Biodegradable Plastic Can Be Seasoned To Make Them Stronger [Study]

Biodegradable plastics can be made stronger with a pinch of cream of tartar (tartaric acid) or citric acid, according to a new study.

How to Make a Biodegradable Plastic Stronger

To reduce the amount of waste, some companies have adopted biodegradable plastics. This type of plastic decomposes naturally in the environment. They are designed with a makeup structure that breaks down by natural microorganisms resulting in a less harmful end product, according to Conserve Energy Future. However, they easily disintegrate and tear apart even under the slightest pressure.

A new study has learned that sprinkling some additives can increase the strength of biodegradable plastics, Technology Networks reported.

Some use petroleum-based additives, but it slows down degradation. Jeyoung Park, Dongyeop Oh, Hyeonyeol Jeon, Jun Mo Koo and colleagues tried "seasoning" a biodegradable plastic called poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with fruit-derived tartaric acid or citric acid to improve the material's mechanical properties.

They made seasoned PBS by heating a succinic acid with a small amount of tartaric or citric acid, then adding titanium (IV) butoxide before drying them.

They noticed that the seasoned PBS stretched more than twice the original biodegradable plastic before it broke. The researchers believed seasoned biodegradable plastic could be used for bags or food packaging.

However, the downside is that it takes longer for the plastic to break down in water than pure PBS. But that's what makes it beneficial for food packaging and humid environments.

The researchers noted that the "seasoning" technique is simple and could be done using the existing industrial processes and replacing petroleum-based polymers.

ALSO READ: England to Ban Single-Use Plastic Later This Year To Eliminate Avoidable Waste

UK Fights Plastic Pollution

Britannica defines plastic pollution as the accumulation of synthetic plastic products in the environment, which creates problems for wildlife and their habits. Plastic pollution has also affected human populations, which has since become a global issue.

The United Kingdom aims to reduce its plastic usage by banning single plastic plates and cutlery in October 2023 in England. The legislation will restrict the sale of plastic cutlery, plates, bowls, trays, balloon sticks, polystyrene cups, and food containers used in supermarket-ready meals.

Aside from banning certain types of plastics, the UK is pushing forward with its sustainability effort by managing waste for drink products. The latest is its deposit return scheme.

Consumers will be paid by returning drink containers. The scheme will be introduced to England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2025.

However, the deposit return scheme doesn't include glass, which raised eyebrows as there are bottle glass containers. Conservative MP Philip Dunne, who chairs the Environmental Audit Committee, said it was a "missed opportunity." However, he was still thrilled with the effort and was only disappointed because it wouldn't start until 2025.