A new report from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) focuses on bioplastics in Australia, revealing their potential and significant challenges. The “State of Bioplastics in Australia” underscores that unclear labelling and disposal practices often lead bioplastics to landfills, undermining their environmental benefits.
With global plastic production projected to double by 2040, the need for sustainable alternatives is critical, as traditional plastics contribute to 3% of greenhouse gas emissions. Dr. Albert Ardevol, CSIRO’s Plastic Packaging Research Lead, notes that consumer confusion regarding disposal methods limits bioplastics’ effectiveness, primarily due to the lack of standardized labelling.
While global biobased plastic production has more than doubled since 2010, bioplastics account for only 1% of Australia’s total plastic use, indicating both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. Dr. Deborah Lau, CSIRO’s Ending Plastic Waste Lead, emphasized the need for better design and infrastructure to support proper waste management for bioplastics.
In response to these challenges, CSIRO has established the Bioplastics Innovation Hub with Murdoch University to develop fully compostable plastics. The report calls for investment in infrastructure and clearer labelling standards to maximize the potential of bioplastics as a sustainable alternative in Australia.
