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Bio-Based Materials Riding the Wave of Sustainability: Common Misconceptions, Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward

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  • Natasya Nabilla Hairon Azhar

    (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
    Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Desmond Teck-Chye Ang

    (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Rosazlin Abdullah

    (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
    Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Jennifer Ann Harikrishna

    (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
    Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Acga Cheng

    (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

Abstract

Solid waste disposal, particularly of plastic and rubber, significantly impacts the environment and human health; thus, encouraging consumers to u sustainable alternatives is essential to ensure a resilient future. In recent decades, bio-based material research has primarily focused on bioplastics and, accordingly, current knowledge of alternative sustainable materials (such as biorubber) is fragmented, with consumer misconceptions posing a key challenge. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of bio-based materials, in addition to common misconceptions about them. The findings of a public survey that aimed to assess consumers’ attitudes towards, as well as their awareness and perceptions of, conventional and sustainable alternative materials, particularly oxo-biodegradable rubbers, are also reported in this paper. Despite their unfamiliarity with the terms ‘bio-based’ and ‘oxo-biodegradable’, most respondents had a positive view of bio-based products and expressed an interest in reducing their use of conventional products in favour of sustainable alternatives. The results also revealed that consumers are willing to spend more on sustainable alternatives because they are aware of the environmental issues associated with solid waste. This study provides new insights into knowledge gaps and challenges that must be addressed to promote the prudent use of sustainable materials in a fast-changing world.

Suggested Citation

  • Natasya Nabilla Hairon Azhar & Desmond Teck-Chye Ang & Rosazlin Abdullah & Jennifer Ann Harikrishna & Acga Cheng, 2022. "Bio-Based Materials Riding the Wave of Sustainability: Common Misconceptions, Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:9:p:5032-:d:799628
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    References listed on IDEAS

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