Development History Of Biodegradable Plastics

According to the Japan Biodegradable Plastics Research Association, the production volume of biodegradable plastics in Japan was approximately 10000 tons in 2002, 20000 tons in 2003, 40000 tons in 2005, and is expected to reach around 100000 to 200000 tons by 2010.
According to the European Bioplastic Association, the 2001 figures show that the consumption of biodegradable products in the European Union is 25000 to 30000 tons, while the consumption of traditional polymers is as high as 35 million tons. The European Bioplastic Association predicts that the consumption of traditional polymers will reach 55 million tons in 2010, while the consumption of biodegradable plastics will reach 500000 to 1 million tons by then. Biodegradable materials may ultimately occupy a 10% market share. The proportion of renewable resources used as raw materials in biodegradable materials will exceed 90%.
According to the statistics of the Degradable Plastics Professional Committee of the China Plastics Association, the amount of biodegradable materials used in China in 2003 was about 15000 tons, of which about 1000 tons were biodegradable polymers without starch added. In 2005, there were about 30 enterprises engaged in biodegradable plastics, with a production capacity of 60000 tons per year. The actual production was about 30000 tons, and the domestic market demand was about 50000 tons. Foreign imports were 10000 tons, and exports were 20000 tons. It is expected that the production capacity will reach around 250000 tons in 2010, as detailed in the "Prospective China Biodegradable Plastics Industry Deep Research and Investment Strategy Planning Analysis Report".
Some developed countries also use the concept of circular economy as a guide and use biodegradable disposable utensils, such as Sweden's trial production of disposable fast food boxes made of potatoes and corn in the late 1980s, and Korea's mandatory use of toothpicks made of glutinous rice by law. Europe has developed the standard EN13432 "Requirements for Testing and Final Evaluation of Packaging Materials for Recycling through Composting and Biodegradation" for biodegradable composting plastics, while other policies related to promoting organic waste composting treatment are actively being formulated and prepared. The US government has established the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award since 1996 to encourage the development of the biodegradable plastic industry. New York State began banning the use of non biodegradable vegetable bags in 1989, providing subsidies to manufacturers of degradable plastics, and requiring citizens to separate renewable and non renewable waste. Otherwise, a fine of $500 was imposed.
Other countries have also taken similar measures: India has already legislated to prohibit the use of plastic packaging in the dairy industry; South African law has completely prohibited the use of plastic packaging bags. With the development of legislation in various countries, biodegradable new packaging materials are expected to become increasingly popular.
In China, with the deepening understanding of degradable plastics, the strategic role of this material and its industry in China's sustainable development has been fully recognized. The widespread application of biodegradable plastics is widely expected. In 2004, the Chinese people passed the Renewable Energy Law (Draft) and the Solid Waste Law (Revised), encouraging the utilization of renewable biomass energy and the promotion and application of degradable plastics. In Document No. 40 of the National Development and Reform Commission in 2005, it was also explicitly encouraged to use and promote biodegradable plastics. In 2006, the National Development and Reform Commission launched a special fund project on promoting the development of biomass biodegradable materials.