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Are Biobased Plastics Green Alternatives?—A Critical Review

Author

Listed:
  • Diogo A. Ferreira-Filipe

    (Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Ana Paço

    (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Armando C. Duarte

    (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Teresa Rocha-Santos

    (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Ana L. Patrício Silva

    (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

Abstract

Environmental sustainability is driving an intense search for “green materials”. Biobased plastics have emerged as a promising alternative. Their building blocks can now be obtained from diverse biomass, by-products, and organic residues due to the advances in biorefineries and bioprocessing technologies, decreasing the demand for fossil fuel resources and carbon footprint. Novel biobased polymers with high added value and improved properties and functionalities have been developed to apply diverse economic sectors. However, the real opportunities and risks of such novel biobased plastic solutions have raised scientific and public awareness. This paper provides a critical review on the recent advances in biobased polymers chemistry and emerging (bio)technologies that underpin their production and discusses the potential for biodegradation, recycling, environmental safety, and toxicity of these biobased solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Diogo A. Ferreira-Filipe & Ana Paço & Armando C. Duarte & Teresa Rocha-Santos & Ana L. Patrício Silva, 2021. "Are Biobased Plastics Green Alternatives?—A Critical Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:15:p:7729-:d:598262
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Laurent Lebreton & Anthony Andrady, 2019. "Future scenarios of global plastic waste generation and disposal," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 5(1), pages 1-11, December.
    4. Samuel Abalansa & Badr El Mahrad & Godwin Kofi Vondolia & John Icely & Alice Newton, 2020. "The Marine Plastic Litter Issue: A Social-Economic Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-27, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jomin Thomas & Renuka Subhash Patil & Mahesh Patil & Jacob John, 2023. "Addressing the Sustainability Conundrums and Challenges within the Polymer Value Chain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-19, November.

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