Abstract:

Concerns over the dwindling availability of petroleum-derived resources and landfill sites are reviving interest in renewable and biodegradable polymers nowadays. The durability of traditional plastics, which makes them ideal for many applications, can also lead to waste-disposal problems, since these materials are not biodegradable. Apart from the disposal, the fabrication of industrial products should also take into account raw materials from renewable resources in order to preserve fossil resources. Currently, two approaches are explored to minimise the impact of the use of non-biodegradable petroleum-derived polymers: first, the design of polymeric materials for long duration, such as biocomposites; second, technological innovations designed for the production of polymers for short duration, such as disposable bags. Owing to the growing environmental concerns from customers and governments, many companies have explored producing bio-based products. The case of bioplastics illustrates how business models can link producers and costumers through the development of new products. The results showed in this work can help companies make decisions when they choose among different alternatives. Moreover, the development of university-industry cooperation could carry further improvements in the manufacture of these materials and help to increase their environmental advantages to be able to present them in the market as real alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.