Farmers in Nagaland are adopting compostable bioplastic bags made from cassava starch.
About Bioplastics:
- Bioplastics are bio-based polymers made from renewable resources such as carbohydrates, vegetable oils, and wood pulp, typically involving microorganisms.
- These materials are degradable by microbes like fungi, bacteria, and yeasts, which break them down into water, CO2, and biomass.
- They are considered an alternative to synthetic plastics due to their similar physical properties but have a lower carbon footprint.
- The raw materials for bioplastics include not just cassava but also corn, sugarcane, and potato starch.
- Bioplastics are not only biodegradable but also compostable, meaning they can be converted into natural substances such as compost in the environment.
- They help address the issue of plastic waste contamination, offering a solution to the global challenge of plastic pollution.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are bioplastics made from?
Bioplastics are made from renewable resources such as carbohydrates, vegetable oils, and wood pulp, typically involving microorganisms.
How do microbes break down bioplastics?
Microbes like fungi, bacteria, and yeasts break bioplastics down into water, CO2, and biomass.
What is the main advantage of bioplastics?
Bioplastics have a lower carbon footprint compared to synthetic plastics.