As the path to net zero and circularity increases, we hear terms such as “biobased” and “renewable feedstock” pop up across the packaging industry. But what do these terms mean? And are all biobased plastics equally as sustainable? Let’s explore deeper.
What is a feedstock?
Every plastic starts with a “feedstock”, it’s important to start here when talking about biobased plastics. Feedstocks are the raw material used to make resin (which is the base material to create plastic products).
Traditionally, feedstocks are fossil-based and come from fossil fuels like crude oil. These rely on finite resources, and their extraction and processing generate greenhouse gases such as CO2, which contributes to climate change.
There are also, renewable feedstocks, which come from sources that can be replenished, like plants or organic waste. When managed responsibly, they can offer a more sustainable solution than fossil fuels.
So, when we talk about “biobased” plastics, we are referring to switching the feedstock origin of the resin, from finite crude oil to renewable sources such as crops, biomass or even your left-over cooking oil. However, not all biobased materials are the same. There are currently two main categories of renewable feedstocks, first generation and second generation, and the environmental impact is very different depending on which of these is used.
First generation feedstocks – crop based inputs
First-generation feedstocks come from crops like corn and sugarcane that are specifically grown for food use. This approach makes biosourced plastics possible, but it also raises concerns about land use, farming inputs, and competition with the food supply.
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Second generation feedstocks – waste inputs
These feedstocks come from current waste streams, such as used cooking oil, agricultural residue, animal fats and forestry by products, that would have otherwise been discarded. This gives waste a second life and avoids competition with food production, making them increasingly attractive as a lower-impact option.
Through advanced processes, these feedstocks can be converted into resins that are chemically identical to fossil based resins, with no change in performance.
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Biobased doesn’t always mean better
It’s tempting to assume that “biobased” automatically means more sustainable, however the reality is more nuanced. In some cases, first generation (crop-based plastics) can have a higher overall environmental impact than fossil-based sources. Especially once you factor in water and land usage, deforestation, fertiliser, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. This is why second generation, or waste feedstocks, which do not compete with food or land, are increasingly becoming the preferred option for brands serious about reducing their footprint.
If you are looking to incorporate biosourced feedstock in your supply chain, here are some helpful questions to consider:
- What is the source of the biobased content, food crops or waste?
- Is it certified? Look for reliable certifications such as ISCC+
- What is the full environmental picture beyond just carbon?
Biobased does not equal carbon credits
Another common misconception is that biobased plastics, and ISCC+ certification are simply a way to generate carbon credits. They aren’t and the distinction is important.
Carbon credits are created when emissions can be offset somewhere else. For example, if you take a flight, an airline may fund tree planting to absorb the CO₂ your journey produced. But the flight and its emissions still happened.
Biobased plastics by contrast reduce emissions at the source by using an alternative, renewable feedstock from the outset.
One compensates, while the other prevents.
Final Thoughts
Moving away from fossil fuels is a necessary and urgent goal and choosing biobased plastics that draw from renewable sources is a step towards a more sustainable future. However, it’s important to remember, not all solutions are equal.
Understanding the difference between feedstocks will help to make smarter choices for your business and the planet. What goes in, matters just as much as what comes out.
