Guest Author
Md. Manjurul Islam
PhD candidate, RMIT University, Australia
I had just finished lunch and turned on my laptop when my phone rang from beside me. Glancing at the screen, I saw it was a junior from my department calling. As soon as I answered, he said he wanted to discuss a recently held seminar and asked if I had some time. Since I didn’t have any pressing work, I agreed and asked him to join an online meeting.
Once the meeting started, he shared that the main topic of the seminar was the plastic problem and its possible solutions. He said he had learned a lot from the seminar but still had some lingering questions.
I told him, “First, tell me what you learned about plastics and their problems.”
He began—
“In 1907, Leo Baekeland invented the first synthetic plastic, which was called Bakelite. That marked the beginning of the modern plastic era. Due to their lightweight, durability, and relatively low cost, plastics have become an integral part of our lives. From the toothbrush we use in the morning to packaging, electronics, construction, and even aviation—plastics form the backbone of various sectors.”
By 2025, global plastic production has exceeded 500 million tons—more than eight times the output in the mid-1970s. Widely used plastics like polythene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are part of this figure. The real problem, however, starts with the disposal of plastic waste generated after use. Without proper waste management, plastic poses a grave threat to the environment. If current usage and waste management trends continue, it is estimated that within the next decade, the total amount of plastic waste accumulating in landfills or the natural environment may reach around 11 billion tons.
It’s not just a waste issue—conventional plastics are produced almost entirely from non-renewable fossil fuels. Their production consumes vast amounts of energy and emits significant carbon dioxide (CO2). Furthermore, plastics can persist for decades to centuries, accumulating in soil, rivers, and oceans. Over time, they break down into microplastics and nanoplastics, which can enter the food chain, disrupt ecosystems, and potentially harm human health. What was once hailed as a technological triumph for durability has now become an environmental burden. These interlinked problems have motivated scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers to seek alternatives that can deliver material benefits without long-term environmental harm.”
I listened attentively to what he said and realized he had been very focused during the seminar.
I said, “It’s true that plastics are a threat to our environment, especially uncontrolled plastic waste. But scientists have proposed some alternatives. Do you have any idea what those are?”
“Yes, bhaiya—bioplastics,” he answered immediately.
Satisfied with his response, I asked, “Do you know what bioplastics are?”
He replied—
“Bioplastics are essentially a type of biopolymer. The term ‘bio’ is attached to plastic or polymer because, by definition, bioplastics can be produced from biological resources—like crop-based feedstocks; or via biological processes, such as fermentation; or they can be biodegradable in natural environments. Compared to conventional plastics, many bioplastics are made from renewable feedstocks, which can reduce dependence on limited fossil resources. Additionally, if they truly degrade in properly controlled environments, bioplastics might offer a potential solution to the ever-growing problem of plastic waste, thanks to biodegradation.”
He went quiet for a moment after finishing.
I said, “You’ve clearly studied well, so why did you stop?”
He hesitated a bit and said, “Here’s where I’m confused, bhaiya. One of the seminar speakers said that bioplastics also have some negative environmental impacts. I don’t understand—how can something made from renewable sources and biodegradable still be a threat to the environment?”
“This is actually one of the most researched topics right now. The environmental impact of bioplastics is being analyzed across their entire life cycle, from birth to death. This method is called Life Cycle Assessment, or LCA for short.”
I saw from his expression that his curiosity had only increased, so I began to explain in detail—
“Bioplastics are often presented as the solution to the plastic crisis. However, with more detailed environmental evaluations over time, this optimism has somewhat been tempered. LCA research shows that without proper design and optimization, in many cases, bioplastics can have the same or even greater environmental impact as conventional plastics. Since the main raw materials for bioplastic production are various agricultural feedstocks, significant issues arise—like adverse land use, water consumption, problems from fertilizer and chemical applications such as eutrophication and acidification, as well as greenhouse gas emissions at different stages. What becomes clear is that just because a material is biologically sourced doesn’t mean it’s truly sustainable or green. For an accurate assessment, we must consider the entire life cycle—starting from raw material production to processing, usage, and post-use management.”
“So the benefits of bioplastics aren’t unconditional?” he asked, eyes full of curiosity.
I said, “Exactly.”
Then I continued—
“One big advantage of bioplastics is the diversity of renewable feedstocks. These are generally classified into three generations. First-generation feedstocks are food crops like sugarcane and corn. Second-generation feedstocks come from agricultural waste and byproducts—like molasses, sugarcane bagasse, and corn husks. Third-generation feedstocks, such as microalgae and various wastes or sludges, are more technologically advanced and don’t directly compete with food production. Theoretically, these sources can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a circular economy.
During cultivation, these crops absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which some studies credit as an environmental benefit (credit for sequestered CO2). However, many studies treat this carbon as ‘carbon-neutral’ because at the end of the life cycle, this biogenic carbon is released back into the atmosphere. Using waste materials as feedstocks can offer extra environmental benefits by avoiding some impacts associated with conventional waste management (avoided credit). But these benefits aren’t guaranteed. The overall environmental performance of a bioplastic is very sensitive to the type of feedstock, the agricultural practices, and the energy used throughout the entire production chain.”
After finishing, I looked at him. He asked,
“At which stage is the most energy consumed?”
I replied, “In bioplastic production, the fermentation and polymerization stages usually require the most energy.”
Nodding in understanding, he said, “I have another question. If the raw materials for bioplastics are different, do their environmental impacts change as well?”
With an approving look, I said,
“Great question. Yes, there are significant differences due to the production and processing of raw materials. For example, producing one kilogram of polylactic acid from sugarcane emits about 400 grams of carbon dioxide. However, producing the same amount from microalgae can release up to 12 kilograms of carbon dioxide, since this technology is still not fully optimized. In addition to climate impacts, cultivating raw materials also puts pressure on land and water resources. Chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides can be washed into water bodies, increasing the risk of eutrophication and acidification. These trade-offs show why simply labeling something ‘bio-based’ doesn’t make a plastic eco-friendly.”
He said, “The production process is clear now. But bioplastic disposal should be simpler, since it’s biodegradable, right?”
Smiling gently, I said,
“Here’s where things get complicated. Post-use management is also a major challenge. The fate of bioplastics can be recycling, industrial composting, anaerobic digestion, landfill, or incineration. Each path has its own advantages and limitations. Recycling can reduce demand for virgin bioplastic, but it requires high energy and advanced sorting infrastructure. Composting or landfill uses less energy, but effective composting demands strictly controlled conditions (thermophilic condition 55–60°C). Otherwise, incomplete degradation can occur, leading to greenhouse gas emissions or microplastic pollution. Also, if bioplastics are mixed with non-biodegradable plastics, natural decomposition gets disrupted. Another issue is that some products on the market claim to be ‘green’ when they’re not truly bioplastics. So efficient waste segregation and consumer awareness are extremely important.”
After a moment’s thought, he asked, “Bhaiya, does bioplastics’ impact depend on location or region?”
I replied,
“This is also a crucial point. The environmental performance of bioplastics varies from region to region. Agricultural practices, climate, waste management infrastructure, and energy mix for electricity generation differ greatly among Europe, Asia, and Australia. What works effectively in one country may not deliver the same benefits in another. For example, over 60% of electricity in Australia is still produced from fossil fuels, so the environmental impact of mining and burning fuel is significant. In contrast, the electricity generation mix in Thailand or Belgium is different. On the positive side, countries worldwide are moving towards renewable energy. Australia has adopted a ‘Net zero emission’ plan to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050.”
As soon as I finished, he said,
“So overall, it seems like bioplastics can play a constructive role in tackling plastic pollution—under the right conditions. But this requires optimized feedstock selection, energy-efficient production processes, and proper post-use management. Without these, bioplastics will remain a symbolic initiative rather than a real solution. For a truly sustainable future, both technological development and policymaking must be grounded in scientific evidence.”
I nodded in agreement and said,
“Exactly. The production, use, and disposal of bioplastics are still in an emerging stage. Only with research-backed policies can bioplastics become an effective tool for protecting the environment.”
As it was time for a meeting with my supervisor, I had to end the discussion there. He said that today’s conversation had taught him to think in new ways. I ended the call and turned back to my work, but a thought kept circling in my mind—even now, solutions to complex issues like the plastic problem are still awaiting us, and forging that path is our responsibility.
References:
- Islam et al. (2024). Impact of bioplastics on environment from its production to end-of-life. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 188, pp.151-166.
- Islam et al. (2025). Environmental footprint of polylactic acid production utilizing cane-sugar and microalgal biomass: An LCA case study. Journal of Cleaner Production, 496, p.145132.
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