bioplastic

noun

bio·​plas·​tic ˌbī-ō-ˈpla-stik How to pronounce bioplastic (audio)
: biodegradable plastic that is made or derived from biological materials
Bioplastics could be really good for the environment—the manufacturing process produces fewer greenhouse-gas emissions than that for petroleum-based plastics …Kristina Dell

Examples of bioplastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Its key functions are the production of food, materials like bioplastics, and therapeutics. Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 13 Sep. 2023 Startups are exploring its potential in textiles, building materials, and even as a source for bioplastics. Abdo Riani, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 These bioplastics have found applications in various industries, from packaging to consumer goods. Abdo Riani, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 The European Union is also considering mandating bioplastics under packaging rules that are being discussed. Dieter Holger, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2023 Additionally, the bioplastic can be composted alongside food scraps. Isabelle Butera, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2023 There is a tendency to assume that bioplastics are biodegradable since they are made from biological materials. Carla Delgado, Popular Science, 7 June 2023 The solutions include looking to insects for ways to biodegrade plastic, encouraging the development of bioplastics, making bigger use of algae and more. Alex Knapp, Forbes, 1 Apr. 2023 Growing those plants pulls carbon out of the atmosphere, and locks it inside the bioplastic—if it is used for a permanent purpose, like building materials, rather than single-use cups and bags. Matt Simon, WIRED, 15 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bioplastic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bioplastic was in 1989

Dictionary Entries Near bioplastic

Cite this Entry

“Bioplastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioplastic. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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