BBs are the main consumables associated with airsoft and naturally, they are the cause of most environmental concerns. As most players will tell you, you can expect to go through at least one thousand BBs every time you go out to play. Of course, this number can vary depending on your style of play, your location, and your replica. If you play indoors, then you can expect the venue to dispose of the BBs regularly. However, for outdoor play, it is much more challenging to gather all the spent pellets. That is why most outdoor fields require you to use bio BBs exclusively.
Airsoft BBs come in two different varieties: biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Biodegradable BBs break down in around 90 days when exposed to the elements, while regular plastic BBs take years to deteriorate.
As you can imagine the environmental impact of plastic BBs is quite significant as they take so long to break down. Their main advantage is that they are cheaper to manufacture, and therefore much more affordable for airsoft players. In spite of this, more and more countries are adopting laws that impose the use of bio BBs as a way to reduce the quantity of single-use plastics. In the following sections, I will explain the main differences between bio and non-bio BBs and what you can expect when you’re using them on the airsoft field.
Biodegradable BBs – What are they?
These pellets look just like regular BBs, but are made from a different material called polylactic acid (PLA). The chemical formula for PLA is C3H4O2. This material is obtained from the fermentation process of starch, which is commonly obtained from corn, sugar cane, potatoes, or algae.
The manufacturing process of bio BBs is mostly the same as that of regular petroleum-based BBs however, the PLA is also mixed with some organic resins to make it more durable. These resins also help in the polishing process, which allows the BBs to have a more stable flight trajectory. All in all, bio BBs are a bit more expensive to produce, which means a price difference of around 10 to 30%.
For example, a 5000 rounds bottle of Elite Force Premium 0.25 gram BBs is $24.99, while a bottle of 5000 rounds Elite Force Biodegradable BBs is $26.99 at airsoftstation.com (at the time this article was written). I would say that a $2 difference isn’t that much and it certainly helps you to be kinder to the environment.
If you are interested in some money-saving tips regarding airsoft ammo, you can check out my article regarding BB costs. I’ve covered all you need to know about the different kinds of pellets and their special uses.
One thing to keep in mind if you plan to use bio BBs, is that when you open the bag or bottle they come in, you have a limited time frame to use them. That is because once air and humidity enter the packaging, the BBs will start to slowly deteriorate. This means that you can’t count on using a pack of bio BBs if they have been left in a nonsealed container for long.
If like most people you play only during the weekends, then you should be fine to use a pack of BBs. However, if you are returning from a long break, like a few months, then the bio BBs might have deteriorated. In this sense, plastic BBs are easier to store and, as long as they aren’t wet, you can use them any time. I would say that you have about a month to use your biodegradable BBs after opening the pack.
Advantages of biodegradable BBs
- You will be allowed to play on any outdoor and indoor field.
- They are kinder to the environment as they break down over time and leave a minimal residue.
- They offer the same performance as plastic BBs.
- Less plastic pollution.
- Some brands make BBs that are compostable.
- In theory, there shouldn’t be any risks associated with ingesting the BBs, both for people and wildlife.
Disadvantages of biodegradable BBs
- You have a limited amount of time to use a pack of BBs once it is open.
- The shelf life for an unopened pack of bio BBs is around 3 years.
- Depending on their chemical composition and the resin which is used for hardening and polishing purposes, bio BBs may be a bit more brittle than regular plastic BBs. This means that they are more prone to shattering on impact. In turn, this can be a problem for players who are using mesh goggles.
- Higher costs per pack. Because the materials and manufacturing process is a bit more complex, the overall price is increased.
- It is reported that some manufacturers use a special oily coating on the BBs that is designed to protect them against the elements. The problem is that this coating will gather on parts of your replica, like the hop unit and inner barrel, and cause the build-up of dust and other debris. If you don’t clean your airsoft gun regularly, this may cause jams and loss of performance.
How Long Does It Take For A Biodegradable BB to Deteriorate?
According to this article by howstuffworks.com objects made from PLA plastic (like bio BBs) will decompose into water and carbon dioxide in 47 to 90 days. The problem is that the conditions need to be just right for this process to take place. This means a certain temperature – about 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), high humidity, and the presence of bacteria. That is why the best way to handle bio BBs is to compost them in special facilities. The composting process breaks down the polylactic acid, but it also emits methane, which is a greenhouse gas.
As I was researching this topic online, I’ve found that there are many scientists and institutions that suggest that PLA plastic isn’t as environmentally safe as we first thought. This article about the so-called “corn plastic” raises some concerns about the use of PLA in replacing petroleum plastic. While burning PLA doesn’t emit toxic fumes like regular plastic does, it does still seem to last for a long time. This other article suggests that products made from PLA only decompose in industrial composting facilities, which isn’t a much better alternative than simply recycling regular plastic.
To conclude, I can’t really say whether bio BBs are the way to go if you are environmentally conscious. You should keep in mind that every brand uses a different formula for their BBs and that some might be easier to break down than others. I strongly advise you to do your own research on this matter and decide which BBs you should be using.
Non-biodegradable BBs
The most common type of airsoft BB is generally made from petroleum derivatives. Plastic is a staple of modern life and its uses are many. Because the plastic industry has evolved so much in the past 50 years, the manufacturing process for airsoft pellets is quite cheap. That is why plastic BBs are your cheapest ammo alternative and you can buy them from most hobby stores and online.
These days there are lot of brands that offer a wide variety of airsoft BBs, with weights raging from 0.12 grams to 0.46 grams. Depending on the performance of your replica you should consider using the heaviest BB, as these are known to offer the best accuracy.
Advantages of Using Plastic BBs
- Cost – Plastic BBs are cheaper to manufacture, and therefore are more affordable for the average player.
- Long shelf life – as long as the pack is sealed, the BBs don’t lose their properties over the years, unlike bio BBs.
- Availability – You can find plastic BBs in a variety of shops and online stores. More retailers seem to offer non-bio BBs and the supply is significantly larger.
- Variety – There are a lot more brands that manufacture plastic BBs, so it’s easier to find just the right kind for your replica. Also, since there is more competition, the prices are kept lower.
- Weight considerations – Plastic BBs are manufactured in all weights, starting from 0.12 grams and going up to 0.46 grams. This means that it is easier to find the right weight ammo for your replica. Bio BBs are a bit harder to find in all weight varieties.
- Less likely to shatter on impact – there have been reports that bio BBs are a bit more brittle than plastic BBs. This is a safety concern for players who use mesh goggles for eye protection.
Disadvantages of Using Plastic BBs
- Not kind to the environment – while plastic BBs do deteriorate over time, they take considerably longer to break down. While over the years they will slowly degrade, they will still leave behind plastic waste. The break-down process of plastic BBs means that they first lose their shiny outer layer. This is precisely why you shouldn’t reuse plastic BBs. They will jam your airsoft gun and cause other malfunctions.
- Wildlife hazard – the pellets may be swallowed by birds and animals. This can cause the animal to choke or have digestive issues.
- Not allowed on some airsoft fields – Some venues don’t allow players to use plastic BBs, either by choice, either because of local laws. That is why you should always check the rules of the field before going to game days. Otherwise, you will be forced to buy your bio BBs directly from the field shop, at a higher price.
- Difficult to recycle – while indoor fields are somewhat easier to sweep than outdoor fields, it still takes considerable effort to gather all the spent BBs for recycling purposes. The plastic needs to be sorted from all the other debris and then cleaned before it can be melted.
Conclusion
BBs that are labeled as being biodegradable are kinder to the environment than regular plastic pellets. Some bio BBs can degrade on their own when exposed to the elements, while others need special conditions for the material to break down – composting. Composting involves a variety of factors like pressure, heat, humidity. These allow the PLA plastic to degrade.
While plastic BBs are not going away for the foreseeable future, I think we will start to see more and more players switch to bio BBs either because of laws and rules, either because they want to generate less plastic waste. As technology evolves, the manufacturing costs of bio BBs should decrease to the point where they are at least as affordable as plastic BBs. When this happens, it’s easy to see everyone ditching regular BBs in favor of the biodegradable variety.
Furthermore, as the planet tries to move away from single-use plastics, I believe that other materials will be used in the manufacturing of airsoft pellets. In the meantime, the decision to use plastic or bio BBs rests solely on you and your wallet as they offer the same performance.