Jozil Donne D.

Cerna

Using Cassava-based Bioplastic as an Alternative to Traditional Plastic

In 2008, global plastic consumption worldwide has been estimated at 260 million
tons; 299 million tons of plastics were produced in 2013, and around 8 million tons of
plastic are thrown into the oceans every year (Guern, 2018). Approximately 1.6 million
barrels of oil are used simply to produce plastic water bottles; furthermore, plastic bags take
up to 1,000 years to decompose (“The Decomposition of Waste”, 2018).

Plastic is inexpensive and versatile, which is perfect for everyday use; however,
despite its convenience, it harms the environment in more ways than one. It contains toxins
that cause land, water, and air pollution; this environmental damage is long-lasting when
accompanied by the fact that it has a slow decomposition rate. Another risk is the possible
ingestion of plastic by sea creatures such as plankton and turtles.

Currently, efforts have been made to reduce the use of traditional plastic, such as
utilizing organic materials like paper. Biodegradable plastic, commonly called bioplastic, is
one of these solutions. The main ingredient for these bioplastics is starch, commonly corn
starch or potato starch; however, though biodegradable, it is not 100% compostable and
may leave the toxic residue (“What You Need to Know”, 2018). In Indonesia, plastic made
from cassava starch has been created and proven safe for use.

In the same way that Indonesia utilizes cassava, the Philippines can use cassava
endemic to it, such as UPL Ca 1 (Datu) and UPL Ca 2 (Lakan), which are both sources of
cassava starch (Bergantin, Mariscal, & Troyo, 2001). This cassava-based bioplastic
functions the same way as traditional plastic, except that it does not cause harm to the
environment, as it is biodegradable, compostable, soluble and edible, causing no harm to
animals when ingested; there is no actual plastic involved in the production of it.
Jozil Donne D. Cerna

References:

Bergantin, R., Mariscal, A., & Troyo, A. (2001). Cassava Breeding and Varietal
Dissemination in the Philippines-Major Achievements during the Past 20 Years.
Retrieved March 30, 2019, from ciat
library.ciat.cgiar.org/articulos_ciat/asia/proceedings_workshop_00/193.pdf

Gibbens, S. (2018, November 21). What you need to know about plant-based plastics.
Retrieved March 30, 2019, from
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/11/are-bioplastics-made-
from-plants-better-for-environment-ocean-plastic/

LeBlanc, R. (2018) The Decomposition of Waste in Landfills: A Story of Time and

Materials. Retrieved March 30, 2019, from https://www.thebalancesmb.com/how-long-
does-it- take-garbage-to-decompose-2878033

Le Guern, C. (2018, March). When The Mermaids Cry: The Great Plastic Tide. Retrieved
March 30, 2019, from http://plastic-pollution.org/