In California, environmental nonprofit the 5 Gyres has released findings questioning the biodegradability of certain bioplastics, including polylactic acid. The report, called Better Alternatives 3.0, found that some bioplastic packaging and items did not decompose after being buried underground for 64 weeks, regardless of the climate and soil conditions.
For example, though PLA straws decomposed in ocean water, they were largely intact when buried in Florida, California and Maine. Bioplastic forks and bottles were similarly intact after more than a year
“There is no silver bullet solution for the plastics crisis,” Lisa Erdle, director of science and innovation at 5 Gyres told dezeen. “Instead, we need targeted solutions that address each sector of plastic use in society, from textiles and tires to agriculture and electronics.”
The findings showed that PLA fragmented slower than the bioplastic polyhydroxyalkanoate. PHA was no longer detectable at the Florida marine site after just eight weeks, the report added.
“Our research shows that real-world factors greatly impact what happens to a product if it ends up in the environment,” said Marcus Eriksen, co-founder and researcher at 5 Gyres. “An item may be advertised as biodegradable or compostable, but under what conditions? We need greater transparency and truth in advertising about the things we buy.”