Biodegradable Plastic Containers--
Pros and Cons

Biodegradable plastics. Plastics that will decompose in the natural environment. Biodegradation of plastics can be achieved by enabling microorganisms in the environment to metabolize the molecular structure of plastic films to produce an inert humus-like material.

• Composting vs. Landfills. Biodegradable plastics need to be composted to breakdown. Unfortunately, biodegradable plastics, typically are thrown out with other waste, and are land filled. Land filling defeats the purpose of a biodegradable plastic, as they do not degrade, once deprived of light, moisture and air.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Biodegradable plastics deposited in a landfill are compressed and sealed under tons of soil. Oxygen and moisture are essential requirements for microbial decomposition. Although there is a popular misconception that biodegradable materials break down in landfill sites, they don't.
  
  
  
• Many biodegradable plastics are primarily used in the manufacture of non-microwavable, cold/fresh containers. These biodegradable plastics may not be heat stable. Transportation and storage, including in the consumer's car, must be temperature controlled to prevent any deterioration of the container before or during use.