The biodegradation process is a biochemical conversion of organic matter into different compounds, carried out naturally by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi or algae. These microorganisms are the main actors in biodegradation, so an environment must be provided for their reproduction, primarily by controlling the humidity and temperature of the site.

Now, when a compostable plastic is in a suitable site for its biodegradation, this biochemical conversion begins, which consists of the following stages:
1. Biofragmentation: this stage begins with the combined action of different microbes and/or abiotic factors such as sunlight, present water, and temperature, causing chemical and physical changes to the material. Likewise, a decrease in mechanical properties and fragmentation into small pieces is evidenced.

2. Depolymerization: The present microorganisms secrete enzymes and free radicals onto the resulting fragments, breaking the polymeric chains and progressively reducing their molecular weight, in addition to oxidizing the low molecular weight polymeric chains, which facilitates more microorganisms to continue the biodegradation process.

3. Mineralization: once the low molecular weight polymers are transported into the cells, a series of enzymatic reactions begins, completely biodegrading the material remnants and transforming them into CO2, water, and biomass.

Finally, the time this process takes depends largely on the type and quantity of microorganisms present. However, the characteristics of the plastic material, such as thickness, crystallinity, molecular weight, type of functional groups in the polymeric chain and additives added, have a great influence, since the interaction that the microorganisms will have with the material depends on this. Although it is not a complex process, adequate conditions must be guaranteed for the microorganisms to live. If they are not present, biodegradation will not start (or will stop) and will be resumed only when conditions are optimal again.

Closing the cycle depends on us!

If you have any questions or require more information, you can contact the Masterbatch Plant located in Sabaneta, Antioquia by phone: +57 (604) 444 80 97 or by e-mail: servicliente@colarquim.com.

Author: MB Plant Research Team | January 31, 2022.