Bio-based plastics are a promising option, but it will require special facilities for disposing them as well. Many of the most promising bioplastics can be degraded under controlled conditions. However, even bio-based plastics will still languish for decades if they are thrown in the trash and buried in landfills. Hence, we will also need to find a sustainable system to direct bio-based plastic waste into composting facilities.
Worldwide, only 14% of plastic packaging is recycled