The Future of Biodegradable Plastics from an Environmental and Business Perspective

Volume 1 - Issue 2

Hani Chbib¹, Marwa Faisal², Amal El Husseiny², Irene S Fahim^3* and Nicola M Everitt⁴

Received: January 29, 2019;   Published: February 11, 2019

DOI: 10.32474/MAMS.2018.01.000109

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Abstract

Synthetic plastic waste is a major environmental issue around the world. There are several policies adopted in many regions to save the environment. Moreover, Governments and businesses are restraining synthetic plastics either by searching for a better alternative, or by reducing the public and industrial consumption of synthetic waste. However, the problem is finding a biodegradable and a price-competitive alternative for synthetic waste. This review paper studies markets for biodegradable and synthetic plastics and also the governmental policies being adapted around the world to combat synthetic plastics were analyzed. Additionally, the main issues that face developing countries before adapting environment-friendly policies were taken into consideration in this review paper. The authors aim at finding a solution for the price issue in a developing country like Egypt, as its results may as well reflect on several developing countries around the world. The market analysis indicates a very promising future for biodegradable plastics in developed countries, with CAGR levels reaching 20% in some industries. Meanwhile, from an environmental perspective, strict policies all around the world are needed to battle synthetic plastics. This need is recognized in developed countries; however, in developing countries, the price is still the issue. Nonetheless, the authors have been capable of conducting a method to produce plastic bags from chitosan pellets that would cut the costs to 2,000 USD/Ton. A price as such would make biodegradable plastics almost as competitive as synthetic plastics, even in developing countries.

Highlights

a) The only factor preventing Egypt from being environment friendly is money.

c) Plastic waste falling in our oceans is expected to reach 160 million tons in 2025.

d) Biodegradable plastic bags can soon be as competitive as synthetic bags.

Keywords: Plastics; Biodegradable plastics; Shrimp shell waste; Waste; Feasibility

Abstract| Introduction| Biodegradable Plastics| Biodegradable Plastics Applications| Biodegradable Plastic Bags| Compostable Bags and Their Material| Synthetic Plastic Bags| Cost of Chitosan| Amount of Plastic Waste| Shrimp Shell Waste| Results| Conclusion| Acknowledgment| References|