With countless airsoft BBs strewn across skirmish sites at the end of an event, more eco-conscious minds will inevitably turn to the potential environmental impact of all these pellets.
The widespread use of biodegradable airsoft BBs means players can now reduce the amount of plastic bits that end up in the ground at skirmish sites. However, how does the performance of biodegradable BBs hold up against standard BBs, and are the environmental benefits worthwhile?
What are Regular BBs Made of?
Standard BBs are particularly harmful to the environment because they are made out of a durable plastic called ABS or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. This is the plastic used to make LEGO bricks, primarily because it is very affordable.
ABS plastic is not biodegradable. It takes hundreds of years to decompose even slightly, and when it does, it leaves behind toxic chemicals and microplastics – not great news for the future of our skirmish sites.
However, as we’ve discussed, these are not the only BBs on the market anymore.
What are Biodegradable Airsoft BBs Made Of?
Biodegradable BBs – often just called ‘bio BBs’ – are usually made primarily of polylactic acid, also known as PLA. This material uses plant sources (such as corn starch, potato and sugarcane) to create a substance very similar to plastic.
If you’ve ever been to an event and received a plastic cup that’s advertised as biodegradable or compostable, chances are it was made from PLA. Not only does PLA degrade in the right conditions, but it’s also non-toxic thanks to its natural ingredients, meaning it poses less risk to animals and plants.
How Good are Bio BBs?
With today’s technology, there’s little difference in performance between a classic plastic BB and a bio BB. As with any pellets, it comes down to the quality of the ammunition you buy.
As is the case with any kind of cheap BB, poor quality biodegradable BBs will give subpar performance and are more likely to cause jamming in your airsoft gun.
Quality BBs need to come without blemishes – even the slightest dimple could cause deviations when fired and potentially damage your gun. Assuming you invest in reputable, high-quality bio BBs and store them properly, you should not see any difference when using bio BBs compared to standard BBs.
How Degradable are Bio BBs Really?
There is some contention around how degradable bio BBs actually are. Ultimately, they are much more environmentally friendly than standard BBs, but they’re not perfect.
PLA plastic does degrade, but there are differing claims about how effectively this happens. Some suggest that a PLA BB can degrade in a few years if left on natural ground (e.g. outdoors), but many scientific figures say that PLA can take decades to degrade naturally, and only truly degrades if it’s industrially composted.
Some bio BBs are also made with a combination of PLA and other non-degradable plastics, which are needed to strengthen the BBs.
It’s not all bad news, though. When judging bio BBs, it’s also important to consider their non-toxicity. While it might take ages to fully degrade, PLA doesn’t cause the same harm to plants and wildlife while it’s degrading. A plastic BB, on the other hand, eventually produces microplastics that can harm the environment.
Storing Bio Airsoft BBs
Because Bio BBs can degrade over time (albeit very slowly), and even the slightest blemish in a BB can cause problems for your airsoft weapon, it’s important to make sure they’re being stored right.
As soon as you open a sealed container of bio BBs, they can begin the process of decomposition. Ideally, you should aim to use all your bio BBs once opened, or at least be mindful of how long a container has been opened since you last played.
You also need to prevent bio BBs from coming into contact with moisture, as they’ll degrade much faster in humid conditions. Keeping your bio BBs properly sealed and in a cool, dry, dark environment is your best bet to ensure they provide a good, consistent performance.
If it’s been a few months since you last used your bio BBs and you notice any issues, it may be better to throw the pack away than risk damage to your gun.
Bio Vs Standard: What BB Should You Choose?
In many cases, the choice between a bio BB and a standard plastic BB will come down to personal circumstances. In terms of performance, there’s no real difference between high-quality BBs on either side.
Choose Bio BBs if You Care for the Environment
Bio BBs may not be the perfect environmental solution, but they are certainly better than standard BBs made of ABS. If you’re conscious about what kind of footprint your skirmishes might be leaving behind, then bio BBs are a step in the right direction.
Many BB manufacturers are actively exploring ways to make more degradable BBs. The growing popularity of those currently on the market sends a signal to manufacturers that shooters want more eco-conscious options.
Choose Bio BBs if Your Site Demands It
Many airsoft sites have started encouraging players to use bio BBs, and some are going so far as to ban the use of standard plastic ones. If your favourite site only allows bio BBs, you’ll need to stock up.
Choose Non-Bio BBs if You Want to Save Money
Because of the more expensive materials used in bio BBs, they will generally come at a premium price for the same performance as cheaper standard BBs. Therefore, there may be some players for whom standard BBs are the only realistic option, especially if you’re playing regularly.
Our Favourite Biodegradable BBs
If you want to try bio BBs out for yourself, make sure you get high-quality ones to ensure good performance and your weapon’s longevity.
Two of the most popular brands of bio BBs on our site are:
As with standard BBs, biodegradable BBs are available at different weights to suit your weapon. Search our full collection of BBs to find the perfect ammo for you.
