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.