Open AccessComposting of starch-based bioplastic bags: small scale test of degradation and size reduction trend
Author(s) -
Maria Cristina Lavagnolo,
Federica Ruggero,
Alberto Pivato,
Carlo Boaretti,
Alessandro Chiumenti
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
detritus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.279
H-Index - 7
eISSN - 2611-4135
pISSN - 2611-4127
DOI - 10.31025/2611-4135/2020.14008
Subject(s) - bioplastic , starch , biodegradation , plastic bag , degradation (telecommunications) , materials science , pulp and paper industry , curing (chemistry) , waste management , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , environmental science , food science , chemistry , composite material , chemical engineering , engineering , telecommunications , organic chemistry
In Italy, the majority of bioplastic bags used in food waste collection is made of starch-based biopolymer. The compostability of this material in a full-scale plant remains to be demonstrated, largely due to the fact that bioplastic bags are screened and removed together with conventional plastic bags during pre-treatment steps. The present research was performed on a small scale to study the degradation of starch-based bioplastics during composting. Evolution of the physical and chemical parameters of the material was evaluated by means of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), experimental mass loss and granulometric trend. The results obtained suggested that fragmentation (physical size reduction of the material) occurred mainly during the thermophilic phase, while biodegradation (breakdown by microorganisms of an organic chemical into simpler, innocuous compounds) occurred during the curing phase. Based on the monitored parameters (TS, VS, pH, C/N and RI4), the composting process of the waste matrix ended after 55 days, but the degradation of bioplastics failed to achieve the regulatory standards for assessment of compostability (≤ 10% sized > 2 mm). Experimental data revealed a linear trend for the fragmentation process and a duration of 100 days would be required to meet regulatory requirements.