Bioplastics: Lack of standardization and clear rules hinders sustainable consumption, says study

In a review article, researchers highlight the importance of metrology institutions in setting standards to characterize biopolymers and avoid greenwashing – a marketing practice that deceptively promotes products as being environmentally friendly.

By José Tadeu Arantes  |  Agência FAPESP – A review of the literature on bioplastics conducted by Brazilian researchers, combined with an analysis of legislation in force in Europe and Latin America, reveals that the lack of global standardization has hindered the adoption of sustainable solutions and contributed to greenwashing – a marketing practice that deceptively promotes products as environmentally friendly. An article published in the journal Sustainability argues that intermediary institutions – such as the Brazilian Technical Standards Association (ABNT) and the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO) in Brazil, or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) at the international level – should play a central role in standardizing this market.

The work, carried out by an interdisciplinary group made up of professors and researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), from the fields of food engineering, chemical engineering, economics and law, and members of the All4Food network, was supported by FAPESP through two projects (21/11967-6 and 20/13307-0).

“We investigate how intermediary institutions can create clear global definitions for bioplastics, protecting consumers from greenwashing and contributing to the transition to a circular economy where waste is transformed into resources. Our study highlights the role of these institutions in translating macro-institutional rules, setting technical standards and monitoring compliance,” says Vivian Lara Silva, professor at the School of Animal Science and Food Engineering of the University of São Paulo (FZEA-USP), Pirassununga campus, and first author of the article.

According to Maria Teresa Freire, also a professor at FZEA-USP and co-author of the article, there is currently a conceptual confusion between terms such as “bioplastic,” “bio-based” (based on biomass, according to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry – IUPAC), “biodegradable” and “compostable.” A plastic can be of biological or bio-based origin, but not necessarily biodegradable and/or compostable. As examples, she mentions non-biodegradable materials of biological or bio-based origin that are chemically identical to products of fossil origin, such as polyethylene (PE) made from sugarcane ethanol and bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET) made from corn starch.

“By associating the prefix ‘bio’ with a material, consumers may think they’re buying something that degrades quickly under natural conditions and has no impact on the environment. They may believe that the behavior of this material is different from the slow degradation processes of materials derived from petroleum products, which take decades and are known to produce microplastics. However, a material derived from a renewable source may also require specific conditions for degradation,” she says.

One example she mentions is polylactic acid (PLA), which is made from corn starch or sugarcane. This material is considered biodegradable because it is compostable according to ISO standards. However, it does not degrade successfully in the natural environment due to the action of microorganisms and at room temperature. Under industrial conditions, it degrades in six to nine weeks and in the ocean it can take a year and a half. It is mainly used in the food industry to produce disposable items such as cups, cutlery, plates, trays and food containers.

“There are materials of biological origin or from renewable sources that require high temperatures to degrade or require specific treatments in composters or municipal digesters, or in specific landfills, under defined and tested conditions. On the other hand, there are also fossil-based materials that are biodegradable, such as poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) [PBAT]. Various PBAT-based products can be used for bags, garbage bags, cutlery and roofing film, among other possibilities,” says Freire.

The researcher adds that it is also important to consider that scientific studies have raised questions about the production of microplastics in the degradation processes of biodegradable materials. In addition to the formation of microplastics, decomposition during composting produces methane gas, which contributes to global warming.

As technological knowledge advances, the wide variety of end-products obtained by combining different biopolymers is becoming clear, which, when combined with other bio-based or non-bio-based polymers and other substances (additives), allows for a wide range of industrial applications. From this perspective, scientific studies are also progressing in order to understand and evaluate the degradation mechanisms of these compositions, since different combinations of materials may show different decomposition behaviors, whether in a controlled or natural environment.

“In addition, it’s necessary to know the environmental impact caused by the set of substances corresponding to the residues formed in the degradation process. These challenges are pieces of a large puzzle that do not yet form a well-defined picture. Mesoinstitutions can make an important contribution to putting these pieces together, bridging the gap between the macro and micro institutions involved in the bioplastics universe,” says Silva.

Given the scope and complexity of the issue, in addition to understanding the real environmental impacts, efforts must be made to unify the language and understanding among specialists and researchers – essential steps for more concrete action related to the health of the planet, meeting climate requirements and reducing species extinction, today’s pressing environmental issues. The lack of precise and clear definitions leads to misunderstandings and creates major difficulties for those who produce, market and use these materials. And the situation is exacerbated by the lack of regulatory harmony, which prevents the adoption of truly sustainable solutions on a global scale.

“One of the biggest problems is that there’s no consensus on what characterizes a bioplastic. In the European Union, for example, there’s no official definition. And without such a definition, it’s difficult for companies to act transparently,” says Vitor de Batista, who holds a master’s degree from the Ribeirão Preto Law School (FDRP-USP) and co-authored the article. He points out that the lack of clear rules not only creates confusion in the market but also prevents sustainable innovations from receiving the regulatory support they need to thrive.

According to the researchers, it is the responsibility of intermediary institutions to establish these norms with nationally and internationally agreed standards and parameters. “The role of these institutions is to translate macro-institutional legislation into applicable technical standards. And to monitor compliance,” Freire points out.

The article also suggests that technological solutions for the development of new materials need to be aligned with public awareness efforts. “Environmental education is crucial in this process. It’s a fallacy to believe that we can have a completely plastic-free food system. But we can and must reduce the overconsumption of plastics, many of which have become popular without any real need,” Silva stresses.

For an effective communication process between science and society, it is crucial to harmonize definitions in order to create a single, unambiguous language that enables the market and educators to disseminate knowledge with a single voice.

Part of the research group involved in the literature review on bioplastics is currently working on another work front: the Science Center for the Development of Solutions for Post-Consumption Waste: Packaging and Products (CCD Circula). Supported by FAPESP and managed by the Institute of Food Technology (ITAL), the center is based on the “triple helix” model, in which government, research institutes and universities, and companies work together in the search for socially relevant solutions.

The article “Bioplastics and the Role of Institutions in the Design of Sustainable Post-Consumer Solutions” can be accessed at: www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/12/5029.

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