There is a great deal of confusion surrounding bioplastics, and there is also a common misconception that bioplastics are biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than plastics based on fossil resources.
The term bioplastic covers several things. They can be divided into three groups:
- Bio-based and non-biodegradable
- Bio-based and biodegradable
- Fossil-based and biodegradable
Bio-based
Bio-based plastic is plastic produced on the basis of biomass, for example sugar. This type of plastic can be produced with exactly the same chemical qualities as fossil-based plastic.
Some bio-based plastics can, depending on how they are produced, be recycled with fossil- based plastics.
Biodegradable plastic
Can in principle, be broken down in different ways. For example, through industrial decomposition under special circumstances. Biodegradable plastics cannot be recycled with conventional plastic or bio-based plastics.
Plastic textiles
A lot of disposable textiles are used in the healthcare sector. Disposable textiles are usually made from synthetic fibres that are part wet wipes, mops, covers as well as disposable surgical clothing. Disposable clothing has slowly replaced reusable clothing, and contributes, along with disposable covers, to the immense amounts of waste produced by hospitals.
Alternatively, synthetic fibres offer a good alternative to cotton fibres. Cotton demands large resources during cultivation and has a relatively high climate impact.