At Bayside Soapworks, we're excited to introduce Biolefin as the new shrinkwrap for our soap bars and other bath and body products. Biolefin is a biodegradable and compostable shrink wrap that aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability. This eco-friendly packaging not only protects our products but also helps reduce plastic waste.
Here's more info about Biolefin:
The Future of Plastic: Biolefin™ - A Game Changer in Biodegradable Plastics
Plastics have undeniably revolutionized our world, from preserving food to creating medical supplies. But the downside is equally significant: traditional plastics take hundreds of years to degrade, causing extensive environmental harm. What if there was a plastic that broke down into plant food and biomass within 2-3 years instead of the usual 40-50 years? Enter Biolefin™.
The Environmental Impact of Traditional Plastics (and more)
Traditional plastics are notorious for their longevity. They persist in the environment for centuries, breaking down into harmful microplastics that pollute oceans, rivers, and soils. These microplastics are ingested by marine life and enter the food chain, posing significant health risks to animals and humans alike.
Did you know? :
Source: NOAA
The Advent of Biolefin™
Imagine a plastic that biodegrades completely in just a few years and turns into harmless plant food. Biolefin™ is designed to do just that. This revolutionary material offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, breaking down safely and efficiently without leaving behind toxic residues.
What is Biolefin™?
At its core, Biolefin™ is still plastic, made from a combination of polypropylene (30-45%), polyethylene (50-65%), and other additives (5%). These base materials are derived from the petrochemical industry, similar to many common household plastics. However, what sets Biolefin™ apart is its unique additive, Reverte™. What exactly is Reverte™?
The Sorcery Behind Reverte™
Reverte™ is the key to Biolefin's biodegradability. This additive enables the plastic to break down into smaller, non-toxic components that can be assimilated by microorganisms in the environment. Unlike traditional plastics that degrade into harmful microplastics, Biolefin™ converts into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, posing no threat to the ecosystem.
Understanding Oxo-Biodegradability
Oxo-biodegradable plastics like Biolefin™ break down through exposure to natural environmental factors such as UV radiation, soil acidity, and temperature. This process mimics the natural decomposition of organic materials. Essentially, Biolefin™ degrades in the same way as a leaf falling to the ground, making it a truly environmentally friendly option.
Photo-Reactivity of Biolefin™
Biolefin™ is also photo-reactive, meaning it only begins to degrade when exposed to sunlight. This feature ensures that the plastic remains stable during its shelf life but starts breaking down once discarded and exposed to outdoor conditions. This controlled degradation is crucial for practical use, allowing Biolefin™ to be as functional as conventional plastics while being significantly more eco-friendly.
The Science Behind Biolefin™
Normal plastics are composed of long polymer chains that are resistant to microbial attack. Reverte™ breaks these chains into shorter lengths, making them accessible to bacteria, fungi, and algae. This process transforms the plastic into biomass, water, and carbon dioxide, elements that can be naturally assimilated back into the environment.
Biolefin™ and Industrial Composting
Biolefin™ is compostable in industrial composting facilities. While it can also degrade in a backyard composting setup, the process is slower compared to organic waste. Nevertheless, it decomposes far quicker than conventional plastics, breaking down within 2-3 years instead of several decades.
Safety of Biolefin™ Biodegradation
One of the significant advantages of Biolefin™ is that it does not degrade into microplastics. Instead, it breaks down into non-toxic components that are safe for the environment. This aspect is critical in reducing the long-term ecological footprint of plastic waste.
The Time Frame for Biolefin™ Degradation
The exact time frame for Biolefin™ to degrade depends on various environmental factors such as heat, sunlight, and microbial activity. Generally, it biodegrades within 2-3 years, aligning with the decomposition rates of natural materials and offering a practical solution for plastic pollution.
The Drawbacks of Biolefin™
While Biolefin™ is a significant advancement, it still relies on petrochemical-based polymers, which are not ideal. The ultimate goal is to develop plastics from renewable plant-based materials that biodegrade effectively and safely. However, current plant-based plastics often require specialized recycling facilities and additives, making them less practical than Biolefin™.
The Role of Biolefin™ in Reducing Plastic Pollution
Biolefin™ presents a promising solution to the global plastic pollution crisis. By adopting such biodegradable alternatives, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. It offers a pathway to a cleaner future without compromising the utility and convenience of plastics.
To Summarize
Plastics are an integral part of modern life, but their environmental impact cannot be ignored. Biolefin™ offers a groundbreaking solution, combining the practicality of traditional plastics with the environmental benefits of biodegradability. By transitioning to Biolefin™ and other sustainable alternatives, we can work towards a future where plastic pollution is a thing of the past. Let's embrace this innovation and make a positive impact on our planet. We are constantly looking for ways to reduce not only our carbon footprint, but for compostable packaging, recyclable packaging and more!
You may have noticed... we recently went from aluminum bottles for our body powder to paper tubes..recycle and compost. Our soaking salts also now come in a compostable bag as well! Let us know if you'd like more info.
