Renewable Origin

The renewable origin of bioplastics is seen as their major environmental asset in comparison with traditional plastics. This has an effect on GHG emissions and generally reduces GWP. However, this aspect is extremely complex and involves several methodological and modelling aspects in the product life cycle. Many findings from published comparative LCA show controversial data, depending on the system boundary definition and the assumptions made in modelling and the impact calculation 

Bioplastics [30] are partly or fully made from renewable feedstocks produced in agriculture and forestry. During their growth, plants absorb atmospheric CO2 and, powered by solar energy, convert it into carbon-rich plant matter. The valuable parts of the plants are extracted and processed industrially to produce clean and largely homogenous feedstocks such as starch, sugar or plant oil. Thus, the plant matter can start its career as an input material for the production of bioplastics. The plant carbon is stored in a bioplastic product over the time of its useful existence. In this 

Emission Amount (kg) GWP fossil (1 C02-equivalent) GWP biogenic (kg COi-equivalent) GWP total (kg C02-equivalent) 

The above numeric example (Table 13.3), which is purely illustrative, shows how GWP may be correctly evaluated in both cases, if the above rules are applied. Note the amount of biogenic CH4 is stoichiometrically linked to the difference between CO2 removal and emission. 

Separate accounting is also acknowledged by European Bioplastics in its LCA position paper [35], where it is stated that omitting the biogenic carbon from the LCI is not supported for the following reasons  

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In Europe, approximately 69 million tons of oil was used as the raw material for the chemical industry in 2008 [1], The total oil demand in Europe was 703 million tons in that year [2], In contrast, only approximately 5% of all industry feedstock is of renewable origin [3], Most of this reflects direct use of natural products like cotton for textiles, wood pulp for papermaking, or different oils for special applications and for oleochemistry in general (detergents, lubricants, etc.) [3],... 

S. Obruca, I. Marova, L. Vojtova, Biodegradation of polyether-polyol-based polyurethane elastomeric films influence of partial replacement of polyether polyol by biopolymers of renewable origin, Environ. Technol. 32 (9-10) (2011) 1043-1052. 

The price of bioplastics from renewable origin is decreasing and ranges from 1.25 to 4 Euro/kg, with possibilities to compete even with traditional materials in some limited areas. 

A large variety of polymerization methods based on various growth mechanisms applied to monomers of renewable origin are being extensively explored. But, even if chain polymerization mediated by free... 

Novamont recently developed a new family of aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters where terephthalic acid is replaced by furan-dicarboxilic acid from a renewable origin. These copolymers can be 100% renewable and show interesting new performances [59-61]. 

The present volume reviews the most important achievements, the programs and approaches of institutions, private sector and universities to develop bioplastics and explores their potential utility. The volume covers the most relevant bioplastics from renewable and non renewable origin and the present business situation a review of the main studies on the environmental impact of bioplastics and a critical analysis of the methodologies involved the potential of new areas such as biocatalysis in the development of new bioplastics. It also takes into consideration aspects related to the biodegradation of bioplastics in different environments and the related standards and case studies showing their use in helping to solve specific solid waste problems. 

Polymers from nature may be used as isolated or modified. Modification was generally used in the past and continues to produce protein, starch and cellulose derivatives for many applications. New opportunities are becoming apparent for surplus by-products from the food industry such as the proteins from wheat, com, soy and milk. Lignin continues to be a cheap resource from the paper industry. All of these polymers may be chemically modified or blended with plastics from fossil or renewable origin to produce promising new materials. 

The properties achieved by starch-based bioplastics in certain applications and the commitment of the companies today dealing with this family of bioplastics give more confidence in the future possibilities of this market sector. Bioplastics from renewable origin, either biodegradable or non biodegradable, still constitute a niche market which requires high efforts in the areas of material and application development the technical and economical breakthroughs achieved in the last three years, however, open new possibilities for such products in the mass markets. 

The surfactants currently available for industrial applications can be separated into two groups those that have a natural or renewable origin derived from oil seed crops, animal fats, or trees, and those derived from petroleum distillates. There has been a great deal of debate on the pros and cons of these two types of sourcing. Renewable surfactant feedstocks are often perceived as being better for the environment and should therefore be the first choice for environmentally friendly products. But is that analysis of the simation scientific fact or spiritually pleasing fiction Are renewable chemicals necessarily better for the environment because they are derived from plant and animal fats and oils As with most scientific, political, and social questions, there is no easy answer. 

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