Bioplastics made from corn vs bioplastics made from sugarcane

As the world becomes more conscious of sustainability, many industries are turning towards eco-friendly alternatives, such as bioplastics. Bioplastics are derived from renewable resources and can break down naturally, unlike traditional plastics that can take hundreds of years to decompose. But not all bioplastics are created equal. In this post, we compare bioplastics made from corn and bioplastics made from sugarcane - two of the most popular sources of bioplastics.

Corn Bioplastics

Corn-based bioplastics, also known as polylactic acid (PLA), are made from the starch extracted from corn kernels. It is a popular choice in the food packaging industry as it can withstand high temperatures and is transparent, making it a good alternative to traditional plastics.

However, corn-based bioplastics have some drawbacks. Firstly, it requires a significant amount of energy to produce, and the process releases greenhouse gases. Additionally, the production of corn-based bioplastics requires the use of arable land that could be used to grow food, which could lead to competition for land resources.

Sugarcane Bioplastics

Sugarcane-based bioplastics, also known as polyethylene (PE), are made from ethanol produced from sugarcane. It is a more sustainable option as it is produced from a waste product of the sugarcane industry. Moreover, it requires less energy to produce than corn-based bioplastics and emits fewer greenhouse gases during production.

Aside from being eco-friendly, sugarcane bioplastics are also more durable than corn bioplastics. This makes them suitable for packaging items that require a stronger material, such as water bottles and shopping bags.

Conclusion

While both corn and sugarcane-based bioplastics are better for the environment than traditional plastics, it is clear that sugarcane-based bioplastics have a slight edge due to their lower carbon footprint and superior durability. However, it is important to note that sugarcane-based bioplastics may not be available in some regions and may be more expensive than corn-based bioplastics. Ultimately, the choice of bioplastic will depend on the intended use, availability, and cost.

References

1. "Bioplastics: Types, Properties, Advantages, and Disadvantages". Science Direct, 2020, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/bioplastic.

2. "Sugarcane-Based Bioplastic: The Future of Sustainable Packaging?". Treehugger, 2019, https://www.treehugger.com/sugarcane-based-bioplastic-future-sustainable-packaging-4869048.

3. "Corn-Based Bioplastics vs. Sugarcane-Based Bioplastics". Biobag, 2019, https://biobagusa.com/corn-based-bioplastics-vs-sugarcane-based-bioplastics/.