A new study found that plant-based bioplastics marketed as biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastic can cause organ damage, gut disruption, and metabolic issues when ingested over time.
Tom Perkins reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Mice exposed to environmentally relevant levels of starch-based bioplastics developed liver and ovary abnormalities, metabolic disruptions, and gut microbiome imbalances similar to those caused by petroleum-based plastics.
- Despite being labeled biodegradable and derived from materials like corn or rice starch, these bioplastics release microplastics during use — especially from textiles — raising concerns about exposure through food and water.
- Production of bioplastics is expanding rapidly, projected to more than double from 2.5 million metric tonnes annually within five years, yet research on their long-term health effects remains limited.
Key quote:
“Biodegradable starch-based plastics may not be as safe and health-promoting as originally assumed. This is particularly concerning given their potential for accidental ingestion.”
— Yongfeng Deng, study co-author
Why this matters:
As people look for safer and greener alternatives to traditional plastic, bioplastics have gained popularity for their plant-based origin and biodegradability. But these benefits may be overstated. Bioplastics can shed microplastics and contain toxic chemicals similar to those found in conventional plastics, including endocrine disruptors that interfere with hormones and may lead to reproductive and metabolic diseases. While animal studies don't always translate directly to humans and more research is needed, the latest study adds to growing concerns about materials that are ubiquitous in everyday items like food containers, clothing, and baby wipes. The growing use of starch-based bioplastics raises questions about whether these materials are genuinely safer or just a rebranded threat.
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