Resource sustainability product considerations

The production of polymers from renewable resources is attracting considerable attention, both from academic and industrial research interests. Currently, polymers are produced on an approximately 150 million ton scale per year and are mostly derived from petrochemicals, with approximately 7-8% of worldwide reserves being consumed each year [1]. Concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of such petrochemical feedstocks, coupled with increasing and fluctuating prices, environmental pollution and problems with security of supply, have driven research into alternative means to produce polymers. 

In response to the accelerating use of non-renewable resources and products derived from these resources, many countries have sought to stimulate green chemistry and the production and use of green products derived from nature. This has led to a search for new products that are environmentally sustainable and compatible with the environment. Composite materials are no exception to this new paradigm and there is therefore considerable interest by manufacturers in developing new green composites. 

Today, employees and shareholders increasingly view sustainability as a primary consideration in the company s key functions - product development, manufacturing, human resource activities and community involvement - because it is the right thing and because it makes business sense. 

Engineering polymers such as polyamides are important in structural and mechanical applications, whereas addition polymers are commodity polymers which are able to meet many essential consumer requirements. Therefore, full or even partial replacement of petroleum-based raw materials by renewable resource-based materials for the manufacture of polymeric products poses considerable difficulties. However, this is essential, as the use of renewable raw materials contributes to sustainable development and the responsibility of meeting the needs of the present without creating problems for future generations. However, not many reports are available on this topic and the discussion is therefore not comprehensive. 

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