Abstract:Bioplastic materials have been developed in response to environmental concerns regarding the widespread use of conventional polymers. It is one of the cornerstones in the circular economy approach that is expected to change the way materials and energy are produced and consumed. However, bioplastics still cover less than 1% of total market, and the industry is still in its early stages. A holistic sustainability assessment takes into account the origin of a material, its end‐of‐life destination, as well as soc… Show more
“…Others are plant-based polymers such as thermoplastic starches (TPS) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) (Zhao et al, 2020). Production of bioplastics is currently growing (Figure 1) (Verbeek and Uitto, 2017). In Mexico, the agricultural products -sugar cane, citrus fruits, and bananas (INEGI, 2019) (Figure 2)-generate waste that can be used in the production of bioplastics (Riera et al, 2018;Rivera-Mackintosh and Nevárez-Moorillón, 2019).…”
Section: Bioplastics: Definition and Productionmentioning
Objective: To analyze the recent contributions of bioplastics in addressing environmental problems caused by plastic pollution.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A literature review was carried out on the definitions of plastics and bioplastics, the sources of raw materials, processing technologies and methods to assess biodegradation. Current practices for final disposal and/or reuse were also examined. Special emphasis was placed on polylactic acid (PLA), one of the most widely used biodegradable materials today.
Results: Over the years, there have been significant developments in the definitions of plastics and bioplastics, as well as in the sources of raw materials and processing technologies used to create final plastic products. By using bioplastics instead of conventional plastics, it is possible to reduce the dependence on petroleum and mitigate the pollution associated with plastic production and disposal. Furthermore, the enhanced biodegradability of bioplastics ensures that they break down more readily in natural environments, reducing the accumulation of plastic waste and its detrimental impact on ecosystems. The production of bioplastics using plant fibers, biological materials, and polymeric waste materials presents an opportunity for integration into the productive activities of the agro-industrial sector. This integration brings several benefits and synergies between agriculture and industry.
Study limitations/Implications: We provide a report based on the literature.
Findings/Conclusions: there is a notable current trend in the utilization of bioplastics as a viable substitute for conventional plastics. In order to assess the biodegradability and compostability of these materials, specific testing and certification standards have been established by reputable organizations. These standards serve as a reliable framework for evaluating the environmental impact and degradation characteristics of bioplastics. By adhering to these guidelines, manufacturers can ensure that their bioplastic products meet the necessary criteria for sustainable use.
“…Others are plant-based polymers such as thermoplastic starches (TPS) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) (Zhao et al, 2020). Production of bioplastics is currently growing (Figure 1) (Verbeek and Uitto, 2017). In Mexico, the agricultural products -sugar cane, citrus fruits, and bananas (INEGI, 2019) (Figure 2)-generate waste that can be used in the production of bioplastics (Riera et al, 2018;Rivera-Mackintosh and Nevárez-Moorillón, 2019).…”
Section: Bioplastics: Definition and Productionmentioning
Objective: To analyze the recent contributions of bioplastics in addressing environmental problems caused by plastic pollution.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A literature review was carried out on the definitions of plastics and bioplastics, the sources of raw materials, processing technologies and methods to assess biodegradation. Current practices for final disposal and/or reuse were also examined. Special emphasis was placed on polylactic acid (PLA), one of the most widely used biodegradable materials today.
Results: Over the years, there have been significant developments in the definitions of plastics and bioplastics, as well as in the sources of raw materials and processing technologies used to create final plastic products. By using bioplastics instead of conventional plastics, it is possible to reduce the dependence on petroleum and mitigate the pollution associated with plastic production and disposal. Furthermore, the enhanced biodegradability of bioplastics ensures that they break down more readily in natural environments, reducing the accumulation of plastic waste and its detrimental impact on ecosystems. The production of bioplastics using plant fibers, biological materials, and polymeric waste materials presents an opportunity for integration into the productive activities of the agro-industrial sector. This integration brings several benefits and synergies between agriculture and industry.
Study limitations/Implications: We provide a report based on the literature.
Findings/Conclusions: there is a notable current trend in the utilization of bioplastics as a viable substitute for conventional plastics. In order to assess the biodegradability and compostability of these materials, specific testing and certification standards have been established by reputable organizations. These standards serve as a reliable framework for evaluating the environmental impact and degradation characteristics of bioplastics. By adhering to these guidelines, manufacturers can ensure that their bioplastic products meet the necessary criteria for sustainable use.
“…About 80% of the manufactured plastic accumulates as garbage in landfills and natural environments, presenting an increased risk [1]. According to the OECD [2,3] and European Bioplastics [4], the plastic production worldwide in 2015 was 407 million tons, while the production of bioplastics in 2018 was 2.11 million tons, that is, less than 1% of total production worldwide [5].…”
The aim of this research is to obtain a composite made of coconut fiber, thermoplastic starch (TPS), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and styrene–butadiene copolymer (SBR), achieving the most significant criteria/attribute determined by users. The tools used were quality function deployment (QFD) and the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ). The end result indicated that the quality requirement and most representative attribute for users is the toxicity of the material. Four mixtures were made with different percentages of coconut fiber, TPS–EVOH, and SBR, subjecting them to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The material obtained complies with the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the nontoxicity of synthetic materials (EVOH and SB) to be used in contact with food (packaging and packaging). The spectra IR of the presence of monomers such as methacrylic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, itaconic acid, among others, was not detected due to the humidity of the material. On the other hand, the DMA graphs showed that the mixtures achieved high storage modules (from 1500 to 3000 MPa) at temperatures from −90 to −70 °C, and the TGA thermogram showed that the last material to degrade was SBR at temperatures from 400 to 500 °C.
In this work, the optical properties of a corn starch-based film were correlated with its structural properties. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to determine if incorporation of starch into the matrix gives a homogenous and smooth surface. X-ray diffraction was performed to identify the relative degree of crystallinity. The optical properties of the film in the range 300 to 2500 nm were studied, showing diffuse total transmissivity and total absorption coefficients comparable with that of low-density polyethylene films. The process used in this research is carried out in an aqueous solvent, without using any toxic raw material, and prepared by casting. The process allows for the use of different additives. This processing of the starch film represents a great advantage also because it takes a maximum of 10 h, four times less than other processes, and no special equipment is needed.
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