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Case Study

The document compares biodegradable polymers to synthetic polymers and plastics. It discusses how biodegradable polymers like PLA are derived from renewable resources and break down naturally, while plastics persist for centuries and pollute the environment. A case study of shopping bags made from different materials is provided to highlight the environmental impacts.

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27 views4 pages

Case Study

The document compares biodegradable polymers to synthetic polymers and plastics. It discusses how biodegradable polymers like PLA are derived from renewable resources and break down naturally, while plastics persist for centuries and pollute the environment. A case study of shopping bags made from different materials is provided to highlight the environmental impacts.

Uploaded by

dhanushoneplus00
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CASESTUDY

Name: J. Sathwik
Roll-no: 22841A6656
Section: CSM 1A
Topic: Natural polymers are biodegradable,
but synthetic polymers and plastics are not
prone to
biodegradation and cause pollution of the
environment. Give a detailed case study on
biodegradable polymers by comparing with
plastics and synthetic polymers.
Biodegradable vs. Synthetic Polymers

Introduction:
Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating subunits called
monomers. They can be found in both natural and synthetic forms.
Natural polymers, such as cellulose and starch, are derived from
renewable resources and are biodegradable, meaning they can be
broken down by natural processes. On the other hand, synthetic
polymers and plastics, like polyethylene and polypropylene, are
typically derived from petrochemicals and are not easily biodegradable,
leading to environmental pollution.

Biodegradable Polymers:
Biodegradable polymers are designed to break down into natural
compounds through enzymatic degradation. For example, polylactic
acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer derived from cornstarch. It is
commonly used in packaging materials and disposable cutlery. When
disposed of in the environment, microorganisms can break down PLA
into carbon dioxide and water over a period of months to years,
minimizing its impact on the environment.

Plastics and Synthetic Polymers:


Traditional plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene are synthetic
polymers derived from fossil fuels. They are highly durable and resistant
to degradation, leading to their accumulation in landfills, oceans, and
other environments. These materials can persist for hundreds of years,
causing harm to wildlife, marine ecosystems, and the overall
environment.

Case Study Comparison:


Let's take the example of single-use shopping bags:

Biodegradable Polymer Bag: A biodegradable shopping bag made from a


polymer like PLA will break down relatively quickly when exposed to the
environment. It can be composted at industrial facilities or through
home composting, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Traditional Plastic Bag: A plastic shopping bag made from polyethylene will
not biodegrade and can persist in the environment for centuries. It
poses a threat to wildlife, as animals can ingest or become entangled in
these bags, leading to detrimental effects on ecosystems.

Synthetic Polymer Bag: Some synthetic polymers, like oxo-degradable


plastics, are designed to fragment into smaller pieces when exposed to
sunlight or heat. However, these fragments often remain in the
environment for a long time and can still cause harm to wildlife and
ecosystems.

Environmental Impact:

The case study highlights the stark contrast between biodegradable


polymers and traditional plastics/synthetic polymers. Biodegradable
polymers offer a more sustainable option as they reduce the
accumulation of persistent waste and contribute to a cleaner
environment. However, it's important to note that even biodegradable
plastics may not fully degrade under certain conditions, and their
production can still have environmental consequences.

Conclusion:
The case study underscores the importance of transitioning towards
biodegradable polymers and reducing our reliance on synthetic
polymers and plastics. While biodegradable options offer a better
alternative, addressing plastic pollution requires a comprehensive
approach involving reduced consumption, improved waste
management, and the development of innovative materials that align
with environmental sustainability goals.

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