Tackling Plastic: Biomaterials Revolution

Each year, 8 million tons of plastic pollute the oceans, where microplastics are ingested by marine life, causing health issues, death, and long-term ecosystem harm due to decomposition taking 400–500 years. Additionally, plastic entanglement and habitat destruction threaten biodiversity, while toxins from contaminated seafood pose risks to human health.

The Plastic Problem

• 8 million tons of plastic pollute oceans each year.
• Microplastics ingested by marine life cause health issues and death.
• Plastic decomposition takes 400–500 years, harming ecosystems long-term.
• Entanglement and habitat destruction threaten biodiversity.
• Human health risks from seafood contaminated by toxins.

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Oil-based plastics suffer from being non-renewable, derived from finite fossil fuels, while their production and disposal release toxic chemicals and cause long-lasting environmental pollution that takes centuries to degrade. In contrast, bio-based materials offer benefits as renewable options from plants like corn or sugarcane, providing safer, non-toxic, biodegradable alternatives that naturally decompose and reduce waste and pollution.

Why New Materials Matter

| • Non-renewable: Derived from finite fossil fuels, contributing to resource depletion.

• Toxic production: Releases harmful chemicals during manufacturing and disposal.
• Environmental harm: Persistent pollution, taking centuries to break down. | • Renewable sources: Made from plants like corn or sugarcane, sustainably grown.
• Safer for health: Biodegradable and non-toxic, reducing chemical exposure.
• Eco-friendly end-life: Naturally decompose, minimizing waste and pollution. |

Biomaterials offer a sustainable alternative derived from renewable plant sources like corn and sugarcane, fully biodegradable to break down naturally without harming humans or ecosystems. They promote a circular lifecycle by reducing dependence on non-renewable petroleum-based materials.

Biomaterials – The Sustainable Solution

• Derived from renewable plant sources like corn and sugarcane
• Fully biodegradable, breaking down naturally without harm
• Safe for human use and environmental ecosystems
• Support circular lifecycle through renewability
• Reduce reliance on non-renewable petroleum-based materials

Source: Derived from plants; Fully biodegradable; Safe for humans and environment. Images: Corn, sugarcane, plant fibers. Circular lifecycle diagram on renewables and biodegradability. Icons: Renewable, biodegradable, human-safe.

The slide highlights the booming biomaterials sector, projecting a 15% CAGR for the global market through 2025 and a $20 billion rise in sustainability-driven business value. It also notes strong consumer trends, including a 50% increase in compostable packaging adoption by 2030 and a 70% surge in worldwide demand for eco-products.

From Bio Bags to Business Opportunities

• 15%: CAGR to 2025

Global biomaterials market growth

• 50%: Rise in Compostable Packaging

Adoption by 2030

• 70%: Eco-Product Demand Surge

Consumer preference worldwide

• $20B: Sustainability Business Gains

Projected market value