Are Eco-Friendly Plastics Really Safe? New Research Raises Concerns

For years, bioplastics have been promoted as the sustainable answer to the world’s plastic pollution crisis. Marketed as biodegradable and eco-friendly, they are now widely used in fast fashion, disposable cutlery, straws, food packaging, and even personal care products. But a new peer-reviewed study has raised important questions: Are bioplastics truly safer than conventional plastics — or are they just another green myth?

The Study Behind the Headlines

Researchers conducted a three-month experiment to examine the health impacts of starch-based bioplastics. Mice were fed food and water contaminated with “environmentally relevant” levels of these plastics, while a control group remained unexposed.

The results were startling:

Plastic-related chemicals were detected in the liver, ovaries, and intestines of exposed mice.These chemicals caused microlesions and organ abnormalities.

Bioplastics disrupted the gut microbiota, which is vital for digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Changes in genetic and metabolic pathways were observed, suggesting long-term health risks.
Most concerning, the severity of health problems increased with higher exposure levels.

Health Risks Similar to Conventional Plastics

This study directly challenges the widespread belief that bioplastics are harmless. The observed side effects in mice resemble those already linked to petroleum-based plastics:

Gut microbiome disruption, which may increase the risk of heart disease and obesity.
Altered glucose levels, raising concerns about diabetes.
Cardiovascular strain, possibly linked to long-term chemical exposure.

In other words, switching to bioplastics may not eliminate the health risks that come with conventional plastics.

The Microplastic Problem Persists

One of the biggest misconceptions about bioplastics is that they “safely” degrade in the environment. In reality, both petroleum-based plastics and bioplastics break down into microplastics or micro-bioplastics, tiny fragments that contaminate:

Food and water supplies
Soil and crops
Marine ecosystems that humans rely on for nutrition

These micro-particles can enter the human body, where their long-term effects remain uncertain but increasingly concerning.

A Booming Industry, But Poorly Regulated

The bioplastics industry is expanding rapidly. In 2024, global production exceeded 2.5 million metric tonnes, and experts predict it will double within five years. Despite this growth, regulations surrounding chemical safety remain weak, and biodegradability claims are often misleading.

Unlike traditional plastics, which are known hazards, bioplastics carry a “green” reputation that makes consumers less cautious. However, this very image may hide risks that require urgent attention.

Why This Matters

The push for sustainable packaging and eco-friendly materials is essential in the fight against plastic pollution. But health and environmental safety must go hand in hand. If bioplastics harm gut health, disrupt hormones, or increase chronic disease risks, their use may simply trade one crisis for another.

Policymakers, scientists, and industries must work together to:
Strengthen regulations and safety testing for bioplastics.
Increase transparency about their chemical composition.
Educate the public on the real limitations of biodegradable products.
Invest in truly safe and sustainable alternatives, such as reusable materials.

Final Thoughts

The latest research makes it clear: biodegradable does not always mean safe. While bioplastics may reduce visible plastic waste, they may also introduce hidden health risks that science is only beginning to uncover.

As production skyrockets, society faces a critical choice — either repeat the mistakes made with conventional plastics or ensure that eco-friendly solutions are safe for both the planet and people.