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=Introduction and Motivation=
=Introduction and Motivation=
In light of the massive surge for environmental accountability in this day and age, one of the major sources of pollution is that of plastics. Massive amounts (need actual numbers) of plastics are dumped into landfills and can remain essentially unchanged for thousands of years (have heard it before, need to look up). There has been a great response in people recycling much of their plastic waste, but if the plastic could simply be composted, or designed to degrade in a quick, environmentally friendly way much of the waste could be eliminated from the landfills, and the hassle of recycling would become moot. This page will therefore look at the production of biodegradable plastics, how widespread the implementation is and can be, and attempt to find ways to make the process more energy or materials efficient. As well,the actual process will be evaluated to see if it is actually better for the environment in the long run. Such breakthroughs will hopefully further drive the plastics industry to develop the processes needed to produce this plastic, and help the environment.
In light of the massive surge for environmental accountability in this day and age, one of the major sources of pollution is that of plastics. Massive amounts (need actual numbers) of plastics are dumped into landfills and can remain essentially unchanged for thousands of years (have heard it before, need to look up). There has been a great response in people recycling much of their plastic waste, but if the plastic could simply be composted, or designed to degrade in a quick, environmentally friendly way much of the waste could be eliminated from the landfills, and the hassle of recycling would become moot. This page will therefore look at the production of biodegradable plastics, how widespread the implementation is and can be, and attempt to find ways to make the process more energy or materials efficient. As well,the actual process will be evaluated to see if it is actually better for the environment in the long run. Such breakthroughs will hopefully further drive the plastics industry to develop the processes needed to produce this plastic, and help the environment.

Revision as of 04:45, 19 November 2009

Mat.png

Introduction and Motivation

In light of the massive surge for environmental accountability in this day and age, one of the major sources of pollution is that of plastics. Massive amounts (need actual numbers) of plastics are dumped into landfills and can remain essentially unchanged for thousands of years (have heard it before, need to look up). There has been a great response in people recycling much of their plastic waste, but if the plastic could simply be composted, or designed to degrade in a quick, environmentally friendly way much of the waste could be eliminated from the landfills, and the hassle of recycling would become moot. This page will therefore look at the production of biodegradable plastics, how widespread the implementation is and can be, and attempt to find ways to make the process more energy or materials efficient. As well,the actual process will be evaluated to see if it is actually better for the environment in the long run. Such breakthroughs will hopefully further drive the plastics industry to develop the processes needed to produce this plastic, and help the environment.

Overview of Plastic Processing

Bioplastic Production/Processing Methods Used today

PHA production: production of plastic directly within bacterial and plant cells

PLA production: Manipulation of sugars and starch into polylactides

Developements in Bioplastic processing

Energy,Cost and Waste comparison

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