Bioplásticos e plásticos biodegradáveis: revisão bibliográfica dos principais materiais e seus impactos ambientais

Abstract

Plastic is an extremely versatile, low-cost material that can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from food packaging to hospital supplies. It was a revolutionary discovery made in 1907, began to be produced on a large scale in 1950, and today, due to unbridled consumption and production, is a major environmental problem. Plastic is a polymer derived from petroleum, a fossil source that is extremely harmful to the environment, and its degradation time ranges from 20 to 600 years. Even with this long period, due to the actions of time, they do not degrade completely, giving rise to small particles that are called microplastics. These particles are impossible to remove from the environment and have been accumulating for years, especially in the seas. Studies have found microplastics even in the depths of the ocean, where other types of waste are not normally found. In this scenario, the search for materials that are less harmful to the environment has been growing. The awareness of part of the population makes it necessary for industries to seek more sustainable solutions for their products. Thus, plastics produced from renewable sources and biodegradable plastics have been gaining space in the market. In this paper will be conduct a literature review seeking relevant information on three types of bioplastics: a non-biodegradable plastic produced from renewable sources (Green Polyethylene), a biodegradable plastic produced from renewable sources (Polyactic Acid), and a biodegradable plastic produced from a fossil source (Ecoflex). The intent is to differentiate these three types of plastics, elucidating their classifications as environmentally friendly and addressing their main characteristics. The production processes and the advantages and disadvantages of each material will be analyzed. In addition, innovative biopolymers that are being studied as alternatives to some conventional polymers will be addressed. Finally, it will be possible to evaluate the conditions under which these materials are actually more sustainable and which are the best ways to be taken towards sustainability.