bioplastics was resumed, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, thermoplastic starch compounds, polylactic acid and the production of PTT, PET, PDO and PE from renewable sources.

Due to environmental problems and the consumer's decision to choose more sustainable materials, the return of bioplastics is in the spotlight, but this time supported by both political and economic initiatives.

Currently, the scientific community has recognized three classes of bioplastics: biobased or biodegradable and those that are both biobased and biodegradable. Your applications will depend on the purpose of the final product and the market you want to reach.

At Penka, we are committed to reducing plastic pollution. Therefore, we offer our customers biobased straws and cutlery with additives that promote biodegradation. We invite you to learn more about our products at: https://www.penka.eco

By: Andrea Zambrano

Picture: @merakist /unsplash.com

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