What is Biodegradable Technology?

Let me guess, you’re probably reading this article on your phone or your laptop. Well, one day, when the device you're holding gets too slow or runs out of battery too quickly, you’ll go buy another one. This one you're holding will end up in a landfill somewhere, rotting away for years. 

The level of Electronic Waste (E-waste) has risen rapidly in the past decade, becoming one of the fastest-growing solid waste sources in the world. According to the World Health Organization, in 2022 alone, nearly 62 million tonnes of E-waste were produced globally, only 22.3% of which has been formally recycled. 

Electronic waste most often consists of glass, plastics, iron and steel, as well as other precious metals such as semiconductors. These materials are non-biodegradable, meaning that they take centuries to eons to totally break down. This results in a lot of pollution, and can greatly harm the environment and the ecosystems that live in them. 

So, how can we resolve this issue? 

The answer is Biodegradable Technology. 

Biodegradable Technology

Biodegradable Technology is classified as technology and innovations that are made of materials that can break down naturally in the environment. Technology made out of biodegradable materials decreases the amount of non-biodegradable materials we use, such as plastic, which takes a long time to decompose. 

This type of technology takes advantage of the environment to naturally decompose. Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi are responsible for this process, breaking down larger materials into smaller parts. This allows said materials to completely degrade after mere months or years. 

Commonly used biodegradable materials include bioplastics: plastic-like materials that are made from corn, sugar cane, and vegetable fats. Plant-based fibres such as hemp, jute, and bamboo are being increasingly used in textile and construction. 

Applications of Biodegradable Technology

Biodegradable technology comes in handy in a number of fields.

In medicine, biodegradable polymers are used for implants, bone fixations, scaffolds for tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems. This polymer is easily decomposed by the body, allowing for it to be easily removed once it is no longer needed. 

In agriculture, biodegradable sensors are used to precisely measure and collect information for farmers to use to optimise their yield. Decomposing easily, these sensors are not only reducing electronic waste, but also good for the plants itself. 

Biodegradable Technology can also be used in the construction industry. At the end of a building’s use, it will most likely be demolished, in which case its materials will end up in a landfill. However, using biodegradable materials will minimise the amount of waste left behind once a building has been demolished as said materials can degrade naturally. 

Biodegradable Materials are also used in electronics such as phones and computers. Derived from plants, substances such as cellulose, chitosan, and polylactic acid are used as natural polymers. There are also organic alternatives to semiconductors, materials that conduct electricity only under certain conditions. Typically made from silicon, biodegradable semiconductors are made from carbon-based molecules or polymers. The process to make carbon-based semiconductors is much easier and cheaper to create.

Disadvantages of Biodegradable Technology

While Biodegradable technology may seem to be the perfect solution, there are some drawbacks. 

For one, sometimes biodegradable technology may not decompose completely. This is due to the conditions in which it is exposed: the surrounding temperature, the environment, and other materials that are present in the product. This will lead to only partial degradation, leaving behind microplastics tthat are difficult to find and clean up. 

Another disadvantage is its price. Biodegradable materials are often harder to produce, and thus, are more expensive, making them a less economically viable option. This is due to the high cost of the raw materials that are used to make the biodegradable product. Given that this is a relatively new innovation, the process of producing biodegradable technology is complex and not very efficient. 

Although Biodegradable technology isn’t perfect, it’s a much better alternative to non-biodegradable materials. This technology should be expanded on, and integrated into our everyday lives. Converting to biodegradable technology is a vital step in securing a greener, brighter future. 

References: 

AZoBuild. (2024, February 8). Can you create a biodegradable building?  https://www.azobuild.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=8663 

divert LTD. (2023, December 11). How long does waste take to decompose? | Divert. Divert. https://www.divert.co.uk/how-long-does-it-take-for-waste-to-decompose/#:~:text=How%20long%20it%20takes%20different,Iron%20%E2%80%93%20up%20to%20100%20years%20https://www.activesustainability.com/environment/what-are-bioplastics/ 

Mahalingam, P. (2025, January 17). The rise of biodegradable Electronics: a sustainable future for consumer devices. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-biodegradable-electronics-sustainable-future-poornima-mahalingam-gtqkc#:~:text=What%20Are%20Biodegradable%20Electronics?,traditional%20silicon%20in%20electronic%20circuits.

Sunada, Y. (2025, April 7). What components are found in e-waste — Sunada Recycling. Sunada Recycling. https://www.sunadarecycling.com/blog/ewastematerialbreakdown

World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, October 1). Electronic waste (e-waste). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/electronic-waste-(e-waste)