Is biodegradable thin film the future of packaging?

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The discussion centers on the potential of biodegradable thin film as a sustainable packaging solution, contrasting it with traditional polyethylene. Participants express uncertainty about the types of polymers used in biodegradable films, with one noting that vegetable-based materials are the primary alternative. There is a debate on whether bioplastics from bio-based sources are preferable to recycled plastics, with some arguing that utilizing existing plastic is more efficient and cost-effective. Concerns are raised about the infrastructure needed for processing biodegradable materials compared to recycling. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and considerations in transitioning to biodegradable packaging options.
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I'm working for the Company that specialize in thin film polyethylene. I research the tendency of using biodegradable thin film for packaging, Anyone that have knowledge or information about this such as report of the kinds of polymer used in that field. Please give me a help.
thanks a lot
 
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I can't cite a reference, because I'm working from a very old and dim memory. As opposed to polyethylene, the only thin film "plastic" wrap that I've ever seen described was actually made out of vegetable matter.
 
Oops! It's too late to edit my last post, so I have to correct it here. I meant to say that the only biodegradable film that I knew of was made of vegetable matter. :redface:
 
vegetable-based plastics

In your opinion, in Europe, the tendency of using bioplastic from bio-based plastic is preferable than recycle plastic that includes convention plastic?
 
I'm afraid that I don't know enough about the subject to even have an opinion, especially about socio-political issues in Europe. (I'm a Canuck, so our situation is a lot different than yours. Our super-low population density is only one factor in that.)
All that I can offer is what I would think if you were on this side of the pond. If you are using plastic that is already in existence, rather than creating new stuff with the intention of recycling it in future operations, I consider that preferable to using vegetable-based material. At least it gets the stuff out of the landfills. If you don't use it, then maybe nobody else will either and it will just continue to accumulate. It will also be much cheaper if you already have the infrastructure in place; I assume that using biomatter would require a whole new processing system.
The only reason that I mentioned plants at all was because I know nothing about chemistry and can't figure out how you would make "traditional" plastic biodegradable. I guess that it's technically "organic" since it's made out of dead dinosaurs, but I have yet to see a Pepsi bottle disintegrate spontaneously.
 
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