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Biobased Polyethylene Furanoate: Production Processes, Sustainability, and Techno‐Economics
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This comprehensive review critically examines the full production pathway for polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a biobased alternative to PET plastic, evaluating each unit process from feedstock to polymerization for technical efficiency, economic viability, and environmental sustainability based on life cycle assessment and techno-economic analyses.
Abstract Polyethylene furanoate (PEF) is a biobased plastic, similar to synthetic polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is produced from the platform chemical 2,5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Much of the literature surrounding PEF is focused on unit processes, with little regard for their sustainability and economic viability. In this comprehensive critical review, the entire process of PEF production, from the feedstock to polymerization and upstream applications, is critically examined. Identification of individual pathways capable of producing PEF efficiently and with favorable properties while considering economic viability and environmental sustainability are presented. For each unit operation, recent technological developments are summarized, and recommendations are made based on process efficiency. The collection of the findings from both life cycle assessments (LCA) and techno‐economic analyses (TEA) facilitated the identification of pathways with the greatest potential for environmental sustainability and economic viability of PEF production.
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Bio-polyethylene furanoate (Bio-PEF) from lignocellulosic biomass adapted to the circular bioeconomy
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This review examines the production of bio-polyethylene furanoate (Bio-PEF) from lignocellulosic biomass waste as a sustainable, biobased alternative to conventional PET plastic, highlighting its potential within a circular bioeconomy framework.
Bio-Polyethylene Furanoate Production in Latin America as a Response to the Current Needs for Sustainable Food Packaging
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This study evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of producing bio-based polyethylene furanoate (bio-PEF) in Latin America using regional biomass feedstocks as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. The analysis considers local supply chains, production costs, and environmental performance compared to fossil-derived plastics. Results suggest Latin America has meaningful potential to support bio-PEF manufacturing given its agricultural resources, though infrastructure investment would be required.
Poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF): Advances in Synthesis, Properties, Recycling, Applications, and Future Challenges
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Researchers reviewed the synthesis, properties, recycling options, and industrial applications of poly(ethylene furanoate), a fully biobased polyester derived from renewable feedstocks, finding it outperforms petroleum-based PET on gas-barrier and thermal properties while facing remaining challenges in scalable, circular production before widespread commercial deployment.
Bioplastic production in terms of life cycle assessment: A state-of-the-art review
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Researchers conducted a state-of-the-art life cycle assessment review of bioplastic production, finding that while bioplastics can reduce fossil fuel dependency, their environmental benefits vary substantially by feedstock, processing route, and end-of-life scenario within a circular economy framework.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Bioplastics
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Researchers conducted life cycle assessments of multiple bioplastic types — including PLA, PHA, and starch-based polymers — finding that while bioplastics generally reduce fossil resource depletion compared to conventional plastics, their environmental benefits vary considerably depending on feedstock, production process, and end-of-life scenario.
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