European Research Center for Social Development

Tag: Polymers

  • Effect of Bio-Based Products on Waste Management

    Effect of Bio-Based Products on Waste Management

    The authors explain that end-of-life management for bio-based products focuses on recycling as a primary method to reduce landfilling. They point out that these materials are advantageous because they primarily utilize renewable resources.

    According to the study, bioplastics are suitable for several waste management paths, including reuse, mechanical recycling, organic recycling, and energy recovery. The researchers note that current volumes of bio-based waste can be recycled alongside conventional waste, and that using compostable products strengthens industrial composting options.

    The study highlights that if reuse or recycling is no longer possible, these products can be used to produce bio-energy. To improve future management, the authors suggest developing methods for valorization and integrating technologies with existing composting and anaerobic digestion infrastructure as part of biorefineries.

    The researchers also mention the option of separating bio-based products from plastic waste to protect the effectiveness of chemical recycling. Finally, the article concludes that for organic recycling through composting to be viable, safe production conditions must be established and compost should lose its “waste status” to promote the process.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12052088

    Reference:

    Wojnowska-Baryła, I., Kulikowska, D., & Bernat, K. (2020). Effect of Bio-Based Products on Waste Management. Sustainability, 12(5), 2088.

  • Production of Sustainable and Biodegradable Polymers from Agricultural Waste

    Production of Sustainable and Biodegradable Polymers from Agricultural Waste

    The author explains that agricultural wastes—derived from sources such as grape and tomato pomace, fruit peels, sugarcane bagasse, rice husks, and wheat straw—serve as carbon-rich precursors for producing bio-based polymers. These materials are processed through microbial synthesis, biopolymer blending, and chemical methods.

    According to the researcher, developing these alternatives is essential given that less than 9% of the 400 million tons of synthetic plastics produced annually are recycled, contributing to significant global pollution.

    The study points out that while chemical synthesis often involves alkali and acid treatments, microbial synthesis from renewable sources is more scalable and environmentally friendly. The researchers highlight that a polymer’s optical, mechanical, and chemical properties—including UV absorbance, tensile strength, and water permeability—are directly influenced by the chosen synthetic route.

    Although these bio-based materials have potential applications in smart food packaging, construction, and medicine, the author notes that commercial production is currently hindered by high costs, production economics, concerns over useful life and biodegradation, and the availability of sufficient waste materials. Ultimately, the researcher concludes that new, cost-effective techniques are critical for replacing synthetic polymers with bio-based alternatives.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12051127

    Reference:

    Maraveas, C. (2020). Production of Sustainable and Biodegradable Polymers from Agricultural Waste. Polymers, 12(5), 1127.