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Environmental Impact and Sustainability of Bioplastic Production from Food Waste

Author

Listed:
  • Katerina Synani

    (Department of Geography, Harokopio University of Athens, 17676 Kallithea, Greece)

  • Konstadinos Abeliotis

    (Department of Economics and Sustainable Development, Harokopio University of Athens, 17676 Kallithea, Greece)

  • Kelly Velonia

    (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece)

  • Angeliki Maragkaki

    (Department of Agriculture, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece)

  • Thrassyvoulos Manios

    (Department of Agriculture, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece)

  • Katia Lasaridi

    (Department of Geography, Harokopio University of Athens, 17676 Kallithea, Greece)

Abstract

Plastic generation exacerbates the challenge of solid waste management. Moreover, plastics emit substantial amounts of microplastics, which infiltrate the environment and food chain, posing significant environmental risks. Compounded by their production from fossil fuels, such as crude oil and natural gas, plastics present a formidable environmental concern. As a result, bioplastics are an attractive alternative to fossil-based plastics since they use renewable energy sources, aim to alleviate worries about reliance on fossil fuels, and are biodegradable, further enhancing their environmental appeal. Along similar lines, the utilization of food waste to produce bioplastics is attracting international interest. The current study presents the results of a life cycle assessment conducted on bioplastic production from food waste, carried out in a pilot-scale reactor located in Greece. The objective was to ascertain the comparative sustainability of recovering food waste for bioplastic production versus utilizing cultivable raw materials. To this end, an equivalent amount of polylactic acid was produced from corn. The findings revealed a reduction in climate change, eutrophication, and ecotoxicity as a result of the study process. Despite these environmental benefits, the study highlighted that energy consumption throughout the process poses a significant environmental burden. This aspect calls for attention and modification to enhance the entire sustainability of the process.

Suggested Citation

  • Katerina Synani & Konstadinos Abeliotis & Kelly Velonia & Angeliki Maragkaki & Thrassyvoulos Manios & Katia Lasaridi, 2024. "Environmental Impact and Sustainability of Bioplastic Production from Food Waste," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:13:p:5529-:d:1424740
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ana Fonseca & Edgar Ramalho & Ana Gouveia & Filipa Figueiredo & João Nunes, 2023. "Life Cycle Assessment of PLA Products: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-19, August.
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