Biopolymers and Biomaterials for Special Applications within the Context of the Circular Economy

Abstract

The main challenge of the economy is counteracting the adverse effects of progressive industrialisation on the environment around the world. Economic development that accompanies this trend correlates to production increase in not only consumer articles but also special application articles that are difficult to remanufacture, such as medical supplies. For many researchers, discovering innovative materials for special applications that could become an essential element of circular economy production is important. Measures to reduce the production of industrial materials whose waste is difficult to recycle are more and more apparent to manufacturers, especially when faced with the new financial situation in European Union, as one of its priorities is to implement the principles of circular economy. The purpose of the article is to analyse the current state of research on special-application biomaterials within the context of the circular economy. Empirical analysis is conducted for Poland compared to the rest of the European Union (EU) within the time-frame of 2014–2020, which is the most recent financial timeframe of the EU. The submitted studies are based on secondary data obtained mainly from European databases, as well as primary data resulting from the research works at Łukasiewicz Research Network—Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibres.

Biopolymer Composites with Sensors for Environmental and Medical Applications

“…Biopolymers can be produced both by biological organisms, e.g., plants and animals, and chemically synthesized from natural starting materials, e.g., corn, starch, etc. A detailed classification of the biopolymers was discussed by Dziuba et al [ 13 ]. Biopolymers are important materials for the production of composites with sensors used in many areas of the economy and industry.…”

Bifunctional Au–Sn-SiO2 catalysts promote the direct upgrading of glycerol to methyl lactate

“…They are also used as building block chemicals for pharmaceutical and healthcare formulations, or as raw materials for the synthesis of bioplastics such as polylactic acids. 8 The latter application represents a billion dollars market. 8 Lactic acid is currently produced by microbial fermentation.…”

“…8 The latter application represents a billion dollars market. 8 Lactic acid is currently produced by microbial fermentation. Although it offers eco-friendly synthesis conditions, such biological processes are characterized by low product yield, lack of stability, long processing time, costly purification, and relatively large amount of waste salts produced.…”

Synthesis by Melt-Polymerization of a Novel Series of Bio-Based and Biodegradable Thiophene-Containing Copolyesters with Promising Gas Barrier and High Thermomechanical Properties

“…The different types of biopolymers include sugar-based, cellulose-based, synthetic-based biopolymers, and other natural polymers. In 2022, all of these biopolymers were worth USD 10,979.74 million and were projected to reach USD 31,223.47 million by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.03% during the forecast period [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Over these years, whether recyclable or not, raw materials from renewable resources have a role to play in environmental protection, disposal, and the safe use of plastics.…”