Are Bioplastics Green Plastics

In this chapter, we shall avoid adopting an entrenched position between denouncing a media firestorm which is perhaps exaggerated, and at the very least 

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Thus, we can see that the studies published on bioplastics generally look at different impact categories, and rarely with the same computational methods. In addition, we need to take account of the fact that the goals and scopes of the studies are also variable, as are the functional units defined (simple lifecycle inventories as well as complete LCAs can be fonnd some studies are performed from cradle to factory gate for pellets or finished products, whereas other studies also integrate one or more end-of-life scenarios). In such conditions, it is understandable that it is not easy to write a coherent summary of publications relating to LCA of bioplastics in order to provide a simple response to the question Are bioplastics green plastics ... 

European Bioplastics/University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hanover. Why green plastics are here to stay. Compounding World 2012 (June Issue) 45. 

Market Update Bioplastics (2012) Why Green Plastics are Here to Stay, Compounding World, June 2012, http //www.compoundingworld.com/ Issue.aspx lssueld=l 13... 

Biomass-derived polymers are often touted as "green" alternatives to polyethylene and other plastics used for packaging. However, not all biopolymers are biodegradable (2). Moreover, as we shall see in section 8.5, degradability of biopolymers is sometimes overstated (3). In this chapter, we will quantify the contribution of plastics to municipal solid waste in the USA and examine some of the realities about biodegradability of "bioplastics."... 

M. Naitove, Conference report bioplastics are breaking out of their green niche. Plastics Technology, Apr 2012... 

A composite material is a two-phase or multiphase compact material with its components (phases) separated by interfaces which can be formed naturally or be manmade. One of the composite material phases is the matrix (phase I). It exists in the solid (crystalline or amorphous) state of aggregation. Within the matrix, particles are distributed discretely. This is phase II or disperse phase [23]. Biocomposites are composite materials made from natural fiber and petroleum-derived nonbiodegradable polymers like PP, PE, and epoxies or biopolymers like poly lactic acid (PLA), cellulose esters. Composite materials derived from biopolymer and synthetic fibers such as glass and carbon come under biocomposites. Biocomposites derived from plant-derived fiber (natural/biofi-ber) and crop/bioderived plastics (biopolymer/bioplastic) are likely more ecofriendly, and such biocomposites are sometimes termed green composites [24]. 

In addition, these green composites may be easily composted afler their hfe, completing nature s carbon cycle. Biocomposites can supplement and eventually replace petroleum-based composite materials in many appHcations, offering new agricultural, environmental, manufacturing, and consumer benefits. Eco-friendly biocomposites from plant-derived fiber (natural/biofiber) and crop-derived plastics (bioplastic) are novel materials of the twenty-first century and would be of great importance to the materials world, not only as a solution to growing environmental threat but also as a solution to the uncertainty of petroleum supply. 

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