Adding Natural Materials ≠ Naturally Decomposable?

We’re increasingly seeing recycled products advertised with the addition of “natural materials” such as corn, sugarcane, or agricultural waste fibers. These claims often lead people to believe that such products are naturally decomposable and environmentally friendly. However, this assumption can be misleading, hiding sustainability pitfalls that may undermine your good intentions toward nature.

Consider this: does such an environment exist in nature? "60°C, maintained with specific microbial populations, humidity, and oxygen levels for over 60 days." This is precisely the industrial composting condition required to break down many bio-based materials. Without meeting these stringent conditions, these so-called biodegradable materials may only fragment into tiny particles instead of fully decomposing into elements that integrate into nature’s cycles.

On top of that, creating and maintaining such "artificially controlled environments" demands significant energy, space, and time. Unfortunately, most existing recycling facilities are ill-equipped to handle these materials, meaning many of these well-intentioned products still end up in incinerators—burned as trash. Recognizing these challenges, countries are imposing stricter regulations and labeling requirements to control the use of such materials.

More than two-thirds of biodegradable plastics worldwide rely on crops like corn, cassava, and sugarcane as raw materials. When producing bio-based plastics becomes profitable and prices for these crops rise, competition for farmland may intensify. This can lead to illegal deforestation, habitat destruction, and land conflicts to increase arable land. These activities jeopardize human and wildlife rights, undermining the principles of equity and justice required for a sustainable transition under the Global Plastics Treaty.

While adding natural materials can reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics, mixing different materials often creates complex compositions. This can compromise the strength and durability of the final product, leading to consumer frustration when items deteriorate or break after limited use.

For bio-based plastics, careful consideration of their end-use is crucial. Without proper planning, these products may fail to meet user expectations, resulting in frequent replacements, wasted resources, and additional pressure on waste management systems.

Until we invent entirely new materials that can replace plastic, the consensus remains: reduce plastic at the source. This includes minimizing reliance on petroleum-based virgin plastics and curbing potential plastic waste growth. Common approaches include:

1. Reducing single-use plastics (e.g., packaging, bags, utensils).

2. Extending the lifespan of plastic products to promote reusability and longevity.

3. Recycling and reusing plastic materials to create circular systems.

At RHINOSHIELD, we leverage our expertise in material science to develop sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. Since 2017, all RHINOSHIELD phone cases have adopted mono-material designs to ensure 100% recyclability. We’ve also pioneered ShockSpread™ ECO material technology, extending the lifecycle of recycled materials by six times.

In 2024, we introduced CircularNext, a breakthrough product made entirely from recycled phone cases, with zero virgin plastic added. This innovation transforms phone cases from disposable "single-use containers" into circular containers—capable of being recycled and reused repeatedly, from an iPhone 16 to an iPhone 20, or even an iPhone 30.

Adding natural materials to products may sound environmentally friendly, but it doesn’t guarantee biodegradability or sustainability. To truly make a positive impact, we need to prioritize reducing virgin plastic use, recycling existing materials, and embracing circular solutions that balance innovation with environmental stewardship. Let’s work together to turn sustainability into action.