π Industry

Bioplastics: a clean alternative?

6 episodes

1

Bioplastics industry: the basics
2

Bio-based plastics: a brief history
3

Bioplastics won't replace recycling
4

Are bioplastics toxic?
5

Can waste be turned into bioplastics?
6

The stakes of producing bioplastics on an industrial scale

Épisode 1/6

Bioplastics industry: the basics

James Bowers, Chief editor at Polytechnique Insights

On February 2nd, 2021

4 min reading time

James Bowers

Chief editor at Polytechnique Insights

Key takeaways

Bioplastics occupy 2% of the global plastic market, with an estimated 16% annual growth rate.
Industry has long focused on conventional, fossil fuel-based plastics as they were cheap and readily available.
Pressure from consumers along with EU regulations have pushed industrials to seek greener alternatives to conventional plastics.
Bioplastics are either biodegradable or produced from biomass with low carbon emissions – or both.
The market is a combination of small niches; there are challenges ahead if the sector is to continue growth.

Épisode 2/6

Bio-based plastics: a brief history

Richard Robert, Journalist and Author

On February 2nd, 2021

3 min reading time

Jean-Luc Dubois

Scientific director at Arkema

Key takeaways

Although plastics have traditionally been made from petrochemicals, manufacturers have been producing bioplastics since the early 20th century as well.
Polyamide-11, or “Nylon 11”, is made from castor oil and has been sold in France since 1945. However, it is still more expensive than fossil fuel-based polyamide-6.
The chemical processes used to make biological, oil-based polymers are well known. Nowadays, castor and soybean oil can be used to make bioplastics.
However, all aspects must be taken into account, especially issues related to biodegradability (which is not always a given) and recycling.

Épisode 3/6

Bioplastics won't replace recycling

Richard Robert, Journalist and Author

On February 2nd, 2021

4 min reading time

Olivier Jan

Central Europe sustainability lead partner at Deloitte

Erwan Harscoët

Director in sustainability practice at Deloitte

Key takeaways

Businesses are under pressure from consumers and stakeholders (NGOs, governments, etc.) to reduce environmental impact and limit greenhouse gas emissions.
To meet these demands requires analysis product life cycles (start and end) if companies wish to truly manage their environmental footprint.
Using bio-based materials can solve some of these problems, but the end-of-life phase for a product is still critical. As such, product biodegradability remains a major factor.
Optimal management of bioplastics requires a multi-sector approach and a good understanding of the challenges presented by the manufacturing industry, recycling channels and biodegradability.

Épisode 4/6

Are bioplastics toxic?

James Bowers, Chief editor at Polytechnique Insights

On February 2nd, 2021

3 min reading time

Lisa Zimmermann

PhD student in biology at Goethe University

Key takeaways

In 2019, biologist Lisa Zimmermann published findings which indicate that 67% of consumer items made of petroleum-based plastics contain chemicals with at least some level of toxicity.
Her most recent study found that 67% of the 43 bioplastic and plant-based products she tested contained chemicals that demonstrate ‘baseline toxicity’.
Lisa concludes that toxicity of bioplastics and plant-based materials matches that of conventional petroleum-based plastics.

Épisode 5/6

Can waste be turned into bioplastics?

Richard Robert, Journalist and Author

On February 2nd, 2021

3 min reading time

Grégory Nocton

CNRS Research fellow in synthetic chemistry at École polytechnique (IP Paris)

Grégory Danoun

CNRS Research fellow in synthetic chemistry at École polytechnique (IP Paris)

Key takeaways

Synthetic chemists Grégory Nocton and Grégory Danoun are developing new techniques for creating polymers from waste.
By isolating the basic building blocks of almost any substance, their current goal is to identify the best synthetic processes for producing these new materials.
They opted for waste as a sustainable resource that does not create competition with other processes.
The aim is to develop a range of solutions, so as not to be shackled to one, as with petroleum.

Épisode 6/6

The stakes of producing bioplastics on an industrial scale

Richard Robert, Journalist and Author

On February 2nd, 2021

3 min reading time

Patrick Pinenq

market development manager in biopolymers at Total

Dimitri Rousseaux

Researcher in materials science at Total

Key takeaways

Each year, 360,000 kT of plastic is produced globally. Bioplastics still seek their place at industrial scales.
Total is turning its attention to plentiful raw materials, such as vegetable oils, starch and sugar cane.
With its two factories, in France and Thailand, Total will soon be able to produce 175kT of PLA annually.
Total believes that these changes must be part of a broader environmental vision that includes life cycle analysis and plastic recycling.

Contributors

James Bowers

Chief editor at Polytechnique Insights

James Bowers has a PhD in molecular biology from the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle and an MSc in Science Media Production from Imperial College London. He has six years of experience creating engaging scientific media in digital, TV and other outlets in the UK and France. Most recently, James worked as a science communication consultant and trainer for a French agency, Agent Majeur, for three years where he co-authored the book, Sell Your Research: Public Speaking for Scientists published by Springer.

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Richard Robert

Journalist and Author

Editor of Telos and author, Richard Robert teaches at Sciences Po. He directed the Paris Innovation Review from 2012 to 2018. Latest books: Le Social et le Politique (dir., with Guy Groux and Martial Foucault), CNRS éditions, 2020, La Valse européenne (with Élie Cohen), Fayard, published in March 2021.