Can Bioplastics Save The World?

"We're cutting out plastic."

We've said it at Neon Moss and it’s not as easy as we thought. As product designers it's our responsibility to find a sweet spot between functionality, aesthetics and environmental impact. As we delve into our design process, decisions between using plastics or not tends to be nuanced. Clients often point to bioplastics as a potential solution, and unsurprisingly the sustainability of bioplastics is complicated.

“I’ll never use plastic again” says every environmentalist at least once in their life. Turns out it’s close to impossible unless you live on a farm, sew your clothing and make your own tools. Bye bye Bezos.

First, let's discuss traditional plastics. These materials have been a go-to choice for designers and manufacturers for quite some time, and for good reason. Plastics are durable, lightweight, and versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. From packaging to electronics and everything in between, plastics have definitely earned their place as a solid reliable choice in the consumer goods world.

The production of plastics however relies heavily on non-renewable resources like petroleum, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and depleting finite resources. Additionally, plastics can take centuries to degrade, leading to a buildup of waste in landfills and oceans. This accumulation poses significant threats to wildlife and ecosystems, sparking global concern and prompting the search for more sustainable alternatives.

Enter bioplastics such as poly lactic acid (PLA). Made from renewable resources like corn, sugar, and cellulose, bioplastics offer a more eco-friendly option in the world of consumer goods. These materials can be designed to biodegrade more quickly than traditional plastics, reducing their impact on the environment. Plus, the production of bioplastics tends to generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which is always a win in our book.

Caveat: bioplastics aren't perfect either. Let’s start with the simple fact that they are still synthetic polymers, same as standard plastics. While they certainly have some environmental advantages, they also come with their own set of challenges. For example, some bioplastics require industrial composting facilities to break down, and not all regions have access to such infrastructure. And as we all know, consumer behavior around recycling and composting is questionable at best. Moreover, the production of bioplastics can compete with food crops for agricultural resources, sparking concerns about land use and food security.

As designers, our job is to weigh the pros and cons of each option and make informed decisions based on factors like product lifespan, disposal methods, and local infrastructure. Our job is also to make responsible choices and stay informed about the latest developments in material science. By doing so, we can continue to create innovative, sustainable consumer products that not only meet the needs of our clients but also leave a little Earth left for future generations.