Revolutionary Strategies to Tackle the Global Plastic Waste Crisis

Last month, a meeting in South Korea aimed at creating a global treaty to combat plastic pollution hit a standstill. Delegates from 175 countries found themselves tangled in debates fueled by differing economic interests. Meanwhile, the issue of plastic waste continues to grow, presenting a serious challenge to our environment.

While finding a political or legal solution is tough, scientists and engineers are hard at work developing substitutes for traditional plastics. New, eco-friendly alternatives could significantly reduce plastic waste. In fact, many such options are already in the experimental stages.

Plastic pollution affects wildlife, disrupts ecosystems, and can even make its way into our food chain. Microplastics have been discovered in both human and animal bloodstreams. This raises concerns over their potential health effects, including increased risks of heart attacks and strokes.

Despite various efforts to cut down plastic waste, we still heavily rely on plastics, particularly for packaging. About 40% of global plastic production is used for this purpose, leading to billions of tonnes of plastic polluting our rivers and oceans. Each year, the world generates around 57 million tonnes of plastic waste, and plastic use is projected to nearly double by 2050.

With this in mind, researchers are investigating sustainable packaging options, particularly for food. One promising approach involves using edible materials for food packaging.

Enter biopolymers. These are biodegradable substances made from natural sources like plants, animals, and microorganisms. They offer a sustainable alternative to regular plastics, especially in food packaging. Unlike traditional plastics, which take centuries to decompose, biopolymers can be composted or converted into biogas.

Biopolymers are safe for humans and already serve as eco-friendly packaging choices. They can also create films that protect against moisture, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, extending the shelf life of fresh produce. For instance, pectin-based films can keep capsicum fresh for up to 15 days.

These thin films, made from pectin found in fruits, can replace synthetic wax coatings commonly used to enhance the appearance and life of produce. Researchers are experimenting with combining pectin with natural oils, like castor and clove oil, to improve performance.

Excitingly, pectin-based composite films have shown stability at room temperature for up to a year while decomposing within two weeks when disposed of properly. Current research focuses on refining production techniques to make these films commercially viable, enhancing their mechanical strength and thermal properties.

Biopolymers are also finding applications in the medical field, serving in wound dressings, sutures, and drug delivery systems, where stability and compatibility with human tissue are essential. Pectin is gaining traction not only for food preservation but also for innovations in medical care, including developing bone tissue scaffolds.

As the field expands, researchers are exploring new sources of biopolymers such as algae-based polymers, silk proteins, and bacterial cellulose. The goal is to enhance their strength and flexibility for broader uses across industries.

Also noteworthy is the development of biopolymer composites. These are created by mixing biopolymers with natural antimicrobial agents or agricultural waste fibers, boosting both performance and sustainability.

As these innovations emerge from research labs, a budding biopolymer industry is taking shape. Studies indicate that by 2050, a significant portion of fossil fuel-based plastics may be replaced by bioplastics, marking a substantial step towards a cleaner planet.

Yamini Sudha Sistla is an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence.

Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info