Use of bioplastics in the world and Turkey

Frequency of use of plastics in the world is quite high due to that they are convenient and cost-effective to use. The major examples of these materials, which are widely used due to their durability, are PET (Polyethylene-terephthalate), PE (Polyethylene), PVC (Polyvinylchloride), PP (Polypropylene). Environmental effects of plastics such as carbon release to the atmosphere, pollution of water resources, causing forest fires due to greenhouse effect should be taken into consideration for our future. Regular plastics stay in nature for 400-500 years and harm nature and the environment. However bioplastics are biologically degraded in 3 months as and act as fertilizer for the soil. Moreover they do not contain any harmful substances to human body and health. Therefore, bioplastics made from renewable materials can be seen as alternatives of plastics. The aims of this study are to evaluate bioplastics, which can be seen as an alternative to plastics in the world and in Turkey, to consider their usage areas to assess their environmental effects, and to compare comparing them with plastics. Keywords: Plastic, Renewable Material, Bioplastic, Environmental Impact