You’ve probably had the conversation—“Should we try bioplastics for this?”
Maybe it came from a buyer looking for greener packaging. Or a supplier pitching a more “sustainable” alternative. And now you’re stuck wondering: Is this actually a smart move… or just a costly mistake waiting to happen?
You’re not overthinking it—you’re asking the right questions.
Right now, bioplastics make up just 1% of the global plastic market, but they already account for around 60% of bioplastic applications in packaging. That’s a big shift—and it’s only growing.
But before you swap out materials, update specs, or promise a “greener” product… it’s worth understanding where bioplastics truly deliver—and where they fall short.
Let’s break it down.
What Are Bioplastics?
Bioplastics are a broad category of materials made—fully or partially—from renewable biological sources, like corn starch, sugarcane, cassava, or even algae. Some are designed to biodegrade or compost over time; others are simply bio-based but function similarly to conventional petroleum plastics.
And no—bioplastic doesn’t mean it’ll melt in the rain or disappear overnight. These materials come in a wide range of formulas, with varying durability, heat resistance, and end-of-life behaviors.
Depending on how they’re made, bioplastics can be:
- Biodegradable (they break down under specific environmental conditions)
- Compostable (they break down in industrial composting facilities)
- Bio-based (made from renewable sources but not necessarily biodegradable)
So, not all bioplastics are created equal, and they definitely don’t all behave the same way.
Why Is It Important to Know the Pros and Cons of Using Bioplastics?
Bioplastics sound like a win—renewable, plant-based, and less polluting. But beneath the surface, they come with tradeoffs that can affect cost, performance, and waste handling—especially if you’re sourcing or manufacturing at scale.
- Some bioplastics need different processing conditions, which can impact your production flow.
- End-of-life matters—most require industrial composting, not just a backyard bin.
- Material performance can vary, especially with moisture, heat, or load-bearing applications.
Knowing both sides helps you avoid hidden costs, product issues, or misleading sustainability claims—and make decisions that actually hold up in the real world.
If you’re aiming to align your product line with current EU sustainability requirements, this is especially relevant.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Bioplastics?
Bioplastics can lower emissions and reduce fossil fuel use, but they also cost more and don’t always perform like traditional plastics. Whether they’re the right fit depends on how and where you plan to use them.
To learn more about them, read on below:
Advantages of Using Bioplastics
Bioplastics can reduce carbon impact, boost brand value, and support sustainability—when used in the right context.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
If you’re sourcing from multiple regions or managing compliance for eco-conscious markets, this one matters—a lot.
Bioplastics can reduce lifecycle emissions by as much as 1.5 metric tons of CO₂ per ton of material compared to conventional plastics. That’s a big deal if your buyers are asking about carbon offsets or you’re working with a retailer who’s strict about ESG disclosures.
You can learn more about how to evaluate material impact with this guide to life cycle assessments.
Less Dependence on Fossil Fuels
No one likes price swings or supply chain risks tied to oil.
Bioplastics use renewable inputs—starch, sugarcane, even waste biomass—so you’re not as exposed to petroleum price volatility. The shift is happening too: the global bioplastics market is expected to grow from $7.5B in 2023 to nearly $57B by 2032.
Biodegradability (Where Applicable)
Some bioplastics are compostable or biodegradable—but it’s not one-size-fits-all.
Under the right conditions (usually industrial composting), materials like PLA and PBAT can break down and avoid the landfill. This helps if you’re dealing with short-lifecycle products or trying to hit retail packaging sustainability targets.
Just be aware: degradation depends heavily on infrastructure—and most end users still don’t have home composting bins.
Curious how your supply chain handles disposal? This environmental audit checklist can help you evaluate factory practices.
Fewer Nasty Chemicals
This one’s a quiet win. Many bioplastics—especially PLA and PHB—are BPA-free and don’t use phthalates or heavy-metal stabilizers.
That’s a bonus for food contact materials, medical packaging, or even just being able to say you’ve got a clean spec sheet. Columbia University confirms this: bioplastics are less toxic and safer for long-term use.
Often Works with Existing Manufacturing Lines
Not every sustainable material needs new tooling.
Certain bioplastics—particularly “drop-in” types like bio-PE and bio-PET—can run on the same machines you’re already using. That means less downtime, fewer changeovers, and a smoother integration process if you’re testing bioplastic SKUs alongside standard ones.
For guidance on validating material performance, check out how to measure plastic flexibility in sourcing.
Disadvantages of Using Bioplastics
Despite the promise, bioplastics have tradeoffs in cost, performance, and disposal that can complicate manufacturing if not carefully considered.
They’re still more expensive—sometimes by a lot
We’re talking 2 to 3x the cost of conventional plastics like PET or PE in many cases.
The price gap comes down to scale—bioplastics don’t have the global infrastructure, high-volume output, or cheap feedstock that oil-based plastics do.
If you’re manufacturing at tight margins or quoting for cost-sensitive buyers, the economics might not pencil out—at least not yet.
Disposal isn’t as simple as the label makes it sound
“Biodegradable” doesn’t mean it disappears in your backyard. Most bioplastics need industrial composting—specific temps, humidity, and microorganisms.
Problem is… those facilities are still scarce in many regions.
If the infrastructure isn’t there, the product often ends up in landfill anyway—where it behaves a lot like traditional plastic.
They still rely on land, water, and crops
Most bioplastics today are made from corn, sugarcane, or cassava—and scaling up means using more farmland.
That raises two concerns:
- You’re competing with food supply chains
- You’re adding pressure to agricultural systems already facing drought, runoff, and overuse
While the impact is currently small, it’s something procurement teams—and ESG auditors—are increasingly flagging.
Some are still chemically complex—and not always harmless
There’s a perception that bioplastics = clean and safe.
But recent studies show certain types (especially starch- and cellulose-based) can contain upwards of 1,000 chemical compounds, some of which show in vitro toxicity.
If you’re producing anything food-grade, medical, or kid-friendly—you’ll want those safety sheets, not just green claims.
Environmental benefits can be offset by how they’re made
The production process matters. If you’re using fertilizers, irrigation, and energy-intensive farming to grow feedstock… the environmental gains can shrink quickly.
Some LCAs (life cycle assessments) show that unless you’re also using clean energy and sustainable ag practices, the footprint of bioplastics may not be much better than petroleum-based options.
Conclusion: Should You Use Bioplastics Based On Its Pros and Cons?
They have potential. In some cases, a lot of it. But they’re not a drop-in solution for every product or every supply chain—yet.
If you’re sourcing at scale, managing manufacturing risk, or simply trying to future-proof your operations, bioplastics are worth exploring—but not blindly adopting. Run the numbers. Test the material. Validate your assumptions.
Want help doing that? You might find these resources helpful:
- Learn how to time your quality inspections to avoid costly surprises when working with new materials.
- Consider running a life cycle assessment to understand the full environmental impact before switching.
- Check out the latest updates on product sourcing, testing, and manufacturing on the QualityInspection.org blog.
And if you’re unsure where to begin—or just want a second opinion—you can always reach out to the team for practical, no-fluff guidance.
Because that’s how quality-minded brands stay ahead.
FAQs
Will switching to bioplastics solve our sustainability problems?
Not on its own. Bioplastics are just one piece of the puzzle—they need to be paired with smart sourcing, responsible disposal, and clear communication to make real impact.
Is there a clear use case where bioplastics make the most sense?
Yes—especially in short-lifecycle products, single-use packaging, and eco-conscious markets where customers value compostable or renewable materials.
How do I know if my product is a good fit for bioplastics?
Start by evaluating functional requirements (heat, moisture, durability), regulatory needs, and what disposal infrastructure is available in your market.
Do I need to change anything in production to work with bioplastics?
Possibly. While many bioplastics work with existing equipment, processing temperatures, cycle times, and material handling may need adjustments.
Can bioplastics actually give us a competitive advantage?
Yes—if you use them intentionally. They resonate well with sustainability-minded buyers and retailers, especially when backed by authentic messaging and proper certification.
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