Why “Plastic-Free” Isn’t Always Eco-Friendly: What You Really Need to Know About Bioplastics

Jules Miller
Jul 17
3 min read

With public pressure to go plastic-free stronger than ever, many of us are reaching for “green” alternatives like biodegradable bags or compostable packaging. But here’s the truth: not all plastic alternatives are as eco-friendly as they seem.

In fact, some might do more harm than good.

What are these materials? What do the labels mean?

Why should we be avoiding plastic alternatives and rethinking our whole approach to single-use products?

Not All Alternatives Are Created Equal

It’s tempting to think that choosing biodegradable or compostable options is always better for the planet. Unfortunately, these labels can be misleading:

Recyclable items aren’t always recycled.
Compostable items rarely make it to composting facilities.
Biodegradable products may never fully break down - especially in landfill.

In some cases, using regular plastic with a plan to reuse or recycle it responsibly can actually be better than grabbing single-use "green" replacements that don't work as promised.

The Bioplastic Boom (and the problems behind it)

As plastic bans spread across England, Scotland, and Wales, demand for bioplastics has skyrocketed. Global production is expected to triple by 2028.

Sounds good, right? Well……

This rise in “eco-friendly” plastics can overwhelm waste systems and confuse consumers. Without clear rules or the right facilities to handle these new materials, they often end up in general waste where they behave much like regular plastic.

What Even Is a Bioplastic?

Bioplastics are typically made from renewable resources like corn, starch, or algae instead of oil. They can be:

Plant-based
Bio-based
Made from micro-organisms

But here’s where it gets tricky: some bioplastics are blended with conventional plastic, and most behave like regular plastic once they’re processed. Some are recyclable. Some aren't. Some break down. Many don’t.

Bottom line? Bioplastics are still plastic - just made differently.

Breaking Down the Buzzwords

Confused by the labels? You're not alone. Here’s what they really mean:

Degradable

Means the product breaks into smaller pieces over time but doesn’t fully decompose. Often, this just creates microplastics.

Biodegradable

Breaks down with the help of bacteria, but only under the right conditions (like specific temperatures or moisture levels). If those conditions aren’t met, it might never decompose - especially in landfill.

Industrially Compostable

Certified to break down in commercial composting facilities, which require high heat and controlled conditions. Problem is, the UK doesn’t yet offer curbside collection or widespread infrastructure for this. This applies to eco food containers like Vegware which do not break down in landfill.

Home Compostable

Supposed to break down in a garden compost pile but there’s no UK-wide standard for this. A few certification schemes exist (like Vincotte), but many products remain untested or unreliable.

Why Bioplastics Aren’t the Magic Fix

Here are three key challenges we need to talk about:

1. Environmental Impact

Bioplastics still have a footprint. They can compete with food crops, use loads of water, and involve harmful chemicals. And in many cases, they still behave like plastic in the environment.

2. Lack of Infrastructure

Most UK councils don’t collect or process bioplastics separately. Without special treatment, these products end up in landfill or incinerators not compost heaps.

3. Recycling Problems

Bioplastics often can’t go in your regular recycling or into the supermarket soft plastic recycling collection bins. If they do, they contaminate the stream, causing more waste instead of less.

So, What’s the Real Solution?

Here’s the bottom line: single use is the real problem, no matter what it’s made from.

The best way forward? Choose reusable, refillable options wherever you can. Supporting reuse systems is better for the planet and often your wallet, too.

Want to learn more?Explore our other articles on:

If you want to take the next step toward reusing and refilling in your home, business, or community then head to the Stroud District Action on Plastic website for loads of advice, tips and local resources to get you started.

Let’s stop swapping one kind of waste for another and start building a future with less waste altogether.