Biomass plastics industry urgently needs policy support
In recent years, some companies have engaged in the production of bioenergy and biomass plastics. However, due to insufficient government funding and a lack of strong national policy support, many of these enterprises have either ceased operations or shifted their focus. As the 21st century began, global oil crises intensified, prompting countries worldwide to invest in bioenergy development. Since 1993, China has faced increasing challenges in its petroleum supply. In response, Professor Jiang Jiming, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a researcher at Tsinghua University, proposed establishing a national-level biomass plastics production base to address the growing reliance on imported oil.
China is now the second-largest oil consumer globally, yet it holds only about 2% of the world’s total reserves—between 3 billion and 400 million tons. By 2003, the country’s oil import dependence had reached 36%, and experts predict that by 2020, this figure could exceed 55%. This heavy reliance on foreign oil poses significant risks to China’s energy security. Meanwhile, annual consumption of chemical-based plastics exceeds 20 million tons, with 5 million tons used for packaging, including over 20 billion disposable food containers. While these products bring convenience, they also create long-term environmental issues, as most plastic waste takes 200–300 years to degrade, leading to severe "white pollution."
Experts argue that developing bioplastics is not only a strategic move to conserve oil but also an effective solution to environmental problems. The government should prioritize the development of bio-based materials and biomass plastics as part of a broader energy strategy. According to Commissioner Cai Jiming, biomass plastics are made from agricultural starches like corn, potato, and tapioca flour, combined with conventional polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene. These materials are processed through interdisciplinary methods involving chemistry, biotechnology, and mechanical engineering. They offer full functionality similar to traditional plastics while being fully degradable by microorganisms in the environment.
Starch is a low-cost, abundant resource, and the use of starch-based resins can significantly reduce production costs. Earlier, high equipment costs and limited production scales made bioplastics expensive. However, with rising oil prices, the cost of conventional plastics has increased, making bioplastics more competitive. A company producing over 20,000 tons annually could see a 15% cost reduction compared to regular plastics.
Despite this potential, the development of degradable plastics in China faces challenges, primarily due to the absence of clear national policies and standards. Many eco-friendly products remain unrecognized in customs, and domestic biomass resins are often misclassified as regular plastics. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, biomass resins are derived from agricultural products, requiring different regulatory treatment. Additionally, the market lacks standardization, with small-scale producers and private investments dominating the sector.
In 2000, the U.S. Department of Energy and Agriculture launched a national initiative to promote bio-based products and bioenergy, which was later implemented by the President. Similarly, Chinese scholars and researchers have called for comprehensive plans to develop bioenergy. Although some companies have been involved in biomass plastic production, the lack of government support has led to their decline. Currently, only a few firms, such as Guangdong Sanjiu Biodegradable Plastics Co., Ltd., remain operational, with technology levels comparable to those of developed nations.
Commissioner Cai Jiming emphasized that producing bioplastics can help process agricultural surplus, boost farmers' income, save oil resources, and reduce environmental damage. He recommended launching a national R&D project for biomass plastics, creating a dedicated production base, and implementing preferential policies on loans, taxes, and exports. Supporting established enterprises with technical capabilities and scale can lower costs, meet market demand, and drive the growth of the biomass energy industry. Without such measures, China risks falling further behind in this critical field.
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