Environmental performance of bio-based and biodegradable plastics: the road ahead
Goethe University Frankfurt · Universitätsbibliothek Johann Christian Senckenberg · +1 more institution
Abstract
Future plastic materials will be very different from those that are used today. The increasing importance of sustainability promotes the development of bio-based and biodegradable polymers, sometimes misleadingly referred to as 'bioplastics'. Because both terms imply "green" sources and "clean" removal, this paper aims at critically discussing the sometimes-conflicting terminology as well as renewable sources with a special focus on the degradation of these polymers in natural environments. With regard to the former we review innovations in feedstock development (e.g. microalgae and food wastes). In terms of the latter, we highlight the effects that polymer structure, additives, and environmental variables…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 16.92
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 217
Authors
2Topics & keywords
- Raw material
- Biodegradation
- Biochemical engineering
- Environmental science
- Waste management
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Organic chemistry