The bioplastics industry is growing, but it’s still in its infancy. Despite the promise of sustainable, renewable resources, bioplastics face several challenges. The first challenge is feedstock, as forests are cleared for production and the impact on biodiversity is unclear. The second challenge is waste management, as existing systems are insufficient to recover bioplastics. The third challenge is high manufacturing costs, making bioplastics more expensive than traditional plastics. The fourth challenge is developing solutions that can be commercialized at scale, as traditional plastics have dominated the market for decades.
To overcome these challenges, collaboration between industry partners is key. Aquapak, a company that develops and manufactures specialist polymers, is working to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Their polymer resin, Hydropol, is biodegradable, compostable, and marine-safe, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. However, the industry must also address the limitations of existing waste management systems and develop solutions that can be commercialized at scale. With collaboration and innovation, bioplastics can become a viable alternative to traditional plastics, reducing plastic waste and pollution.