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Starch-based bioplastic that is said to be biodegradable and sustainable is potentially as toxic as petroleum-based plastic, and can cause similar health problems, new peer-reviewed research finds.
Bioplastics have been heralded as the future of plastic because it breaks down quicker than petroleum-based plastic, and is often made from plant-based material such as corn starch, rice starch or sugar.
The material is often used in fast fashion clothing, wet wipes, straws, cutlery and a range of other products. The new research found damage to organs, changes to the metabolism, gut microbe imbalances that can lead to cardiovascular disease, and changes to glucose levels, among other health issues.
The authors say their study is the first to confirm “adverse effects of long-term exposure” in mice.
In what fantasy world do we stop using it large scale for any reason other than supply dries up? Freight ships run on oil, planes run on oil, both do not have economically viable alternatives yet. Cars run on oil and it will take more than 2-3 decades until 95%+ of global cars are EVs. Plastic currently uses around 10% of global oil supply, so even if everything else drops to 0 we still need a lot.
Demand will decrease at a gradual and then rapid pace while there will be plenty of production even with decreased levels of oil exploration. I didn’t say none, only that supply will exceed demand.