Researchers cite the importance of institutions such as ABNT, Inmetro and ISO to characterize biopolymers and avoid greenwashing
A review of the literature on bioplastics, combined with the analysis of European and Brazilian legislation, reveals that the lack of global standardization has hampered the adoption of sustainable solutions and contributed to the greenwashing –marketing practice that deceptively promotes products as being environmentally friendly. Article in the journal Sustainability says that intermediary institutions – such as ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards) and Inmetro (National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology), in Brazil, or ISO (International Organization for Standardization), on the international scene – should play a role central to the standardization of this market.
The work, carried out by an interdisciplinary group composed of professors and researchers from USP (University of São Paulo) and UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), from the areas of food engineering, chemical engineering, economics and law, members of , received support from Fapesp through 2 projects ( and ).
“We investigated how intermediary institutions can create clear global definitions for bioplastics, protecting consumers from greenwashing and contributing to the transition towards a circular economy, in which waste is transformed into resources. Our study highlights the role of these institutions in translating macro-institutional rules, establishing technical standards and monitoring their compliance”says , professor at the Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering at the University of São Paulo (FZEA-USP), on the Pirassununga (SP) campus, and 1st author of the article.
According to , also a professor at FZEA-USP and co-author of the article, there is today a conceptual confusion between terms such as “bioplastic”, “bio-based” [baseado em biomassa, segundo a International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry – Iupac], “biodegradable” e “compostable”. A plastic can be of biological origin or bio-based, but not necessarily biodegradable and/or compostable. As examples, she cites non-biodegradable materials of biological or bio-based origin that are chemically identical to products of fossil origin, such as polyethylene (PE), produced from sugar cane ethanol, and terephthalate. bio-based polyethylene (PET), produced from corn starch.
“When associating the prefix ‘bio’ with a material, consumers may think they are buying something that degrades quickly under natural conditions and does not cause any impact on the environment. You can believe that the behavior of this material is different from that which occurs in the slow degradation processes of materials from petroleum derivatives, which take decades, and are known to generate microplastics. However, a material obtained from a renewable source may also require specific conditions for degradation.”he states.
An example she mentioned is polylactic acid (PLA), produced from corn starch or sugar cane. This material is considered biodegradable, as it is compostable according to ISO standards. However, it does not degrade successfully in the natural environment through the action of microorganisms and at room temperature. In industrial conditions, it takes 6 to 9 weeks, and in the ocean it can take 1 and a half years. It is mainly used in the food industry to produce disposables such as cups, cutlery, plates, trays and food containers.
“There are materials of biological origin or renewable sources that require high temperatures to degrade or require specific treatments in compost bins or municipal digesters, or even in specific landfills, under defined and tested conditions. On the other hand, there are also materials from fossil origins that are biodegradable, such as poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAT). Several products based on PBAT find application in bags, garbage bags, cutlery and covering film, among other possibilities”says Freire.
The researcher states that it is also necessary to consider that scientific studies raise questions about the production of microplastics in the degradation processes of biodegradable materials. And it must also be taken into account that, in addition to the formation of microplastics, decomposition in composting produces methane gas, contributing to global warming.
As technological knowledge advances, it becomes evident the great diversity of final products obtained by the combination of different biopolymers, which, associated with other bio-based polymers or not and other substances (additives), allow for a varied range of industrial applications. . From this perspective, scientific studies that seek to understand and evaluate the degradation mechanisms of these compositions are also advancing, considering that different combinations of materials can present different decomposition behaviors, whether in a controlled or natural environment.
“Furthermore, it is necessary to know the environmental impacts caused by the set of substances that correspond to the waste formed in the degradation process. These challenges are pieces of a big puzzle that do not yet form a well-defined picture. Meso-institutions can make an important contribution to putting these pieces together, constituting a bridge between macro and micro-institutions involved in the world of bioplastics.”says Silva.
Given the scope and complexity of the topic, in addition to understanding the real impacts caused to the environment, we must seek to unify language and understanding among experts and researchers – essential steps towards more concrete actions related to the health of the planet, the care of climatic demands and the reduction of species extinction, urgent environmental problems of today. The lack of precise and clear definitions generates misunderstanding and creates great difficulties for those who are producing, selling and using these materials. And the situation is worsened by the lack of regulatory harmony, which prevents the adoption, on a global scale, of truly sustainable solutions.
“One of the biggest problems is that there is no consensus on what characterizes a bioplastic. In the European Union, for example, there is no official definition. And, without this definition, it is difficult for companies to act in a transparent manner”says Vitor de Batista, master from the Faculty of Law of Ribeirão Preto (FDRP-USP) and co-author of the article. He says the absence of clear standards not only causes confusion in the market, but also prevents sustainable innovations from receiving the regulatory support they need to thrive.
According to the researchers, intermediary institutions are responsible for establishing these norms, with nationally and internationally agreed standards and parameters. “The role of these institutions is to translate macro-institutional legislation into applicable technical standards. And monitor compliance”assesses Freire.
The article also suggests that technological solutions for developing new materials need to be aligned with public awareness efforts. “Environmental education is crucial in this process. It is a fallacy to believe that we can have a completely plastic-free food system. But we can and must reduce the excessive consumption of plastics, many of which have become popular without a real need.”says Silva.
For an effective communication process between science and society, it is crucial to harmonize definitions so that a single, unambiguous language can be constructed that enables the market and educators to disseminate knowledge with one voice.
Part of the group of researchers involved in reviewing the literature on bioplastics is currently collaborating on another work front: Science Center for the Development of Solutions for Post-Consumer Waste: Packaging and Products (). Supported by FAPESP, the center is led by the (Institute of Food Technology) and is based on the “triple helix” model, in which the government, research institutes and universities and companies collaborate in the search for socially relevant solutions.
The article Bioplastics and the Role of Institutions in the Design of Sustainable Post-Consumer Solutions can be accessed.
