The Dilemma of PLA: Why "Biodegradable Plastic" is Banned in Many Places

The Dilemma of PLA: Why "Biodegradable Plastic" is Banned in Many Places

In recent news, it was announced that starting from August 1st, eight major categories of places will no longer be able to use PLA (polylactic acid), a type of plastic known as "biodegradable plastic." This decision has sparked confusion among the public, as PLA is often considered an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics. So, why is it being banned?

One of the main reasons behind this ban is the complexity of PLA recycling and disposal. Traditional plastic recycling already involves six major categories, and the addition of PLA as the seventh category only adds to the confusion for people when it comes to disposing of plastic waste. Furthermore, due to the lack of a comprehensive recycling concept among the public and the inadequate back-end composting facilities, PLA is often treated as regular plastic waste, ending up in landfills. Even when PLA is correctly recycled, there are no manufacturers capable of reusing it or turning it into compost.

The lack of legislation surrounding PLA recycling and composting in Taiwan is another contributing factor to its ban. Currently, Taiwan has not established a legal framework for the recycling and composting of PLA. This means that even if businesses are able to recycle and produce compost from PLA, they are unable to legally sell it, preventing the flow of both money and materials in a circular economy.

Interestingly, PLA shares many similarities with other types of plastic, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PP (polypropylene). They are all classified as biodegradable and are derived from bio-based sources like corn and potatoes. However, the key difference lies in the standards they must meet to be considered biodegradable. For example, according to the EN 13432 standard, a plastic material must undergo a controlled composting process for three months and break down into fragments smaller than two millimeters. Additionally, 90% of the organic matter in the plastic must be converted into carbon dioxide within six months. Finally, the resulting compost must pass a biotoxicity test to ensure that plants can thrive in it.

Creating the optimal conditions for composting PLA is essential. Temperature control equipment is required to maintain a stable temperature of 60℃ in the compost. Regular watering and automatic aeration are also necessary to support the survival of microorganisms in the compost. Unfortunately, these requirements are often not met, leading to a low recycling rate of only 5-6% for PLA in Taiwan.

So, what can be done to address this dilemma and promote the proper disposal and recycling of PLA? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Education and Awareness: It is crucial to educate the public about the proper disposal and recycling of PLA. This can be done through awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational materials that highlight the environmental benefits of recycling PLA and the steps individuals can take to ensure its proper disposal.

• 2. Legislation and Infrastructure: Governments should prioritize the development of legislation and infrastructure to support the recycling and composting of PLA. This includes establishing guidelines for composting facilities, creating incentives for businesses to recycle PLA, and investing in the necessary infrastructure to process and reuse PLA waste.

• 3. Collaboration and Innovation: Collaboration between industries, research institutions, and government bodies is essential to drive innovation in the field of PLA recycling and composting. By working together, new technologies and processes can be developed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of PLA recycling, ultimately creating a more sustainable solution for plastic waste.

In conclusion, the ban on PLA in various places highlights the challenges surrounding its recycling and composting. While PLA is often touted as a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics, the lack of legislation, inadequate infrastructure, and the complexity of composting requirements have hindered its proper disposal and recycling. To overcome these challenges, education, legislation, infrastructure development, and collaboration are key. By taking action in these areas, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future and ensure that PLA truly lives up to its biodegradable potential.