美国马萨诸塞州的一家实验室展示了一项新型生物塑料技术，该技术利用糖发酵制成可在家庭堆肥中分解的塑料制品，如叉子、薄膜和吸管等，为解决传统塑料污染问题提供了新思路[1]。CJ Biomaterials自2022年以来在印度尼西亚巴苏鲁安建厂生产PHA聚合物，以支持这一技术的商业化[1]。
传统塑料会持续数十年乃至数百年，在这一过程中逐步分解成有害的微塑料[1]。一项为期64周的研究表明，许多生物可降解材料已成功分解或出现裂纹，而同期的化石燃料基塑料则保持完整[1]。目前，生物塑料仅占全球年产塑料总量（超过400万公吨）的约0.5%，但预计到2030年产量将实现翻倍增长[1]。中国、瑞典和美国是天然聚合物的主要出口国[1]。
尽管前景看好，但生物塑料的推广仍面临多重挑战。世界自然基金会副总裁Erin Simon认为，生物基塑料可以减少全球对化石燃料的依赖[1]；而参议员Jeff Merkley则指出，需要获得更多有关生物塑料如何分解以及其对生态系统和人类健康的实际影响的信息[1]。
A laboratory in Woburn, Massachusetts, has demonstrated a bioplastic technology that produces items like forks and films from fermented sugar, which can decompose in home composting systems and avoid the harmful microplastics shed by conventional plastics.[1] Traditional plastic products persist for decades or even centuries, gradually breaking down into damaging microplastics.[1] In contrast, a 64-week study found that many biodegradable materials had already decomposed or developed cracks, while fossil fuel-based plastics remained intact.[1]
Bioplastics currently account for only about 0.5 percent of the more than 400 million metric tons of plastic produced globally each year.[1] Production is expected to double by 2030,[1] with China, Sweden, and the United States serving as major exporters of natural polymers.[1] CJ Biomaterials has operated a manufacturing facility in Pasuruan, Indonesia, producing PHA polymers since 2022.[1] However, the sector faces obstacles including high costs and insufficient composting infrastructure.[1]
Erin Simon, vice president of the World Wildlife Fund, stated that bio-based plastics could reduce global dependence on fossil fuels.[1] Senator Jeff Merkley has called for more information on how bioplastics decompose and their effects on ecosystems and human health.[1]