What is Plastic?
Materials made up of a variety of organic, synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds, which have the property of being malleable and therefore can be molded into solid objects of various shapes. More than 40 percent of it is used just once! Reference.
What is a synthetic polymer?
There are two types of polymers: synthetic and natural. A polymer is described as a substance that has a molecular structure consisting mainly or entirely of a large number of similar units bonded together, e.g., many synthetic organic materials used as plastics and resin. Reference.
What is a biodegradable polymer?
Polyethylene or polythene (abbreviated PE; IUPAC name polyethene or poly(methylene)) is the most common plastic. As of 2017, over 100 million tons of polyethylene resins are produced annually, accounting for 34% of the total plastics market. Its primary use is in packaging (plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes, containers including bottles, etc.). Reference.
What is synthetic polymer?
Synthetic polymers are derived from petroleum oil and made by scientists and engineers. Examples of synthetic polymers include nylon, polyethylene, polyester, Teflon, and epoxy. Reference.
What is biodegradable polyethylene?
Natural polymers occur in nature and can be extracted. They are often water-based. Examples of naturally occurring polymers are silk, wool, and microscopic molecules DNA, cellulose and proteins. Reference.
What is composting?
Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed in a process called composting. This process recycles various organic materials otherwise regarded as waste products and produces a rich in nutrients soil amendment that gardeners fondly nickname Black Gold. Reference.
What is poly-lactic acid?
Poly(lactic acid) or polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources, such as corn starch, cassava roots, chips or starch; or sugarcane. In 2010, PLA had the second highest consumption volume of any bioplastic of the world. Reference.
What are the differences between a biodegradable and compostable paper cup?
For the consumer, paper cups differ only in color and size. Few people pay attention to the material or the design of paper cups. But for those who pour a drink in a paper cup and gives it to the consumer, it is extremely important to know all the details and differences of types of paper cups.