History of bioplastics?

The history of bioplastics can be traced back to the 1860s when celluloid was developed as one of the earliest man-made bioplastics during the Civil War era under Abraham Lincoln's presidency. This marked the beginning of the modern age of man-made plastics. Celluloid was used in a variety of products, including jewelry, hair combs, and toilet sets, becoming a symbol of status at the time.

The term "bioplastic" originates from the Greek word meaning "moldable". In nature, materials like amber and rubber were the original bioplastics, being moldable and derived from natural sources. The development and use of bioplastics continued, with notable advancements like Ford creating a car made from soybean-derived bioplastic.

The bioplastic industry has evolved to include more complex and diverse applications ranging from packaging, straws, and bottles to car insulation and medical implants. Despite this progress, the cost remains a critical barrier, with bioplastics being 20-50% more expensive than petroleum-based plastics. This cost issue, among others, continues to challenge the widespread adoption of bioplastics despite their environmental benefits 1.