Misinterpretations are common in plastics as more different products enter the market. Bioplastics is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but we are here to set the record straight on what recyclable bioplastics mean for Woodly.
Much has been said about the plastic waste problem that we humans have caused upon the environment. When the finger-pointing began, many placed the blame on the material itself, which of course is part of the problem. However, the bigger issue is the fact that plastic waste as a problem is caused by human behaviour.
Recyclable bioplastics can play a significant role in the fight against climate change and the plastic waste problem. Though in some circles, there are strong beliefs that biodegradable plastics is the answer. In the short game, yes perhaps, but in the long run, carbon dioxide still makes its way to the atmosphere.
Woodly’s Chief Technical Officer Tommi Vuorinen has shared his thoughts on why recyclable bioplastics are the better option to biodegradable plastics.
“When carbon-containing material like plastic is recycled, the carbon remains bound to the material thus reducing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. If the product is made biodegradable, it means that when it biodegrades, it releases carbon dioxide. This doesn’t really help to reduce the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere,” explains Vuorinen.
Don’t waste your waste
In a circular economy, it is key to understand that waste has value. Keeping sustainable materials in circulation lessens carbon dioxide emissions and moves us away from the “single-use culture” of products.
With recyclable bioplastics, the possibilities are more interesting and beneficial. For example, imagine used food trays or packages which through recycling can be then made into brand new coffee tables or such. A circular economy allows us to create more while using the same material that many tend to waste.
“It is important for people to understand the value of the material. This way one can keep materials in circulation for as long as possible. There is no way to escape from our single-use culture if the emphasis is placed on biodegradability alone. Basically, biodegradability supports a linear economy. Recyclability encourages a circular economy,” adds Vuorinen.
Woodly – a recyclable pioneer
The Woodly material is one of the first truly recyclable bioplastics that can sustain mechanical recycling. It can endure the process better than others and thus offers a higher quality packaging solution for various products.
Recyclable bioplastics, such as Woodly, is made from biomass and in our case this means cellulose. The combination can offer us sustainability, recyclability, and reusability at a tremendous volume.
We specifically encourage people to recycle and focus on materials that are made for recycling, such as recyclable bioplastics. Instead of buying single-use products or biodegradable items, supporting recyclable bioplastics generates a far better future in the long run with less pollution and plastic waste.
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