Plastics : Biodegradable Plastic versus traditional plastic

Biodegradable plastics require different manufacturing conditions than regular plastics because they break down naturally, making them more sensitive to heat, moisture, and processing time.

Key processing differences:

Temperature control:

• Traditional plastics: can handle high heat (200-300°C)
• Biodegradable plastics: need lower temperatures (120-180°C)
• Reason: high heat breaks down the biodegradable structure too early
• Impact: slower processing, modified equipment settings
• Solution: precise temperature monitoring, gradual heating

Moisture management:

• Traditional plastics: generally moisture-tolerant
• Biodegradable plastics: extremely moisture-sensitive
• Reason: water triggers the biodegradation process prematurely
• Impact: must be thoroughly dried before processing
• Solution: special drying chambers, moisture meters, sealed storage

Processing speed:

• Traditional plastics: can process quickly
• Biodegradable plastics: need slower processing
• Reason: rapid processing can degrade the material structure
• Impact: longer production times, reduced throughput
• Solution: adjusted machine speeds, extended cycle times

Chemical compatibility:

• Traditional plastics: compatible with standard additives
• Biodegradable plastics: limited additive options
• Reason: many chemicals interfere with biodegradation
• Impact: restricted colorants, stabilizers, and processing aids
• Solution: specialized bio-compatible additives

Storage and handling:

• Traditional plastics: long shelf life
• Biodegradable plastics: limited storage time
• Reason: begins degrading over time, even in storage
• Impact: just-in-time delivery, climate-controlled storage
• Solution: temperature and humidity control, inventory rotation

Inventory rotation: is the practice of using older stock first before newer stock to prevent items from expiring, spoiling, or becoming obsolete.

Equipment modifications:

• Traditional plastics: standard machinery
• Biodegradable plastics: modified equipment needed
• Reason: different melting properties and sensitivities
• Impact: equipment upgrades, specialized tooling
• Solution: lower-temperature processing zones, gentle mixing

Processing challenges:

• Quality control: more frequent testing needed
• Consistency: harder to maintain uniform properties
• Contamination: cannot mix with regular plastics
• Training: workers need specialized knowledge

Biodegradable plastics require gentler, more controlled processing conditions, specialized equipment, and careful handling throughout the whole manufacturing process.