Composting of starch-based bioplastic bags: small scale test of degradation and size reduction trend

In Italy, the majority of bioplastic bags used in food waste collection is made of starch-based biopolymer. The compostability of this material in a full-scale plant remains to be demonstrated, largely due to the fact that bioplastic bags are screened and removed together with conventional plastic bags during pre-treatment steps. The present research was performed on a small scale to study the degradation of starch-based bioplastics during composting. Evolution of the physical and chemical parameters of the material was evaluated by means of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), experimental mass loss and granulometric trend. The results obtained suggested that fragmentation (physical size reduction of the material) occurred mainly during the thermophilic phase, while biodegradation (breakdown by microorganisms of an organic chemical into simpler, innocuous compounds) occurred during the curing phase. Based on the monitored parameters (TS, VS, pH, C/N and RI4), the composting process of the waste matrix ended after 55 days, but the degradation of bioplastics failed to achieve the regulatory standards for assessment of compostability (≤ 10% sized > 2 mm). Experimental data revealed a linear trend for the fragmentation process and a duration of 100 days would be required to meet regulatory requirements.