Bioplastics are insufficiently defined, poorly regulated, and potentially toxic: Study

A report from Beyond Plastics reveals that the lack of federal regulations and clear definitions for bioplastics makes it difficult to assess their safety compared to traditional plastics. Since 1950, 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced, with only 9% recycled. Bioplastics, made from renewable biomass or biodegradable materials, are seen as a potential solution, with their market projected to grow from $7.41 billion in 2024 to nearly $57 billion by 2032. However, concerns include harmful chemicals in bioplastics, lack of regulatory oversight, and potential conflicts of interest in certifications. The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) faces scrutiny for possible ties to the petrochemical industry. Consumers need to know the sources of bioplastic materials and their end-of-life processes, as terms like "compostable" and "biodegradable" are often misused. Beyond Plastics advocates for including bioplastics in the FTC's Green Guides to improve marketing and terminology standards.