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« CAN PLASTIC BE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?
Scientific research project
Completed by a student
9b class MAOU SOSH№ 2
municipality
city of Ust-Labinsk
Cherskova
Anastasia Alexandrovna
Scientific adviser:
biology teacher
MAOU SOSH№ 2
Evening Lyudmila Ivanovna
Ust-Labinsk 2015
Can plastic be environmentally friendly?
1. Abstract.
The topic of using environmentally friendly materials is very relevant in our
days. The paper outlines ways to obtain environmentally friendly plastic.
Goals:
Find out if you can create eco-friendly plastics at home..
Find out how they behave in the soil.
Make sure that the technology I propose is environmentally friendly environment
Tasks:
Make plastics at home
Get from it products in the form of buttons.
Check their action in the soil.
2. Research plan:
Can you make eco-friendly plastic at home?
Hypothesis:
You can make environmentally friendly plastic at home.
1. Search for material about biodegradable plastics on the Internet and in the library
2.Practical work.
3. Observation.
4. Analysis of the obtained results.
Relevance: .
"We have become a civilization of disposable tableware" Jacques-Yves Cousteau
More than forty years ago, mankind invented the plastic material. Nowadays, millions of tons of plastic products are produced and thrown away every year.. And every year plastic waste is growing by 20%. The problem of garbage, its disposal, storage and processing is extremely acute ... The huge amount of garbage in human recreation areas made me think about the question of whether it is possible to create environmentally pure plastic?
3. Table of contents.
1. Abstract………………………………….. 1 page
2. Research plan………………………..2 p.
3. Table of contents………………………………….3 p.
4..Main part……………………………...4-9p.
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Beware of plastic!
4.3 Biodegradable plastic.
4.4 Application of plastic from halite in production.
5. Practical part………………………...10-17p.
6. Conclusion ………………………………….18p.
7.Conclusions…………………………………………………….
8. List of literature…………………………20p.
9.Appendix…………………………………21-29p.
4.Main part.
4.1 Introduction.
One of the most serious environmental problems today is the fight against plastic waste. Indeed, every year on our planet, 2.5 million tons of plastic bottles based on a substance such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are sent to scrap. And, most importantly, it is still completely incomprehensible what to do with such waste, because the miraculous microorganism that could destroy all this garbage with the release of thermal energy, scientists still cannot bring out. Well, just burning such plastic is quite dangerous, because when it burns, extremely toxic substances are released into the atmosphere. I learned that scientists from many countries are working on the creation of new biodegradable plastics.
They will be based on natural materials, which, when released into the soil, will turn into fertilizer for plants. I was very interested in this topic, and I set myself the following
Goals:
1.Find out if you can create eco-friendly plastics at home..
2. Make sure that the technology I propose is harmless to the environment.
Tasks:
1.Get plastic at home
2. Make products in the form of buttons from bliss. and plates
3. Investigate the behavior of household plastics in the soil.
4. Analyze the received material.
4.2 Beware of plastics. Take a look around in your office, kitchen or bedroom, plastic is all around us. Our food packaging, clothing, computers, Cell phones, stationery and even toys
baby - it's ALL made of plastic! In everyday life, we do not even think about how these plastic products affect our health, the health of our children and the environment.
Some types of plastics are a direct threat to our health. So, in the production of polycarbonate, from which some of our dishes are made, Bisphenol A is used, which, according to Western scientists, causes hormonal disorders, which ultimately leads to obesity, infertility, early puberty, and significantly increases the likelihood of developing cancer. On some plastic products, you can see a triangle, the walls of which form arrows. A number is placed in the center of such a triangle. This designation divides all plastics into seven groups in order to facilitate the process of further processing.
In everyday life, by this icon, you can determine for what purposes you can use a plastic product, and in which cases you can refuse to use this product at all
Various soft drinks (juices, water), sunflower oil, ketchups, mayonnaise, cosmetics are poured into bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate.
Advantages of plastic:
cheapness, durability, safety.
Disadvantages of plastic:
low barrier properties (ultraviolet and oxygen easily penetrate into the bottle; carbon dioxide contained in soft drinks also seeps through the walls relatively easily).
Officially, polyethylene terephthalate bottles are considered safe for health. However, doctors do not recommend reusing bottles, because in everyday life it is difficult to rinse them cleanly enough to "get rid" of all microorganisms.
Made of polyethylene high density bottles for shampoos, cosmetics and detergents, canisters for motor oils, disposable tableware,
containers and containers for foodstuffs, containers for freezing food, toys, various caps, caps for bottles and vials, durable household
bags, packing bags and boxes.
Advantages of plastic:
low cost, safety, strength, ease of processing, resistance to oils, acids, alkalis and other aggressive media.
Hazard to health and the environment:
Despite the fact that products are considered safe for human health, there are a number of myths according to which hexane and benzene can get into the liquid from the container walls. So far, these are only myths that do not have scientific confirmation.
Polyvinyl chloride, aka PVC, vinyl is used for the manufacture of linoleum, window profiles, furniture edges, packaging of household appliances, artificial leather, films for stretch ceilings, siding, pipes, shower curtains, ring binders, cheese and meat wrappers, cooking oil bottles, and some toys.
Advantages of plastic:
resistance to acids, alkalis, solvents and oils, gasoline, kerosene, good dielectric, does not burn.
Disadvantages of plastic:
small operating temperature range from -15°С to +65°С, difficulty in processing, toxicity.
Hazard to health and the environment:
itthe most poisonous and dangerous
for health kind of plastics. When polyvinyl chloride is burned, highly toxic organochlorine compounds are formed; after 10 years of service, products made from PVC begin to release toxic organochlorine compounds into the environment on their own. The most unpleasant thing is that to give greater flexibility, PVC continues to be used in the manufacture of children's toys. There is information that polyvinyl chloride enters the human bloodstream and causes hormonal disorders, leading to early puberty and infertility.
Various packaging materials, bags for supermarkets, CDs, DVDs are made from low-density polyethylene.
Hazard to health and the environment:
officially considered harmless, despite the fact that the production of LDPE uses butane, benzene and vinyl acetate that are potentially hazardous to health.
Buckets, dishes for hot dishes, disposable syringes, bags for sugar, containers for freezing food, caps for most bottles, oilers, packaging of some food products are made from polypropylene, and is used in construction for noise insulation. Many home appliance manufacturers are using polypropylene to manufacture their product packaging, ditching the poisonous polyvinyl chloride.
Advantages of plastic:
heat resistance (melting point 175°C), resistant to wear; more heat resistant than polyethylene.
Disadvantages of plastic:
sensitive to light and oxygen, ages faster than polyethylene; less frost-resistant than polyethylene.
Hazard to health and the environment:
It is believed that polypropylene is safe for health.
Polystyrene is used to make disposable tableware, food containers, yogurt cups, children's toys, heat-insulating boards, sandwich panels, ceiling moldings, decorative ceiling tiles, food packaging trays in supermarkets (meat, various nuts, etc.), packaging egg cartons.
Hazard to health and the environment:
Previously, the production of polystyrene was associated with the release of trichlorofluoromethane (freon), which destroyed the ozone layer of the Earth. Polystyrene is produced by the polymerization of styrene, which is carcinogenic.
This group includes other types of plastics, so their use in everyday life may be hazardous to your health. So from
which some food utensils and bottles are made, may release , which can cause various hormonal disorders in the human body (early puberty, obesity, cancer,). However, this group may also include environmentally friendly types of plastics that biodegrade in the environment with the participation of microorganisms.
It seems to me that: if possible, plastic utensils should be abandoned in favor of wooden, glass, porcelain, metal (instead of a plastic cutting board, you can use a wooden, plastic bottle on a hike can be replaced with a metal flask).
Some manufacturers are already producing reusable stainless steel bottles instead of plastic bottles.
4.3Biodegradable plastics . A number of companies have already begun to produce biodegradable plastic packaging from imported raw materials. Biodegradable plastic is plastic that, being a nutrient medium, is absorbed by microorganisms and converted into compounds such as CO2, water and biomass. Components such as water, CO2, biomass, without polluting environment. Biodegradable plastics, when recycled along with organic waste, follow a natural cycle, just like fallen tree leaves. If biodegradable plastics end up in modern landfills, then the natural cycle, due to the isolation of the landfill directly from the soil, and, consequently, from contact with nature, is violated. Some biodegradable plastics are produced from renewable resources, such as starch, which, by participating in the natural cycle (“from nature to nature”), has a minimal impact on the environment and is a near-ideal option for “environmentally sustainable” use of resources. Biodegradable plastics only undergo optimal degradation under industrial organic waste processing conditions. In nature, this process occurs much more slowly. Waste left directly in nature pollutes the environment and is harmful to animals, just like non-biodegradable plastics. the action of two factors: abiotic (“non-living”, i.e. ultraviolet radiation, water, heat) and biotic (“living”, i.e. through microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae). At the first stage, the material is split into parts, which are then absorbed by microorganisms at the second stage.
4.4 Application of plastic from halalite
Also in Soviet time there was a production of buttons from galalit - a special type of plastic, which was obtained by mixing casein milk protein and formaldehyde. The technologies used made it possible to obtain material with a variety of artistic effects, which was well turned and polished. In addition to buttons for coats and other clothes, handles, combs and handles for walking sticks and umbrellas were made from Galalite. Galalite buttonsstainedin a variety of colors. The coloring could be one-color, and it turned out to be very thick, juicy and even. Multi-color variants of such clothing accessories could imitate amber, marble, gems, wood and other materials. When gallalite was treated with certain chemicals, the buttons became very similar to mother-of-pearl..
4.Practical part
1.Production of plastic.
The technology for the production of plastic at home is very simple and uncomplicated, therefore, anyone, even far from chemistry, can prepare galalite plastic. Galalite is well turned and polished. At one time, galalite was used to make fountain pens, buttons, combs, handles, handles for umbrellas and canes. The highest grades of galalite were used to imitate Ivory, amber and horns.
The main components of the recipe are milk and vinegar - also found in any kitchen. It will take a minimum of time to prepare a mass of plastic, about 10-15 minutes. It has the consistency of water cheese and can be shaped into desired shapes. After that, it must be left to harden for about two days. The finished product is quite durable. A thin sheet of such plastic is easy to break with your hands, but if you drop it on the floor, it will most likely remain intact. The greater the thickness of the sheet, the greater the load it can withstand. But from a strong blow with a hammer, of course, the product will break.
To prepare galalite we need:
1. Milk, skim is suitable.
2) Vinegar.
In addition, you may find it useful:
Waxed paper - it can be rolled out and formed into a mass
Aluminum foil - to shape products
Rolling pin–what would detail flat sheets
prepare the necessary materials for this.
Production technology
We take milk and vinegar in a ratio of 16:1, that is, somewhere around a teaspoon of vinegar to a glass of milk. One glass of milk will give us a piece of plastic about 5cm in diameter and 3mm thick. Boil milk, stirring regularly. We carefully monitor that it does not burn. The milk boils - remove it from the heat and add vinegar. You can immediately notice the appearance of particles of separated casein. Mix for about half a minute.
Then you need to slowly strain the liquid through cheesecloth, using two prepared cups. The gauze will retain the bulk of the casein particles. It is important to pour the liquid from vessel to vessel - casein residues can clog the sewer! We wring out the gauze so that the casein sticks together into one lump, and transfer it to wax paper.
Since there is still too much liquid in the mass, squeeze it out with paper napkins, gently pressing them to the mass. At this stage, the main thing is not to overdry the plastic.
So, the mass is ready! It should roll out easily, not crack or crumble. As already mentioned, its strength and drying time will depend on the thickness of the product. To preserve it from deformation, it is advisable to press down the plastic with a load during drying, placing a sheet of waxed paper. More complex shapes of the product are preferably fixed with foil.
When everything is ready, the plastic can be sanded and painted. That, in fact, is the whole technology for the production of galalite plastic!
2. Making buttons
Pour half a glass (120 ml) of cream into a ladle and heat it until it boils. I take the pot off the fire.
Add one teaspoon (5 ml) of vinegar to the cream and stir. Small flakes of cottage cheese are immediately formed, floating in a clear liquid. Instead of cream and vinegar, you can take half a glass of kefir - you just need to warm it up a little.
Before the formation of curd. I put two filters for a coffee maker on top (you can take two squares of gauze) and fix it with a rubber band.
Carefully pour the mixture from the ladle onto the filter. I transfer all the cottage cheese flakes to the filter with a spoon.
I leave the curd for 5 minutes to cool down. I remove the filter from the paper, wrap it around the curd and squeeze out the liquid.
I expand the filter. The cottage cheese turned out to be dense, but soft enough, just such that something can be molded from it.
On a piece of foil, I made several small buttons from cottage cheese. I put them on a paper towel and left to dry. After 24 hours, the pieces of cottage cheese turned into a solid yellowish material - a natural plastic.
3. Experiments with buttons.
Experience number 1. Behavior of buttons in soil
I let the buttons dry, and then set aside a few to transfer them to the soil.
She took the buttons and flower pots outside.
I poured earth into the pots to about half their height.
I put some curd buttons in the first pot and a regular button in the second pot.
I covered the buttons with soil. For a week I watered the potted soil every day and watched the buttons.
I compared the buttons I made and regular buttons by burying them in the soil.
The results of observations of the state of buttons in the soil
1 day
3 day
Day 5
Day 7
Halalite button
no changes
color changed
broke into 2 parts
broke into several pieces
regular button
no changes
without changes
without changes
without changes
Experience No. 2 Mechanical impact on the buttons of the washing machine.
In everyday life, we use buttons on clothes. I decided to check how the buttons I made would behave when washed.
I sewed my button to the fabric and put it in washing machine. Washed in delicate mode (30 degrees)
Number of washes
1 wash
2 wash
3wash
4wash
Button changes.
No changes observed
No changes observed
No changes observed
No changes observed
Conclusion: Homemade buttons are quite durable.
14 .
I understand that buttons do not so often fall into the soil, but more often soil contamination occurs with disposable tableware after people go out into nature. It is convenient to use disposable tableware for outdoor recreation, only the problem is that the environment is littered with this kind of dishes: it is not customary for many to take their own garbage with them. Some people burn plastic utensils, which is dangerous to health. Natural tableware will decompose in nature.
Therefore, I decided to make disposable plates from homemade Galalite and test them for durability.
Plate experience.
Experiment No. 1 What temperature of liquid can my plates withstand?
I poured cold water into the first plate, room temperature water into the second plate, and hot water into the third.
Conclusion: The plates I made do not differ in strength from ordinary disposable tableware, they have the same properties, given that plastic tableware melts from hot water.
Experience number 2. What is the strength of the plates?
I tested the soy plate for strength by hitting it on the floor. (She crashed)
Application
Ecoplastic preparation
1) Milk, skimmed is fine.
2) Vinegar.
3) Two cups, plastic spoon.
4) Gauze and a lot of paper napkins.
We take milk and vinegar in a ratio of 16:1, that is, somewhere around a teaspoon of vinegar to a glass of milk. One glass of milk will give us a piece of plastic about 5cm in diameter and 3mm thick.
Button after 1 wash
Button after 2 washes
After 3 washes
My disposable plates. 
Observation for the presence of bacteria with a mechanical microscope
Interest in new, environmentally friendly materials, intensified in recent decades expectedly had implications for plastics and synthetic resins as well. The concept of creating materials from natural materials of biological origin has firmly occupied the minds of inventors in this area.
21st century packaging
It should be clarified that the widely used term "bioplastics" is not a characteristic definition of one group of substances and may refer to polymers of various origins.
Thus, it is necessary to separate bio-based (bio-based) and biodegradable (biodegradable) plastics. If the first involves obtaining a monomer from natural raw materials, and then polymerizing the monomer into conventional plastics (PE, PA, PET, etc.), then for the second, the key aspect is the ability to quickly decompose plastic in the natural environment within a short time.
Example: Ethyl alcohol is obtained from biological raw materials, from which ethylene is produced. Polymerization of ethylene resulted in polyethylene (PE). Such PE can be classified as biobasic (because it was produced from natural raw materials), but the product is indistinguishable from petroleum-derived PE.
At the same time, polybutyl succinate (PBS), which is a biodegradable plastic, can be obtained from n-butane, which is a product of the C 4 fraction.
According to the European Institute of Bioplastics (Fig. 1), the global bioplastics production capacity is 4.16 million tons, which is less than 1% compared to the market for conventional plastics. Only 12% of this capacity is directly biodegradable plastics.
Rice. 1. Global bioplastic production capacity
In the structure of consumption of biodegradable plastics (Fig. 2) in the world, up to 75% is occupied by packaging. Other consumption sectors are: public catering and fast food - up to 9%, fibers and threads - 4%, medicine - 4% and agrochemistry - 2%.
Rice. 3. Structure of consumption of biodegradable plastics
So great importance packaging in the sector can be explained by the very idea of biodegradable plastics: to reduce the burden on the ecosystem from used packaging materials, which make up a significant part of the mass of household waste.
Unlike the vast majority of plastics, biodegradable polymers can be broken down in the environment by microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi. A polymer is generally considered biodegradable if its entire mass degrades in soil or water over a period of six months. In many cases, the breakdown products are carbon dioxide and water.
Biodegradable polymers were developed several decades ago, but their full-scale commercial application has been very slow. This was because they were, in general, more costly and less sustainable. physical properties than traditional plastics. In addition, there were not enough incentives for plastics manufacturers to include biodegradable materials in their products.
Thus, cellophane, a viscose-based biopolymer well-known to the Soviet consumer, fully corresponded to the concept of environmentally friendly materials that quickly decompose in nature, but was quickly replaced by BOPP films and films made from PE and lavsan due to their better mechanical characteristics and chemical resistance. Now they, in turn, will be replaced by a new generation of biodegradable polymers.
The development of biodegradable plastics has been significantly influenced by two factors:
- Legislative restrictions on the use of "regular" plastic packaging in a number of countries for a number of reasons.
- Development of technologies to reduce production costs and improve their mechanical properties
Market
World consumption biodegradable plastics is developing rapidly (Figure 3). The average annual growth is 27%. In the period from 2012 to 2016, consumption increased by 2.7 times. Consumption growth rates exceeded the rates previously predicted by a number of experts.
Rice. 3. World consumption of biodegradable plastics, thousand tons
Containers, films and foams made from biodegradable polymers are used to package meat, dairy products, baked goods, etc. Another most common use is in disposable bottles and cups for water, milk, juices and other beverages, plates, bowls and trays. Another market for such materials is the production of collection and composting bags. food waste, as well as packages for supermarkets. An emerging application for these polymers is the agricultural film market.
In the structure of biodegradable plastics (Fig. 4), the largest (up to 43%) place is occupied by polylactide (polylactic acid, PLA), being the most typical and widespread bioplastic, similar in properties to ABS plastics, polyethylene and polystyrene. Another common biodegradable plastic in this series is polybutyl succinate (PBS), an analogue of polypropylene, polybutyrate adipterephthalate (PBAT) - 18%, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), other polyhydroxyalconates - 11%.
Rice. 4. Structure and ratio of biodegradable plastics
The largest companies producing biodegradable plastics are in the USA: NatureWorks, in Europe - BASF, Novamont, in Japan Mitsubishi Chemicals.
To a large extent, the development of biodegradable plastics is facilitated by legislative restrictions on the use of packaging made from conventional plastics in a number of countries (see table).
Table. Legislative restrictions on the use of conventional plastic packaging
There is a fundamental possibility of obtaining highly processed products from natural raw materials. So, from wood chips, the cost of which is no more than $40 per 1 ton, it is possible to obtain a number of products, among which, in addition to xylose and lignin, there is glucose, which is a raw material for products of a higher processing stage, among which, in turn, ethyl alcohol, polyhydroxobutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyl alkonates (PHA). The product of lactic acid fermentation of glucose is lactic acid (the main use of lactic acid in the world is food industry: preservative and food additive E270. In 2016, the average price in Russia amounted to $1,851/t.), polymerization of which, for example, using the technology of Sulzer Chemtech Uhde Inventa-Fischer, produces polylactide (PLA). The average import price of polylactide (PLA) (TN VED code 3907700000) in 2016 was $9,500/t. The difference in these values - $40 and $9,500 per 1 ton is the commercial potential for the production of biodegradable plastics based on polylactide.
PLA Market
World consumption of polylactide is growing every year by an average of 20%. In 2012-2016 its consumption increased from 360.8 to 1,216.3 thousand tons/year.
In Russia, consumption is realized only by imported supplies of PLA. In 2016, PLA imports to Russia amounted to 261.5 tons, which is less than 0.003% of the global consumption of this product. Such a small share of Russian consumption of polylactide is explained by the lack of legislative initiatives on the part of the state (in the packaging segment), and the lack of high-tech industries that could meet the demand for PLA. There are reports (https://sdelanounas.ru/blogs/93795/) that PLA for medical purposes is produced at JSC VNIISV, Tver, but there is no information that the production is of commercial importance.
A significant point in the technology of production of PLA and products from it is the presence of stereoisomers in the lactic acid molecule (Fig. 5). The lactic acid molecule and its polymer can exist in two versions (L and D), which are mirror images of each other. 100% L-PLA has a crystalline structure, a distinct melting point and certain properties, while a mixture of isomers has an amorphous glassy structure. By varying the ratio of isomers, it is possible to achieve a wide range of properties in products, depending on the purpose.
Rice. 5. Optical isomers of lactic acid and properties of polylactide
Polybutyl succinate (PBS)
The next most important biodegradable plastic is polybutyl succinate, which is a product of polycondensation succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol (both n-butane derivatives). This biodegradable plastic can be produced from both biological raw materials and petroleum products. World consumption of PBS reached 456.5 thousand tons in 2016.
Rice. 6. Scheme for obtaining PBS
PBS is used in the production of packaging, film, tableware and medical products. Its other names are: Bionolle, GsPLA, etc.
Polybutyrate adipterephthalate (PBAT)
For biodegradable wrapping materials, polybutyrate adipterephthalate (PBAT) is used:
It is a random copolymer based on adipic acid, 1,4-butanediol and dimethyl phthalate. Its properties are similar to low-density polyethylene. Also known under the trademarks: Ecoflex, Wango, Ecoworld, etc.
Rice. 7. World consumption of PBAT
Polyhydroxyalconates (PHA)
In a broad sense, all of the above products belong to the class of polyhydroxyalconates with the general formula:
In a narrow sense, PHA refers to products with other substituents. A wide range of such compounds serves certain tasks.
MAIN CONCLUSIONS
- World consumption of biodegradable plastics reached 2.315 million tons in 2016, up to 75% of this volume falls on packaging.
- The main drivers of growth in the consumption of biodegradable plastics are legislative bans in a number of countries on the use of conventional plastics in packaging and demand from developing high-tech industries (medicine, cosmetology, etc.).
- The most important among biodegradable plastics isPLA. In 2016, its consumption amounted to 1.216 million tons. Russia accounts for less than 0.003% of this number. PricePLAin Russia in 2016 amounted to 9500 USD/t.
- ReceiptPLA, PBSand other biodegradable plastics, possibly both from biological raw materials and from petroleum products.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride material or just vinyl) is today the cheapest, and therefore the most common, type of plastic. PVC is mainly used in construction areas (building cladding, plastic windows, wall panels, pipes, etc.) and less than 20% of products made from this type of plastic are used in household and other areas of life. Moreover, in Russia this figure is almost 50%, while in Europe they try to refuse this type of plastic as much as possible. Why is this happening? After all, the advantages of PVC are obvious: cheapness, practicality, strength ...
In Europe, the name has long been fixed for PVC "poison plastic" (poison plastic). The harm of polyvinyl chloride for surrounding nature and human health is huge: it not only contains many dangerous components, but also releases poisonous gas when heated or burned.
Unfortunately the material polyvinyl chloride - a very common type of plastic. It can be found everywhere. This includes linoleum in the apartment, plastic windows, stretch ceilings, vinyl wallpaper, and plastic toys (from dental rings that kids put in their mouths to dolls), and different types packaging (bags, bottles, food containers).
When buying PVC products, you should remember:
To make polyvinyl chloride elastic, plasticizers are added to it, which, when entering the body, reduce its immune properties, and can also cause damage to the kidneys and liver, cause infertility and cancer. This is the main harm of PVC. In addition, PVC may contain other hazardous elements: chromium, cadmium, lead, etc.
The advantages of PVC are absolutely incomparable with the danger posed by burning polyvinyl chloride material. During combustion, up to 50 mg of harmful dioxins are formed from 1 kg of polyvinyl chloride. This amount is capable of causing cancerous tumors in about 50,000 small laboratory animals.
Safe technology PVC recycling, as well as the production of PVC products, does not exist. Polyvinyl chloride material is not recyclable, and the highly toxic dioxins released during the disposal of products made from this plastic spread over thousands of kilometers.
The production of PVC products carries no less danger to the environment. Harm plastic windows, for example, is that the production of one window produces 20 g of toxic waste. A complete apartment renovation using polyvinyl chloride generates about 1 kg of toxic waste.
How to identify PVC products?
In countries that monitor the environmental situation and give preference to safe materials, it is customary to mark the types of plastic - put an icon with a number surrounded by arrows. In Russia, the labeling of plastic products is not yet mandatory, which means that all plastic products have such a label, but it is also useful for us to know what this or that sign means.
1. PETE or PET (polyethylene terphthalate) - a type of plastic that is used in the manufacture of bottles, boxes, cans and other packaging for bottling water, juices and soft drinks. This material is also used in packaging for powders and bulk food products. Polyethylene terphthalate is one of the most common and safest types of plastic. In addition, it is highly recyclable.
2. HDPE or LDPE (high pressure polyethylene). This type of plastic is used in the manufacture of bags and mugs for water or milk, bottles for shampoos, bleaches, cleaners and detergents, canisters for machine oils. It is considered a safe type of plastic, lends itself well recycling and processing.
3. PVC or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) belongs to one of the most dangerous types of plastic. We are talking about him today. It is used for the packaging of washing liquids, the production of windows, pipes, wall and floor coverings, garden furniture, stretch ceiling films, oilcloths, blinds, bathroom screens, etc. Food containers and children's toys can also be made from it. However, the harm from PVC is quite large, because it contains heavy metals and plasticizers, which can cause damage to the kidneys and liver, infertility, oncological diseases. At the same time, it is difficult to process, and when burned, it releases into the air dangerous poisons– carcinogenic dioxides. If possible, it is better to abandon this type of plastic or reduce its use to a minimum.
4. LDPE or HDPE (low pressure polyethylene) - a type of plastic that is used to make plastic bottles and other flexible plastic packaging. Thanks to this material, we have plastic bags. This kind of polyethylene is also a safe plastic.
5. PP or PP (polypropylene) far from the most durable type of plastic, but absolutely harmless to the environment and human health. Polypropylene is mainly used for lids, discs, yogurt cups, syrup and ketchup bottles. This plastic is also used for the manufacture of children's products: toys, feeding bottles, etc.
6. PS or PS (polystyrene) - a type of plastic resulting from the polymerization of carcinogenic styrene. Hence its harmful action. And although polystyrene is often used to make dishes, cutlery, egg containers or meat trays, it is better to refuse such products.
7. OTHER or OTHER. This category includes polymers blends of various plastics not listed above. For example, polycarbonate dangerous view plastic, which, with frequent heating or washing, releases a substance that causes hormonal disorders in the human body. But harmless environmentally friendly plastics can also be marked with this figure.
Social and environmental activities have become a new trend in modern entrepreneurship today, in which business solves important issues for the improvement and development of cities, the search for alternative solutions in the field of energy and the use of resources. Here are some interesting foreign and domestic projects that help us look at business from a completely different angle.
Micromidas - biodegradable plastic
At the moment, only about 10% of plastic is recycled in the world. The most conscientious try to sort and, if possible, use plastic products as little as possible. Savvy entrepreneurs find more progressive solutions.
Micromidas is a California company that has invented an alternative to conventional plastic - their plastic is made from inexpensive and recyclable materials (used paper, agricultural residues and wood), and therefore decomposes much faster than usual. John Bissell, co-founder of Micromidas, was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list last year as the world's brightest entrepreneurial talent.
In addition, Micromidas has come up with a formula that uses bacteria to turn sewage waste into full-fledged plastic, which completely decomposes throughout the year. Thus, Micromidas immediately solve 2 problems:
1. Prevent pollution of the planet
2. Help clean sewage water by transforming human waste and turning it into material useful to mankind. 
In addition, the technology they use is much cheaper: the oil from which ordinary plastic is made needs to be pumped, and this is a rather costly process in financial and resource terms. At the same time, sewage waste is a more accessible material.
Biodegradable polymer flexible packaging is a rather specific and, alas, still relatively far from Russian realities market segment. Today, we either come across samples of biodegradable bags that are offered in supermarkets, or, sometimes without even knowing it, we buy biodegradable packaging from such giants of the food industry as Tetra Pak, Danone or PepsiCo.
The situation is better in the European and world markets, local analysts even make optimistic forecasts for the future, predicting that flexible packaging manufacturers will soon switch to biomaterials. However, there are still not very many practically interesting examples of the implementation of biotechnologies.
Waste packaging
As you know, the most common raw material for the manufacture of biodegradable polymer packaging is polylactic acid (PLA), which is extracted from either starch-containing (for example, wheat) or glucose-containing (today it is usually corn or sugarcane) plants. However, these same constituents can also be found in industrial waste from food production, which makes the process of obtaining such polymers much more economically efficient.
In the middle of April current year technology development center for the food industry based in Spain AINIA, in cooperation with the European Association of Fruit Juice Suppliers AIJN , officially presented the results of his work within the framework of the project PHBOTTLE.
The result of four years of work of researchers was a prototype eco-friendly packaging for juices, made from biodegradable PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) plastic, obtained from organic residues recovered from wastewater from manufacturing plants. Unique development - an integral part of the group's pioneering creative concept PHBOTTLE, working under the self-explanatory motto "savings through circulation".
Packaging prototype PHBOTTLE was obtained by transforming the organic residues present in wastewater (mainly sugars) into a biopolymer material. Such an outstanding result was achieved thanks to the latest advances in biotechnology and new possibilities of microencapsulation. He clearly demonstrated the importance of the organic waste of the juice industry in terms of their use as a raw material for the production of packaging for its own products.
Similar work has recently been carried out in order to create biodegradable packaging from industrial waste baking industry. Research carried out in the interests of two Spanish manufacturers of regular and sweet flour products - companies Panrico and Grupo Siro . The research team included representatives Spanish Agricultural Technology Center CETECE (Cereals Technology Centre), German Agricultural Engineering Institute (ATB) Center for Biocomposite Research at Bangor University in English Wales and the Spanish Technology Center AIMPLAS .
The first result of their activity was the production of polylactic acid (PLA) from the waste products of both companies: stale or stale bread, leftover sweet dough. The project ended with the introduction to the market of biodegradable PLA bags with good oxygen and moisture barrier properties, which are so necessary when packaging pastas and cakes, allowing them to be stored on store shelves up to 12 months.
Technology center based in Valencia, Spain AIMPLAS, which specializes in the development and research of new types of polymers, is currently cooperating with a plastic packaging manufacturer, the company BANDESUR , is working on another special project sponsored by the National Research Program Retos Collaboracion 2015.
Its main task is to develop innovative polymer food trays that are resistant to high-temperature processing in microwave ovens. It is planned to launch two varieties of them on the market: trays made of foamed polypropylene and completely biodegradable compostable trays made of foamed PLA biopolymer.
Management BANDESUR places great hopes on the project, which has been going on for two years, because it should provide the company with significant competitive advantages. The development of a new generation of food trays will allow it to expand into new geographic markets. Foam trays are much lighter than molded trays, greatly reducing shipping costs and making them easier to use. And, of course, the environmental benefits of biopolymer food trays need no further comment.
Eco-friendly packaging for sustainable products
One of the strongest marketing gimmicks of today's natural food vendors is the claims that their products come in equally safe, 100% recyclable packaging made from 100% renewable natural ingredients.
So, the European division of consumer goods of the company sonoco in collaboration with a French manufacturer of biodegradable plastics Vegemat - firm Vegerplast - launched Vegetop tubular cardboard containers for bulk products, the main feature of which is fully biodegradable plastic dispenser lids (shakers).
The result of the joint work was environmentally friendly biodegradable containers that meet the European standard environmental safety EN 13432. The essence of the requirements of the standard - the material must be 100% mineralized (composted) within six months as a result of the standard procedure industrial recycling(composting). Important condition- the resulting compostable mass must be suitable for use as a fertilizer for any type of seed crops.
Maintain such standards for your material to specialists Vegerplast succeeds due to the fact that the raw materials for its manufacture are natural renewable products - plants or cereals.
“In the end,” say representatives sonoco,“Our eco-friendly containers can be used absolutely safely for the storage of dietary food supplements, as well as cereals, flour, sugar, spices, dried fruits and other products that are used in doses in the cooking process.”
Company division Dow Chemica l, responsible for the development of packaging polymer materials (Packaging and Specialty Plastics Business), the North American Association of Manufacturers of Environmentally clean packaging SPC (Sustainable Packaging Coalition), as well as the company Accredo Packaging announced the completion of the joint development of environmentally friendly polymer packaging.
Such was the stable polymer bag with a wide bottom, designed to store the company's detergents. seventh Generation, specializing in the production of home care products, made, according to the supplier, exclusively from natural and environmentally friendly safe raw materials.
Launched on the market by specialists Accredo Packaging new packaging is made from developed Dow Chemica l special recyclable polyethylene, which at the same time guarantees the bags the required characteristics in terms of rigidity and strength, as well as good weldability of the seams.
Packages are delivered to the market under the program SPC for the disposal of raw materials called How2Recycle: each is labeled "Store Drop-Off" ("Leave it in the store"), the presence of which means that the consumer, having bought a plastic bag with a product, can then return it to the store for subsequent disposal. There are now more than 18,000 such stores in North America.
South African firm KiddieKix , a natural baby food manufacturer, used the company's NatureFlex biodegradable packaging film. Innovia Films for packing cereals and dried fruits. As the owner of the company says Alison McDowall , “Our task is to take care of the health of children, so that they consume only environmentally friendly products. To this end, we have tested many compostable materials, but NatureFlex film has proven to be the best of all in a number of ways.”
“First of all,” she continues, “the film meets all known standards - the American ASTM D6400 and the European EN13432, which define the requirements for biodegradable packaging. In addition, NatureFlex has excellent barrier properties against oils, fats, aggressive chemical compounds, and is characterized by high rates of aroma and gas impermeability. High-quality printing can also be applied to packaging made from this film.”
Another example of the application of NatureFlex film is the packaging of natural seaweed chips. Halo Seaweed, manufactured by the company Ocean's Halo . As the founder of the company noted Robert Mock , "we offer customers a natural product, the packaging of which should not only be reliable and convenient, but also environmentally friendly."
“To all these requirements,” noted Mock,- satisfies the film NatureFlex, which provided high barrier properties for oxygen, which can significantly increase the shelf life of the product on the store shelf. Equally important is its excellent moisture resistance, which ensures that our chips never lose their crunchiness.”
Over a year ago Tetra Pak introduced the world's first Tetra Rex Bio packaging made exclusively from renewable material to the market, and the company Valio started using this packaging for lactose-free semi-skimmed milk Eila. The new packaging uses biodegradable, sugar cane-derived, low-density polyethylene supplied by a Brazilian chemical company in the manufacture of the protective layers and neck of the new packaging. Braskem.
As for used in packages Tetra Pak cardboard, then, according to the manufacturer, it comes only from controlled and easily traceable sources certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - this logo is well known to every buyer of dairy products who has at least once carefully studied the information printed on the packages Tetra Pak.
The next step in the development of the market for environmentally friendly bags for Tetra Pak was the joint development of the company's specialists bio-on and scientists from the Finnish University of Technology from the city of Tampere - one of the world's largest research centers in the field of creating new grades of paper and plastic for food packaging. The result of the project launched in 2015 was the creation of the world's first containers Tetra Pak made from a combination of cardboard and an extruded overlay of Minery PHA biopolymer developed in bio-on.
In the course of research work, scientists from two laboratories replaced polyethylene, which was previously used in packaging to ensure its tightness, with bioplastic, which is applied in molten form to cardboard, completely preserving both the functionality of the package and the aesthetics of its perception. As the developers emphasize, the environmentally friendly material is completely made from renewable plant resources and is 100% biodegradable.
What is in Russia?
It cannot be said that the topic of biodegradable packaging is absolutely excluded from the portfolio of Russian production. A number of them have successfully mastered the production of bags from biodegradable films. Sometimes information is received about their own scientific developments.
One practical example is a company "Tico-Plastic" from Nizhny Novgorod, which produces bags of polyethylene with a special additive responsible for the biological decomposition of the polymer under the influence sun rays. The breakdown of such a package into vivo occurs over a period of one to three years. A more radical option is the use of a polymer made from natural biodegradable raw materials, the time of decomposition of which into carbon dioxide, water and biomass is much shorter.
As for scientific developments, last year, for example, scientists Tomsk Polytechnic University announced the creation of their own biopolymer from polylactic acid (PLA), which can be used in the manufacture of flexible packaging. The main source of polymer production is starch-containing and glucose-containing plants.
What are the prospects?
According to analysts, by 2018 the global production of bioplastics should grow from 1.7 million tons in 2014 to 7.8 million tons. The growth rates are predicted to be amazing. In addition to the environmental friendliness of manufactured products, including packaging, they are stimulated by the possibility of saving energy in the manufacture of biopolymers and reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere during their disposal.
When these advantages can be realized on the Russian food packaging market is a rhetorical question. In itself, the presence in our country of huge processing capacities, so often criticized by environmentalists, is non-renewable. natural resources for quite a long time will be a serious obstacle to attracting investments in costly, albeit economically promising, projects, both for the production of own biopolymers and for the production of packaging from them on a large industrial scale.
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