Bioplastic Forks
November 16, 2023
In 2021, the 5 Gyres Institute conducted a study on plastic degradation, submerging various items in different environments for over a year. Results showed bioplastics' breakdown rates varied, influenced by temperature and microbial presence. While some bioplastics degraded comparably to paper or bamboo in water, others, like PHA bottles, decomposed slowly. Factors such as material type and thickness impacted degradation, highlighting design considerations. Despite bioplastics' potential to reduce carbon footprint, the study emphasized the enduring environmental impact of single-use plastics, advocating for reusable alternatives.
