What is BioPlastic? Quick Facts About Bio Plastic Takeout Food Containers

The demand for biodegradable packaging has taken off and a growing number of restaurants are sending out your takeout in bio plastic packaging. But what is this stuff that looks like plastic, feels like plastic, yet isn’t plastic?

The difference between compostable and biodegradable plastic

Compostable plastic is plastic that can undergo a full decomposition as part of an industrial compost program. It must break down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass at the same rate as cellulose (paper) without leaving any trace of toxic residue.

Biodegradable plastic on the other hand is plastic which will biodegrade naturally from bacteria or fungi. There is no requirement for the plastic to leave no trace of toxic residue nor is there a limit on the time it may take to fully break down.

How is biopolastic different than regular plastic or Styrofoam?

Both plastic and Styrofoam are petroleum based products which, when discarded, can take hundreds of years to degrade and has the potential to leak toxic residue into ground water.

Alternative Plastics: PLA vs. Bagasse

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is similar in its aesthetic composition to regular plastic.  However PLA is made from corn, a mixture of both GMO and non-GMO, the overproduction of which has become a worldwide problem.  Mass production of corn for the variety of uses it now encompasses (from packaging to having a presence in almost every manufactured food product) has stripped land of its natural nutrients, changed soil composition with the use of synthetic fertilizers, as well as put smaller farmers out of business—or out of any other business than that of producing corn.

Bagasse products are consistent with the usability of regular plastic, however it is made from the byproduct of sugar cane production. Bagasse is considered the most desirable of the two as it is created from essentially the waste made during sugar cane production, which would otherwise be discarded in the landfill.

Do PLA and Bagasse Products Really Breakdown Faster?

PLA and Bagasse products have an estimated shelf life of two years. Both of these products will only fully decompose once put into the composting process because they need the aid of soil and other organic materials to breakdown. After the product is put into a composting system it will biodegrade within a few months.

Read more about compostable to-go containers, or read about reusable takeout containers in our Waste-Free Lifestyle column.


recycle non gmo dairy packaging
Environmentally Friendly Milk Packaging
Conscientious dairy farmers are hoping for a a new generation of environmentally friendly packaging—without the specter of GMOs. Read more
straus dairy convert manure
Turning Manure Into Money
Methane is a problem that some pasture-based farms have started to tackle head-on. One particular method being used to reduce methane emissions is to collect… Read more
how to use thanksgiving leftovers
Holiday Leftovers: Vegan Cranberry Quickbread
Like many of us, Jenn Sebestyen, author of the Veggie Inspired Blog, found herself with plenty of holiday leftovers.  So what do you do with… Read more

In the kitchen with Ethical Foods

how to make pumpkin orange marmalade or jam

Easy Fresh Pumpkin Orange Marmalade Recipe

Marmelade à la citrouille et à l’orange. Here’s a lovely recipe for a fresh pumpkin jam that’s earthy, bright and versatile. The flavor and color will… Read more
vegetarian thanksgiving christmas holidays

A Gourmet Vegetarian Holiday with Deborah Madison

Whatever you may have thought about vegetarian holiday fare, today, top chefs are creating delicious, festive and satisfying vegetarian holiday menus that may leave you… Read more
how to make home made eggnog

How to Make Homemade Eggnog: Recipe from Beets ‘n Bones

Here’s an easy recipe to make home made eggnog from scratch and avoid all the chemicals and weird ingredients in store bought eggnog. Read more
how to use thanksgiving leftovers

Holiday Leftovers: Vegan Cranberry Quickbread

Like many of us, Jenn Sebestyen, author of the Veggie Inspired Blog, found herself with plenty of holiday leftovers.  So what do you do with… Read more
How to plan a sustainable, organic, and local holiday dinner

How To Plan An Eco Friendly Holiday Feast

Our top six tips for a healthy, sustainable and locally sourced holiday dinner. Save money, avoid waste and enjoy a wholesome, humane feast. Read more
vegan christmas recipes

Favorite Holiday Dinner Party Vegan and Vegetarian Cookbooks

Recipes for a gorgeous and festive holiday dinner party While there are many cookbooks out there that inspire you to cook healthy, simple every day… Read more
classic pumpkin bread recipe and holiday pantry gift

Traditional Pumpkin Bread Recipe

How to make classic pumpkin bread, and an adjusted recipe that you can give as a pantry gift. I’ve noticed a trend in bakery pumpkin… Read more
vegan vietnamese cuisine

Vegan Vietnamese Cuisine

The light, fresh flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine make a perfect base for exciting vegan cooking. Van, a Vietnamese vegan cook shares her passion for… Read more
Red Thai Curry Recipe

Red Thai Curry Recipe

Why order takeout when it’s so easy to cook at home? Try this easy Thai curry recipe at home for a simple, healthy and knockout… Read more

Soy Anise Braised Oxtail With Preserved Plum

Here’s an easy and delicious recipe for braised oxtail, an often overlooked cut in the US. This recipe can also be made with bone in… Read more
braised goat recipe

Braised Goat Shoulder Recipe With Cinnamon and Blood Orange

Wondering how to cook goat? Here’s a braised goat recipe for a shoulder chop, or any cut suitable for braising. It’s a lovely meat that… Read more

Cardamom Scented Grassfed Lamb Stew With Prunes Recipe

What do you think of prunes? This amazing pairing of lamb and prunes is guaranteed to give you a new perspective on this humble ingredient.… Read more

Indonesian Jamu: a Simple Recipe to Make Your Own Healing Turmeric Juice

Jamu is a traditional Indonesian tonic taken as medicine for all kinds of ailments. Make your own refreshing turmeric Jamu to rev up your digestion… Read more

Chicken Ginger Broth for Spring Colds

Many people come down with colds, flu and sinus infections when the seasons change.  Here is a recipe for Chinese ginger chicken broth that, with… Read more
Sheep milk curry and rose petal marinade for heritage breed turkey breast

Rose Petal And Indian Curry Heritage Breed Turkey Breast

Heritage breed turkeys taste richer, but can dry out when cooked. Here is an easy and delicious marinade that delivers a flavorful, moist turkey breast… Read more

Comments

Comments are closed.