Beyond Green: Unveiling the Potential of Bioplastics in Food Technology

Plastics comprise a vast group of polymers, conventionally derived from fossil resources, known for exhibiting a wide spectrum of characteristics and properties.

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Introduction 

The production of plastics at present contributes around 4-8% of global oil consumption and statistical data indicates that this figure is anticipated to rise to 20% by the year 2050. The substantial growth of plastics is because of their durability, affordability, favorable strength-to-weight ratios, and contribution to simplifying day-to-day life. India generates about 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which about 30% is only recycled. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the usage of single-use plastics (not less than 120 microns), primarily in the form of personal protective equipment which leaves a large volume of plastic waste leading to great environmental threats. Landfilling has been used extensively for end-of-life plastic management. This common method demands extensive space, brings adverse effects, and contaminates the surrounding soil. In aquatic environments, plastics undergo degradation into microplastics through the combined actions of waves, sunlight, and wind. More than 100 aquatic species from mussels to fish, and shrimp have shown the presence of microplastics. Therefore, the development of ecofriendly plastics holds great significance in environmental sustainability.

Microplastics: an alarming issue

Plastics are the most ubiquitous marine debris found in Seas and Oceans. Plastics with less than five millimeters in size are called “microplastics”. Microplastics emerge from different sources, including larger plastic debris that eventually degrades into smaller particles. Microbeads are microplastics of less than one millimetre manufactured from polyethylene plastics which are added as exfoliants to beauty and health products. These minute particles penetrate through the filtration system and end up in aquatic bodies, posing a great threat to marine ecosystems.