In recent years, as the importance of bioplastics has increased, some startups claim to offer eco-friendly solutions by mixing waste with plastics at low ratios. However, such approaches may not be as sustainable as they seem. Low bio-based content ratios often increase environmental harm due to additional production processes, rather than significantly reducing the carbon footprint.
Companies using these products in the industry may not have sufficient knowledge to ask the right questions. That’s why I write these articles. Welcome to Chapter 2! 🙂
Mixing plastics with waste at low ratios may still enable production because the dominant structure of petroleum-based plastic remains intact, but this does not make them bioplastics.
Moreover, these materials do not significantly reduce carbon emissions; on the contrary, producing such materials can consume more energy and resources. Additionally, low bio-based content creates materials that are difficult to separate in recycling systems, reducing recycling efficiency, which leads to more waste being sent directly to landfills. This situation, contrary to sustainability claims, increases ecological burden instead of providing environmental benefits.
According to scientific data, for bio-based materials to contribute to the environment, they need to have higher biological content. This ensures that bio-based content is suitable for industrial use and recyclable, offering a solution that enhances energy and resource efficiency.
Furthermore, the use of these low bio-based content materials may create a false perception among consumers about bioplastics. Ignoring the real potential and environmental benefits of bioplastics makes transitioning to more sustainable alternatives difficult. Truly sustainable bio-based materials have much greater potential to reduce environmental impact.
Falling into this misconception can be very dangerous for companies. To avoid this mistake, it’s crucial not to overlook the need to question the following certifications. Otherwise, all processes can be manipulated, and you may inadvertently engage in greenwashing.
Waste Management and Bioplastic Production in Turkey
Bioplastic producers in Turkey are required to comply with the regulations and standards published by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization while managing waste collection and recycling processes. Environmental permits and production licenses are also of great importance in Turkey’s bioplastic production process. Ask these companies for an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and a Production License.
TÜV Biobased Certification
The TÜV Austria Biobased certification is an important document that verifies the bio-based content ratio and whether the materials are derived from biological sources. However, it is not sufficient on its own. Instead, ISCC+ would provide a more comprehensive and transparent declaration.
ISCC PLUS Certification
The ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) is another important certification that verifies the sustainability of materials produced from biological and renewable sources. ISCC PLUS audits compliance with environmental and social sustainability criteria in the production processes of agricultural and industrial raw materials, including bioplastics. This certification is critical for products produced according to sustainability standards to be recognized and preferred in global markets. Companies operating in Turkey can document that their production processes are not only environmentally friendly but also adhere to social responsibility principles with the ISCC PLUS certification. The certification proves that companies meet sustainability criteria in their supply chain and reduce their carbon footprint.
FOOD CONTACT SUBSTANCE REPORT (EU) AND FDA (USA)
Additionally, the Food Contact Substance (FCS) Notification report is critical, particularly regarding the safety of food packaging and materials that come into contact with food. This report ensures that any new material, such as biopolymers, that may come into contact with food is reviewed and approved by the FDA.
PM Biomaterials’ approach in this field is a model that aims to offer genuinely sustainable solutions in the bioplastics sector. With a 60% bio-based content ratio, we not only reduce the carbon footprint but also produce high-performance materials that comply with industrial standards. Through international certifications like TÜV Biobased and ISCC PLUS, we transparently prove the bio-based content and environmental sustainability of our products. FDA and FCS certifications also reinforce the reliability of our production for food-contact products. PM Biomaterials stands out in the sector by focusing on developing truly sustainable and environmentally friendly products without engaging in greenwashing through low bio-based content solutions.
I will talk more about us in the next article. See you in Chapter 3!
